Your First Steps Into: How to Play Elden Ring Nightreign Network Test

So you’ve heard the buzz about the Elden Ring Nightreign network test and you can’t wait to sign up? Good for you. This is not your average Souls game – think “buddy cop movie” and “dark fantasy nightmare” mashup. Here’s everything you need to know to make it through your first adventure without abandoning it after five minutes.

What Makes Nightreign Stand Out from Regular Elden Ring

Forget everything you think about playing alone. Nightreign leaves you in procedurally generated locations with two fellow players, and you’ll be counting on them for your survival. The network stress test drops you into Limveld – a distorted rendition of Limgrave that looks different every time you log in.

The twist is, you can’t save, you can’t employ spirit ashes, and if your party dies, you must restart. It combines roguelike with FromSoftware’s notoriously arduous gameplay, and it’s just as hard as it appears.

Selecting Your Nightfarer: Starting Character Guide

The test of the network allows you to select between four characters, and your decision is more significant than you think:

Wylder – Your standard strength build. Large weapons, massive damage. Good if you want to be the team’s heavy hitter. Tip: remain close to your team because you’ll be slow but will be a devastator.

Recluse – The caster with magic-enhanced weapons. Great for beginners who don’t want to get up close and personal with frightening monsters. You’ll be casting and buffing your teammates as they absorb damage.

Guardian – The tank that every team desires. It is made for defense and handling clusters of enemies. New to Souls games but you want to help out? This is the ticket. Your job? Keep your weaker teammates safe from harm.

Duchess – Healing support expert. She’s picky for new players but is worth it once you master her set. Ideal if you wish to be the lifeline of the team.

Beginner Suggestion: Begin with Guardian or Wylder. They are simple to learn and useful to have while learning.

Important Points for Your Initial Network Test Run

Learn the Basics Before Anything Else

Your intricate schemes won’t do you any good if you can’t avoid well. Master these fundamentals:

Dodge timing: All attacks have a fast wind-up. Do not panic-roll – wait for the actual swing
Stamina management: Avoid spending all your stamina. Always leave some for a quick escape, if needed.
Use lock-on on one target and discontinue its use when engaging in group combat.

Understand Weapon Scaling and Loot Priority

This is where Nightreign becomes interesting. Weapon scaling is character stat-based, so some weapons are better suited to some Nightfarers than others. Don’t pick the most attractive sword – pick what is best for your character’s abilities.

Quick Weapon Guide:

Powerful weapons (large swords, hammers) → Wylder
Magic weapons and equipment → Recluse
Shields and defensive gear are called Guardian.
Healing tools and assistance items → Duchess

Talking is Your Secret Weapon

You’re not solo queuing anymore. Use those map pings. Seriously. If you see loot, enemies, or danger, ping them. Your teammates will thank you, and you’ll all live longer.

The community discovered that map pings help identify safe zones in the face of environmental hazards like acid rain. But be cautious – there are instances where the pings can lead you to danger zones if you do not notice the ground.

Surviving the Procedural Chaos

Expect the unexpected.

Every run in Limveld is unique. The cave with great loot the last time? This time it could be bare or full of enemies. The random number generator has a big hand in your success so don’t expect to be following some predetermined strategies.

Adaptation Tips:

Regularly check your map for fresh targets.
Don’t hurry to every ping – scout first
Have alternatives ready in case the route you have chosen is obstructed.

Deal with Environmental Risks

Acid rain, toxic bogs, and unannounced enemy spawnings – Nightreign likes to catch you off guard. Status ailments such as frostbite and scarlet rot are unpleasant, so be sure to acquire resistance equipment or quick cures when you notice them.

Smart Survival Tip: Carry minimum supplies at all times. The Neutralizing Bolus may seem worthless until you are slowly poisoning yourself while battling a boss.

Boss Fight Basics: Defeating Tricephalos Gladius

The network test boss, Tricephalos Gladius, is split into three parts and fights each one separately. This is how you can make it through:

Phase One Plan

Shoot one head with focus fire, keeping mobile. Don’t be greedy in attacks – overconfidence is dangerous with this boss. The trick is synchronized damage with defensive positions.

Split Phase Survival

When the boss shatters, don’t panic. Every player has their own mini-boss, but they all have the same health. Prioritize staying alive rather than dealing damage – your team might complete their job first and then join you.

Helpful Suggestions

Employ elemental weaknesses such as fire damage whenever possible
Handle your healing items with care – you can’t spam Estus Stay close enough to support teammates but far enough to stay out of AoE range

Typical Mistakes That Newbies Should Avoid

Don’t Go Full Solo Mode

This isn’t standard Elden Ring. Rushing in like Rambo will get you and your party killed. Close quarters, alternate with the enemy’s attention, and synchronize your attacks.

Don’t Forget Team Structure

Early testing revealed that party makeup is more important than initially anticipated. Having a well-rounded group with various roles makes everything go smoother and better.

Don’t Stockpile Resources

Use your stuff. Seriously. That large healing item you are saving for “the optimal moment”? Use it when a person’s health is low. Dead allies can’t assist in winning fights.

Getting Better: Useful Resources and Community Tips

Nightreign community is quick-paced, and being connected helps you improve faster. Take a look at resources like the Fextralife Wiki for complete character builds and weapon information.

Learning Accelerators:

Observe well-performed scenes on YouTube to become accustomed to timing and positioning.
Get on Discord servers to find good teammates.
Experiment with various weapon setups every time you play.

Evolution over time has reshaped balance and movement, so yesterday’s equation might need to be revised today. Stay flexible to change and keep learning.

Your Next Steps

The Nightreign network test is where you practice in advance of the actual release. Focus on the basics, talk to your squad, and don’t be too concerned about early setbacks. Every time you die, you learn something new about timing, positioning, or team play.

Keep in mind: even Souls veterans are figuring this out. You’re all figuring it out together, and so the community is more welcoming to newcomers than it would otherwise be. Ready to embark on your first adventure? Select your Nightfarer, recruit your team, and prepare for some of the toughest – and most rewarding – teamplay FromSoftware has ever crafted.

Don’t say we didn’t warn you if you find yourself still playing at 3 AM attempting to achieve that flawless game. What bothers you the most about starting the network test? Let us know your questions and we will help you prepare for the challenges ahead.