Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree Patch Addresses Overpowered Weapons and More

FromSoftware has rolled out the first major update for Elden Ring following the release of the Shadow of the Erdtree expansion. The Version 1.12.3 patch aims to address several gameplay balance issues, particularly focusing on the reduction of power for several overpowered weapons.

Key Changes and Weapon Adjustments

Detailed on publisher Bandai Namco's website, the patch includes significant changes and bug fixes. The primary focus is on reducing the effectiveness of several weapons that had been deemed too powerful by the community. Among the adjusted weapons are the Smithscript Dagger, Smithscript Cirque, Smithscript Axe, Smithscript Greathammer, Smithscript Spear, Smithscript Shield, and Golem Fist. These weapons were part of a notorious "OP" build discovered just hours before the patch was released.

FromSoftware has addressed a specific bug that caused thrusting shields to consume less stamina than intended. This fix aims to balance the defensive and offensive capabilities of these shields, ensuring fairer gameplay mechanics.

To slightly compensate for the overall damage reduction, the Smithscript Dagger and Smithscript Cirque have had their throwing attacks' range increased. This tweak allows these weapons to maintain some of their strategic advantages while reducing their overall power.

Elden Ring Runes and Elden Ring Items

In addition to weapon adjustments, the patch also brings various changes to Elden Ring Runes and Elden Ring Items. Players will find that the acquisition and utilization of runes are now more balanced, offering a smoother progression experience. Similarly, item drop rates and effectiveness have been tweaked to ensure a more equitable distribution and use within the game.

For players heavily invested in collecting Elden Ring Runes and Elden Ring Items, these changes will create a more dynamic and engaging gameplay environment. The rebalancing ensures that no single item or rune becomes a game-breaking element, promoting a more strategic approach to combat and exploration.

Addressing Community Concerns

While the patch addresses several critical gameplay issues, FromSoftware has yet to resolve a significant bug affecting Steam Deck users. This bug renders the game unplayable if left idle for more than five minutes, potentially leading to corrupted data. The absence of a fix for this issue has been a point of frustration for many players, and the community eagerly awaits a resolution.

Despite this, the update shows
FromSoftware's commitment to refining and balancing Elden Ring post-expansion. The adjustments to overpowered weapons and the improvements to Elden Ring Runes and Elden Ring Items demonstrate the developers' dedication to providing a fair and enjoyable gaming experience.

Full Patch Notes

For players interested in the detailed changes brought by Version 1.12.3, the full patch notes are available on Bandai Namco's website. These notes offer a comprehensive overview of all the adjustments, bug fixes, and improvements included in the update.

Looking Forward

As Elden Ring continues to evolve with post-launch updates and expansions, players can expect further refinements and new content. The Shadow of the Erdtree expansion has already brought a wealth of new experiences to the game, and ongoing updates will ensure that the Elden Ring remains a dynamic and engaging world for adventurers.

For those who have yet to dive into the Shadow of the Erdtree expansion, now is an excellent time to experience the latest content and see how the recent updates have enhanced the game. With balanced weapons, improved rune and item mechanics, and ongoing support from FromSoftware, Elden Ring continues to set a high standard for action RPGs.

Conclusion

The Version 1.12.3 patch for Elden Ring marks a significant step in addressing community feedback and balancing gameplay. While the adjustments to overpowered weapons and improvements to Elden Ring Runes and Elden Ring Items are welcome changes, the unresolved Steam Deck bug highlights the ongoing need for further refinements.

Nevertheless, FromSoftware's commitment to enhancing Elden Ring ensures that players can look forward to a continually improving gaming experience. As the game evolves, adventurers will find new challenges, balanced mechanics, and an ever-expanding world to explore.

For now, players should take advantage of the updated gameplay balance and dive back into the rich and immersive world of Elden Ring, armed with a better understanding of their arsenal and the strategic opportunities it presents.