Elden Ring: Tarnished Edition finally brings FromSoftware’s Game of the Year masterpiece to the Nintendo Switch 2 on August 28, 2026 — the first time Elden Ring has ever appeared on a Nintendo platform. It’s a complete, all-in-one package bundling the base game, the acclaimed Shadow of the Erdtree expansion, and brand-new content including two new starting classes. And here’s the part every existing player wants to know: that new content isn’t Switch 2 exclusive — it’s coming to PS5, PS4, Xbox, and PC as a cheap add-on the very same day. This guide breaks down everything included, the new classes and their stats, pricing, pre-orders, and the rocky road this release took to get here.
Quick facts: Tarnished Edition launches August 28, 2026 on Switch 2 for $79.99, bundling the base game + Shadow of the Erdtree + new content. Existing players on PS5, PS4, Xbox, and PC can buy just the new content as the Tarnished Pack for $4.99 on the same day — no need to re-buy the game. The new content: two classes (Heavy Knight, Idus Knight), four armor sets, and three Torrent skins.
Elden Ring: Tarnished Edition Release Date
After a long and bumpy development, Elden Ring: Tarnished Edition releases on Friday, August 28, 2026, exclusively for the Nintendo Switch 2. FromSoftware confirmed the date on June 4, 2026, and pre-orders are open now. The timing is strategic: it lands just before Nintendo’s September 2026 Switch 2 price increase (from $449.99 to $499.99), giving prospective buyers a headline title to grab first.
The road here wasn’t smooth. Tarnished Edition was first revealed at Nintendo’s April 2025 Switch 2 Direct for a 2025 launch. Then came Gamescom 2025, where hands-on journalists reported the demo running as low as 15fps — effectively unplayable for a game built on precise, reactive combat — and Bandai Namco blocked recording. FromSoftware delayed it to 2026 for “performance adjustments.” Digital Foundry pinpointed the issue as CPU-bound (the ARM processor), not GPU-bound. By GDC 2026 in March, previews showed a much healthier 30–40fps in handheld, and the fix cleared the way for the August launch.
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What’s Included in Elden Ring: Tarnished Edition
The Switch 2 edition is a single complete package — there’s no confusing tiered lineup. For $79.99 you get everything:
| Content | Details |
|---|---|
| Base game | The full 2022 Elden Ring across the Lands Between (Limgrave, Caelid, Liurnia, and more) |
| Shadow of the Erdtree | The 2024 expansion set in the Land of Shadow, centered on Miquella |
| 2 new starting classes | Heavy Knight and Idus Knight, each with unique starter gear |
| 4 new armor sets | Exclusive Tarnished Edition armor |
| 3 Torrent skins | Customization options for your spectral steed |
| New weapons & skills | Additional equipment tied to the new content |
| Pre-order bonus | Two gestures: “The Ring” and “Ring of Miquella” |
Good value in context: Even at $79.99, the bundle is cheaper than buying the base game and Shadow of the Erdtree separately at their original launch prices. The physical Switch 2 edition also includes a poster in limited quantities.
The Tarnished Pack: New Content on PS5, Xbox & PC
This is the headline for the millions who already own Elden Ring. The new content is not locked to Switch 2. On August 28, 2026 — the same day — FromSoftware releases the Tarnished Pack on PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, and PC (Steam) for just $4.99 / €4.99 (550 yen in Japan).
You don’t need a Switch 2 or a second copy of the game. Existing players simply buy the Tarnished Pack from their platform’s store (or the official Bandai Namco site) and get the same additions baked into the Switch 2 version: the two classes, four armor sets, and three Torrent skins.
Important distinction: The Tarnished Pack does not include the base game or Shadow of the Erdtree — it’s just the new extras for people who already own those. The $79.99 Tarnished Edition is the all-in-one package for newcomers (and Switch 2 players specifically).
The Two New Classes Explained
The star additions are two new starting classes. Remember that in Elden Ring, your starting class only affects your early stats and gear — it doesn’t lock your build long-term — but these two offer efficient starting points and unique equipment.
Heavy Knight
A durable, strength-focused tank clad in bulky steel armor and wielding an oversized curved greatsword. After playtest feedback, FromSoftware raised its starting level to Level 10 and added points to Faith and Mind. Its confirmed stat spread leans hard into physical resilience:
| Vigor | Mind | Endurance | Strength | Dexterity |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 14 | ~9 | 17 | 15 | 11 |
Idus Knight
A nimble, dexterity-focused class from the newly introduced land of Idus (an area never previously mentioned in Elden Ring lore). It starts at a lower Level 7 and comes with a new armor set, a shield, and — notably — Milady, the light greatsword from Shadow of the Erdtree that was previously locked behind late-game progression. Starting with Milady in hand is a genuine draw for dex players.
