Major Elden Ring Update Encourages Players to Return

Elden Ring’s Tarnished Edition, which combines the base game with the fantastic Shadow of the Erdtree DLC and some exciting new features, is set to launch on Nintendo Switch 2 this week. Alongside this release, a significant patch will roll out across all platforms, introducing new weapons and armor available through the “Tarnished Pack” DLC.

The Tarnished Edition brings two new starting classes, fresh weapons that can be discovered or bought from merchants, and three new outfit options for the spectral steed, Torrent. Players can also expect new invasion events in Caelid and Leyndell, including a unique encounter with a devout, mostly naked foe wielding a flail. This DLC will be accessible on all platforms starting August 28, coinciding with the Switch 2’s launch.

Even players who opt not to purchase the new content will benefit from a comprehensive list of balance adjustments and updates. Notably, certain formidable enemies in the Realm of Shadow will now drop higher-tier items and treasures. Several weapons, such as Rellana’s Twin Blades and the Spear of the Impaler, have received buffs, while various shields now offer improved guard boosts and reduced weight. Fans of Perfume Bottles will be pleased to see increased attack power, making this item more viable. Additionally, several lesser-used sorceries and incantations have been enhanced. The only PvE nerf affects Rakshasa’s Great Katana, which now has a longer delay for right-hand attacks after using a left-hand weapon.

One of the most significant changes is the overall enhancement of parries, featuring “improved parry performance,” likely indicating a wider parry window or quicker activation. There are also a few PvP nerfs, including further adjustments to Rakshasa’s Great Katana and some incantations.

The reception for Elden Ring’s Tarnished Edition on Switch 2 has been largely positive, with reviewers praising its performance on the handheld. Initially slated for a 2025 release, the launch was pushed back to allow the team to refine the game’s performance following a challenging presentation at last year’s Gamescom.

The complete patch notes for Elden Ring version 1.17 are detailed below.

The following elements will be added upon purchase of the “Tarnished Pack” DLC.

Note: This content is included by default in Elden Ring Tarnished Edition for Nintendo Switch 2.

The “Tarnished Pack” release times are as follows:

Weapons

Skills

Sorceries

Incantations

Weapons

Incantations

Looks like the Lands Between are going to be just fine.