Elden Ring: Nightreign is an exciting multiplayer game from FromSoftware, released on May 30, 2025. It focuses on three-player co-op, where you team up to battle tough enemies in the world of Limveld. However, many players, especially on PlayStation (PS4/PS5) and PC, are facing matchmaking issues, like getting stuck at “1/3 Players” or seeing a “Matchmaking failed” message. This guide provides a step-by-step guide on how to fix these problems in simple steps that anyone can follow.
Note: The game doesn’t support crossplay, so PlayStation players can only match with other PlayStation users, and PC players with PC users. This can make matchmaking harder if fewer players are online.
Common Matchmaking Problems
- Stuck at “1/3 Players”: The game freezes while searching for teammates and doesn’t find a full team.
- “Matchmaking Failed” Error: You get this message after trying to connect, especially when canceling and retrying.
- Password Issues: Using a password to play with friends often fails to connect.
- Long Wait Times: Matchmaking takes too long, especially during busy hours or with specific settings.
How to Fix Matchmaking Issues
Try these simple solutions to get back to playing with others:
- Pause and Restart Matchmaking
FromSoftware suggests pausing the matchmaking process and trying again. Here’s how:- Start matchmaking at the Roundtable Hold (the main hub) by interacting with the Table of Lost Grace.
- If it’s stuck (e.g., at “1/3 Players”), press the pause or cancel option.
- Select “Deploy again” or “Commence Expedition” to restart the search.
- This resets the connection and often helps find players faster.
- Check Your Internet Connection
A weak or unstable internet connection can cause problems. Try these:- Restart your router by unplugging it for 30 seconds, then plugging it back in.
- Use a wired connection (Ethernet cable) instead of Wi-Fi for a stronger signal.
- Contact your internet provider to check for outages or issues.
- Test your connection speed at a site like speedtest.net to ensure it’s stable.
- Turn Off Cross-Region Matchmaking
Playing with people in other regions can cause delays. To turn it off:- Go to the Settings menu in the game.
- Select Network, then find Cross-Region Play.
- Set it to “Perform Matchmaking” off. This limits matches to your region, which can be faster.
- Make sure everyone in your group does this if playing with friends.
- Check Your NAT Type
A strict NAT Type (Type 3) can block connections. To fix:- On PlayStation: Go to Settings > Network > Test Internet Connection to see your NAT Type.
- On PC: Open Command Prompt (press Win + R, type “cmd”), then type “netstat -a” to check network settings.
- Aim for NAT Type 1 (Open) or Type 2 (Moderate). If you have Type 3, enable UPnP in your router settings or contact your internet provider for help.
- Fix Password Matchmaking
If you’re trying to play with friends using a password:- Double-check the password is correct and entered in the same slot for all players (up to eight characters).
- Remove the password, save, then re-enter it and try again.
- Only one player should enable Remembrance Mode (a special quest mode). If multiple players have it on, matchmaking fails.
- Turn Off Remembrance Mode
If you’re on a Character Remembrance quest (unique objectives for each class), you can’t match with others who also have an active Remembrance. To fix:- Go to the Matchmaking Settings in the Expedition menu.
- Postpone or complete your Remembrance quest before queuing.
- If playing with friends, use your platform’s party system (e.g., Steam or PlayStation invites) to bypass this. Only the host’s quest will be active.
- Adjust Firewall/Antivirus Settings (PC)
Your computer’s security software might block the game. To fix:- Open Control Panel and go to System and Security > Windows Defender Firewall > Allow an app.
- Add “eldenring.exe” and “start_protected_game.exe” from the game’s folder.
- Check both “Private” and “Public” boxes for these files.
- Temporarily disable your antivirus or add exceptions for these files.
- Verify Game Files (PC)
Corrupted game files can cause issues. To check:- Open Steam, right-click Elden Ring: Nightreign, and select Properties.
- Go to Installed Files and click Verify integrity of game files.
- Wait for Steam to fix any missing or broken files, then relaunch the game.
- Play at Different Times
Servers can get overloaded during peak hours (like evenings in your region). Try playing during quieter times, like early mornings, to find matches faster. - Play Solo as a Backup
If matchmaking still doesn’t work, you can play solo:- At the Roundtable Hold, go to Matchmaking Settings in the Expedition menu.
- Set Expedition Type to Single Player.
- Note: Solo mode is harder and less balanced, so use it only if needed.
Extra Tips
- Update the Game: Make sure you have the latest patch (e.g., patch 1.01) installed via Steam, PlayStation, or Xbox. Outdated versions can cause errors.
- Check Server Status: Visit @ELDENRING or @BandaiNamcoUS on X, or check Bandai Namco’s support page for server outage updates.
- Use a Gaming VPN: Tools like GearUP Booster can improve your connection by finding better network paths. Download it, search for Elden Ring: Nightreign, and let it optimize your ping.
- Restart Your Device: Reboot your PC or console to clear any temporary glitches.
- Avoid IPv6: If you’re on PC, disable IPv6 in your network settings (Control Panel > Network > Adapter Settings) to avoid connection issues.
Final Thoughts
Matchmaking issues in Elden Ring: Nightreign can be frustrating, especially since the game shines with three-player co-op. Try pausing and restarting matchmaking, checking your internet, turning off cross-region play, and fixing password or Remembrance settings. If all else fails, play solo or wait for quieter server times.