Elden Ring’s world just got a little bigger. Fans who thought they’d seen every shade of Tarnished are in for a treat: the upcoming Nintendo Switch 2 version of the game, dubbed the Tarnished Edition, is rolling out with not just the long-awaited Shadow of the Erdtree expansion, but also two brand-new classes to jump into from day one.

FromSoftware’s blockbuster launched in early 2022 and has since sold over 30 million copies worldwide—but the team isn’t resting on its laurels. Earlier this year, word broke of an Elden Ring film in development under director Alex Garland, while today news arrives that players will soon be picking between entirely new starting paths.

When the Tarnished Edition was first unveiled, we knew it would bundle the full Shadow of the Erdtree DLC along with extra items and cosmetic treats for your trusty Torrent mount. Those additions were always planned to be offered as DLC for current platforms, but it now turns out the Switch 2 release comes with an exclusive bonus: two fresh classes, tailor-made for those seeking a different opening gambit on their next journey across the Lands Between.

The incoming classes are named Knight of Ides and Heavy Knight. While details remain scarce—Famitsu’s translation notes no official word yet on their precise stats or initial gear—their titles hint at divergent playstyles. The Knight of Ides suggests nimble sword techniques infused with lore-rich flair, while the Heavy Knight likely trades speed for armor that laughs in the face of blunt force. However they’re balanced, it’s hard not to imagine new build possibilities and synergies opening up for both melee maniacs and lore-hungry role-players alike.

A Great Time to Revisit the Lands Between

These classes arrive just in time to tempt veterans back, or to give newcomers more to chew on. Even if you’ve already finished Elden Ring multiple times, the lure of fresh starting stats and unique abilities is strong. Imagine forging a new character that begins the journey with weapons or spells you’ve never touched before—suddenly, every boss fight and dungeon crawl takes on a new twist.

Initially, some worried these classes might come at an extra cost on non-Switch platforms, given their lore-adding potential. But from everything we’ve heard, the new classes, as well as the additional items and cosmetics, will be available on PlayStation, Xbox, and PC at no extra charge—included within what’s being called the Tarnished Pack. That’s welcome news, ensuring players everywhere can sample the same fresh content.

As of now, we don’t have a firm date for the Tarnished Edition’s release on the Switch 2, nor for when the free DLC drops elsewhere. FromSoftware has remained tight-lipped, but the rumor mill suggests a late-year launch, timed to maintain momentum alongside the Shadow of the Erdtree storyline’s big reveals.

Beyond the Tarnished Edition: What’s Next from FromSoftware

Switch 2 owners aren’t just getting Elden Ring’s latest chapter; they’ll also have an exclusive new co-op adventure in the works. The Duskbloods, a partnership project developed specifically for Nintendo’s next handheld-console hybrid, showed off a cinematic trailer that initially drew comparisons to Bloodborne’s gothic grandeur. While early footage leaned into eerie, lantern-lit streets and grotesque foes, FromSoft later clarified this is a wholly new IP—one that promises the trademark challenge and atmospherics fans crave.

For many, the draw of The Duskbloods will lie in the co-op mechanics. Elden Ring’s multiplayer felt like a memento of classic Soulsborne experiences, but co-op remained a secondary feature. With a title designed from the ground up around teamwork, FromSoftware has a chance to refine summoning mechanics, shared progression, and even narrative threads that unfold only when you tackle them with friends.

Between the film adaptation, Shadow of the Erdtree, the Switch 2 launch with its two new classes, and an exclusive co-op spin-off, it’s clear that Elden Ring is far from done leaving its mark on gaming culture. What began as a bold experiment in open-world design is now an ever-expanding universe, one that FromSoftware continues to nurture with precision and care.

What to Expect When the Tarnished Edition Drops

When you boot up the Tarnished Edition on your Switch 2, here’s what’s likely waiting for you:

1. Shadow of the Erdtree DLC
   A sprawling expansion that sends you to new regions, introduces formidable foes, and delves deeper into the shattered roots of the Erdtree itself. Expect jaw-dropping vistas and lore-heavy quests that answer some of the game’s biggest mysteries.
2. Two New Player Classes
   • Knight of Ides: Presumed to wield lighter armor and specialized blades, perfect for those who favor agility and mix melee with subtle arcane tricks.
   • Heavy Knight: Bristling in thick plate, primed to absorb hits and dish out earth-shattering blows. A tank’s dream.
3. New Items & Torrent Cosmetics
   From shadow-tinged weapon skins to ethereal apparel sets, plus flair for your giant spectral steed. These cosmetic touches let you personalize not just your Tarnished, but your ride too.
4. Cross-platform Free DLC
   Through the Tarnished Pack, all of the above—including those two new classes—will be unlocked for existing players on PS5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC, without an extra fee.
5. Potential Performance Updates
   While unconfirmed, porting to the Switch 2’s more powerful hardware may also bring quality-of-life tweaks—smoother framerates, quicker load times, or deeper accessibility options. Time will tell.

Why Two New Classes Matter

Adding new classes isn’t just about giving players extra starting gear. It’s a statement that Elden Ring’s foundational mechanics remain robust years after release. New classes shift the calculus of character builds: stat spreads change, early-game strategies evolve, and previously overlooked weapons or spells might suddenly shine.

For lore enthusiasts, class descriptions often tie back to the world’s history. The Knight of Ides evokes imagery of ancient order, perhaps hinting at forgotten knights whose deeds were lost to time. The Heavy Knight, meanwhile, suggests a lineage of fortress-born guardians. These thematic nods enrich the tapestry of the Lands Between, giving speculative fans more threads to tug at in forums and wikis.

From a design standpoint, fresh classes can spotlight underused spells or weapon types. Maybe the Knight of Ides starts with a whip that scales with faith, or the Heavy Knight comes equipped with a hammer that stuns enemies on hit. Such choices can nudge players into experimenting with hybrid builds they never considered on a first playthrough.

Getting Ready to Replay

If you’re sharpening your sword for another descent into the Lands Between, here’s how to prepare:

• Dust Off Old Builds
  Revisit your notes on favorite builds. How might the new classes’ starting gear complement or challenge them?
• Clear Inventory Clutter
  If you’ve played extensively, you might have stacks of old, unused weapons. Consider offloading trade-ins or summoning friends to help farm rare materials.
• Brush Up on Lore
  Refresh your memory on key NPC questlines. Some dialogue may unlock only after you choose a particular class or meet stat thresholds.
• Scout Shadow of the Erdtree Guides
  Anticipate where the expansion might take you—new enemies often require pre-emptive tweaks to resistances and armaments.
• Plan Co-op Sessions
  If The Duskbloods’ cooperative design excites you, start lining up squadmates now. FromSoftware’s multiplayer codes can be fickle if you wait until launch day.

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Looking Ahead

It’s a remarkable time to be an Elden Ring fan. Launching a sequel might have made sense, given the game’s impact—but instead, FromSoftware chose to keep building on the world they created. Between the cinematic universe hinted at by Alex Garland’s film project, the Shadow of the Erdtree’s looming mysteries, and the platform exclusives waiting on the horizon, the Lands Between are as alive now as they were on day one.

So whether you’re brandishing a lance as the Knight of Ides, charging into battle as the Heavy Knight, or simply reliving your first journey armed with fresh knowledge, there’s never been a better moment to answer the call of the Elden Ring. Dust off your armor, whisper a prayer to the Erdtree, and prepare to carve out new legends—this saga is far from over.