Elden Ring's Promised Update with New Classes and Armor Will Finally Be Ours in August — But We Still Don't Know If It's Paid or Free
Bandai Namco has officially announced that the Elden Ring Switch 2 "Tarnished Edition" will launch on August 28. However, the most exciting part of the company's press release is the confirmation that the new content will also be available for the PC version on the same day. For fans of the game, this means that the promised updates won't be exclusive to the Switch 2, but will be accessible across multiple platforms.
The Tarnished Edition was originally intended to be a launch title for the Switch 2, but due to performance issues reported during preview events, it was delayed and pushed into 2026 without a clear release window. The delay also affected the availability of the Tarnished Edition patch on other platforms. However, now that the release date has been set, the community is finally getting what they've been waiting for.
Among the new content is the introduction of two starting classes: the Heavy Knight and the Knight of Ides. The Heavy Knight, reminiscent of Iron Tarkus, comes with new armor and a never-before-seen curved greatsword. Interestingly, this class does not include a shield, which has sparked discussions among players about its gameplay potential. The Heavy Knight's stat distribution is heavily focused on strength, making it a favorite for those who enjoy powergaming.
The Knight of Ides, on the other hand, is a class that starts with impressive armor and the M'lady light greatsword, a weapon that was previously a highly sought-after item from the Shadow of the Erdtree expansion. Many players are excited about this class, as it offers a powerful starting point for those looking to dive into a new playthrough.
The Tarnished Edition also includes new weapons and armor sets, such as Lucatiel of Mirrah's set from Dark Souls 2. Fans are hopeful that FromSoftware has more surprises in store, making this update even more valuable for long-time players.
The Big Question: Is This a Free Update or Paid DLC?
Despite the excitement, one question remains: Is the Tarnished Edition a free update or a paid DLC? PC Gamer's team of Elden Ring enthusiasts has long believed the former, but there are some concerning clues. In PC Gamer editor emeritus Rich Stanton's initial writeup of the Tarnished Edition, he noted some language that suggested the new content would be paid. However, he attributed this to possible translation errors.
Now, looking at the latest press release from Bandai Namco, the language is more explicit: "ELDEN RING Tarnished Edition is coming 28 August to Nintendo Switch 2, and the new content will also be available to purchase [emphasis mine] for PS4, PS5, XBOX One, XBOX Series X|S, and PC via Steam."
While it's possible that this wording refers to the sale of new copies of Elden Ring that include the Tarnished Edition content, it's a bit of a stretch. If the update is priced at just a few dollars, it may not be too bad. PC Gamer senior guides writer Sean Martin pointed out that a paid add-on might indicate a more substantial update, potentially including the "goodies in reserve" that fans are hoping for.
I've contacted Bandai Namco for clarification and will update this story if I receive a response. Until then, the community will be keeping a close eye on any further announcements.
What to Expect at The PC Gaming Show
The PC Gaming Show returns on Sunday, June 7, at 12 pm PDT. This event is a must-see for any Elden Ring fan or gaming enthusiast. Visit the show's Steam page to wishlist your most anticipated games and get more information on how to tune in for the big reveals.
