ELDEN RING

Year 4 saw limited changes for ELDEN RING, with a focus on bug fixes. The most notable update on August 21, 2025, addressed various weapon affinity issues, ensuring a more reliable gameplay experience. Additionally, a security advisory was issued in December 2025, though it did not affect the main game.

• Weapon Affinity Fix: Fixed a bug that caused incorrect affinities or status ailments to be applied to certain weapons during specific actions on August 21, 2025.
• Block Bypass Exploit: Resolved an issue that allowed players to bypass block mechanics through unauthorized methods, also on August 21, 2025.
• Security Advisory: Released an update on December 16, 2025, to address a Unity security vulnerability that affected pre-order bonuses and the artwork & soundtrack application, with no impact on the main game.

Shadow of the Erdtree launched on June 21, 2024, marking a major expansion for ELDEN RING that introduced a new main story and the Realm of Shadow. This update not only added significant content but also included full Arabic language support and a new Map Functions Menu designed to enhance gameplay.

• New Content:
  • Spectral Steed summonable in Elden Beast fight: Players can now summon their spectral steed during the Elden Beast boss battle.
  • Five new hairstyles: Added options for character customization during creation and via the Clouded Mirror Stand.

• Balance Changes:
  • SOTE final boss rebalanced: Adjustments made to the final boss's attack patterns and damage output for improved fight dynamics.
  • Global first-heavy-attack speed buff: Increased attack speed for uncharged first heavy attacks across most weapon types.
  • Broad Spirit Ash stagger-resistance pass: Many spirit ashes received adjustments to reduce their stagger susceptibility.

• New Systems:
  • Colosseum consumable replenishment: Consumables used during Colosseum battles are now replenished after each session.
  • New item tracking and Recent Items tab: Newly obtained items are now marked, and a Recent Items tab was added to the inventory for easier management.

• Gameplay Adjustments:
  • PvP weapon class rebalance: Significant adjustments made to poise damage for various weapon types in PvP settings.

• Quality of Life Improvements:
  • Expanded keyboard/mouse settings for Steam users, including a lock-on change threshold setting.

Ray Tracing support launched on March 23, 2023, allowing players on PC, PS5, and Xbox Series X|S to enable enhanced graphics through the System > Graphics settings. This update marked a significant visual upgrade, alongside numerous balance changes aimed at improving the PvP experience.

• Balance Changes: A series of adjustments were made on July 27, 2023, enhancing PvP dynamics:
  • Increased poise damage across all weapons and certain spells in PvP.
  • Extended critical hit angles for more effective attacks.
  • Reduced invulnerability frames for Quick Step and Hound's Step skills.
  • Enhanced critical hit damage while lowering recovery time after missed hits.
  • Nerfed spells like Founding Rain of Stars and Wave of Gold in PvP scenarios.
  • Decreased effectiveness of skills such as Determination and Royal Knight's Resolve in PvP.
  • Introduced an invincibility window upon respawning in the Colosseum.
• Weapon Improvements: Various weapon classes received buffs, including:
  • Faster attack speeds and improved recovery for Great Hammers, Great Axes, Great Swords, and Curved Greatswords.
  • Flails gained enhanced attack speeds and reduced recovery times.
  • The Great Club was updated with Holy damage and Faith scaling.

The Colosseum PvP arenas launched on December 7, 2022, introducing new competitive gameplay options in ELDEN RING. Players can now engage in duels, free-for-all matches, and team battles in the Colosseums of Limgrave, Caelid, and Leyndell. Additionally, a separate PvP damage scaling system was implemented to balance gameplay between player-versus-player and player-versus-environment interactions.

• Major Content Drops:
  • Colosseum PvP arenas opened, featuring multiple match types.
  • Separate PvP damage scaling introduced for various combat mechanics.
  • ELDEN RING released on February 25, 2022, on Steam.

• New Gameplay Mechanics:
  • Added long-distance invasion and summoning, allowing players to engage from further away.
  • Introduced Bell Bearing unlocks that carry over into New Game Plus.
  • Camera auto-rotate toggle added for improved gameplay experience.

• Balance Changes:
  • A wide buff pass for sorceries and incantations improved many spells' effectiveness.
  • Colossal weapons received a buff, enhancing speed and damage output across the board.
  • Significant adjustments to Bloodhound Step and Quick Step reduced their effectiveness in PvP.

• Performance Improvements:
  • Fixed GPU utilization issues on PC, improving overall performance.
  • Resolved frame rate drops under specific conditions, enhancing gameplay fluidity.
  • Xbox Series X|S load time improvements were implemented to enhance the user experience.