Ready to dive early into FromSoftware’s next Elden Ring adventure? The Elden Ring Nightreign network test offers a rare chance for PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S players to explore a slice of this thrilling roguelike spin-off before its official 2025 launch. Sign-ups opened January 10th, but spots are limited-here’s how to secure your chance to join the fight and uncover Nightreign’s secrets in February’s exclusive test sessions.
You’ll experience a portion of what Nightreign has to offer, including a glimpse of its gameplay, classes, and progression – as long as you get selected to be a tester. Unfortunately, not everyone will be able to play in the network test, but if you’re an Elden Ring fan, it’s worth signing up for the chance to play Nightreign.
Here’s how to sign up for the Elden Ring Nightreign network test, plus details about how long registration lasts and what to expect from the test should you be lucky enough to get in.
How to sign up for Elden Ring Nightreign Network Test
To sign up for the Elden Ring Nightreign Network Test, visit the official Elden Ring Nightreign network test website starting from the registration opening date, which was January 10, 2025. Scroll down to the registration section, create an account or log in, and fill out the required information including your email, preferred platform (PlayStation 5 or Xbox Series X|S only), and country of residence. You must confirm that you are 18 years or older to participate. After submitting your application and verifying your email, you will be entered into a lottery for a chance to participate in the test, which runs from February 14 to February 17, 2025. Selected participants will receive an invitation email with further instructions. Note that the test is limited to these platforms and not available on PC or older consoles at this time.
Prior to signing up for the Elden Ring Nightreign network test, you should know that the test is limited to PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X users only. Unfortunately, for those on PlayStation 4, Windows PC, or Xbox One, you will not be able to participate. That said, Elden Ring Nightreign is currently planned to launch on those platforms upon full release.
Update (Jan 10.): While the Elden Ring Nightreign test initially allowed played to select Steam as a platform, shortly after the rollout of the registration form, publisher Bandai Namco appears to have removed Steam as a potential platform you could select.
To sign up for the Elden Ring Nightreign network test, follow these steps:
- Head over to the Elden Ring Nightreign network test site.
- Scroll down to find the sign-up portion of the web page.
- Fill out the registration with your email, platform of choice, and country of residence, and click the “Sign Up Now” button.
- Check your email for an email from “Bandai Namco Entertainment America” and verify your email address (if you haven’t verified it in the past).
- Wait for a confirmation email about the network test.
Registration will end on Monday, Jan. 20, so make sure to register before then!
Not every registrant will be selected to participate, but don’t be too disappointed if you don’t get selected, as there may be more tests in the future!
What to expect in the Elden Ring Nightreign Network Test
Players participating in the Elden Ring Nightreign Network Test can expect to experience a taste of the game’s core mechanics by choosing one of the Heroes and teaming up with up to two other players. The test offers a chance to explore a portion of the game’s world, try different attack combinations, survive environmental hazards like acid rain, and cooperate to defeat powerful bosses. Each session lasts around three hours, with individual game runs taking approximately 30 to 45 minutes. This Network Test serves as a stress test for the game’s online servers and allows FromSoftware to gather valuable feedback on gameplay systems, mechanics, and technical performance before the full game launch. However, as a testing phase, players may encounter bugs and connection issues, including disconnections that can impact the multiplayer experience.
The Elden Ring Nightreign network test will function similarly to Elden Ring’s network test in that its main purpose is to discover any problems and errors that may occur while playing. Additionally, there will be five three-hour long test sessions, so you’ll have multiple opportunities to play.
Your main goal as a tester is to take note of any issues that you run into, and since it is a test, you’ll most likely find a few bugs here and there. The test is somewhat reflective of what the final product may look like, but it is in no way complete!
As Elden Ring Nightreign is a co-op game, a big focus of the test will most likely be the game’s multiplayer features and the server load, so there may be a few connectivity hiccups.
With Nightreign being a roguelike, you’ll experience its gameplay loop of success and defeat, its progression system. However, progression may be tied to the hero you’re playing. It hasn’t been confirmed how many of the eight heroes will be available during the test, but previous tests done by PC Gamer and IGN have had four heroes available to play.
For more how the game plays, see our writeup on how Elden Ring Nightreign works.
Elden Ring Nightreign network test schedule and dates
The Elden Ring Nightreign network test is scheduled over five sessions during the weekend of February 14th to 16th, 2025. Each session lasts three hours, allowing selected players to experience the game in limited time slots. The sessions are set at various times to accommodate different time zones, including early morning and evening slots in Pacific Time, Eastern Time, and UK time. Players who registered and were selected received their download codes by February 11th and can participate on PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series consoles. Unfortunately, sign-ups for the test closed in January 2025, and no further open registrations are currently available. The test serves as a large-scale network stress test to ensure online functionality before the full game release.
The Elden Ring Nightreign network test schedule consists of five three-hour long sessions between Friday, Feb. 14, and Sunday, Feb. 16. For exact dates and times, check out the schedule below:
- Session 1: Friday, Feb. 14, 3 a.m . to 6 a.m. PST
- Session 2: Friday Feb. 14, 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. PST
- Session 3: Saturday Feb. 15, 11 a.m to 2 p.m. PST
- Session 4: Sunday Feb. 16, 3 a.m. to 6 a.m. PST
- Session 5: Sunday Feb. 16, 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. PST
How can I maximize my chances of being selected for the Nightreign test
To maximize your chances of being selected for the Elden Ring Nightreign network test, follow these key tips:
-
Apply as early as possible during the registration period, since in some regions like the EU, selection was reportedly on a first-come, first-served basis rather than a lottery.
-
Make sure to register only once with accurate and valid information, especially your email address, as notifications of selection will be sent there. Incorrect info can invalidate your entry.
-
The registration window runs from January 10 to January 20, 2025, so submit your application promptly within this timeframe.
-
Be aware that if the number of applicants exceeds the allowed testers, a random drawing will be held, so applying early and correctly is your best bet.
-
Own a PlayStation 5 or Xbox Series X|S, as only these platforms are eligible for the test.
-
Stay alert for the selection announcement after January 30, 2025, and check your email regularly to confirm your participation.
While there is no guaranteed method to secure a spot, acting quickly, accurately, and within the official registration period will maximize your odds.
How does setting a multiplayer password improve my chances of being selected
Setting a multiplayer password in Elden Ring Nightreign improves your chances of playing with specific people by restricting matchmaking to only those who enter the same password. This guarantees you will be matched exclusively with players sharing that password, making it easier to coordinate and join sessions with friends or a chosen group. Unlike group passwords, which only increase the likelihood of seeing signs and messages from players with the same password, multiplayer passwords ensure direct matchmaking only among those players. This focused matchmaking can help you secure a spot in the test by forming a private group rather than relying on random matchmaking.
