Summary
In preparation for the highly anticipatedShadow of the Erdtreeexpansion’s release this week, FromSoftware has deployed an update forElden Ringacross PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, and PC via Steam. However, this update isn’t purely to add the support needed for the massive,critically acclaimed, “sequel-sized” DLCand will also add new features for those playing the base game.
As per the patch notes on the officialBandai Namcosite, following some server downtime between 7 AM and 10 AM (UTC) on June 20,Elden Ring’s 1.12 update introduces new hairstyles, improved inventory mechanics, adjustments to nearly every significant gameplay element, and bug fixes. A post on theElden RingX account following the deployment did warn Steam Deck players that there is an issue where leaving the Steam Deck inactive for more than 5 minutes may stop the game from accepting inputs, but a hotfix is currently being worked on, and will be released separately.
Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree Review - FromSoft’s Greatest Hits
Elden Ring’s Shadow of the Erdtree DLC is a victory lap for FromSoftware, bringing in elements from past games without losing what made it special.
What New Content Is Included In Elden Ring’s 1.12 Update?
The Update Brings A Substantial Amount Of New Features
Most of the new features inElden Ring’s update are quality-of-life improvementsto better manage inventories or to make sure players don’t have to find all of the Summoning Pools - the statues that enable other players to join a game - again on subsequent New Game Plus playthroughs. However, new customization options like hairstyles are a nice addition, building atop theimpressive array of character creation possibilitiesavailable in the base game.
A breakdown of the new features (not including the various balance adjustments) is as follows:
If “Include Distant Areas” is selected when using the Small Golden Effigy, summoning pools within the Mohgwyn Palace will not be selected for summoning, even if they have been activated within the menu. If a player is within the Moghwyn Palace and selects “Nearby Only” when using the Small Golden Effigy, they will be able to be summoned within the area.
For those who have purchasedShadow of the Erdtree,these upgrades are a nice bonus on top of the many additions included in the DLC. On top of its rich storyline, which introduces plenty ofnew lore surrounding Miquella the Unalloyed, the expansion is set to add new weapons - with eight new weapon categories - as well as equipment, skills, and magic. Players will also face dozens of new enemies, including roughly 40 potential bosses depending on their actions across a whole Shadow Realm location that further expandsElden Ring’s map with several locations that FromSoft fans will appreciate as callbacks to the studio’s past titles.
Elden Ring
Elden Ring is a popular game released by From Software, creators of games such as Armored Core, Dark Souls, and Bloodborne. Players assume the role of a Tarnished, a being once exiled to the Lands Between and has returned to repair the Elden Ring after the events of “The Shattering.” “The Shattering” occurred when the offspring of Queen Marika battled to claim the shards of the Elden Ring, known as Great Runes. Their war has brought lawlessness, destruction, and chaos to the land, and the player will challenge them with the assistance of a Maiden known as Melina as they travel towards the great Erd Tree to face their destiny and to become the one true Elden Lord. Players can tackle the game how they choose and can adventure across realms as they build their character how they want - be it a powerful magic caster or a brutal swordsman - they will have complete control over their build.
