Elden Ring, the critically acclaimed RPG from FromSoftware, has just released a new update for August 2024, bringing with it several important bug fixes, adjustments to Spirit Ashes, and a notable nerf to an in-game NPC. This update, available across all major platforms—including PC, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, PlayStation 4, and PlayStation 5—focuses primarily on improving the gameplay experience within the recently launched Shadow of the Erdtree expansion.

The Impact of Shadow of the Erdtree

Released earlier this summer, Shadow of the Erdtree has been a monumental addition to Elden Ring, offering players an expansive new story, intricate gameplay mechanics, and richly detailed environments. Its reception has been overwhelmingly positive, with many praising it as one of the greatest expansions in gaming history. As players delve into this massive expansion, the developers at FromSoftware have been diligently working to address issues and enhance the overall experience, leading to this latest update.

Key Bug Fixes in the Latest Update

The August 2024 update targets several bugs that have been affecting players, particularly within the Shadow of the Erdtree expansion. One significant fix addresses a bug where the Death status ailment from the “Death Flare” skill was incorrectly applied to the “Deadly Poison Spray” skill, causing unintended gameplay effects.

Another critical adjustment involves the Red Bear NPC, whose attack power was inadvertently higher than intended. This update rebalances the NPC, ensuring a fairer challenge for players as they encounter this character within the game.

Multiplayer interactions in Scadu Altus, a new location introduced in the expansion, also received attention. A bug that prevented players from invading other worlds in specific areas of Scadu Altus has been fixed, along with an issue that allowed cooperative play in regions without bosses, disrupting the intended difficulty and progression of the game.

Adjustments to Spirit Ashes

In addition to bug fixes, the update includes several adjustments to Spirit Ashes. Notably, the Revered Spirit Ash Blessing has been fine-tuned to ensure that summoned spirits correctly receive the intended attack power and damage negation boosts. This fix addresses discrepancies that affected several spirits, including Warhawk, Banished Knight Engval, and Stormhawk Deenh among others, aligning their performance with player expectations.

FromSoftware’s Future Plans for Elden Ring

Despite the success of Shadow of the Erdtree, FromSoftware has indicated that this expansion is likely the final piece of additional content for Elden Ring. The developers have expressed gratitude for the positive reception of the DLC but have no current plans to produce further expansions. This decision makes the Shadow of the Erdtree a pivotal closing chapter for Elden Ring, providing players with a substantial amount of content to explore as the game reaches its conclusion.

Detailed Patch Notes for August 2024

Here’s a summary of the key fixes and adjustments in the August 2024 patch:

  • Bug Fixes:
    • Fixed the issue where the Death status ailment from “Death Flare” was incorrectly applied to “Deadly Poison Spray.”
    • Adjusted the attack power of the Red Bear NPC to align with intended game balance.
    • Resolved the issue preventing invasions in certain areas of Scadu Altus.
    • Fixed a bug allowing cooperative multiplayer in Scadu Altus regions without bosses.
  • Spirit Ash Adjustments:
    • Corrected the application of attack power and damage negation effects from the Revered Spirit Ash Blessing.
    • Adjusted status increases for specific spirits, including Warhawk, Banished Knight Engval, and others.

Final Thoughts

The August 2024 update for Elden Ring reflects FromSoftware’s commitment to refining the game and enhancing the player experience, particularly within the expansive Shadow of the Erdtree DLC. As the final chapter in Elden Ring’s journey, these updates ensure that the game remains a high-quality experience for both new and returning players. With this update, Elden Ring continues to solidify its place as a defining title in the RPG genre.

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