FromSoftware has officially unveiled Elden Ring: Tarnished Edition, a new and expanded version of its critically acclaimed action RPG. While its reveal was initially tied to the announcement of the Nintendo Switch 2, this edition is not exclusive to the upcoming handheld console hybrid. It will also be coming to PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC. The Tarnished Edition offers a significant content update and combines existing expansions with brand-new features, items, and potential story developments.

Here's a full breakdown of what players can expect from Elden Ring: Tarnished Edition, including its release window, new armor sets, weapons, Torrent customization options, and even some intriguing community-created content that mirrors the official release.

Release Date and Platform Availability

Elden Ring: Tarnished Edition is scheduled for release in 2025, which aligns with the launch of the Nintendo Switch 2. Although it debuted during the Nintendo Direct focused on the new console, the Tarnished Edition is not exclusive to that platform. Players on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC will also be able to access the full suite of content included in this release.

For those who already own the base game on existing platforms, a Tarnished Pack DLC will be made available as a separate purchase. This ensures that veteran players won't need to rebuy the full game to enjoy the new content. However, pricing for the Tarnished Edition and the Tarnished Pack has not yet been confirmed.

What's Included in the Tarnished Edition?

This edition isn't just a repackaging of existing content. It includes the base game, the Shadow of the Erdtree expansion released in June 2024, and several new features:

• Four brand-new armor sets

• Additional weapons inspired by the Dark Souls series

• Three customization options for Torrent, your spectral steed

• Quality-of-life enhancements

• Potential lore expansions

FromSoftware has signaled that this edition will expand both the aesthetic and mechanical possibilities in Elden Ring, potentially tying in characters and themes from past Soulsborne games.

New Armor Sets

Four new armor sets are being introduced in this edition, and at least three of them are directly inspired by previous Dark Souls characters.

1. Lucatiel of Mirrah's Armor

Fans of Dark Souls II will instantly recognize this set. Lucatiel, a tragic and mysterious NPC from that game, wore a distinctive outfit that included a mask and a broad hat. In Elden Ring: Tarnished Edition, her armor has been faithfully recreated, though it features some minor modifications such as the absence of her waist sash. Its inclusion—alongside her name in the item description—hints at more than just a visual callback.

2. Henri and Horace-Inspired Armor

The second and third sets resemble the gear of Henri of Astora and Horace the Hushed, both NPCs from Dark Souls III. These armor sets don't appear to be direct copies but maintain the essence of the characters' designs. Their inclusion could suggest a thematic link or even influence over potential new starting classes, based on details seen in preview footage.

3. Unrevealed Armor Set

The fourth armor set has yet to be officially revealed. Speculation within the community suggests it could be inspired by the Dark Souls I universe—possibly the Armor of Favor or another iconic design from the original game.

New Weapons and Combat Enhancements

Three new weapons have been spotted in the announcement trailer and screenshots, each bringing unique movesets and possibilities.

• Mirror Greatsword

This weapon appears to be a nod to Lucatiel's weapon from Dark Souls II. It resembles the original design more than the Hollow Slayer Greatsword from Dark Souls III and comes with a unique Ash of War that alters its moveset, possibly adding reflective or parry mechanics.

• Heavy Curved Sword

Seen wielded by a heavily armored character, this sword uses a spinning slash ability. It might cater to players who favor brute-force weapons and area-clearing strikes.

• Cloth or Cape Weapon

One of the more mysterious additions is a weapon that resembles a flowing cape or cloth. It's not yet clear if it's a melee weapon, a magical focus, or something entirely new. It could fall into categories like whips, staves, or even a hybrid casting/melee tool.

These new weapons are expected to come with original Ashes of War and potentially open up new build paths for players who enjoy fine-tuning their playstyle.

Torrent Customization Options

One of the most requested features among Elden Ring fans has been more customization for Torrent. The Tarnished Edition delivers, adding three new appearances for your spectral mount.

1. Carian-Themed Armor

This skin reflects the sigils and royal aesthetics of the Carian family, possibly tied to Ranni's legacy and the Moonlight lineage.

2. Knight's Cavalry Look

Inspired by the imposing Black Knight enemies, this rugged and battle-worn design evokes the feel of grim medieval warfare.

3. Unrevealed Style

The third Torrent skin hasn't been shown yet, but community speculation suggests it might be themed after another major region, such as Nokron, Leyndell, or the Haligtree.

These cosmetic changes may go beyond simple appearances. Lore theorists are already questioning whether Torrent's new outfits could hint at a deeper role in the divine hierarchy of the Lands Between.

Lore Implications and Dark Souls Crossover Theories

The return of characters and gear from the Dark Souls universe has reignited discussions about shared timelines, multiverse theories, and deeper connections between FromSoftware's titles.

Several theories have emerged:

• Parallel Universes Colliding

Some believe that the new timeline introduced in Shadow of the Erdtree—and teased further in Tarnished Edition—may open up dimensional rifts that blend the Dark Souls and Elden Ring worlds.

• Lore Homage Without Canonical Ties

Others argue the crossover content is simply fan service, meant to honor long-time players without making definitive lore changes.

• Possible Retcons or Timeline Merging

A more radical theory suggests that Elden Ring may eventually be framed as either a distant past or future in the same universe as Dark Souls, allowing for retconned connections.

Regardless of which theory proves true, the presence of named characters and iconic items from the Souls series makes this more than just a cosmetic update—it's a deliberate move that invites deeper interpretation.

Community-Made Tarnished Edition Mod

Before the official Tarnished Edition was even announced, a fan-made mod by the same name began to attract attention in the modding community. While this unofficial version has no direct ties to FromSoftware, it added entirely new class archetypes to the game that significantly changed the way players could experience the world.

Three notable new classes from the mod include:

• Vampire

A melee-centric class that drains life from enemies during combat. Its power increases the longer the player remains in battle.

• Summoner

Focuses on spirit-based combat, granting control over multiple summoned allies and introducing layered strategic depth.

• Warden

A nature-focused protector with abilities tied to terrain manipulation and area denial.

This community project demonstrates just how passionate and creative the Elden Ring fanbase has become. Some players have even called for FromSoftware to officially recognize and collaborate with modders in the future, similar to how Bethesda has handled the Skyrim modding scene.

The existence of such a high-quality mod—and the coincidence of it sharing the same name as the official release—has led to interesting conversations about whether future FromSoftware games should include native mod support or offer mod-curation platforms.

Bosses, Questlines, and Unconfirmed Areas

While FromSoftware has not officially confirmed new bosses or areas for Tarnished Edition, certain visuals from the trailer hint at expanded zones. Screenshots depict revamped versions of locations like the Carian Study Hall and Shadow Keep, now populated with new NPCs and interactive elements.

These changes may lead to:

• New questlines tied to the new armor sets or weapons

• Expanded cinematics involving characters like Ranni or Renalla

• Divine mount lore, possibly giving Torrent a more prominent narrative role

Whether these are major additions or subtle narrative extensions remains to be seen, but they add further depth to the experience.

Final Thoughts and What to Expect

Elden Ring: Tarnished Edition is shaping up to be more than a simple re-release. It combines old and new content into a compelling package that will likely appeal to both newcomers and veteran players. With nods to the Dark Souls series, expanded customization, and potential lore twists, the Tarnished Edition could mark a major moment in the continuing evolution of the Lands Between.

While the lack of official pricing details and full content disclosure leaves some questions unanswered, the information currently available paints an exciting picture. Whether you're a returning Tarnished or picking up Elden Ring for the first time, this edition is positioned to offer one of the richest fantasy RPG experiences in recent memory.