FromSoftware Launches Elden Ring Patch 1.17 and Nintendo Switch 2 Port

FromSoftware has released Patch 1.17 for Elden Ring, delivering a sweeping set of balance changes and new content to support the game's expansion into the Nintendo Switch 2 ecosystem. The update serves as a critical bridge for the 2022 Game of the Year, ensuring the title is optimized for next-generation hardware while revitalizing the current combat meta.

Central to the update is the introduction of the 'Tarnished Pack' DLC. This content adds two new starting classes—the Idus Knight and the Heavy Knight—alongside three Spectral Steed Attire skins for Torrent. Players will also encounter new NPC invasion events specifically located within the regions of Caelid and Leyndell.

Combat Overhaul and Balance

The patch implements a broad shift in combat viability, specifically targeting underused tools. Perfume Bottles, including the Firespark, Lightning, Chilling, Frenzyflame, and Deadly Poison variants, have received significant attack power buffs. Defensive play has also been incentivized; various shields, such as the Lordsworn's, Briar Greatshield, and Spiked Palisade, now feature reduced weight and increased guard boosts.

Aggressive playstyles are further supported by improved parry performance. FromSoftware has reduced the recovery time for parries when using Small Shields, Curved Swords, and Daggers. However, some high-tier gear has been adjusted. Rakshasa's Great Katana received a PvP nerf that increases the damage the user takes while attacking and adds a delay to left-hand attacks. Additionally, the Gravitational Missile was modified so its projectile no longer explodes immediately upon hitting terrain, a change described as a utility improvement.

Strategic Implications

This update signals a concerted effort to diversify the combat meta for both PvE and PvP. By buffing shields and parry windows, FromSoftware is pushing players away from a few dominant builds and toward a more varied tactical approach. The timing of these changes is strategic, coinciding with the launch of 'Elden Ring: Tarnished Edition,' which is scheduled to arrive on the Nintendo Switch 2 on August 28, 2026.

The Road Ahead

While the Tarnished Edition expands the game's reach to a new audience, the scale of Patch 1.17 suggests a transition period for the developer. This is one of the largest updates in years, with the last comparable patch occurring in October 2024. There is speculation that this may be one of the final major updates for the title as FromSoftware shifts its internal resources toward new projects, including the rumored 'The Duskbloods.' For now, the community will be watching how the new classes and balance shifts alter the competitive landscape leading up to the August launch.