FromSoftware released Elden Ring patch 1.17 on August 27, a balance pass that landed hours before the Tarnished Pack DLC the same day, PCGamesN reported. Players need to download and apply the update to play online.
The patch also moves loot around. FromSoftware says it has "changed certain items found in the field or obtained by defeating certain powerful enemies in the Realm of Shadow to higher-tier items or other treasures." Items already collected are unaffected, so the change only shows up on fresh exploration in Shadow of the Erdtree.
Weapons and spells
Five offensive Perfume Bottle variants have had their attack power raised. Weapon-throwing attacks are stronger for the Smithscript Greathammer, Smithscript Axe, Smithscript Spear and Spear of the Impaler, while the Smithscript Dagger and Rellana's Twin Blades gain critical power and the Golem Fist's heavy attack gains range. Great Katanas, which were hitting large opponents for less than intended and could be parried during jumping attacks, have been fixed on both counts.
Spellcasters get increased power on Founding Rain of Stars, Carian Retaliation, Feather of the Divine Bird and Rain of Fire. Meteorite and Meteorite of Astel both cast faster, O, Flame! has a wider attack range, and Gravitational Missile no longer explodes immediately when it strikes terrain such as the ground or a wall. The Carian Sorcery Sword's Intelligence scaling now raises the attack power of all damage types, and a range of Greatshields and Towershields receive higher guard boost, with some also losing weight.
Parries and PvP
FromSoftware lists "improved parry performance" for the skills Parry, Storm Wall and Thops's Barrier without saying what that means in practice. Parry on Daggers, Curved Swords and Small Shields now lets players act again sooner afterwards, and Storm Wall's FP cost has been removed entirely.
The PvP-specific changes are all nerfs. Rakshasa's Great Katana now leaves its user taking more damage while attacking, Rugalea's Roar has been reduced in power, and players struck by Rotten Breath or Ekzykes's Decay recover their movement sooner than before.
The Tarnished Pack itself adds the Idus Knight and Heavy Knight as alternative starting classes, with their gear also findable across the world. It brings more weapons, three variants of Spectral Steed Attire and two extra NPC invasions, all of which require the DLC purchase to access. The pack went live on August 27 at 3pm PT / 6pm ET / 11pm BST, or midnight CEST on August 28.