Elden Ring Tarnished Edition 2026 Release & Tarnished Pack DLC

Elden Ring Tarnished Edition is a special, full package of the award-winning open-world action RPG from FromSoftware and Bandai Namco. It bundles the base game, the massive Shadow of the Erdtree DLC, and brand-new exclusive content. After months of rumors, the release date and full details are now official. This article updated with the confirmed Tarnished Edition release date, platforms, price, all new content, and FromSoftware’s 2026 roadmap.

Elden Ring Tarnished Edition (Tarnished Pack DLC) 2026

FromSoftware and Bandai Namco officially confirmed the release date of Elden Ring Tarnished Edition on June 4, 2026:

• Global Tarnished Edition Release Date: August 28, 2026 (Friday)

This date lands just over 2.5 months after the announcement, making it a highly anticipated late-summer launch. The edition was originally planned for 2025 but was delayed to polish performance for the Nintendo Switch 2.

Elden Ring Tarnished Edition Platforms

1. Tarnished Edition (Physical/Digital)

• Exclusive to: Nintendo Switch 2. This is the first time Elden Ring comes to a Nintendo platform, a major milestone for the franchise.

2. Tarnished Pack (DLC for Existing Owners)

All new content from the Tarnished Edition will be available as a paid DLC pack for all other platforms on the same release date (August 28, 2026):

• PlayStation 4/PlayStation 5

• Xbox One/Xbox Series X|S

• PC (Steam)

This means you don’t need a Switch 2 to enjoy the new weapons, armor, classes, and Torrent customization—just the base game on your platform of choice.

Elden Ring Tarnished Edition Price

Official pricing (as of June 2026):

• Tarnished Edition (Switch 2): $79.99 USD (physical/digital)

• Tarnished Pack (Cross-Platform DLC): Price not yet announced, but expected to be $19.99–$29.99 USD.

The physical Switch 2 version ships as a game card (no full download required).

Elden Ring Tarnished Edition All New Content

The Tarnished Edition includes all base game content, the Shadow of the Erdtree DLC, and never-before-seen extras. Below is a full breakdown:

1. Included: Shadow of the Erdtree DLC

This is FromSoftware’s largest expansion to date (released 2024) Bandai Namco Entertainment America. It adds:

• A massive new region: The Realm of Shadow, a dark, parallel dimension ruled by Miquella.

• 40+ new bosses (10 major “Remembrance” bosses).

• New weapons, magic, and Ashes of War.

• A deep story exploring Marika’s past and Miquella’s hidden agenda.

2. New Weapons

The Tarnished Pack adds brand-new and returning fan-favorite weapons:

• Hollowslayer Greatsword: A returning weapon from Dark Souls 3, originally wielded by Lucatiel of Mirrah.

• New Curved Greatsword: A unique weapon for the new Heavy Knight class (no shield, high damage).

• Light Greatsword: A fast, versatile sword for the second new starting class.

• Additional unannounced weapons (teased in trailers).

3. New Armor Sets (4 Total)

Four new armor sets join the game, mixing original designs and throwbacks to classic FromSoftware titles:

• Demon’s Souls-Inspired Set: Heavy, dark plate armor paying homage to the original Soulslike game.

• Mirror Set (Dark Souls 2/3 Return): Lucatiel of Mirrah’s iconic armor, back by popular demand.

• Heavy Knight Set: Bulky, high-defense armor for the new Heavy Knight class (comparisons to Dark Souls’ Iron Tarkus).

• Unnamed Light Armor Set: For the second new class, focused on mobility and balance.

4. Torrent Customization (First Official Release)

For the first time without mods, players can customize Torrent, their spectral steed. Three cosmetic options are confirmed:

• Night's Cavalry: A dark, armored look for Torrent, matching heavy knight classes.

• White Spectral Steed: A pale, ghostly variant resembling a “cadion horse” (as seen in trailers).

• Shadow Steed: A black, shadowy design fitting the Realm of Shadow aesthetic.This is one of the most requested features from the community, now official.

5. New Starting Classes (2 Total)

Two new classes join the 10 base-game classes, offering fresh playstyles for new and veteran players:

Class 1: Heavy Knight (“Bread-and-Butter Dark Souls Type”)

• Start Gear: Heavy armor, no shield, brand-new curved greatsword.

• Stats: High starting Vigor, Endurance, Strength (tank-focused melee).

• Playstyle: Slow, powerful strikes; designed for players who love classic Dark Souls heavy builds.

Class 2: Light Greatsword Wielder

• Start Gear: Light armor, fast light greatsword, medium stats.

• Playstyle: Balanced melee; quick attacks, good range, and mobility—ideal for aggressive, agile players.

Elden Ring 2026 Updates & FromSoftware Roadmap

The Tarnished Edition is not the only FromSoftware news for 2026. Here’s what’s next:

1. The Duskbloods (Switch 2 Exclusive, 2026)

FromSoftware’s new PvPvE multiplayer game (often called “Bloodborne 2” by fans) is confirmed as a Switch 2 exclusive for 2026:

• Genre: 8-player PvPvE (players vs. players vs. environment) with vampire themes.

• Setting: Dark, gothic world (similar to Bloodborne).

• Release Window: Late 2026 (after Tarnished Edition, likely Gamescom or The Game Awards).

• Strategy: Releasing Tarnished Edition first builds a larger Switch 2 fanbase for The Duskbloods.

2. Next Mainline FromSoftware Game

FromSoftware follows a 5–6 year cycle for mainline releases (Elden Ring launched 2022). The next big title is not Tarnished Edition or The Duskbloods:

• Likely Reveal: 2026 (Summer Games Fest, Gamescom, or The Game Awards).

• Delay Context: Shadow of the Erdtree’s massive size may have pushed development back.

• Expectations: A new open-world or dark fantasy IP (Elden Ring 2 is possible but unconfirmed).

3. Community & PvP Focus

• The Tarnished Edition will boost PvP activity on all platforms, especially Switch 2 (new player base).

• FromSoftware plans minor balance patches for weapons/classes post-launch.