Elden Ring's Latest Patch Brings Major Balance Overhaul and New Content

FromSoftware has dropped a surprise Elden Ring update, marking the most significant changes to the acclaimed action-RPG in years. The developer surprised fans with extensive patch notes today, outlining a series of buffs and a few nerfs across various weapons and playstyles. This major update arrives as FromSoftware gears up for the launch of Elden Ring: Tarnished Edition on Nintendo Switch 2, along with its accompanying DLC for other platforms.

The update includes a comprehensive list of balance adjustments that fine-tune a variety of PvE and PvP tools. According to the patch notes on the developer's website, the last similarly extensive update was in October 2024, a few months after the Shadow of the Erdtree expansion. This makes it one of the biggest updates for the 2022 Game of the Year winner in years, and possibly one of its final ones.

Players can expect a wealth of buffs. For instance, the Firespark, Lightning, Chilling, Frenzyflame, and Deadly Poison Perfume Bottles have seen increased attack power across the board. The Smithscript Axe and Spear, as well as the Spear of the Impaler, now benefit from reduced stamina consumption and enhanced power for thrown attacks.

The August update also boosts guard and reduces weight for several shields, including the Lordsworn's Shield, Briar Greatshield, and Spiked Palisade Shield. Others like the Wooden Greatshield, Cuckoo Greatshield, Redmane Greatshield, and Crucible Hornshield have also received increased guard boost.

One notable change affects parrying, a beloved FromSoftware mechanic. Players will notice improved parry performance overall, with reduced recovery time for actions following a parry when using Daggers, Curved Swords, and Small Shields.

On the nerf side, the Gravitational Missile and Great Katana have been adjusted. The Gravitational Missile's projectile no longer explodes on terrain impact, while the Great Katana now takes increased damage when hit by other players during an attack. The update also fixes bugs related to the Great Katana and several PC-exclusive glitches.

Even at four years old, Elden Ring continues to thrive. However, FromSoftware is busy with other projects, like The Duskbloods, a potential Switch 2 exclusive that could rival their other multiplayer titles based on initial reactions to its network test.

Elden Ring: Tarnished Edition launches tomorrow, August 28, for Switch 2, including all today's updates. The Tarnished Pack DLC, featuring the Heavy Knight and Idus Knight starting classes, three Torrent skins, and four new armor sets, will also release for other platforms tomorrow.

Today's update is available now on PC, PlayStation 4, PS5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S. Check out the full patch notes below. For more, you can read about the Elden Ring movie, which wrapped filming in July, and the social media post that sparked hopes for more Lands Between content.