Alright Tarnished, gather 'round! I'm still reeling from the announcement at The Game Awards 2024. Just when we thought the Age of the Erdtree was our final farewell to the Lands Between, FromSoftware and Bandai Namco dropped a bombshell: Elden Ring: Nightreign. 🤯 This isn't DLC, and it's not Elden Ring 2. It's a brand-new, standalone multiplayer experience set in our beloved (and brutally painful) world. The best part? A closed network test is coming soon, and registrations are already open! Let's break down everything we know so far about this unexpected but hype-inducing journey back to Limgrave.

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The Big Reveal & What Nightreign Actually Is

Remember when Miyazaki said the team wasn't working on Elden Ring 2? Well, he wasn't lying! Nightreign is a completely different beast. It's described as a dedicated three-person cooperative multiplayer experience. That's right, we're finally getting a true, focused co-op Soulslike from the masters themselves. The game will pit teams of players against the formidable, epic bosses we all love (and fear), and the teaser hints at facing some familiar faces from other FromSoftware titles. Imagine taking on a trio of Godrick the Grafted with your two best mates... or worst enemies, depending on how the fight goes. 😅

Network Test & Beta Details - How to Get In!

FromSoft isn't jumping into this multiplayer arena blindly. They know launching an online game is tricky, and they want to get it right. That's why they've announced a Closed Network Test for February 2025. This test is primarily a server stress test to make sure the infrastructure can handle the inevitable tidal wave of players when the game launches.

Key Dates & Info:

  • Registration Open: Now! (Started January 10, 2025)

  • Network Test Period: February 2025 (exact dates TBA)

  • How to Sign Up: Head to the official Elden Ring: Nightreign website (linked from the Elden Ring X account) and register.

  • Platforms: The test will likely be on all launch platforms: PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, and PC.

This is a closed beta, so signing up doesn't guarantee access. But for a chance to be among the first to experience this new co-op adventure, it's absolutely worth a shot!

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Why This Multiplayer Focus is a Big Deal (And a Smart Move)

Let's be real, the gaming landscape in 2026 is littered with multiplayer games that stumbled out of the gate. We've seen high-profile flops and even beloved titles like Helldivers 2 struggle with server issues at launch. Getting multiplayer right is HARD, especially for a studio known for its brilliant but traditionally more solitary experiences.

FromSoftware's games have always had online elements—messages, bloodstains, invasions, and limited co-op. But Nightreign represents a fundamental shift. This is a game built from the ground up for cooperative play. The fact that they're proactively running a large-scale network test is incredibly reassuring. It shows they're committed to ensuring a smooth launch for what could be one of the biggest co-op releases of 2025.

What We're Hoping to See & Final Thoughts

Based on the promotional images, the atmosphere looks incredible. The "Nightreign" title suggests a darker, perhaps nocturnal version of the Lands Between. I'm hoping for:

  • Deeply integrated co-op mechanics (shared goals, combo moves, dedicated roles?)

  • New challenges balanced specifically for three players.

  • Loot and progression that feels rewarding in a group setting.

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The official release date is set for May 30, 2025. So, between now and then, we have the network test to look forward to. Whether you get in or not, the future looks bright for cooperative Soulslike fans. FromSoftware is taking a bold step, and they're doing it the right way—by testing the hell out of their servers first.

TL;DR: Elden Ring: Nightreign is a 3-player co-op game. Network test sign-ups are live for a February 2025 beta. Full game launches May 30, 2025. This could be the co-op RPG we've been dreaming of! 🙏

Now, if you'll excuse me, I need to go convince two friends to sign up with me. Wish me luck, and may the grace of the Erdtree guide your registration!