Why starting level matters: Elden Ring gives one stat point per level, and each level costs progressively more runes. A lower starting level (like the Idus Knight’s 7) means fewer points “wasted” on stats your build won’t use, making it a cleaner foundation for optimized builds. Min-maxers will appreciate the flexibility.
How to Pre-Order Elden Ring: Tarnished Edition
Pre-orders are live now. Here’s how to secure your copy and the bonus:
- Switch 2 (digital): Open the Nintendo eShop, search “Elden Ring Tarnished Edition,” select Pre-order, and confirm payment. The digital edition is $79.99 and you won’t be charged until pre-load goes live.
- Switch 2 (physical): Available from major retailers; the physical version includes a limited-quantity poster.
- Pre-order bonus: Both editions grant two gestures — “The Ring” and “Ring of Miquella.”
- Other platforms: No pre-order needed for the Tarnished Pack — just buy it for $4.99 on launch day from your store.
Don’t stress the pre-order bonus: The two gestures aren’t exclusive — you can still unlock both by playing through the base game and Shadow of the Erdtree, so skipping the pre-order doesn’t lock you out of any content.
Switch 2 Performance: Will It Run Well?
This is the big question after Gamescom’s rough showing. The good news: FromSoftware identified the CPU bottleneck and, by the GDC 2026 preview, had the game running in a 30–40fps range in handheld mode, with docked mode targeting 30fps at higher resolution. That’s a dramatic turnaround from the 15fps disaster.
That said, FromSoftware hasn’t published final, locked frame-rate or resolution targets for the retail build, so August 28 will be the first real test at scale. Early indications are positive, but if buttery performance is your priority, it may be worth waiting for launch-day Digital Foundry analysis before committing.
Should You Buy It? Who Each Version Is For
- New to Elden Ring / want it on Switch 2: The $79.99 Tarnished Edition is the obvious pick — the complete experience in one portable package, cheaper than buying the pieces separately.
- Already own Elden Ring + Shadow of the Erdtree: Just grab the $4.99 Tarnished Pack for the new classes and cosmetics. No re-purchase needed.
- Own the base game but not the DLC: Buy Shadow of the Erdtree separately, then add the Tarnished Pack if you want the new classes.
- On the fence about a Switch 2: Buying before the September price hike saves you $50 on the console, and Elden Ring is a strong launch reason.
Conclusion
Elden Ring: Tarnished Edition is both a landmark Switch 2 release and a welcome, cheap treat for the millions who already conquered the Lands Between. For newcomers and Nintendo players, the $79.99 all-in-one bundle is the definitive portable way to experience one of the greatest RPGs ever made. For veterans, the $4.99 Tarnished Pack is an easy yes — two new classes (including the Idus Knight starting with Milady) and fresh cosmetics for the price of a coffee. After a rocky, performance-troubled road, FromSoftware appears to have stuck the landing. Mark August 28, 2026 on your calendar, pre-order if you’re going Switch 2, and get ready to rise, Tarnished, once more.
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Frequently Asked Questions
When does Elden Ring: Tarnished Edition release?
August 28, 2026, on Nintendo Switch 2. The Tarnished Pack (the new content for existing owners) releases the same day on PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, and PC.
What’s included in Elden Ring: Tarnished Edition?
The full base game, the Shadow of the Erdtree expansion, two new starting classes (Heavy Knight and Idus Knight), four new armor sets, three Torrent skins, new weapons and skills, and a pre-order bonus of two gestures. It costs $79.99 on Switch 2.
Do I need to buy the whole game again for the new content?
No. If you already own Elden Ring and Shadow of the Erdtree on PS5, PS4, Xbox, or PC, you can buy just the Tarnished Pack for $4.99 to get the new classes, armor, and Torrent skins.
What are the two new classes?
The Heavy Knight (a Level 10 strength/endurance tank with a curved greatsword) and the Idus Knight (a Level 7 dexterity class that starts with the Milady light greatsword and a shield, from the new land of Idus).
How much is the Tarnished Pack?
$4.99 / €4.99 (550 yen in Japan) on all non-Switch platforms. It contains only the new content, not the base game or Shadow of the Erdtree.
Will Elden Ring run well on Switch 2?
After a rough 15fps Gamescom 2025 demo, FromSoftware fixed the CPU bottleneck, and the GDC 2026 preview ran at 30–40fps in handheld mode. Final retail performance targets haven’t been officially published, so launch-day analysis will confirm the details.
Is the new content exclusive to Switch 2?
No. While it comes bundled in the Switch 2 Tarnished Edition, the same content is available on all other platforms as the $4.99 Tarnished Pack on the same launch day.
Is Elden Ring: Tarnished Edition worth it?
For newcomers or Switch 2 owners, yes — it’s the complete Elden Ring experience for less than buying the parts separately. For existing owners, the $4.99 Tarnished Pack is an inexpensive way to add new classes and cosmetics.