Elden Ring Delayed to February 2022, Network Test Announced

If you’re a fan of Dark Souls, then you’re likely anxiously awaiting 2022 and the release of Elden Ring. Before today, fans expected to play the next great FromSoftware epic right after the turn of the new year. Instead, we woke up to bittersweet news from the developer and Bandai Namco. A network test is going to give players a chance to try Elden Ring in November. That said, it’s not the only nugget of news we got from the companies. Unfortunately, the scope of the game is growing over time, meaning the initial January release date isn’t going to be possible. Elden Ring is delayed to February 2022, and FromSoftware is hoping a network test can make good use of feedback from players. Here’s what you need to know about this highly-anticipated game’s shift in release schedule.

Elden Ring Network Test Announced

Image Credit: FromSoftware

In a really interesting announcement, Bandai Namco and FromSoftware are allowing players the chance to participate in a Closed Network Test on November 12th. The test will essentially be a trial of how the game plays for player feedback. Per Bandai Namco and FromSoftware:

“Selected fans will be able to experience the opening hours of the long-awaited title to get a hands-on glimpse at what the full game will have to offer while assisting the development team in testing the games online servers ahead of its release date.”

Players can register on the game’s website for a chance at one of five closed network test periods:

– November 12: 12:00 to 15:00 CET
– November 13: 4:00 to 7:00 CET
– November 13: 20:00 to 23:00 CET
– November 14: 12:00 to 15:00 CET
– November 15: 4:00 to 7:00 CET

If you’re excited about the game, then this is a great opportunity. I love these test runs for developers. Firstly, they get a chance to gauge audience response to what they have worked on so far. Secondly, it’s a great way to get a taste ahead of a game’s release. Overall, I think the move is smart considering the hype surrounding this title. George RR Martin and Hidetaka Miyazaki split Elden Ring writing roles, making this the product of two incredible thinkers in the fantasy genre.

Of course, the closed network test is great news. Not so good news: From Software delayed Elden Ring to February 2022.

Elden Ring is Set to Release on February 25, 2022

Image Credit: FromSoftware

FromSoftware and Bandai Namco sort of tricked me a bit. It certainly wasn’t on purpose. At first glance, the press release for the network test looks like that’s all they’re relaying. Then, you look a bit closer and find the real news: Elden Ring is delayed to February 25, 2022. Of course, we’d rather get a great game than a poor one. That said, a lot of people thought the Elden Ring reveal trailer and release date from Summer Game Fest looked legit. There weren’t really any commentaries on a possible delay. Overall, the news isn’t surprising given the slew of delays taking place in the industry.

Overall, the delay didn’t surprise me or others. Given the COVID-19 pandemic, the industry is completely changed for the foreseeable future. Remote workforces, delayed workflows, and more keep making traditional game development more difficult.

February 25 can’t come soon enough. Hopefully, you’ll fill out the form to get a spot on the closed network test next month. If you’re still excited about the game, then let us know in the comments! Thanks for reading Comic Years for all things gaming, comics, and pop culture.

Featured Image Credit: FromSoftware

Taylor is the Gaming Editor of Comic Years and a lifelong fan of video games. He holds two degrees in Political Communication and wrote a Master's Thesis on resistance movements, race, and the exploitation of college athletes. His wife and two Toy Australian Sheppards keep him sane.