Elden Ring Tarnished DLC Pack Release Date Set for August 2026

Elden Ring, the acclaimed action RPG developed by FromSoftware and published by Bandai Namco Entertainment, is receiving a new content update titled the Tarnished DLC pack, launching on August 28, 2026. This release coincides with the arrival of the game on the Nintendo Switch 2, where it will be available as the Tarnished Edition. Players on PlayStation 5, PS4, and the new Nintendo hardware will gain access to these additions, which also supplement the experience provided by the Shadow of the Erdtree expansion.

Understanding the Elden Ring Tarnished DLC Pack

The Tarnished DLC pack represents a targeted addition to the existing Elden Ring ecosystem. While the base game, originally released on February 25, 2022, holds a 95 rating on Metacritic, this 2026 update aims to provide players with fresh character options and cosmetic variety. FromSoftware has confirmed that the update is a paid purchase, ensuring that the new assets are integrated into the existing progression systems for those who choose to acquire them.

For owners of the PlayStation 5 and PS4 versions, the update functions as a downloadable add-on. The inclusion of these items across both legacy and current-gen consoles ensures that the player base remains unified regardless of the specific hardware being utilized. As we have monitored in our FromSoftware coverage, the studio continues to support the title long after its initial launch, maintaining interest in the Lands Between.

New Classes and Customization Options

A primary draw of this update is the introduction of two new character classes: the Heavy Knight and the Knight of Ides. These classes are designed to offer distinct starting points for players, potentially shifting the early-game meta for those starting new playthroughs. Alongside these classes, the pack includes four new armor sets, providing more variety for character builds and visual identity.

In addition to character-focused content, the mount system is receiving an update. Players will gain access to new customization items for Torrent, the spectral steed. These cosmetic options allow for a greater degree of personalization for the player's primary mode of traversal. These additions, as detailed in our Elden Ring news hub, reflect the developer's ongoing commitment to expanding the customization possibilities within the game.

Pricing and Platform Availability

FromSoftware has established a clear pricing structure for the Tarnished DLC pack. The official press release notes a cost of 550 yen. When converted to USD, this amounts to approximately $3.44. Based on this, users should anticipate a retail price point of no more than $5 in Western markets. This pricing strategy positions the content as an accessible add-on for the existing player base.

The launch of the Tarnished Edition on the Nintendo Switch 2 marks a significant milestone for the title, bringing the full Elden Ring experience—including the Shadow of the Erdtree expansion—to a new portable platform. The cross-platform nature of the Tarnished DLC pack ensures that the specific additions, such as the new classes and armor, are available to the entire community, regardless of whether they are playing on the PS5 Pro, standard PlayStation 5, PS4, or the Nintendo Switch 2.

Impact on the Elden Ring Meta

The introduction of the Heavy Knight and Knight of Ides classes is expected to influence how players approach character creation. By offering new base stats and starting equipment, these classes may provide new avenues for specialized builds. Players who enjoy experimenting with different loadouts will find the four new armor sets particularly useful for optimizing their damage mitigation and poise stats, which remain central to the game's combat mechanics.

Furthermore, the customization of Torrent provides a minor but noticeable change to the traversal experience. While these items are primarily cosmetic, they serve as a way for players to distinguish their characters further within the game's cooperative and competitive multiplayer environments. We will continue to track how these additions are received by the community once the update goes live on August 28, 2026.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the release date for the Elden Ring Tarnished DLC pack?

The Elden Ring Tarnished DLC pack is scheduled to launch on August 28, 2026.

How much does the Elden Ring Tarnished DLC pack cost?

The content is priced at 550 yen, which equates to approximately $3.44, and is expected to cost no more than $5 in other regions.

What new features are included in the Elden Ring Tarnished DLC pack?

The pack includes two new classes, the Heavy Knight and the Knight of Ides, four new armor sets, and additional customization options for the mount, Torrent.