On August 28, 2026, the Tarnished Pack expansion was released for Elden Ring on PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X for $4.99 / €4.99. The DLC adds two new starting classes (Heavy Knight and Idus Knight), four armor sets, three skins for Torrent, and two NPC invasions. All these items can be obtained during character creation, purchased from merchants, or found in the open world of Betweenlands.
Table of Contents
Two new starting classes – Heavy Knight and Idus Knight
The developers have rolled out two new archetypes for those deciding to replay Betweenlands from scratch. Both are equipped with equipment at the start, but you won’t have to replay the entire game to get them: equipment sets can be easily collected from an existing save.
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Heavy Knight – a powerful classic for fans of heavy armor. Destroys enemy positions, relying on dense defense and a massive scimitar.
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The Idus Knight is an agile archetype with an emphasis on swift strikes. The main evidence of its superiority in close combat is its light greatsword, the Milady.
Many guides mistakenly refer to the Idus Knight’s weapon as a generic “light two-hander.” The official patch 1.17 specifications and Bandai Namco data confirm that the class receives the Milady, a weapon straight from the Shadow of the Erdtree expansion.
Where to find Heavy Knight armor
Don’t feel like creating a new hero? Head to the Weeping Peninsula. A full set of Heavy Knight armor is sold in the Merchant Recluse’s hut. Get your runes ready—the merchant won’t give you the gear for next to nothing, but for strength builds, this set is superior to standard early-game alternatives.
Where to find Idus Knight armor and weapons
To obtain the Idus Knight armor, you’ll have to travel to Lake Liurnia. All the armor is found in the goods of a nomad merchant located just north of the Temple of Bellum.
However, the Milady blade was taken from the merchants and hidden in the open world. If you search the thicket under a tree north of the “Lake Liurnia Shore” sanctuary, you’ll find this sword absolutely free.
All new armor sets and weapons – full list of locations
The expansion includes four armor sets and four new weapons. To avoid running around the map at random, let’s check the requirements for obtaining them in the 1.17 patch notes.
Equipment — Armor & Weapons
Knight Leontiel’s Armor Set
To claim Leontiel’s armor and swords, defeat Radan Starscourge. Immediately after the festival ends, an invasion point will activate in Caelid. The invading knight’s spirit uses a rapid attack, but after its defeat, the entire armor set and Leontiel’s Greatsword will be transferred to your inventory.
Broken Nobleman’s Mask
This item is easily missed due to strict storyline requirements. Head to the statue of Marika in Leindell (before the capital turns into the Ash Capital) and use the “Regression Principle” prayer. The mask will appear on the altar. If Leindell is already covered in ash, you won’t be able to pick it up in this playthrough.
New Weapons – Locations
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Reversible Blade – Sold by the Twin Handmaidens in the Round Table Keep immediately after installing the updates.
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Ritual Piercing Shield – Hidden inside the Starry Wastes Coliseum.
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Great Katana “Reed” – Lies on a mound right at the entrance to Fort Faroth.
All Torrent skins – where to find each of the three
The developers have added customization options for your trusty steed. Skins can be picked up at various locations around the world, and you can switch between them at any Place of Grace.
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Tree Sentinel – can be picked up at Stormvale Castle immediately after defeating Godric the Hundred-Handed.
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Silver of Caria – can be found in Liurnia, near Rennie’s Tower.
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Funereal Night – can be purchased from a hermit merchant on the Altus Plateau.
Once the first set of harnesses is in your bag, a separate tab for changing your steed’s appearance will open at the bonfires.
Is the Tarnished Pack worth buying? A full analysis of its value for $5.
At $4.99 / €4.99, the DLC does not offer new story locations or full-fledged bosses. It is a cosmetic starter pack, created with returning players in mind.
For Nintendo Switch 2 players, the situation is different: the complete Elden Ring Tarnished Edition is releasing on August 28, 2026, for $79.99. It includes the base game, Shadow of the Erdtree, and the Tarnished Pack itself by default.
Who should buy it
The $4.99 purchase is justified if you’re starting a new run and want to immediately get rare weapons (like Milady) without having to fight through half the DLC story. The pack is also a great choice for collectors who value all the Torrent skins and masks.
Who shouldn’t buy it
If you don’t plan on replaying the game from scratch and your character has long since unlocked all the content, there’s simply no point in paying for this pack. All items (except horse skins) are alternative ways to obtain items, and the pack itself doesn’t grant new high-level dungeons.
NPC Invasions – How to Activate and Where to Find
Both new spirits are tied to story progression. Leontiel’s invasion in the Star Wastes only triggers after Radan’s death. The invasion in Leindelle is blocked if the capital has entered the Ash phase: the phantom will stop appearing altogether if you’ve managed to burn the Erd Tree.
