Elden Ring Nightreignhas just announced its first-ever public network test, allowing players to test the game and developers to test the servers prior to its release. These will probably work quite a bit likeNightreign’s inspiration,Monster Hunter Wilds' open beta tests, occurring right around the same time. It’ll likely consist of a limited slice of the game that players are allowed to try and retry to their heart’s content, so long as they do so within the appointed network test period.
Registration for the closed network test is available now through the official websiteof publisherBandai Namco. In order to participate, players in the Americas will need to enter their email addresses in order to receive a game code, along with their preferred platform and region of play. Winners of closed network test access will be randomly selected before the test period begins. Registration lasts from now until January 20.The network test itself will take place across five sessions, all held in mid-February, at the dates and times below:
Players in Europe can register the EU version of theBandai Namcosite, but will need to create accounts.
What To Expect From Elden Ring Nightreign’s Closed Playtest
Limited Characters, Limited Time
There’s relatively little we know aboutElden Ring Nightreign’s closed network test at this early point - and aside from those lucky few who get in, that’ll probably remain the case for some time to come. What we do know, however, is thatplayers won’t be able to build their characters during the beta. They’ll be able to select one of eight pre-built characters to play in the demo, and can presumably choose a new one each time they start a new run. Each character has a unique set of gear, moves, and their very own ultimate - it’s unknown whether they’ll be so fixed in the final game.
One Of Elden Ring’s Most Well-Known Features Will Not Be Returning In Nightreign
One of the most iconic and well-known features from Elden Ring will not be making a comeback in Nightreign due to session times.
We know a little general that informs expectations for gameplay during the closed network test. For all intents and purposes,the combat will play likeElden Ringwith the addition of ultimate moves.The wider game, though, will be structured similarly to a roguelike: players will drop into a randomly generated map, facing a strict time limit represented by the day-night cycle. When night comes, they’ll fight a challenging megaboss, after which the cycle begins again. Each run lasts for three nights, at the end of which players will fight a Nightlord.
In between,you can customize your character in the hub area, Roundtable Hold. (It’s unknown whether this level of customization will be available during the network test, since players will choose pre-made characters.) This is done using relics you’ve obtained from previous runs, powering up to better face the challenges of your next attempt.Nightreignoffers both single- and multiplayer modes, but is definitely designed to be enjoyed with friends.
Our Take: Elden Ring Nightreign Already Looks Incredible
A New Direction For FromSoft
Even at this early stage,I can’t wait to get my hands onElden Ring Nightreign. It looks at once so similar and sodifferent from everything FromSoft’s ever madebefore, and I’m excited to see how it both draws from and diverges from its inspirations. Knowing that a truly seamless multiplayer experience has long been a dream ofElden Ringdirector Hidetaka Miyazaki, I can’t wait to see that play out. Most of all, though, I just can’t wait to dive intoElden Ring Nightreignand take on its challenges with friends.
Sources:Bandai Namco,Bandai Namco Europe
Elden Ring Nightreign
FromSoftware has announcedElden Ring: Nightreign, a standalone multiplayer game set in Limgrave, a region of the Lands Between.
