Here’s What You Can Do to Fix The Matchmaking Issues Plaguing Elden Ring: Nightreign

Elden Ring: Nightreign, the newly launched multiplayer roguelite by FromSoftware, has already become the second most-played game on Steam shortly after release.

Despite its early popularity, a growing number of PlayStation players are struggling with matchmaking failures. Well, we’re here to address the issue and offer you some solutions that will get you back into the battle ring with your team.

1. How to fix Matchmaking Issues in Elden Ring: Nightreign?

Elden Ring: Nightreign has launched with nearly 300,000 concurrent players on Steam within the first hour. But PS5 and PS4 players are reporting an annoying issue: endless matchmaking queues in multiplayer.

Elden Ring: Nightreign is built for three-player co-op, and while solo play is possible, reviewers noted that it feels unbalanced and less enjoyable without a full team. 

So, looking to fill out their group, players are opting for matchmaking, but many are frustrated by long wait times and failed attempts to connect.

The issue may stem from how players are grouped, leaving fewer solo players or duos to match with. Fortunately, FromSoftware has acknowledged the issue and offered a workaround.

According to a tweet from their support account, players facing Matchmaking Issues in Elden Ring: Nightreign should pause the matchmaking process, then restart it by selecting “Deploy again.” This seems to reset the search and may help you connect properly.

i. Common Matchmaking Problems

• Stuck at “1/3 Players”: Many users report being stuck in matchmaking limbo, where the game freezes at “1/3 players” and never progresses. Canceling and retrying often results in a “Matchmaking failed” message.
• Strict NAT Type Restrictions: Players with a NAT Type 3 connection are especially likely to face connectivity issues. Since FromSoftware games often rely on peer-to-peer connections, having a restrictive NAT type can block matchmaking altogether.
• Password Matchmaking Not Working: Players trying to use the password matchmaking feature have found that it often doesn’t work, leaving friends unable to join each other’s sessions.

ii. Possible Fixes and Workarounds

• Check your NAT type: If you’re on NAT Type 3, consider enabling UPnP in your router settings or contacting your ISP to switch to NAT Type 2, which is more compatible with online gaming.
• Avoid Password Matchmaking for now: Until the system is patched or stabilized, using password matchmaking may do more harm than good.
• Wait it out: Some users have reported that matchmaking eventually succeeds after waiting for several minutes, even if it seems stuck initially.
• Watch for Official Updates: FromSoftware may be working on fixes behind the scenes. Keep an eye on official channels or Steam announcements for patches and updates.

If you’re still unable to connect, consider submitting a ticket to FromSoftware support.

While solo play is still an option, Nightreign doesn’t support crossplay, so a bug like this on PlayStation affects a significant portion of the player base. 

FromSoftware has acknowledged criticism over the absence of a two-player mode, which may have discouraged solo players from even trying the game.

As it stands, matchmaking seems strained—not necessarily broken, but definitely in need of improvement.

2. About Elden Ring Nightreign

Elden Ring Nightreign, developed by FromSoftware and published by BANDAI NAMCO Entertainment, is an upcoming standalone survival game within the Elden Ring universe. It is designed to offer a new gaming experience complete with iconic elements of Elden Ring. Nightreign also features 3-person co-op, giving you a better chance to take on the vicious evils lurking in the darkness.