How to Fix Elden Ring Nightreign Stuck on Loading Issue

Published On - September 3, 2025

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If you’re a fan of Elden Ring, you’ve likely been excited to dive into the chilling new content featured in the Nightreign update. However, nothing is more frustrating than launching into the game only to be stuck on an endless loading screen. Fortunately, this is a known issue, and there are several proven methods you can try to get things running smoothly again.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through a series of steps to troubleshoot and fix the Nightreign stuck on loading screen issue. Whether you’re playing on PC, PlayStation, or Xbox, this article has you covered.

Understanding the Issue

The loading screen freeze typically occurs during the transition into the Nightreign content area – either when starting a new save, fast traveling, or entering a specific zone. Players report seeing the foggy loading screen with no progress or response. This can be due to a variety of issues, including corrupted files, outdated software, or incompatible mods.

Step-by-Step Fixes to Try

Try the following solutions in order. These start with the simplest and least risky fixes and gradually move toward more involved ones.

1. Restart the Game and Console

Yes, it sounds basic, but a simple restart can work wonders. Exit out of Elden Ring, close the launcher (if on PC), and reboot your system. This often clears cached temporary files or minor memory errors that could prevent the game from loading Nightreign properly.

  • On PC: Use Alt + F4 to close the game. Restart your computer.
  • On consoles: Hold the power button until it fully powers down before turning it back on.

2. Check for Game Updates

Before diving into more technical fixes, ensure your game is up-to-date. FromSoftware often releases small patches after major updates like Nightreign to address issues like this one.

  • PC: Steam should auto-update, but you can right-click Elden Ring in your library and choose “Check for Updates.”
  • Console: Go to game options and select “Check for Update.”

3. Verify Game Files (PC-only)

If some game files became corrupted or failed to download properly, this could be triggering the loading issue.

To verify on Steam:

  1. Right-click Elden Ring in your Steam Library.
  2. Select Properties → Installed Files.
  3. Click on “Verify integrity of game files.”

Allow the process to complete. Any missing or corrupted files will be replaced automatically.

4. Install the Latest Graphics Drivers

Outdated graphics card drivers often cause compatibility issues with dynamic new content like Nightreign. Be sure you’re using the latest Game Ready or WHQL-certified drivers provided by NVIDIA, AMD, or Intel.

After updating, reboot your machine and relaunch the game.

5. Disable Mods (If Applicable)

Mods are great for enhancing gameplay, but they can conflict with official updates like Nightreign. If you use mods such as custom textures, UI tweaks, or gameplay enhancement scripts, disable them temporarily.

For users using mod managers like ModEngine 2:

  • Locate your mod folder and rename it.
  • Disable any custom launch scripts.
  • Verify game integrity again before launching.

Once Nightreign is functioning properly, selectively re-enable each mod to find the culprit, if any.

6. Delete Temporary Cache Files

Residual cache or saved shaders from earlier versions might cause freezing with new custom areas like Nightreign.

On PC, navigate to:

C:\Users\[YourName]\AppData\Roaming\EldenRing\[UserID]

Here, delete the shadercache and temp folders—but keep a backup of your save files just in case.

On consoles, the cache can be cleared by powering off the system completely and unplugging it for a few minutes.

7. Start a New Save (for Testing)

If the loading screen persists at a specific point, say when loading a character in the Nightreign area, try starting a new game. If the new save loads Nightreign without issues, the problem might be with your character’s save data.

This is more common when a save is carried over from older builds or involves mods. If this works, try clearing flagged items or equipment, or consult a save repair tool.

8. Reinstall the Game

As a last resort, a full reinstall could help if files remain broken or the installation is heavily corrupted. Be sure to back up your saves first:

  • PC Save Location: C:\Users\[Username]\AppData\Roaming\EldenRing
  • Console Save: Cloud backup or USB export via system settings

Uninstall the game, restart your system, reinstall via your platform’s launcher, and restore your save.

Additional Tips

If you’ve tried everything and nothing works, consider reaching out for help on official forums or community groups:

Document what you’ve tried, which area is causing the issue, and include hardware specs if asking for support.

Prevention for Future Issues

Once you’ve resolved the stuck loading screen, here are a few tips to prevent it from happening again:

  • Always update the game before launching, especially after DLC or patch releases.
  • Avoid modding heavily until mods have been updated to match the latest patch.
  • Keep backups of your saves in case one becomes corrupted.
  • Enable cloud sync on your platform, if available.

With Nightreign offering new landscapes, lore, and bosses, it’s worth the effort to keep your experience as smooth as possible. While it’s unfortunate that the loading screen bug affects some, the community has been quick to share solutions—and developers continue to push out optimizations.

Conclusion

Being stuck on the loading screen when you’re eager to explore new content can be discouraging, but the good news is that most fixes are accessible, even if you’re not tech-savvy. By methodically going through the steps outlined here—from simple restarts to deeper reinstalls—you should be able to fix the Elden Ring Nightreign stuck on loading issue and jump back into the Lands Between in no time.

Persistence is key, and with a little patience, you’ll soon be facing eldritch horrors and uncovering long-lost secrets once again in one of the greatest action RPGs of all time.