Direct answer
Elden Ring Tarnished Pack is the new add-on content tied to Elden Ring Tarnished Edition. Bandai Namco says it releases August 28, 2026 for PlayStation, Xbox, and Steam, while the same content is included in Elden Ring Tarnished Edition on Nintendo Switch 2.
| Question | Current answer |
|---|---|
| DLC name | Elden Ring Tarnished Pack |
| Release date | August 28, 2026 |
| PlayStation and Xbox release time | 12:00 a.m. local time on August 28 |
| Steam release time listed by Bandai Namco | August 28 at 7:00 JST, 00:00 CEST, 15:00 PDT |
| Platforms for the add-on | PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X |
| Included by default in | Elden Ring Tarnished Edition on Nintendo Switch 2 |
| US Steam price checked | $4.99 |
| Japan price announced by FromSoftware | 550 yen including tax |
| Required update | Patch 1.17 for online play |
Use your platform store for the live buy button, regional price, download size, and refund terms. The main point: Switch 2 buyers get the new content inside Tarnished Edition; existing players on PlayStation, Xbox, and Steam buy Tarnished Pack separately.
What is confirmed
Bandai Namco, FromSoftware, and Steam confirm these points:
- Patch 1.17 supports Tarnished Pack and is required for online play.
- The add-on adds Idus Knight and Heavy Knight as starting classes.
- The equipment for those classes can also be obtained through merchants or world pickups.
- New weapons are added to the Lands Between.
- Three Spectral Steed Attire options change Torrent’s appearance.
- The Torrent skins are found in Stormveil Castle, Liurnia of the Lakes, and Altus Plateau.
- Two NPC invasion events are added, one in Caelid and one in Leyndell, Royal Capital.
- The Leyndell event will not occur after the area has changed to Leyndell, Ashen Capital.
- Patch 1.17 also includes balance adjustments, PvP-only changes, and bug fixes.
- Steam lists the add-on as downloadable content that requires the base Elden Ring game.
The useful question is not only whether the DLC is out. Players also need to know whether the content is included with Switch 2, whether the base game is required, and whether patch 1.17 changes older builds.
What is still unknown
Some details can vary by store or change after launch:
- Exact local price outside the listed regions.
- Whether all stores show the same unlock timing during rollout.
- Whether later hotfixes change item locations or balance.
- Whether Steam Deck behavior changes after patch 1.17.
- Whether physical Switch 2 packages and digital bundles have identical bonus wording in every region.
- Whether local storefronts require a separate download for the included Switch 2 content.
Check the official store page for your platform before buying or starting a new character.
What the Tarnished Pack adds
| Add-on item | What Bandai Namco says |
|---|---|
| Idus Knight | New starting class selectable during character creation |
| Heavy Knight | New starting class selectable during character creation |
| New weapons | Available from merchants or found in the Lands Between |
| Tree Sentinel Spectral Steed Attire | Found in Stormveil Castle |
| Silver of Caria Spectral Steed Attire | Found in Liurnia of the Lakes |
| Funereal Night Spectral Steed Attire | Found in Altus Plateau |
| NPC invasion event | Added in Caelid |
| NPC invasion event | Added in Leyndell, Royal Capital |
The new classes are not only for new saves. Bandai Namco says their equipment can also be obtained in the world, so existing characters should not need to restart just to access the gear.
For help reading future updates, see Game Patch Notes Explained. If a store page or online play fails during launch, use How to Check If a Website or App Is Down.
Patch 1.17 changes to check first
Patch 1.17 is not only a store unlock patch. Bandai Namco lists balance changes and bug fixes across weapons, skills, sorceries, incantations, PvP, and PC controls.
| Area | Example from the official patch notes |
|---|---|
| Field rewards | Some items in the Realm of Shadow changed to higher-tier items or other treasures |
| Weapons | Smithscript weapons, Rellana’s Twin Blades, shields, and other weapons were adjusted |
| Skills | Parry and related defensive skills were improved |
| Sorceries and incantations | Several spells received power or casting changes |
| PvP | Some hit reactions and damage interactions were adjusted only for player combat |
| PC fixes | Mouse camera control during NPC dialogue and keyboard/mouse reset behavior were fixed |
If you use a highly tuned build, read the full patch notes before assuming your old damage, stamina, or PvP timing still works.
Switch 2 versus other platforms
| Version | What you get |
|---|---|
| Elden Ring Tarnished Edition on Switch 2 | Base game, Shadow of the Erdtree, and Tarnished Pack content |
| Tarnished Pack on PS5, PS4, Xbox, or Steam | The new add-on content only; base Elden Ring is required |
| Existing Elden Ring without the pack | Patch 1.17 balance and fixes, but not the paid add-on content |
If you do not own Elden Ring, the Switch 2 edition is the cleaner bundle. If you already own the game on another platform, the separate add-on is the smaller purchase.
Buying checklist
Before buying:
- Confirm you own the base game on the same platform.
- Install patch 1.17 before trying online play.
- Check the platform store for local price and refund terms.
- Decide whether you want the new classes and Torrent skins now, or whether patch 1.17 alone is enough.
- Avoid unofficial download pages, modded installers, and key listings that do not come from a store you trust.
For broader install caution, see How to Check If an App Is Safe Before Installing It. For another recent launch guide with edition checks, see Star Wars Zero Company Release Date.
Official sources
Bandai Namco’s patch 1.17 notes confirm the August 28 release timing, add-on content, balance changes, bug fixes, targeted platforms, and online-play update requirement.
The official Elden Ring game page confirms Tarnished Edition for Nintendo Switch 2, platform support, included content, and the game rating details.
FromSoftware’s June 2026 release announcement confirms the August 28, 2026 Switch 2 launch and the separate Tarnished Pack sale for PlayStation, Xbox, and Steam.
The Steam page confirms the DLC listing, Steam price, base-game requirement, developer, release date, supported languages, and Windows requirements shown on Steam.
FAQ
When does Elden Ring Tarnished Pack release?
Elden Ring Tarnished Pack releases August 28, 2026. Bandai Namco lists PlayStation and Xbox at 12:00 a.m. local time, and Steam at August 28, 7:00 JST, 00:00 CEST, or 15:00 PDT.
Is Tarnished Pack included with Elden Ring Tarnished Edition?
Yes. Bandai Namco says the Tarnished Pack content is included by default in Elden Ring Tarnished Edition for Nintendo Switch 2.
Do I need the base Elden Ring game for Tarnished Pack?
Yes. Steam lists Tarnished Pack as downloadable content that requires the base Elden Ring game.
What new classes are in Tarnished Pack?
The new starting classes are Idus Knight and Heavy Knight. Bandai Namco says their equipment can also be found or bought in the Lands Between.
What does patch 1.17 do?
Patch 1.17 adds support for Tarnished Pack, makes balance adjustments, fixes bugs, and is required for online play after updating.
Is Tarnished Pack free?
No. Steam lists the US price as $4.99, and FromSoftware announced a Japan price of 550 yen including tax. Prices can vary by region and store.