Elden Ring network test codes are going out today, so check your email

Bloody Wolf is one of five playable Tarnished

[Update: Bandai Namco is sending out codes now, and the email subject you’re looking for is “ELDEN Ring Network Test Code.” I just got a North American key for PS4 and PS5 shortly after 10:00 a.m. Pacific. Once you redeem your code, you can start downloading.]

I hope you remembered to for the Elden Ring network test — October 31 was the last chance to put your name in the hat. The more I hear about it, the harder I’m crossing my fingers. More details are popping up, including a look at the five playable Tarnished.

Wait, there’s a network test? Yep. It was announced in conjunction with Elden Ring‘s delay from January 21 to February 25. The network test is happening in November with five different three-hour sessions available from November 12–14, so it’ll be a mad dash.

The Elden Ring network t🦄est includes Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, PS4, and PS5, so no love for PC this time (though the full game will be available on Steam, thank goodness).

Elden Ring Closed Network Test playtimes

• Friday, November 12 — 3:00am to 6:00am PT
• Friday, November 12 — 7:00pm to 10:00pm PT
• Saturday, November 13 — 11:00am to 2:00pm PT
• Sunday, November 14 — 3:00am to 6:00am PT
• Sunday, November 14 — 7:00pm to 10:00pm PT

The file size for the Elden Ring network test’s PS5 version is 6.93GB.

In a recent tweet, From Softwa♌re previewed the Tarnished character classes that will be available in the network test: Warrior, Enchanted Knight, Prophಞet, Champion, and Bloody Wolf. The latter is going to be a popular choice based on that fashion and name alone.

In seven days, these five brave Tarnished will cross the Sea of F🅺og.

— ELDEN RING (@ELDENRING)

Come to think of it, I’m not sure I’ve participated in one of From Software’s network tests before even though they’ve been . Part of me desperately wants in early to experience even a fraction of Elden Ring, and part of me knows the game will be all the sweeter if it’s totally fresh. February is jam-packed with games, but this is The One.

If you’re open to the idea of seeing some — but not “too much” — of Elden Ring pre-release, Bandai Namco released a nearly 20-minute gameplay video. As opposed to the usual From Software game launch trailers that show all of the bosses out of context, this is a more deliberate, slow-burn preview. I don’t feel like it overshares.

Elden Ring feels a little more real every day. It’ll be here before we know it.