How to play Elden Ring Nightreign early: Network test sign-ups, dates, more

An Elden Ring Nightreign network test has been announced. Here’s how you can sign-up for a chance to play the new standalone game early.

Two years on From Elden Ring’s release, and just six months removed from Shadow of the Erdtree, it seemed FromSoft was ready for a quiet stretch as devs toiled away on new projects. While the studio had been hesitant to outline plans for a full-fledged sequel, they’ve often teased that fans would return to The Lands Between in some capacity. Well, now we know what’s next.

Shocking the industry during the 2024 Game Awards, Elden Ring Nightreign was unveiled as a new standalone entry in the franchise. This time around, cooperative play is emphasized as the title adopts a roguelike formula, pitting players against bosses spanning From’s many popular Soulslike titles.

Naturally, hype is already off the charts. If you’re eager to jump in as soon as possible, you’re in luck. An early test has been announced, and here’s how you can join to get your hands on Nightreign ahead of its full release in 2025.

When is the Elden Ring Nightreign network test?

The first Elden Ring Nightreign test sessions will begin on February 14, 2025, and run to February 17, 2025, and each will last three hours.

Here are the dates and times:

• February 14: 12pm to 3pm CET – 3am to 6am PT
• February 15: 4am to 7am CET – 7pm to 10pm PT
• February 15: 8pm to 11pm CET – 11am to 2pm PT
• February 16: 12pm to 3pm CET – 3am to 6am PT
• February 17: 4am to 7am CET – 7pm to 10pm PT

Elden Ring Nightreign network test sign-ups

Sign-ups for the Nightreign network test are set to open on Friday, January 10, 2025. You can register directly through the game’s website here.

Registration for the network test for Elden Ring Nightreign is set to kick off at 3pm CET, 6am PT, 2pm GMT, and 11pm JST.

Network test platforms

Currently, only PS5 and Xbox Series X|S are set to be included in the Elden Ring Nightreign test.

The network test will be held on PS5 & Xbox Series X|S, but the full game will also be available on PS4, Xbox One, and Steam when it releases in full.

What to expect in the network test

We know for certain the Nightreign network test won’t be letting players experience the full game early. Instead, just a “portion” of the game will be available, as the main goal is to test network stability, not the actual content itself.

FromSoftware

Nightreign’s network test is set to ensure launch day goes as smoothly as possible.

As a roguelike set over the course of multiple days and nights, it’s likely we can expect a limited range of bosses, loot, and builds in this early version. It’s also probable much of the game’s map will be locked off, limiting players to the first few areas, much like the original Elden Ring test two years prior.

In terms of returning bosses for the network test, the network test is set to feature 8 main encounters. The following have been confirmed so far by IGN after their session with the demo:

• Centipede Demon
• Demi-Human Queen and Demi-Human Swordmaster
• Margit, the Fell Omen
• Draconian Tree Sentinel 
• A new boss with lots of “twisted limbs”

This means there are still some bosses yet to be revealed for the network test.

We’ll keep our eyes peeled and update you here with any further details as the Nightreign network test comes into focus early in the new year.