Elden Ring Network Test: Nightreign

Sophie Wakehurst

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Post on Feb 13, 2025

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Elden Ring Network Test: Nightreign - A Look Back at the Closed Network Test

Fromland Software's Elden Ring, a highly anticipated action RPG, underwent a closed network test in late 2021, offering players a sneak peek at its vast world and challenging combat. This test, dubbed "Nightreign," provided valuable insight into the game's network functionality and overall gameplay mechanics before its official release. This article delves into the key aspects of the Elden Ring Nightreign network test.

What was the Nightreign Network Test?

The Nightreign network test was a limited-access trial, allowing a select group of players to experience a portion of Elden Ring's world. Unlike a typical beta, this test primarily focused on evaluating the game's online capabilities, including multiplayer features like summoning other players for assistance and invading other players' worlds for PvP combat. While a small section of the game world was accessible, it showcased the core gameplay loop and the intricacies of the network infrastructure.

Key Features Tested in Nightreign:

• Multiplayer Functionality: The primary focus was assessing the stability and performance of summoning and invading features. This included testing connection reliability, latency, and the overall player experience during cooperative and competitive gameplay.
• World Design and Exploration: Players gained a taste of the game's open world, exploring a specific area designed to highlight its unique atmosphere, enemy encounters, and environmental storytelling.
• Combat Mechanics: The test allowed players to experiment with various weapon types, spells, and combat strategies against a curated selection of enemies, enabling feedback on balancing and overall gameplay feel.
• Character Customization: While limited, the character creation options available offered players a glimpse into the degree of customization available at launch.

What Did Players Experience During Nightreign?

Participants in the Nightreign network test reported a generally positive experience, praising the game's immersive world, challenging combat, and unique art style. However, as expected with any closed network test, there were some reported issues:

• Server Stability: While generally stable, some players encountered server disconnections or lag, particularly during periods of high player activity.
• Bug Reports: As with any pre-release test, a number of bugs and glitches were reported, ranging from minor graphical issues to more significant gameplay impediments. This feedback was invaluable in refining the final product.
• Limited Content: The scope of the test was naturally limited, offering only a small fraction of the full game's content. This left players eager for more.

Nightreign's Impact on the Final Game

The data collected and feedback received during the Nightreign network test played a crucial role in shaping the final version of Elden Ring. Fromland Software likely used this information to optimize server performance, address bugs, and fine-tune the game's online features to ensure a smoother and more enjoyable experience for all players. The experience undoubtedly helped refine the multiplayer aspects, ensuring a stable and responsive online environment for the full release.

Conclusion: A Valuable Precursor

The Elden Ring Nightreign network test served as a valuable prelude to the game's launch. It allowed FromSoftware to identify and address potential issues before the game's worldwide release, enhancing the overall player experience. While providing a glimpse into the game’s world and mechanics, it primarily served as a crucial stress test for the online infrastructure, setting the stage for the seamless multiplayer experience ultimately delivered in the full game.