After what felt like forever for new news to come out, Elden Ring has been further delayed to 25 February 2022 from its original 21 January 2022 launch. However, what you can do is sign up for the network test before 1 November 2021, 23:59 JST to try out its online features.

The network test is a preliminary verification test that allows those who are selected as testers to play the game prior to the official launch of the service.
By conducting large-scale network load tests, we will be able to verify various technologies of the online system.
This is a test to improve the quality of the product, and playing the network test will be free of charge.
We look forward to your cooperation in making ELDEN RING even better.

The main objectives of the ELDEN RING network test are as follows:

• Verification of game server load
  • We will verify the gameplay with a large number of people connected at the same time and with a heavy load on the game server.
• Verification of multiplayer play
  • We will verify various problems that occur when players play multiplayer games with many players through different network environments, and various phenomena that occur when many people participate.
• Verification of game balance
  • We will verify the overall game balance in multiplay where players interfere or cooperate with each other.
• Game play
  • In the ELDEN RING network test, you will play as a pre-set player character, exploring fields and dungeons, fighting enemies, and playing online elements.
    Please note that the game data is still under development. There is a possibility that problems may occur during play, and we ask for your understanding and patience in advance.

The code is planned to be sent out 9 November 2021. There will be five 3 hour sessions, listed as follows:

• Friday, November 12, 20:00 – 23:00(JST)
• Saturday, November 13, 12:00 – 15:00(JST)
• Sunday, November 14, 4:00-7:00 a.m.(JST)
• Sunday, November 14, 20:00 – 23:00(JST)
• Monday, November 15, 12:00 – 15:00(JST)

The sessions will be held simultaneously for Playstation and Xbox platforms, with further details available on the sign-up page. It’s a shame that Elden Ring has been delayed, but if you get in to the network test, you can get a taster of it and see how it stacks up to your expectations from our preview session.