FromSoftware has released the newest patch for Elden Ring, version 1.13, introducing significant balance adjustments across various aspects of the game. This patch aims to refine both PvE and PvP experiences by tweaking weapon performance, skills, and Talismans. While some adjustments enhance weapon efficiency, others impose restrictions to ensure a balanced gameplay environment. The new changes are set to impact player strategies in meaningful ways.
Weapon Adjustments
Several weapons have received notable changes to their poise damage. Light Great Swords, Backhand Blades, Hand-to-Hand Arts, and Beast Claws now inflict more poise damage with normal attacks. Additionally, dual-wielding weapons such as Katanas, Fists, Claws, Whips, and Thrusting Swords also see an increase in poise damage. The Claws of Night’s throwing attacks benefit from a similar poise damage enhancement.
Talisman Modifications
The Fine Crucible Feather Talisman and Talisman of All Crucibles have been adjusted to decrease the backstep invulnerability window, heightening the risk in PvP combat. This change aims to reinforce the inherent risk vs. reward dynamic associated with these Talismans, as they simultaneously increase received damage.
Skill Tweaks
Furthermore, numerous skills have undergone modifications. For example, the Savage Lion’s Claw now makes the second hit of its follow-up attack easier to land but reduces the damage animation of the first attack against other players. Similarly, Raging Beast, Blind Spot, and Palm Blast have all seen reductions in their invulnerability windows and poise generation, impacting their effectiveness during combat.
Comparing these updates to past patches, FromSoftware has consistently aimed to balance gameplay dynamics. Previous updates largely focused on addressing bugs and enhancing performance, while this latest patch takes a more strategic approach by fine-tuning combat mechanics. Past tweaks often received mixed feedback; however, the current changes appear to be more targeted towards addressing specific imbalances in player-versus-player scenarios.
Earlier patches did not emphasize poise damage as much, instead focusing on broad adjustments across various gameplay elements. This current shift towards precise balance changes suggests an evolving strategy by FromSoftware to refine the competitive aspects of Elden Ring. The enhanced poise damage for certain weapons and the reduced invulnerability for Talismans mark a deliberate effort to create a more dynamic and challenging combat environment.
These extensive adjustments indicate FromSoftware’s commitment to maintaining a balanced and engaging gameplay experience for Elden Ring players. By enhancing the poise damage of specific weapon categories and adjusting the invulnerability windows of Talismans and skills, the patch aims to create a more competitive and fair environment for all players. These changes are likely to influence player strategies and might be continually refined in future updates based on community feedback and gameplay data.
