The year is 2026, and the hype for Elden Ring: Nightreign is reaching a fever pitch. But before the full release, developer FromSoftware and publisher Bandai Namco are throwing open the gates—just a crack—for a very special event. They've announced the game's first-ever public network test, a golden opportunity for both players to test the game's brutal new mechanics and for the developers to stress-test the servers. It's a chance to see if this bold, roguelite twist on the classic Soulslike formula can hold up under the pressure of thousands of eager Tarnished.

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🎟️ The Golden Ticket: How to Get In

For anyone dreaming of an early taste of the Lands Between's newest nightmare, the registration process is straightforward but comes with no guarantees. Registration for the closed network test is available now through the official Bandai Namco website. Players in eligible regions need to submit their email address, preferred gaming platform, and region. The lucky few who gain access will be chosen via random selection before the test kicks off. The registration window is tight, so procrastinators beware: it closes on January 20. The test itself is a series of intense sprints rather than a marathon, scheduled across five distinct sessions in mid-February. The schedule is as follows:

Session Date Time (PT)
Session 1 February 14 3:00 AM - 6:00 AM
Session 2 February 14 7:00 PM - 10:00 PM
Session 3 February 15 11:00 AM - 2:00 PM
Session 4 February 16 3:00 AM - 6:00 AM
Session 5 February 16 7:00 PM - 10:00 PM

⚔️ What to Expect in the Test: Limited Time, Pre-Built Heroes

So, what will testers actually get to do? Information is scarce, but a few key details paint an exciting picture. First, forget about spending hours in a character creator. During this network test, players won't be able to build their characters from scratch. Instead, they'll choose from a roster of eight pre-built characters, each coming with a unique loadout of gear, moves, and a flashy ultimate ability. Want to try a different playstyle? Just start a new run and pick a new hero. It's a streamlined approach perfect for a short test and perfectly suits the game's roguelite heart.

Speaking of which, Nightreign represents a fascinating new direction. The core combat will feel familiar to any Elden Ring veteran—dodge, block, strike, perish, repeat—but now supercharged with those cinematic ultimate moves. The big twist is the structure. The wider game is built like a roguelike. You'll be dropped into a randomly generated slice of Limgrave with a relentless timer ticking down: the day-night cycle. Survive the daylight, face a terrifying megaboss when night falls, and then do it all over again. Each complete run is designed to last three of these cycles, culminating in a showdown with a dreaded Nightlord.

Between these harrowing attempts, you'll retreat to the familiar safety of the Roundtable Hold hub area. Here, using relics scavenged from previous (likely failed) runs, you can power up and customize your chosen warrior for the next attempt. While Nightreign will offer a solitary path for the truly masochistic, its soul is in cooperative play. It's built from the ground up to be experienced with friends, finally realizing a long-held dream for seamless multiplayer in a FromSoftware world.

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🎮 A Bold New Vision from FromSoftware

Even from these early glimpses, Elden Ring: Nightreign looks incredible. It's a clever fusion of what fans love—the weighty, punishing combat and rich lore—with the infinitely replayable, run-based structure of a roguelite. It feels both intimately familiar and thrillingly new. The promise of tackling these time-sensitive dungeons and epic boss fights with a couple of trusted allies is a potent one. The excitement isn't just about testing servers; it's about testing a new philosophy for one of gaming's most respected studios.

As we look ahead to 2026, the legacy of the 2025 release is being built upon in this dynamic, community-focused way. Will the network test reveal balancing issues? Probably. Will servers buckle under the strain? Possibly. But one thing is certain: a new, challenging adventure in the Lands Between is on the horizon, and it wants you to bring your friends. The wait for the full experience continues, but for a select few, the reign of night begins this February.

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Quick Facts about Elden Ring: Nightreign:

  • Developer: FromSoftware

  • Publisher: Bandai Namco Entertainment

  • Release Date: May 30, 2025 (Full Game)

  • Genres: Action RPG, Soulslike, Roguelite

  • Multiplayer: Online Co-Op (1-3 Players)

  • Platforms: PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, PC

The stage is set. The invitations are out. Will you answer the call when night falls?