Elden Ring Nightreign, a standalone cooperative spin-off from FromSoftware, launches May 30, 2025, priced at $40 for PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, and PC via Steam. This announcement precedes a network test exclusively on PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S, running February 14-17, with specific session times.
Elden Ring Nightreign Network Test Session Timings:
- February 14: 3am-6am PT / 6am-9am ET
- February 14: 7pm-10pm PT / 10pm-1am ET
- February 15: 11am-2pm PT / 2pm-5pm ET
- February 16: 3am-6am PT / 6am-9am ET
- February 16: 7pm-10pm PT / 10pm-1am ET
This network test, described by Bandai Namco as a “preliminary verification test,” aims to evaluate the online system's performance.
Set in a parallel universe to 2022's Elden Ring, Elden Ring Nightreign allows three players to team up as Nightfarers, battling new terrors and exploring a dynamic map to defeat increasingly challenging bosses, culminating in a confrontation with the Nightlord. The game features a three-day-and-night cycle that significantly impacts gameplay.The official description states: "The all-new adventure begins at the Roundtable Hold. Players choose from eight unique characters, each with abilities and powerful Ultimates. Their journey takes them to Limveld, an ever-changing environment demanding split-second decisions during combat and exploration, facing a night cycle that shrinks the map with the Night’s Tide. Each night ends with a boss fight; victory leads to greater challenges. The third night culminates in a battle against the Nightlord. While solo play is possible, cooperation is key. Defeat grants relics for character customization and upgrades. Elden Ring Nightreign offers unique, ever-shifting sessions, ensuring no two playthroughs are alike. Defeating enemies unlocks powerful weapons and Rune rewards. Sites of Grace provide opportunities to level up and gain stat bonuses. Each session-based adventure resembles an open-air dungeon, offering opportunities for lasting stat improvements. Success brings players closer to defeating the Nightlord and unraveling the Nightfarers' stories."
IGN's hands-on experience with an early build described Elden Ring Nightreign as "turbocharg[ing] the cautious dungeon crawls of Elden Ring into propulsive, slash ‘n’ dash speedruns." Further details can be found in IGN's interview with game director Junya Ishizaki. [ttpp]
