Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute2Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems3Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesSome links on this page are affiliate links: if you buy through them we may earn a commission, at no extra cost to you.
Fake ELDEN RING NIGHTREIGN playtest invitations circulated in January and February 2025 through Steam messages, social media and compromised friend accounts. The decisive warning sign was the platform: Bandai Namco’s real Network Test was for PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X/S, not Steam. Lookalike login pages aimed to capture Steam credentials and hijack accounts. The full game later released legitimately on Steam on May 29, 2025, so Nightreign on Steam is not inherently fraudulent today.
The real test versus the fake Steam invitation
Bandai Namco said Steam had appeared in the Network Test registration form by mistake and told affected registrants to switch to an eligible console. The test required a valid PlayStation Network or Xbox account. Registration did not guarantee participation; selected players were chosen at random and contacted through the official process. See the Bandai Namco platform update and the Network Test rules.
| Legitimate 2025 Network Test | Fake Steam lure |
|---|---|
| Registration through Bandai Namco channels | Unexpected Steam chat, social-media message or advertisement |
| PlayStation 5 or Xbox Series X/S eligibility | Claim of Steam or PC test access |
| Random selection; registration was not a guarantee | Pressure, urgency or “special access” claims |
| Publisher-controlled communications | External lookalike login page or unfamiliar domain |
How the scam worked
Community reports describe a familiar phishing funnel. A recipient received a message saying they had been selected for the Nightreign test, followed a link and reached a page designed to resemble Steam, Bandai Namco or the official registration site. The page requested a Steam username, password and sometimes an authentication code. Reports also describe messages apparently sent from hijacked friends’ accounts, which made the invitation seem credible and helped spread it to more contacts. These are user reports, not proof that every message used the same infrastructure or came from one criminal group. Examples appeared in Nightreign Steam discussions and Elden Ring community discussions.
Quick wins for a faster PC:
Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →If credentials or a Steam Guard code were supplied, an attacker could attempt to sign in, change recovery details, move Steam Guard to another device, steal inventory items, list or trade items, make purchases, and use the account to send the same lure. The available reports establish credential-phishing and account-hijacking attempts, but do not establish one universal malware payload. A downloaded or executed file creates a separate device-security risk.
#1 Best Overall
- Read Before You Buy — No Video Output: These adapters support charging and USB 2.0 data transfer, but cannot transmit video signals. Except for standard USB webcams (which use USB data only), they are not compatible with HDMI/DisplayPort cables, video-capable USB-C hubs, or docking stations with video output.
- Convert USB-A Ports to USB-C: Designed to connect USB-C earphones, cables, flash drives, card readers, and other USB-C accessories to standard USB-A ports. Plug-and-play with no drivers or software required.
- Aluminum Alloy Housing: Built with a sturdy aluminum alloy shell that aids in heat dissipation and protects against daily wear and scratches. Designed to maintain a stable and secure connection.
- Compact & Travel-Friendly: The ultra-compact design allows the adapter to stay plugged into your device without blocking adjacent ports or adding bulk, reducing wear and tear on your original USB ports.
- 12-Month Warranty: Backed by a 12-month manufacturer warranty for peace of mind. Designed to meet strict quality control standards for reliable everyday performance.
Why the invitation looked believable
- A real Nightreign test had been announced and had a genuine registration process.
- The game’s anticipation made an unexpected selection message emotionally persuasive.
- Steam logos, familiar sign-in layouts and publisher branding can reduce suspicion even when the host is unrelated to Valve or Bandai Namco.
- A message from a friend account bypasses the caution many people apply to unknown senders. A friend’s account may have been compromised.
How to verify an invitation
- Check the platform and date. The 2025 Network Test was console-only. A Steam invitation for that event was a strong phishing indicator. A future test could support PC, so verify the specific announcement rather than treating the old restriction as permanent.
- Do not trust the sender alone. Confirm through a separate channel if a friend sends an unexpected link.
