If you’ve been itching to dive back into the Lands Between, now’s the time! FromSoftware has just dropped Elden Ring Patch 1.17, and it’s packed with exciting updates, balancing fixes, and some serious groundwork for the much-anticipated DLC, Shadow of the Erdtree.
Whether you’re a veteran Tarnished or just picking up your blade again, this patch fine-tunes gameplay and sets the tone for the epic expansion ahead.
In this article, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know about this update with all the juicy news you need-to-know details for players like us who want to stay ahead of the curve.
What’s New in Elden Ring Patch 1.17?
Patch 1.17 is more than just your average stability update. It delivers quality-of-life improvements, bug fixes, PvP tuning, and new content tailored for the upcoming DLC.
The official patch release details were covered comprehensively by MP1st, which confirms the June 20 rollout and highlights key additions like the five new hairstyles, quality-of-life UI enhancements, and full compatibility support for Shadow of the Erdtree —check out their full overview here (MP1st: Elden Ring Update 1.17 Details).
Here’s what stands out:
- New Hairstyles: Yes, you heard it right—five new hairstyles added to help you stand out while slaying gods.
- PvP Adjustments: Improved balancing for PvP-only scenarios without affecting PvE.
- Gameplay Tweaks: Multiple weapons and Ashes of War were tweaked for more balanced combat.
- Shadow of the Erdtree Compatibility: Prepares your game environment for seamless integration with the upcoming expansion.
- UI Polish: Minor changes in item sorting, inventory icons, and better loadouts.
PvP Balancing: What’s Changed?
FromSoftware continues to treat PvP as a distinct experience from PvE, and that’s a great thing. The developers are laser-focused on keeping duels fair and fun.
- Reduced crouch attack power for specific weapons.
- Greatswords and Curved Greatswords received speed, range, or recovery time buffs.
- Improved two-handed weapon animations.
- Bug fixes that prevented hitboxes from registering properly in PvP encounters.
- Magic casting recovery windows tweaked for more counterplay.
This means less cheese and more skill in online matches. If you’re a regular invader or duel enthusiast, now’s a good time to refine your builds.
Community forums like Steam’s top discussions praise the PvP tuning in Patch 1.17, noting weapon poise adjustments and animation fixes for greatswords and curved swords—effects you can already test in real PvP lobbies (Steam Community: PvP balance feedback).
Bug Fixes and Performance Improvements
No one likes a glitchy boss fight. Luckily, Elden Ring Patch 1.17 addresses several long-standing bugs and technical issues:
- Fixed camera clipping in tight spaces.
- Addressed visual stuttering in open-world zones.
- Fixed weapon scaling issues that impacted hybrid builds.
- Resolved animation glitches with Torrent in certain terrains.
- Improved collision detection and lock-on accuracy.
- Patch compatibility now includes mod detection and error alerts.
These updates make the game feel smoother and more immersive, especially in chaotic combat zones like Leyndell or Farum Azula.
UpdateCrazy provides a detailed summary of the technical fixes implemented in Patch 1.17—everything from camera clipping and memory leaks to collision detection—so if you’re chasing performance gains, it’s worth a close read.
New Content Ahead: Prepping for Shadow of the Erdtree
You’ve probably heard the buzz—Shadow of the Erdtree is Elden Ring’s upcoming DLC, and Patch 1.17 is the bridge to that massive expansion.
ComicBook.com also noted this deceptively “small” patch is actually much bigger than expected, pointing out that the cache of balance tweaks, UI features, and DLC prep shaped the gameplay experience in more ways than initially advertised.
What patch is Shadow of the Erdtree?
Shadow of the Erdtree will officially launch with Patch 1.18, but 1.17 lays the technical groundwork for integration, including backend DLC support and balancing changes tailored for the new content.
The groundwork includes:
- NPC interactions being updated for expansion compatibility.
- UI elements subtly being prepped (you’ll notice new placeholders if you look closely).
Lore hints added in unused dialogue lines and loading screens.
Elden Ring Patch 1.7 vs 1.17: What’s the Difference?
Let’s clear up a common confusion. Some fans still search for Elden Ring Patch 1.7, but 1.17 is the correct latest patch number.
The confusion often comes from regional formatting or unofficial community naming.
Key differences:
- Patch 1.7 doesn’t exist in the official patch chronology.
- Patch 1.17 includes real content updates and DLC prep.
Always check the official Elden Ring site or Bandai Namco blog to stay updated.
Tip: Backup your save before modding post-patch!
Elden Ring Gaming Community Reactions
The patch has stirred quite a buzz in the Elden Ring gaming community. From Reddit to YouTube, players are mostly praising:
- Fairer PvP mechanics
- Fresh character customization options
- Smoother frame rates on consoles and PC
- Heightened excitement for Shadow of the Erdtree
Content creators are already posting patch breakdowns, PvP showcases, and theorycrafting builds optimized for 1.17—definitely worth checking out if you’re returning to the game.
Final Thoughts: Should You Revisit Elden Ring Now?
Absolutely. Patch 1.17 isn’t just filler—it’s functional and future-focused. Whether you’re a PvP grinder, a lore lover, or just want to prep your character for the DLC, now’s the perfect time to jump back in. Check out other New AAA titles Patch Release here.
With Elden Ring latest patch notes highlighting stability, style, and seamless integration with Shadow of the Erdtree, FromSoft is showing us that they’re not done evolving the game.
And as someone who’s watched the Soulsborne series grow since Demon’s Souls, I can confidently say: this patch is a step in the right direction.
See you in the fog, Tarnished.
FAQs: Quick Answers to Your Burning Questions
Elden Ring is updating to refine gameplay, enhance PvP experience, and prepare for Shadow of the Erdtree.
Patch 1.17 ensures compatibility with the upcoming DLC and improves game balance.
If you're a fan of deep lore, expansive new regions, and FromSoft-style boss fights, it's an absolute yes.
All signs point to this being on par with Bloodborne’s The Old Hunters or Dark Souls 3’s Ringed City in terms of quality.
That’s a loaded question, lore-wise. Taking Melina to the Erdtree ties into one of the major endings.
While the choice depends on your desired outcome, it significantly alters the game’s final arc.
Currently, Nightreign 2 isn’t officially identified as a specific player or entity by FromSoftware.
It could be a placeholder NPC or future PvP enemy related to Shadow of the Erdtree.
If you're between official patches or looking for a fresh spin, the Eldenlands mod is a fantastic option.
- Completely overhauls combat and progression.
- Focuses on role-playing mechanics and tighter lore.
- Patch 1.17 may affect some mod compatibility, so be sure to update your mod loaders.
