Elden Ring Network Test Unveils Playtime Limits

Elden Ring Nightreign Network Test: A Three-Hour Daily Limit

The upcoming Elden Ring Nightreign network test has imposed a three-hour daily playtime restriction for participants. This limited access test, running from February 14th to 17th, is exclusive to Xbox Series X/S and PlayStation 5 consoles. Applications are currently open via the official FromSoftware website.

The announcement follows the phenomenal success of Elden Ring, FromSoftware's 2022 masterpiece. The unexpected reveal of Nightreign at The Game Awards 2024 generated significant excitement, especially considering previous statements ruling out a sequel or further DLC after the Shadow of the Erdtree expansion.

Nightreign represents a departure for FromSoftware, prioritizing co-operative gameplay and incorporating roguelike elements like randomized encounters. While a release date remains unannounced, the network test suggests a launch is imminent. The test itself serves as a crucial technical verification, focusing on large-scale online system load testing. PC players are excluded from this initial test, but the game will eventually launch on that platform. The three-hour daily limit, while potentially disappointing to some, is a necessary step in ensuring a smooth online experience for the full game release.

The limited playtime is explicitly stated on the FromSoftware website as a measure to conduct thorough technical verification of the online systems via large-scale network load tests. This preliminary testing phase will allow developers to identify and address potential issues before the full game launch. The excitement surrounding Nightreign remains high, and this network test offers a tantalizing preview of what's to come.