FromSoft is set to release a significant update for Elden Ring, just ahead of the highly anticipated Shadow of the Erdtree expansion. This update will offer various bug fixes, balance changes, and new features aimed at enhancing the overall gaming experience. Additionally, the company has clarified the release timings for the expansion, which differ across time zones and platforms.
Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree, an expansion for the popular action RPG Elden Ring, will provide players with new content and challenges. Launched by FromSoft, the expansion continues the game’s narrative and introduces additional gameplay elements. Shadow of the Erdtree is scheduled for release on June 20, 2023, in North America and June 21, 2023, in Europe, Asia, and Australia.
New Features and Enhancements
The upcoming Elden Ring update will introduce several notable changes to the game. New inventory features include markers for newly-acquired items and a dedicated tab for recently obtained items. Additionally, players can expect improved summon pools that carry over to New Game+ and can be managed individually through a new Map Functions menu. Moreover, five new hairstyles will be available, allowing players to customize their characters further.
The update also addresses the release timings for the Shadow of the Erdtree expansion. North American players will access the expansion on June 20, while those in Europe, Asia, and Australia will get it on June 21. The PC and console versions will not launch simultaneously; console releases will drop at midnight in each local time zone, whereas PC releases will follow different schedules.
Global Release Timings
In the Eastern time zone, the PC version launches at 6 pm on June 20, with the console version following at midnight on June 21. UK players can play the PC version at 11 pm on June 20, with the console version released an hour later. Australian players will get the console version at midnight on June 21, but the PC release will be delayed by eight hours. These staggered release times can cause some confusion, but FromSoft has provided a detailed map to clarify these timings.
Noteworthy Points
- The update introduces new inventory markers and a separate tab for recent items.
- Summon pools improvements include carryover to New Game+ and individual management.
- Five new hairstyles will be added for character customization.
Elden Ring players will not need to upgrade their system requirements for Shadow of the Erdtree. The minimum specs remain unchanged, ensuring that those currently playing Elden Ring can smoothly transition to the new expansion. However, players need to defeat the optional boss, Mohg, to access the expansion, a feat only 39% of players have currently achieved.
The newly announced Elden Ring update brings several quality-of-life improvements and fresh features that align with the launch of the Shadow of the Erdtree expansion. The staggered release times may present some challenges for players across different regions, but the update aims to offer a more refined and engaging experience. Ensuring system requirements remain the same also allows current players to enjoy the new content without additional hardware investments. These updates and new features underline FromSoft’s commitment to maintaining and enriching the Elden Ring universe.
