Written by FromSoftware is gearing up to breathe new life into Elden Ring with its upcoming "Tarnished Edition" — a Game of the Year re-release that’s bringing more than just new gear scattered across the Lands Between. According to a report from Eurogamer, the update will introduce two brand-new starting classes, each calling back to iconic Soulsborne archetypes. Most excitingly, one of them comes armed with a top-tier DLC weapon that previously required dozens of hours — and an endgame boss — to unlock.
Meet the Knight of Ides and the Heavy Knight
During a recent press event attended by Famitsu in Tokyo on May 6, FromSoftware showcased the two new classes. While their names are still subject to localization, they currently translate as the "Knight of Ides" and the "Heavy Knight."
The Knight of Ides is already turning heads with its elegant, knightly aesthetic. The armor is heavily inspired by the iconic Fluted Armor from Demon’s Souls — one of the earliest and most beloved sets in Soulsborne history. But it's not just about looks: this class comes equipped with Milady, a customizable Light Greatsword introduced in the Shadow of the Erdtree DLC.
Previously locked behind a late-game boss fight, Milady combines the strength of a greatsword with the finesse of a duelist’s moveset, making it ideal for Dexterity or Quality builds. Giving players access to it from the start is a massive quality-of-life change for build-crafters and speedrunners alike.
On the bulkier side, the Heavy Knight appears to be a spiritual successor to Dark Souls' Iron Tarkus. Draped in massive black armor and brandishing a curved greatsword reminiscent of a giant falchion, this class is all about raw power. Notably, they forgo a shield, signaling a no-nonsense, heavy-hitting playstyle for Strength purists.
More Than Just Class Flavors
While Soulsborne starting classes have traditionally served as rough templates for early builds, these new additions seem to be more than just aesthetic tweaks. With exclusive armor, new weapons, and early access to high-end gear, they’re designed to give veterans and newcomers alike a compelling reason to jump back into Elden Ring — or start anew.
Tarnished Edition Release and Platforms
Though Bandai Namco has yet to confirm an exact release date, the Tarnished Edition is being positioned to coincide with the launch of Nintendo’s Switch 2, which arrives on June 5. Encouragingly, all new classes and features are expected to launch on PC as well, likely on or near the same date.
TL;DR: Elden Ring’s next big update will shake up the starting class lineup, letting players dive into the game with powerful new gear from the get-go — including a fan-favorite DLC weapon that used to be locked behind dozens of hours of gameplay. Whether you're all about dexterous duels or brute strength, the new Knight of Ides and Heavy Knight classes are set to deliver.