Elden Ring’s Latest DLC Reintroduces a Fan-Favorite Character from Dark Souls 2
Elden Ring has just received a significant update alongside the release of the “Tarnished Edition,” a revamped version for the Nintendo Switch 2, which is also available on other platforms for a $5 upgrade. While you won’t need to spend any extra cash for the various buffs and nerfs included in the patch, the paid upgrade offers some stylish horse cosmetics and four new armor sets for your character, one of which is inspired by a familiar figure from 2014’s Dark Souls 2.
Two of the new armor sets are linked to the newly introduced starting classes: the Heavy Knight and the Idus Knight. The other two can be discovered in the game world, with one set being dropped by a character named Knight Leontiel. This new invader appears in Starscourge Radahn’s arena after you defeat him. To find her, head north from the Site of Grace and continue toward the catacombs until you’re automatically dismounted from your horse, triggering her invasion.
Leontiel isn’t particularly challenging to defeat, especially if you’ve already completed the game or its Shadow of the Erdtree DLC, and the rewards are definitely worth it. You’ll receive her complete armor set, including her Greatsword, legs, chest, helm, and greaves.
So, who is Leontiel? While she’s a new character, players of Dark Souls 2 might remember Lucatiel of Mirrah, who donned a remarkably similar outfit. Lucatiel sports a toreador-style ensemble and hat, wields a greatsword, and even has a mask attached to her hat, just like Leontiel. The reason for the name change in Elden Ring remains unclear, but it’s evident that she’s meant to evoke Lucatiel. It’s a bit tragic, really; in Dark Souls 2, she asks players to remember her name before she succumbs to the Hollowing, hinting at her fading identity. Whatever led her to Elden Ring, her name seems to have been lost to time.
What I find most exciting about this armor set is its L2 ability. Leontiel wields a greatsword, which doesn’t leave much room for a shield, but her L2 lets you use her cape like a bullfighter, adding flair to your attacks. Players have already showcased the full set’s potential against Malenia, Blade of Miquella.
Even better, if you haven’t yet defeated Radahn, her summon sign will appear alongside others, allowing you to call her for assistance in battle before you take her down and claim her sword and hat. All’s fair in love and war, right?
Keep in mind, if you’re having trouble locating Leontiel, you’ll need to have purchased the Tarnished Edition DLC if you don’t already own it. Players on Switch 2 will have Leontiel included automatically, as they’re already on the Tarnished Edition. Also, be aware that if you’ve reached the end of Elden Ring and made a choice that significantly alters Leyndell’s atmosphere (you know the one), you won’t be able to obtain the fourth and final armor set: the Broken Golden Mask set.
