With the Elden Ring closed network test starting later this week, fans have been anxiously awaiting for the invitations to begin rolling out. According to some fans, it appears today is that special day, meaning some will be able to try out Elden Ring very soon.
An important part of large video game releases, especially those with online features, is for one, seeing how it plays, and two, how well the game's servers hold up. These two factors are essentially what the upcoming Elden Ring closed network test is seeking to examine, allowing fans an early opportunity to try the game, while giving FromSoftware an opportunity to see how the game is running on the back end. FromSoftware's games for the most part have all offered some sort of online compatability, with some going as far as PvP invasions or cooperative play, and others being as limited as just leaving notes for other players in the game world. Elden Ring will apparently have online features more akin to the former category.
Those selected for the Elden Ring closed network test have started receiving their invitations today. Nibellion on Twitter courteously shared what fans can expect the e-mail to look like, the subject line being "You have been selected!" coming directly from "Elden Ring - Bandai Namco." Unfortunately, it is too late to register for Elden Ring's closed network test, the application period ending back on November 1. The e-mail will contain console-specific instructions for how to access the game, which will likely require redeeming a download code in either the PlayStation Store or Xbox Games Store.
It was only recent that fans actually got an idea what Elden Ring would look like gameplay wise. While there has been a handful of trailers and screenshots since the game's announcement, none offered a solid look at what the moment to moment gameplay would like due to a focus on cinematics. Last week however, FromSoftware revealed all in a new 15-minute gameplay trailer for Elden Ring, showing off the game's traversal mechanics, stealth, magic, boss fights, and so much more. It came just in time, as it would have been likely been pretty bizarre jumping into Elden Ring without seeing any footage beforehand.
For the people who can't take part in the closed network test, it may be disappointing, but it is certainly not the end of the world. Previous FromSoftware titles have done closed network tests and none were fully reflective of what those final games eventually became. It is a neat opportunity for those who got selected, but what little bit will be playable is no way representative of the overall experience. If anything, playing it sooner will likely lead to disappointment that Elden Ring isn't out already, which may be a worse feeling than not trying it in the first place.
Elden Ring releases February 25 on PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S.