- Navigate independently. Open Steam or Bandai Namco from a bookmark or a manually typed official address instead of using a chat link.
- Inspect the actual domain. HTTPS, a padlock, Steam artwork or a convincing URL path does not prove that Valve operates the site.
- Check Steam itself. A genuine Steam playtest should appear through the game’s official Steam presence or Steam’s own interface, not require a random external login page.
- Protect authentication. Never disable Steam Guard or approve an unexpected sign-in request. Community reports describe pages that attempted to obtain credentials or weaken account protection, but this was not established for every variant. See the reported Steam scam example.
- Look for publisher confirmation. Use Bandai Namco’s official Nightreign channels and verified accounts, not reposted screenshots.
What to do if you clicked
Opened the page but entered nothing
- Close it and do not return through the message.
- Do not download or run files. Delete anything downloaded.
- Review browser downloads and extensions. Remove an extension you did not intentionally install.
- Run a security scan if a file was executed or an extension was installed.
- Change passwords only if you entered them or reused them elsewhere.
Steam advises users not to enter information on a site they suspect is unofficial. Its official recovery workflow is Steam Support’s stolen-account page.
Entered Steam credentials or approved authentication
- Use a clean, trusted device if possible.
- Change the Steam password through the official Steam website or app, not through the message.
- Change the password for the email account attached to Steam. Secure email first if you suspect it was also exposed.
- End or revoke suspicious sessions where Steam provides that control, then re-secure Steam Guard and verify the authorized phone number or authenticator.
- Check the account email address, phone number, trade history, inventory, Market activity and recent purchases.
- Contact Steam Support through the official stolen-account workflow.
- Change every other account password that reused the exposed password, including email, Discord and social-media accounts.
- Warn friends that recent messages from your account may be fraudulent, and report the phishing message and accounts involved.
Payment details may have been exposed
- Contact your card issuer or payment provider and review transactions.
- Request a replacement card if fraudulent charges appear or payment details were entered into the fake site.
- Do not give a supposed “recovery” helper remote access, gift cards, login codes or additional personal information.
Timeline: a 2025 incident, not breaking news in 2026
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| January 10–20, 2025 | Contemporary registration materials referenced the Network Test registration period. |
| January 2025 | Community reports began describing fake Steam playtest invitations. |
| February 14, 2025 | The Network Test was scheduled to begin. |
| February 24–26, 2025 | Additional Steam reports described phishing invitations and account hijacking. |
| May 29, 2025 | ELDEN RING NIGHTREIGN released legitimately on Steam; the official listing is at Steam. |
| August 18, 2026 | The original campaign is historical unless fresh evidence shows the same or a copycat operation has returned. |
What is known—and what is not
The official platform notice establishes that Steam was mistakenly offered during registration and that the eligible Network Test platforms were consoles. Steam-community and Reddit posts provide contemporaneous accounts of fake invitations, credential requests and some account takeovers, but they are anecdotal. They do not identify the perpetrators, prove that every report involved one campaign, or establish a single malware or session-theft technique. Treat a new message as a potential copycat and verify it against current publisher announcements.
Rank #2
- 5-in-1 USB-C Hub: Experience comprehensive connectivity featuring a Power Delivery input, two USB-A 2.0 ports, a USB-A 3.0 port, and an HDMI port. (Note: The USB-C power delivery input port is only for connecting an external wall charger to power your laptop and cannot power peripheral devices.)
- 90W Pass-Through Charging: Achieve optimal charging with 90W pass-through power to your laptop, supported by a total input of 100W, with the hub reserving 10W for operational efficiency. (Note: Wall charger not included.)
- Quick Data Transfers: Accelerate your productivity with rapid data transfers using a high-speed 5Gbps USB 3.0 port and two 480Mbps USB 2.0 ports.
