Gaming fans were able to get a hands-on taste of Elden Ring: Nightreign this weekend thanks to a network test – and it seems like there’s a lot to be excited about.
Nightreign is an Elden Ring spin-off but instead of another epic fantasy role-playing game, Nightreign tasks teams of three players to survive a long weekend in the cursed open-world land of Limveld and defeat a number of imposing bosses.
Nightreign developers took influence from “a whole range of titles and genres” while the game will “offer players a new experience by reimagining Elden Ring’s core design,” said game director Junya Ishizaki when it was first announced last December.
“I created Nightreign to be a new thrilling type of gameplay with that familiar sense of accomplishment and overcoming tough odds that players are familiar with.”
This weekend, a selection of Elden Ring fans were able to play a “portion” of Nightreign during the first network stress test, which was “designed to test various aspects of the online system’s functionality and performance.” Ahead of the event, invitations were being sold for up to £350 on sites such as eBay.
The Elden Ring: Nightreign test didn’t get off to the strongest of starts due to server issues that meant players couldn’t access the game for the first few hours.
The first session of the #ELDENRING #NIGHTREIGN Network Test has ended.
We apologize for the inconvenience caused by the game server issues.
Work is currently ongoing to improve the stability of the Network Test.
An additional Network Test session is being considered.Thank you.
— ELDEN RING (@ELDENRING) February 14, 2025
However once those teething issues had been solved, players reportedly loved the chaos of Nightreign.
“Elden Ring: Nightreign is peak I’m afraid. This is the kind of thing that keeps me going in life,” wrote one fan on X. “It’s absolute [fire]. I like the co-op, roguelike elements, faster pace + the option to experiment with different builds every run,” said another.
I’m incredibly happy so far with elden ring NIGHTREIGN. It’s amazing how even though it has a lot of the same elements as elden ring it feels so unique and fresh. Try not to focus on stuff like lore and why it’s happening and just have fun with it.
I can’t wait for full release!— Prod (@xProdz_) February 16, 2025
“This is going to be a long three-month wait,” wrote one fan on Reddit, with Elden Ring Nightreign set to launch May 30.
“Almost wish I didn’t get a code,” said another. “I am super thankful I got to be a part of this network test, but man I am in the same boat as you. The game is alot of fun and now we just have to sit here and wait. Not to mention we just got a taste. Cannot wait to see what the full game brings us.”
However due to the server issues, developers have suggested another network test might take place in the near future.
In other news, the release window for the PC version of Grand Theft Auto 6 may have been confirmed – and PC gamers won’t have too long to wait.
The post Gamers loved their first taste of ‘Elden Ring: Nightreign’: “This is going to be a long three month wait now” appeared first on NME.
