Everything Included In Today's Free Elden Ring Update

In preparation for the highly anticipated expansion's release this week, FromSoftware has deployed an update for across PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, and PC via Steam. However, this update isn't purely to add the support needed for the massive, critically acclaimed, «sequel-sized» DLC and will also add new features for those playing the base game.

As per the patch notes on the official Bandai Namco site, following some server downtime between 7 AM and 10 AM (UTC) on June 20, 's 1.12 update introduces new hairstyles, improved inventory mechanics, adjustments to nearly every significant gameplay element, and bug fixes. A post on the X account following the deployment did warn Steam Deck players that there is an issue where leaving the Steam Deck inactive for more than 5 minutes may stop the game from accepting inputs, but a hotfix is currently being worked on, and will be released separately.

Elden Ring's Shadow of the Erdtree DLC is a victory lap for FromSoftware, bringing in elements from past games without losing what made it special.

Most of the new features in 's update are quality-of-life improvements to better manage inventories or to make sure players don't have to find all of the Summoning Pools — the statues that enable other players to join a game — again on subsequent New Game Plus playthroughs. However, new customization options like hairstyles are a nice addition, building atop the impressive array of character creation possibilities available in the base game.

A breakdown of the new features (not including the various balance adjustments) is as follows:

If " " is selected when using the Small Golden Effigy, summoning pools within the Mohgwyn Palace will not be selected for summoning, even if they have been activated within the menu. If a player is within the Moghwyn Palace and selects “Nearby Only” when using the Small Golden Effigy, they will be able to be summoned within the area.

For those who have purchased, these