Elden Ring Patch 1.17 introduces new content for the upcoming Tarnished Pack DLC, alongside a broad set of combat balance adjustments and bug fixes. The update covers new starting classes, additional weapons, Torrent customization, and changes to weapons, spells, shields, and skills. For players planning their next build or managing their Elden Ring Rune reserves, the main thing to watch is how these adjustments affect combat options rather than simply counting the number of changes. Bandai Namco's official Patch 1.17 notes provide the complete list of changes.
Our team recommends looking at the update in three parts: the content available through Tarnished Pack, the equipment and abilities receiving balance changes, and the fixes that improve everyday gameplay. The distinction matters because some additions require purchasing the DLC, while many combat adjustments affect the existing game. Patch 1.17 is also required for online play, so players should install the update before joining friends or returning to multiplayer activities.
Tarnished Pack Adds New Classes and Customization
The Tarnished Pack DLC introduces two starting classes: Idus Knight and Heavy Knight. Both can be selected during character creation, giving new characters additional starting options. Players do not necessarily need to begin a fresh run to obtain their equipment, however, because the gear associated with these classes can also be purchased from merchants or found throughout the Lands Between.
The DLC also adds weapons available through merchants or exploration, along with three Spectral Steed Attire options that change Torrent's appearance.
| New content | Location or availability |
|---|---|
| Idus Knight and Heavy Knight | Selectable during character creation |
| Additional weapons | Merchants or locations in the Lands Between |
| Tree Sentinel Spectral Steed Attire | Stormveil Castle |
| Silver of Caria Spectral Steed Attire | Liurnia of the Lakes |
| Funereal Night Spectral Steed Attire | Altus Plateau |
| NPC invasion events | Caelid and Leyndell, Royal Capital |
After obtaining any Spectral Steed Attire, players can change Torrent's appearance through the Site of Grace menu. The Leyndell invasion event has an important limitation: it will not occur after the area becomes Leyndell, Ashen Capital. Players who want to experience that encounter should keep their progression state in mind.
The Tarnished Pack is scheduled for August 28, 2026. PlayStation and Xbox releases are listed for midnight local time, while the Steam release is listed for 7:00 JST, 00:00 CEST, and 15:00 PDT. The content is included by default in Elden Ring Tarnished Edition for Nintendo Switch 2. Bandai Namco's Tarnished Pack guide also explains the availability of the additional content across platforms.
Weapon and Shield Changes Worth Watching
Patch 1.17 adjusts several weapon categories, with improvements focused on critical hits, throwing attacks, guard performance, and selected attack properties. These changes do not establish a completely new combat meta on their own, but they give players more reasons to revisit equipment they may have previously overlooked.
| Equipment | Main adjustment | What players should consider |
|---|---|---|
| Smithscript Dagger and Rellana's Twin Blades | Increased critical hit power | Reassess their role in setups that create critical-hit opportunities |
| Smithscript Axe, Smithscript Spear, and Spear of the Impaler | Lower stamina consumption and increased throwing-attack power | Test throwing attacks as part of a more flexible combat rotation |
| Smithscript Greathammer | Increased throwing-attack power | Revisit ranged pressure options within its intended playstyle |
| Carian Sorcery Sword | Intelligence scaling now increases attack power across all damage types | Review the weapon's value in Intelligence-focused builds |
| Golem Fist | Increased range of the fist-launching heavy attack | Pay attention to spacing when using the heavy attack |
| Five Perfume Bottles | Increased attack power | Reevaluate their place in existing equipment setups |
Shield users also receive several improvements. A broad group of shields gains Guard Boost and reduced weight, while another group receives higher Guard Boost without a listed weight reduction. The Haligtree Crest Greatshield specifically receives a weight reduction.
These adjustments are worth reviewing when balancing defense against equipment load. Higher Guard Boost can make blocking more attractive, while lower weight may give some builds additional flexibility. However, the patch notes do not provide exact numerical changes, so we would avoid declaring any single shield or weapon the new best choice without further testing.
One other change concerns Rakshasa's Great Katana: the time before a right-hand weapon attack can be performed after attacking with the katana in the left hand has been increased. This affects attack sequencing and is separate from the weapon's PvP-specific damage adjustment.
