FromSoftware has released a significant update for Elden Ring, introducing a broad range of balance adjustments and new content. Patch 1.17, now available across PC, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S, marks one of the most substantial overhauls to the acclaimed action-RPG in years.
The update primarily focuses on gameplay balance, with a notable emphasis on buffs for various weapons, shields, and skills. Several perfume bottles, including Firespark, Lightning, Chilling, Frenzyflame, and Deadly Poison variants, have received increased attack power. Weapons such as the Smithscript Axe, Smithscript Spear, and Spear of the Impaler now offer reduced stamina consumption and increased power for their throwing attacks. Many greatshields, including the Lordsworn's Shield, Briar Greatshield, and Spiked Palisade Shield, have been enhanced with increased guard boost and reduced weight.
Parry mechanics have also seen improvements, with enhanced performance across the board. Specific actions performed after a successful parry, particularly when using Daggers, Curved Swords, and Small Shields, now have reduced recovery times. The Storm Wall skill has been adjusted to no longer consume FP, and Thops's Barrier also benefits from improved parry performance.
Conversely, some elements have received nerfs. The Gravitational Missile sorcery's projectile will no longer explode upon impact with terrain. The Rakshasa's Great Katana, a PvP-exclusive change, now increases damage taken by the user while attacking, and its damage dealt against other players during an attack has also been increased. Certain incantations like Rotten Breath and Ekzykes's Decay have had their hit reaction stun duration reduced for player characters.
Beyond balance changes, Patch 1.17 includes additional content intended to support the newly released "Tarnished Pack" DLC. This pack introduces two new starting classes: the Idus Knight and Heavy Knight. Players can also acquire new weapons and three types of Spectral Steed Attire for Torrent, the player's spectral steed, which can be found in various locations across the Lands Between. The update also adds NPC invasion events in Caelid and Leyndell, Royal Capital, though the latter will not occur after the area has transformed into the Ashen Capital.
The "Tarnished Pack" DLC is scheduled for release on August 28, 2026. The Elden Ring: Tarnished Edition for Nintendo Switch 2 will include this content by default. Players on PlayStation and Xbox platforms can expect the DLC to be available at 0:00 local time on August 28, while Steam users will receive it at 00:00 CEST on the same day. This update is mandatory for online play.
FromSoftware also addressed several bugs. These include fixes for critical hit power on Great Katanas against large enemies, parrying of jumping attacks with Great Katanas, and PC-specific issues related to mouse camera control during NPC dialogue and keyboard/mouse setting resets.