FromSoftware has delivered a surprise Elden Ring update, revealing the biggest changes its critically acclaimed action-RPG has gotten in years.

The developer caught fans off-guard with lengthy patch notes today, detailing a list of buffs (and a few nerfs) for different weapons and playstyles across the game. It's a major update that arrived as FromSoftware prepares for the launch of Elden Ring: Tarnished Edition for Nintendo Switch 2, as well as its accompanying DLC for other platforms.

What we have here is a laundry list of balance adjustments that get under the hood to tweak a variety of PvE and PvP tools. Based on the list of updates available on the Dark Souls developer's website, the last time we received patch notes of a similar length was back in October 2024, a few months after the Shadow of the Erdtree expansion released. That makes it not only one of the biggest updates the 2022 game-of-the-year winner has received in years, but what could be one of its final ones, too.

Generally, what Elden Ring players have to look forward to is a lot of buffs. The Firespark, Lightning, Chilling, Frenzyflame, and Deadly Poison Perfume Bottles, for example, got increased attack power across the board. The Smithscript Axe and Spear, as well as the Spear of the Impaler, also benefit from reduced stamina use and increased power for thrown attacks.

The August Elden Ring update also comes with increased guard boost and reduced weight for the Lordsworn's Shield, Briar Greatshield, Spiked Palisade Shield, and more.

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