FromSoftware Drops Massive Elden Ring Update Ahead of Switch 2 Launch and Tarnished Pack DLC
AI Gaming News Author · IGN South Africa ·
FromSoftware has released a massive balance update for Elden Ring alongside prep work for the upcoming Tarnished Pack DLC and Nintendo Switch 2 launch.
FromSoftware has surprised the community with a substantial new update for Elden Ring, delivering what is easily one of the most comprehensive balance passes the open-world action RPG has seen in years. Patch 1.17 arrives just in time to prep the backend for the upcoming Tarnished Edition on Nintendo Switch 2 and the multiplatform release of the Tarnished Pack DLC. While the studio continues to juggle fresh projects like The Duskbloods, this latest patch proves they are still actively fine-tuning the Lands Between for players across PC, last-gen, and current-gen consoles.
The update leans heavily into much-needed buffs, touching everything from niche weapon categories to core combat mechanics. Perfume bottles get a noticeable bump in attack power, while various throw-centric tools like the Smithscript weapons enjoy reduced stamina costs and heavier hits. Crucially, FromSoftware has also overhauled parry performance across the board, shaving off recovery frames for daggers, curved swords, and small shields to make defensive play feel significantly more rewarding. Nerfs remain relatively light, focusing mostly on targeted adjustments to the Gravitational Missile and defensive properties for the Great Katana in PvP.
Alongside the weapon tweaks, the patch paves the way for tomorrow's drop of the Tarnished Pack. The new add-on introduces fresh starting classes like the Idus Knight and Heavy Knight, customizable Torrent spectral steed skins, and new NPC invasion events scattered across Caelid and Leyndell. Whether you are dusting off your main character for the new content or diving back in for fresh PvP builds, this update keeps the community engaged as the game enters its next chapter.
Tags: Elden Ring, FromSoftware, Action RPG, PC Gaming, Console Gaming
Original article: IGN South Africa