How to Fix “A Connection Error Occurred” in Elden Ring Nightreign
If you’re swinging your sword, casting spells, and then—bam! An annoying message pops up: “A Connection Error Occurred.” Yup, we’ve all been there. Especially in Elden Ring: Nightreign, where internet hiccups can turn your epic adventure into a ragequit moment.
But don’t worry. We’ve got your back! This guide is your friendly co-op partner, here to help you fix that pesky error and get you back to slaying bosses in no time.
Why You’re Seeing This Error
Before we go full Tarnished mode troubleshooting this issue, let’s talk about what causes this error. Short answer? The game’s having a hard time keeping your multiplayer session alive.
Some common causes include:
- Unstable internet connection
- Server overload or maintenance
- Firewall or network settings blocking the game
- Outdated game client or system software
- Corrupted game files or cache
It could be just one problem—or a combo of them. Let’s take them down one-by-one like mini-bosses.
Step 1: Check Your Internet Connection
This should be your first move. If your internet is acting up, you won’t be able to summon friends or invade enemies.
Try these quick tests:
- Open your browser and check if websites load quickly.
- Reset your router by unplugging it for 30 seconds, then plug back in.
- Use a wired connection for best results. Wi-Fi can be spotty.
If stuff is still laggy online, the problem is likely your connection, not the game.
Step 2: Are Servers Down?
Sometimes, it’s not you—it’s them.
Elden Ring Nightreign servers may go down for maintenance or unexpected issues. Here’s how to check:
- Visit the official Elden Ring Twitter or forums.
- Check community hubs like Reddit or Discord.
- Try a website like Downdetector to see real-time reports of outages.
If others are seeing the same error, you probably just need to wait it out. Grab a snack. Pet your cat. You’ll be back in Limgrave soon enough.
Step 3: Restart Everything
Sometimes, the old “turn it off and on again” trick actually works.
Here’s a mini checklist:
- Restart the game.
- Restart your console or PC.
- Restart your router (if you haven’t already).
Fresh starts can clear out temporary bugs that cause connection drops.
Step 4: Update the Game and Your System
Old code = new problems.
Game developers often release patches to fix bugs—including network-related ones. Make sure everything is up to date:
- Check for updates to Elden Ring: Nightreign.
- Update your console or PC’s operating system.
- On PC, also update your drivers—especially your network adapters and GPU.
An outdated version can kick you out of multiplayer faster than an angry invader.
Step 5: Tweak Network Settings
This step sounds scary, but don’t worry—we’ll keep it simple.
Here’s what you can do:
- Enable UPnP (Universal Plug and Play): This allows your router to handle multiplayer connections better.
- Open Specific Ports: Some players fix this error by opening certain ports used by Elden Ring:
- UDP: 27015, 27031–27036
- TCP: 27015, 443
Check your router manual or support site to learn how these are opened.
- Disable any active VPNs: They add latency and can block game traffic.
Be careful with port forwarding. If you’re unsure, ask a tech-savvy friend or look for tutorials for your router model.
Step 6: Turn Off Background Apps
That Spotify playlist or streaming Netflix could be causing the issue.
Heavy background apps can hog your bandwidth. Try closing:
- Streaming apps (Netflix, YouTube, Twitch)
- Download managers
- Other online games or software
Keep it lean and mean when you’re facing off against Nightreign bosses.
Step 7: Verify Game Files
This tip is especially for PC players. If something’s wrong with your game files, multiplayer won’t run smoothly.
On Steam:
- Right-click Elden Ring: Nightreign in your library.
- Select Properties.
- Click on the Installed Files tab.
- Click Verify integrity of game files.
This will look for broken files and replace them automatically.
Step 8: Reinstall the Game
If you’ve tried everything and that error keeps haunting you… it may be time for the heavy artillery.
Uninstalling and reinstalling Elden Ring: Nightreign can remove deep-rooted bugs or corrupted data.
Before doing this, make sure your save data is backed up—especially if you’re not using cloud saves!
Bonus Tip: Switch Matchmaking Regions
This is for players having trouble connecting with others in co-op mode.
Sometimes, switching your matchmaking region helps.
You can do this in-game:
- Go to the Settings menu
- Select Network Options
- Change your Matchmaking Region from Automatic to a specific region (like North America, Europe, etc.)
This might reduce latency and eliminate connection issues with other players.
Final Words
The “A Connection Error Occurred” message in Elden Ring: Nightreign is annoying, no doubt. But it’s usually fixable with some patience and the steps above.
Here’s a quick recap of what to try:
- Check your internet
- Confirm servers are up
- Restart everything
- Update game and system
- Adjust network settings
- Close background apps
- Verify game files
- Reinstall if needed
- Try changing matchmaking regions
And always, remember—it’s okay to take a break. Burnout is the real final boss.
Get out there, Tarnished. May your connections be strong and your roll timings perfect!