When the launch is bumpy: Why Elden fans need to hang in there for now
On May 30, 2025, Elden Ring: Nightreign was released—and the response was huge. Within 24 hours, over two million players picked up the new expansion to the acclaimedopen-worldadventure. Dark dungeons, new bosses, and mystical areas immediately captivated players. But not everyone had a smooth start: many complained about frustrating online multiplayer issues, especially on PlayStation.
Actually, was supposed to Nightreign enrich the gaming experience with even deeper co-op options . But since its launch, matchmaking, i.e. the automatic pairing of players, has been causing trouble. Forums and social networks are full of reports of failed connections or endless waits for teammates. This is particularly frustrating for those who wanted to conquer the new content as a team.
Technically speaking, there is usually an inconspicuous but crucial factor behind this: the so-called NAT type. Anyone who uses the “Type 3” setting on their console is often left out of online connections. Many players are unaware that this setting causes their router to block stricter connections – a problem that has also caused difficulties with previous online games.
The frustration is palpable – all the more so because the anticipation was huge. And while Elden Ring: Nightreign is already being celebrated for its content, this stumbling block is noticeably dampening the first impression for some. Nevertheless, the game is a complete success. And now comes the crucial tip for those affected.
Matchmaking problems in Nightreign: What helps – and when will things improve?
FromSoftware has responded to the complaints and publicly recommended a simple but effective measure: completely restart the matchmaking process. This can help to resynchronize the system, especially in the event of connection interruptions. In addition, setting the NAT type to 1 or 2 in the network settings significantly increases the chances of a stable connection.
For those who want to dig deeper: The NAT type can often be changed via the router configuration. Setting up port forwarding or activating UPnP mode can usually improve your connection significantly – even for other games. The first tutorials on this are already circulating on YouTube.
Improvements are on the way: A patch has been announced for next week that is intended to stabilize the online system, among other things.Exactly what details version 1.02will bring remains to be seen, but the developers promise targeted improvements – especially for solo mode and the online experience.
Until then, the motto is: stick with it, find the right settings – and dare to give it another go. Because Nightreign rewards patience with epic moments that are best not experienced alone.
