Summary
The Lands Between is getting another reason to welcome back the Tarnished. Elden Ring Patch 1.17 has arrived ahead of the August 28, 2026 release of the Tarnished Pack, adding new character options, weapons, Torrent customization, NPC encounters, and a wide range of balance changes. You can also buy Elden Ring Runes to prepare for the new content.
Tarnished Pack Adds New Content
The headline addition is the new Tarnished Pack DLC, which is also included with Elden Ring Tarnished Edition on Nintendo Switch 2. Players can now choose two new starting classes: Idus Knight and Heavy Knight. Their equipment can also be acquired later through merchants or exploration, so existing characters are not completely locked out of the new gear.
The update also introduces new weapons and three Spectral Steed Attires for Torrent. The Tree Sentinel, Silver of Caria, and Funereal Night designs can be discovered in different regions, after which players can change Torrent's appearance through a Site of Grace.
Two new NPC invasion events have also been added, one in Caelid and another in Leyndell, Royal Capital. However, the Leyndell encounter becomes unavailable once the area transforms into Leyndell, Ashen Capital.
Patch 1.17 Balance Changes
Patch 1.17 is more than DLC preparation. Several weapons receive meaningful improvements, including stronger Smithscript weapons, increased critical power for the Smithscript Dagger and Rellana's Twin Blades, and better scaling for the Carian Sorcery Sword. With more build options to explore, having enough Elden Ring Runes can also help players upgrade weapons and stats for the latest changes.
Parry-focused builds also receive attention. Parry, Storm Wall, and Thops's Barrier get performance improvements, while Storm Wall no longer consumes FP. Several sorceries, including Meteorite and Meteorite of Astel, now have faster casting times. Perfume Bottles and several incantations have also received power buffs.
PvP and Bug Fixes
PvP has a few targeted adjustments. Rakshasa's Great Katana now leaves its user more vulnerable during attacks, while Rugalea's Roar has reduced power against players. Rotten Breath and Ekzykes's Decay also produce shorter hit-reaction lockouts.
The patch fixes several Great Katana issues, including unexpected damage against large enemies and jumping attacks being parried. PC players also receive fixes for mouse camera control during NPC dialogue and keyboard/mouse settings resets.
Final Verdict
Patch 1.17 is a substantial refresh rather than a massive expansion. The Tarnished Pack adds fresh customization and starting options, while the balance changes create new opportunities for experimenting with builds. For returning players, August 28 is an excellent excuse to step back into the Lands Between and see what has changed.
