Yesterday at The Game Awards, Elden Ring Nightreign stole the spotlight, as you’d expect from a project touched by FromSoftware’s renowned artistry. Bandai Namco has since shared some exciting news: early next year, they’ll be running a network test, with sign-ups kicking off in January.
In case you missed the announcement, Nightreign is a new cooperative adventure where players team up to tackle bosses from the beloved FromSofftverse together. Imagine playing Elden Ring with friends, but instead of just leaving mischievous notes or occasionally popping in to assist with a tough fight, you’re fully engaged in co-op mode.
Set for a 2025 release, this game will give fans an early taste with a network test soon after the new year begins. Mark your calendars for February 2025; that’s when the test is scheduled. Registration starts on January 10, so there’s not much time left to secure a spot. However, it’s worth noting that the test is currently only open for PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X/S users. Unfortunately, PC and last-gen console players will have to sit this one out.
So, what can you expect if you’re lucky enough to join the test? According to Bandai Namco, “The network test is a preliminary verification test allowing selected testers to play a portion of the game before its official launch. We’ll conduct large-scale network load tests to verify various technical aspects of online systems.”
Think of it this way: as you’re battling bosses, you’re also fighting to ensure smooth online gameplay for the full release. And when it’s all over, your reward is the assurance of a stable gaming experience. You might even call it an ‘aura of stable network load’ to make your accomplishment sound that much more prestigious when sharing with friends.
For more updates on Elden Ring, be sure to check out what Sony has recently said about its interest in possibly acquiring FromSoftware’s parent company, Kadokawa.
