Summary
This article breaks down Elden Ring's Patch 1.17, which prepares the game for the August 28 Tarnished Pack DLC with two new starting classes, extra weapons, Torrent cosmetics and new NPC invasions. It also covers broad-ranging weapon, sorcery, incantation and PvP balance tweaks alongside multiple bug fixes. Players need Elden Ring Runes to level and upgrade gear, and some gamers buy Elden Ring Runes to skip tedious farming and quickly test out the patch's fresh build possibilities.
FromSoftware and Bandai Namco have released Patch 1.17 for Elden Ring. The update prepares the game for the Tarnished Pack DLC while delivering a series of gameplay balance adjustments, weapon tweaks, skill improvements, and bug fixes. Players on PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, and Steam should install the patch before continuing their journey through the Lands Between.
The update is required for online play. After installation, the title screen will display App Ver. 1.17 and Regulation Ver. 1.17.
Tarnished Pack Additional Content
The primary focus of Patch 1.17 is support for the Tarnished Pack DLC, which launches on Friday, August 28, 2026. This pack introduces new starting classes, weapons, cosmetic options for Torrent, and additional NPC invasion events.
Two new starting classes become available during character creation: the Idus Knight and the Heavy Knight. These classes offer fresh builds for both new and returning Tarnished. Their unique equipment can also be purchased from merchants or discovered while exploring the world, giving players flexibility even if they do not begin with the new classes.
The pack adds several weapons that can be bought from merchants or found across the Lands Between. These additions expand the arsenal available for both melee and hybrid playstyles.
Three new Spectral Steed Attires allow players to change Torrent's appearance. The Tree Sentinel Spectral Steed Attire is located in Stormveil Castle. The Silver of Caria Spectral Steed Attire can be found in Liurnia of the Lakes. The Funereal Night Spectral Steed Attire awaits in the Altus Plateau. Once any of these attires is obtained, a new option appears in the Site of Grace menu for changing the spectral steed's look.
Two new NPC invasion events have also been added. One takes place in Caelid, while the other occurs in Leyndell, Royal Capital. The Leyndell event will not trigger after the area transforms into Leyndell, Ashen Capital.
Note that this content is included by default in the Elden Ring Tarnished Edition for Nintendo Switch 2. Release times for the Tarnished Pack vary by platform. On PlayStation and Xbox it becomes available at 0:00 local time on August 28. On Steam the release is set for 7:00 JST, which corresponds to 00:00 CEST and 15:00 PDT.
Balance Adjustments Across Weapons and Combat
Beyond the new DLC content, Patch 1.17 introduces meaningful balance changes designed to refine combat feel and address long-standing feedback.
Certain items found in the field or dropped by powerful enemies in the Realm of Shadow have been upgraded to higher-tier versions or replaced with different treasures. Items already collected will remain unchanged.
Weapon adjustments focus on improving usability and power for several options. The Smithscript Dagger and Rellana's Twin Blades received increased critical hit power. The Smithscript Axe, Smithscript Spear, and Spear of the Impaler now consume less stamina on throwing attacks while dealing more damage. The Carian Sorcery Sword's Intelligence scaling now boosts all damage types rather than limiting the benefit. The Smithscript Greathammer gained higher throwing attack power, and the Golem Fist's fist-launching heavy attack has an extended range.
Perfume bottles across the board saw attack power increases. This includes the Firespark, Lightning, Chilling, Frenzyflame, and Deadly Poison variants. Multiple greatshields received higher guard boost values, with several also becoming lighter. Notable examples include the Lordsworn's Shield, Briar Greatshield, Spiked Palisade Shield, and many others. The Haligtree Crest Greatshield had its weight reduced, while the Rakshasa's Great Katana now has a longer recovery period before a right-hand attack can follow a left-hand swing.
These changes encourage players to experiment with previously underused weapons. Collecting enough Elden Ring Runes remains essential for upgrading these improved tools and investing in the attributes that maximize their potential.
Skill, Sorcery, and Incantation Improvements
Skills received targeted refinements. The Parry skill now performs better overall, and the recovery time after activation is shorter when used with daggers, curved swords, or small shields. Storm Wall no longer consumes FP and also benefits from improved parry performance. Thops's Barrier received a similar parry performance boost.
Sorceries saw power and usability upgrades. Founding Rain of Stars and Carian Retaliation both gained increased power. Meteorite and Meteorite of Astel feature reduced casting times. Gravitational Missile was adjusted so the projectile no longer explodes immediately upon hitting terrain.
Incantations were not overlooked. Feather of the Divine Bird and Rain of Fire received power increases, while O, Flame! now covers a wider attack range.
PvP-Exclusive Adjustments and Bug Fixes
In player-versus-player scenarios, additional balance changes apply. The Rakshasa's Great Katana now causes the user to take more damage from other players while attacking. Rugalea's Roar deals reduced power against other players. Rotten Breath and Ekzykes's Decay inflict shorter periods of immobility on hit opponents.
Bug fixes round out the patch. Critical hits performed with Great Katana weapon types now deal the expected power against large enemies. Jumping attacks with Great Katanas can no longer be parried. On PC, two keyboard-and-mouse issues were resolved: camera control during NPC dialogue now functions correctly, and the reset option in Keyboard/Mouse Settings properly restores defaults.
Looking Ahead for Tarnished Across the Lands Between
Patch 1.17 strengthens Elden Ring's foundation just as the Tarnished Pack arrives. The new classes and weapons give players more ways to approach the challenging world, while the balance changes make a wider range of builds viable. Cosmetic options for Torrent add a welcome touch of personalization.
Whether you are starting a new character with the Idus Knight or Heavy Knight, testing the upgraded perfume bottles, or refining your parry timing, the update offers fresh reasons to return to the Lands Between. Gathering Elden Ring Runes to upgrade new gear and level up remains a core part of progression for many players. Some may choose to buy Elden Ring Runes through legitimate in-game means or official channels when available, though the primary path continues to be exploration, combat, and careful resource management.
FromSoftware continues to support Elden Ring years after launch. The combination of new content and careful tuning shows an ongoing commitment to the community. Apply the patch, explore the new offerings, and prepare for the challenges that await. The Lands Between are ready for the next wave of Tarnished.
