The Elden Ring Tarnished Edition has officially been confirmed, and it’s shaping up to be one of the biggest re-releases in modern gaming. This all-in-one edition of FromSoftware’s award-winning RPG combines the base game, the massive Shadow of the Erdtree expansion, and brand-new content—making it the ultimate version of Elden Ring for both new players and returning veterans.
Developed by FromSoftware and published by Bandai Namco, this release brings the full, expanded world of the Lands Between to every major platform, including the highly anticipated Nintendo Switch 2.
Table of Contents
A Complete Package for the Lands Between
The Elden Ring Tarnished Edition is being marketed as the “definitive way to experience the journey of the Tarnished.” It includes everything that has been released for Elden Ring so far—plus a few surprises.
Confirmed Content Includes:
- Base Game: The full Elden Ring experience that redefined open-world design.
- Shadow of the Erdtree Expansion: The critically acclaimed 2024 DLC adds new regions, dungeons, bosses, and storylines.
- Two New Classes: Knight of Ides and Heavy Knight offer unique builds and weapons never seen before.
- New Armor Sets and Weapons: Four exclusive armor sets and additional high-tier weapons will be included.
- Torrent Customization: Cosmetic upgrades for the spectral steed, giving players more visual flair.
FromSoftware confirmed that this edition represents the “complete narrative and combat experience of the Tarnished,” merging the original story and DLC into a seamless journey.
Platform Availability and Release Window
The Elden Ring Tarnished Edition will launch globally in 2025, with a strong focus on next-generation platforms.
Confirmed Platforms:
- PlayStation 5
- Xbox Series X|S
- PC (Steam)
- Nintendo Switch 2
While no specific U.S. release date has been announced yet, industry insiders expect the launch to coincide with the debut of the Nintendo Switch 2, likely during Summer 2025. The game will also be available as a DLC upgrade for existing players on other platforms.
What Makes the Tarnished Edition Different
This edition is not just a re-bundled game; it’s a carefully curated expansion of Elden Ring’s universe. The developers have gone beyond simply adding content—they’ve refined gameplay systems, improved visual performance, and made balance adjustments based on player feedback since launch.
New Gameplay Enhancements:
- Faster load times and optimized frame rates for next-gen consoles.
- AI improvements for both enemies and bosses.
- Expanded build diversity with new weapons, spells, and class mechanics.
- Updated lighting and environmental effects in select regions.
- Quality-of-life improvements, including enhanced map functionality and inventory management.
FromSoftware has made clear that this is the “final and complete” version of the Elden Ring experience, marking a milestone in their storied history of challenging and rewarding gameplay.
Shadow of the Erdtree: A Defining Expansion
The heart of the Elden Ring Tarnished Edition lies in Shadow of the Erdtree, the massive expansion released in June 2024.
The DLC expands the lore of the Lands Between, taking players into the mysterious Land of Shadow, a region shrouded in secrets and connected deeply to Queen Marika and Miquella. Players face fearsome new bosses, explore labyrinthine dungeons, and uncover forgotten lore that ties directly to the main story.
Highlights of Shadow of the Erdtree:
- Over 30 hours of new gameplay content.
- 10+ new boss encounters with unique mechanics.
- Dozens of new weapons, spells, and ashes of war.
- A haunting new soundtrack composed by Tsukasa Saitoh.
This expansion’s inclusion in the Tarnished Edition makes it a must-own for those who missed out or want to experience the full Elden Ring narrative in one seamless package.
New Classes: Knight of Ides and Heavy Knight
One of the most exciting reveals tied to the Elden Ring Tarnished Edition is the introduction of two new character classes.
Knight of Ides
A balanced, hybrid fighter class combining dexterity and faith. The Knight of Ides wields a glowing longsword infused with holy light, offering powerful close-range and faith-based attacks. It’s ideal for players who enjoy agile melee combat paired with supportive incantations.
Heavy Knight
Built for endurance and brute force, the Heavy Knight features enhanced poise, heavy armor, and devastating greatswords. This class rewards aggressive, tank-style play—perfect for tackling the game’s toughest foes head-on.
These additions bring fresh build options and new playstyles, ensuring even long-time veterans find something new to master.
Enhanced Accessibility for New Players
The Elden Ring Tarnished Edition has also been designed to welcome first-time adventurers. With balanced early-game progression, clearer guidance, and expanded tutorials, newcomers can now explore the vast open world without feeling overwhelmed.
FromSoftware has fine-tuned the onboarding process to make the early stages more approachable—without compromising the challenge and discovery that define the franchise.
A Technical and Artistic Masterpiece
FromSoftware has utilized the extra development time to make technical upgrades for next-gen systems. On PS5 and Xbox Series X, the Tarnished Edition supports 4K resolution at 60 FPS, with enhanced lighting, ray-traced reflections, and richer environmental detail.
On PC, players can expect improved performance and expanded mod compatibility. Meanwhile, the Switch 2 version aims to deliver a portable experience that maintains visual fidelity without major compromises.
Community and Critical Reception
The gaming community’s reaction to the announcement of the Elden Ring Tarnished Edition has been overwhelmingly positive. Fans across Reddit, X (formerly Twitter), and YouTube have praised the move as “the definitive way” to play the game.
Critics expect the edition to dominate game sales upon release, much like Elden Ring’s original launch in 2022, which sold over 30 million copies worldwide and earned the Game of the Year award.
With Shadow of the Erdtree and new features bundled together, the Tarnished Edition is expected to reintroduce the game to a new generation of players—and cement its legacy as one of the greatest games ever made.
Why It Matters
The Elden Ring Tarnished Edition represents more than a simple bundle; it symbolizes the enduring success of a title that changed open-world RPGs forever. FromSoftware’s decision to keep refining and expanding the experience shows a dedication to both artistic excellence and fan loyalty.
In an industry that often prioritizes sequels and quick turnarounds, Elden Ring continues to evolve thoughtfully—solidifying its position as a modern classic.
Conclusion
The Elden Ring Tarnished Edition is poised to be the definitive version of one of gaming’s most celebrated masterpieces. With expanded content, technical enhancements, and new ways to explore the Lands Between, it’s more than just a re-release—it’s a full evolution of the Elden Ring experience.
Whether you’re a veteran looking to conquer the Erdtree once more or a new adventurer setting out for the first time, this edition offers everything you need to become Elden Lord.
Will you rise once again as a Tarnished and claim your destiny in the Lands Between? Share your thoughts below and let us know what excites you most about this edition.