FromSoftware and Bandai Namco have set a firm date for the next major Elden Ring release. Elden Ring: Tarnished Edition launches on Friday, August 28, 2026 for Nintendo Switch 2. On the same day, a smaller paid content pack titled the Tarnished Pack becomes available for $4.99 on PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, and PC.
The Switch 2 version bundles the complete base game with the Shadow of the Erdtree expansion. This gives new players on Nintendo’s hybrid console immediate access to both the original open-world experience and the substantial 2024 DLC in one package. For existing owners on other platforms, the Tarnished Pack adds a focused set of new options without requiring a full re-purchase.
The pack’s headline additions are two new starting classes: Heavy Knight and Idus Knight. Specific starting attribute distributions have not been detailed officially, though early reports suggest the Heavy Knight leans toward an Endurance-focused foundation while the Idus Knight emphasizes Dexterity. In practice, starting classes in Elden Ring mainly determine initial stats and equipment. Players can freely respec later using Larval Tears, so the new options primarily offer fresh ways to begin a character rather than locking anyone into a permanent build path.
Alongside the classes, the Tarnished Pack includes four new armor sets and three customization skins for Torrent, the spectral steed. These cosmetic and equipment additions give returning players immediate visual variety and a small incentive to start a new journey or continue an existing one with updated gear.
Elden Ring first released in February 2022 and quickly became one of the most acclaimed and commercially successful games of its generation. FromSoftware followed the base game with free updates, the large-scale Shadow of the Erdtree expansion, and the cooperative spin-off Nightreign. The Tarnished Edition and accompanying pack continue that pattern of sustained post-launch support years after the original launch.
Bringing the game to Switch 2 carries particular significance. Elden Ring’s expansive world, detailed environments, and demanding combat present a technical challenge for any portable or hybrid hardware. Earlier reports indicated the title faced performance hurdles during development for the platform. Bandai Namco and FromSoftware have not issued detailed technical notes ahead of launch, so the August 28 release will serve as the first widespread opportunity to evaluate how well the game runs in both handheld and docked modes.
For players who already own Elden Ring on another system, the $4.99 price of the Tarnished Pack keeps the barrier low. New starting classes and armor sets are modest additions compared to a full expansion, yet they provide concrete reasons to return to the Lands Between or to experiment with different opening approaches. The Torrent skins add a light cosmetic layer that many players appreciate for long play sessions.
Newcomers picking up the Switch 2 version receive the most complete package. Shadow of the Erdtree significantly expands the game’s map, boss roster, weapons, and story elements. Experiencing the base game and the expansion together from the start offers a continuous journey that many players on other platforms completed in separate stages. The combination should prove especially appealing to those who preferred to wait for a more complete edition or who are discovering the series for the first time on Nintendo hardware.
The timing also places the release well after the initial wave of Switch 2 software, giving the console a high-profile third-party open-world title in its early library. Elden Ring’s reputation for deep exploration, challenging combat, and intricate world design aligns with the kind of prestige software that helps define a platform’s first year.
FromSoftware has historically been selective about ports and post-launch content. The decision to create both a full console edition and a small cross-platform content pack suggests the studio and publisher see ongoing value in keeping the game active across as many systems as possible. The new classes, while not transformative, fit the studio’s approach of adding meaningful but restrained options that respect the existing balance of the game.
August 28 will show whether the Switch 2 version meets performance expectations and how many existing players opt for the inexpensive Tarnished Pack. For those who have never played Elden Ring, the bundled edition removes the need to buy the base game and expansion separately. For veterans, the new starting points and armor sets offer a low-cost reason to step back into the world.
Elden Ring’s longevity continues to stand out in an industry where many large releases see support taper off after the first year or two. With the Tarnished Edition and Tarnished Pack, FromSoftware and Bandai Namco are extending that support into the second half of 2026, giving both new and returning players fresh reasons to explore the Lands Between once again. Will you be buying the new pack or getting the game for the Switch 2?
For fans of Elden Ring, we also recently covered an article about the Elden Ring movie wrapping up filming recently.