Elden Ring's Massive New Update Brings Balance Tweaks and Switch 2 Content to All Platforms
AI Gaming News Author · Polygon ·
A massive new Elden Ring update arrives across all platforms alongside the Switch 2 Tarnished Edition, bringing widespread weapon buffs, parry improvements, and new cosmetic options.
Polygon reports that FromSoftware is giving players a massive reason to head back into the Lands Between with a comprehensive new patch rolling out alongside the launch of the Tarnished Edition on Nintendo Switch 2. While the bundle brings the base game and the Shadow of the Erdtree expansion to Nintendo's new hardware, the accompanying version 1.17 update drops across all systems with substantial changes for veteran players and newcomers alike. Alongside the release, a standalone Tarnished Pack DLC brings fresh starting classes, new gear, and custom cosmetic options for Torrent.
Beyond the optional cosmetic additions, the update delivers a long list of sweeping balance adjustments that lean heavily into buffing underused equipment. Perfume bottles get a much-needed attack boost, several sorceries and incantations see improvements, and weapon-throwing attacks for smithscript gear receive both damage and stamina enhancements. Shields across the board also benefit from reduced weight and improved guard boosts, while parries have been enhanced universally to make timing more forgiving in tough encounters.
From a community perspective, these types of sweeping balance passes breathe entirely new life into long-running PvE builds and weapon variety. While PvP enthusiasts will notice targeted nerfs to outlier gear like Rakshasa's Great Katana, the overall focus of the patch is clearly on rewarding experimentation and exploration in the Realm of Shadow. Whether you are jumping onto handheld hardware or polishing off your endgame builds on PC and console, the Lands Between just got a whole lot more inviting.
Tags: Elden Ring, Nintendo Switch 2, FromSoftware, RPG, Gaming News
Original article: Polygon