- 4K HDMI Display: Enhance your visual experience with a hub capable of delivering 4K resolution at 30Hz in both mirror and extend modes. Please note that this hub is compatible with MacBook (macOS 12 and newer), Windows 10 and 11, ChromeOS, and laptops equipped with DP Alt Mode and Power Delivery. Note: This device is not compatible with Linux.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (5-in-1, 4K HDMI), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
Bottom line
The real 2025 Nightreign Network Test existed, but it was a console test. A Steam invitation sent through chat was therefore a strong phishing signal, especially when it led to a second login page or requested a Steam Guard code. If you entered credentials, secure both Steam and the associated email immediately through official channels; do not rely on anyone who offers recovery through a message.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- 5-in-1 Connectivity: Equipped with a 4K HDMI port, a 5 Gbps USB-C data port, two 5 Gbps USB-A ports, and a USB C 100W PD-IN port. Note: The USB C 100W PD-IN port supports only charging and does not support data transfer devices such as headphones or speakers.
- Powerful Pass-Through Charging: Supports up to 85W pass-through charging so you can power up your laptop while you use the hub. Note: Pass-through charging requires a charger (not included). Note: To achieve full power for iPad, we recommend using a 45W wall charger.
- Transfer Files in Seconds: Move files to and from your laptop at speeds of up to 5 Gbps via the USB-C and USB-A data ports. Note: The USB C 5Gbps Data port does not support video output.
- HD Display: Connect to the HDMI port to stream or mirror content to an external monitor in resolutions of up to 4K@30Hz. Note: The USB-C ports do not support video output.
- What You Get: Anker 332 USB-C Hub (5-in-1), welcome guide, our worry-free 18-month warranty, and friendly customer service.
Rank #4
- Dual Converters, Infinite Potential：Includes 2× USB C male to USB A female adapters and 2× USB A male to USB C female adapters. Perfect for a wide range of uses—tablets with Bluetooth keyboards, expand USB ports on macbook, and more. Two different converters for all your daily needs
- Next-Level 10Gbps & 3A Charging: No more slow 480Mbps, this usb to usb c adapter has a transfer speed of up to 10Gbps, allowing you to do more transferring in less time. This usb adapter fits both USB A and USB C charger, supporting up to 3A fast charging
- Upgraded Exquisite Craftsmanship: With an aluminum alloy housing and metal connector, the usbc to usb adapter is extremely durable and sturdy. Rigorously tested to withstand more than 10,000 times of plugging and unplugging, ensuring long-lasting performance
- Broad Compatible: The usb c to usb adapter widely supports all USB C/ USB A devices like laptops, tablets, cellphones, car chargers, and phone chargers. Such as compatible with MacBook Pro/Air 2023/2022, Thunderbolt 4/3 Devices,Apple MagSafe Watch 9/8/7/SE/Ultra, iPad Pro 2022/2021, Samsung Galaxy S23/S20/S10, and iPhone 17/16/15 Pro. Plug and play
- Please Note: To reach 10Gbps speed, keep the cable under 3.3 ft. For USB A Male to USB C adapters, try flipping the USB C connector. USB C Male to USB A adapters support bidirectional 10Gbps transfer within 3.3 ft
Rank #3
- Sleek 7-in-1 USB-C Hub: Features an HDMI port, two USB-A 3.0 ports, and a USB-C data port, each providing 5Gbps transfer speeds. It also includes a USB-C PD input port for charging up to 100W and dual SD and TF card slots, all in a compact design.
- Flawless 4K@60Hz Video with HDMI: Delivers exceptional clarity and smoothness with its 4K@60Hz HDMI port, making it ideal for high-definition presentations and entertainment. (Note: Only the HDMI port supports video projection; the USB-C port is for data transfer only.)
- Double Up on Efficiency: The two USB-A 3.0 ports and a USB-C port support a fast 5Gbps data rate, significantly boosting your transfer speeds and improving productivity.
- Fast and Reliable 85W Charging: Offers high-capacity, speedy charging for laptops up to 85W, so you spend less time tethered to an outlet and more time being productive.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (7-in-1), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