Skills, Sorceries, and Incantations
Several defensive skills and magical abilities receive improvements in this update. For players who rely on parries, gravity magic, or specific incantations, these changes are among the most relevant parts of Patch 1.17.
| Category | Changes |
|---|---|
| Parry | Improved performance; shorter recovery before various actions when used with Daggers, Curved Swords, or Small Shields |
| Storm Wall | No longer consumes FP and has improved parry performance |
| Thops's Barrier | Improved parry performance |
| Founding Rain of Stars and Carian Retaliation | Increased power |
| Meteorite and Meteorite of Astel | Reduced casting time |
| Gravitational Missile | Gravity projectile no longer explodes immediately when striking terrain |
| Feather of the Divine Bird and Rain of Fire | Increased power |
| O, Flame! | Expanded attack range |
The most interesting changes are those that affect how an ability fits into a fight. Reduced casting time can make a spell easier to use when timing matters, while improved parry performance gives players a reason to revisit defensive setups. Storm Wall's removal of FP consumption also changes how players can budget that resource while using the skill.
Gravitational Missile receives a behavioral adjustment rather than a simple power increase. Its projectile no longer explodes immediately when it hits terrain such as the ground or a wall. Players should test how this affects their preferred casting positions instead of assuming the change guarantees more hits.
For returning players, the practical approach is to test these abilities against familiar enemies before rebuilding an entire character around the patch. The notes identify the direction of each change, but they do not establish exact damage gains or guarantee that every adjusted ability will outperform its alternatives.
PvP Adjustments and Bug Fixes
Patch 1.17 includes separate balance changes for player-versus-player combat. Rakshasa's Great Katana now causes its user to take more damage from other players while attacking. Rugalea's Roar deals reduced damage against other players, while Rotten Breath and Ekzykes's Decay reduce the duration of hit reactions that prevent other player characters from moving.
These adjustments are specific to PvP where stated. Players should not automatically apply them to ordinary PvE encounters, where the same abilities may behave differently.
The update also fixes two Great Katana issues: critical hits against large enemies previously dealt less damage than expected, and jumping attacks with Great Katana weapon types could be parried. On PC, the patch fixes mouse camera control during NPC dialogue and restores the expected behavior of the reset option in Keyboard/Mouse Settings.
For players comparing builds or deciding whether to buy Elden Ring Items for a new setup, we recommend checking the updated behavior of your existing equipment first. A change to critical-hit performance, defensive timing, or stamina use may affect how a build feels without requiring an immediate replacement of its core gear.
For most players, the best next step is to test the changes that directly affect their current equipment before making major adjustments to their build.
Summary: What Players Should Do After Updating
Elden Ring Patch 1.17 combines Tarnished Pack content with a substantial set of combat adjustments and technical fixes. The new classes, weapons, Torrent appearances, and invasion events provide additional content for players interested in exploring the Lands Between, while the balance changes give existing builds several areas worth revisiting.
Our team's suggested checklist is straightforward:
- Install Patch 1.17 before attempting online play.
- Check whether you own Tarnished Pack before looking for its additional content.
- Revisit throwing weapons, shields, parry skills, and the adjusted spells relevant to your build.
- Complete the Leyndell invasion event before the area changes to Leyndell, Ashen Capital if you want to experience it.
- Test PvP changes separately from your usual PvE setup.
The version numbers displayed on the title screen after updating should be App Ver. 1.17 and Regulation Ver. 1.17. For most players, the best next step is to test the changes that directly affect their current equipment before making major adjustments to their build.
FAQ
Is Tarnished Pack required to receive every Patch 1.17 change?
No. The patch notes distinguish Tarnished Pack additions from the broader balance adjustments and bug fixes. The new classes, weapons, Spectral Steed Attire, and invasion events are DLC content, while the listed gameplay adjustments are presented separately.
Where can I change Torrent's appearance?
After obtaining a Spectral Steed Attire, open the Site of Grace menu and use the added option to change the spectral steed's appearance.
Does Patch 1.17 change PvP and PvE in the same way?
Not necessarily. The patch explicitly labels certain adjustments as PvP-exclusive. Those changes should be distinguished from the general weapon, skill, spell, and incantation adjustments.
Is Patch 1.17 required for online play?
Yes. The update notes state that Patch 1.17 is required for online play. Install the latest update before attempting to connect to other players.
