FromSoftware has released a fast new Elden Ring Patch 1.17.1 update. The patch fixes a multiplayer glitch that let some players get Tarnished Pack DLC items without owning the paid add-on.
The issue quickly became a talking point in the Elden Ring community. Some players found that DLC-only items could appear during multiplayer sessions, even for players who had not purchased the Tarnished Pack. Now, that loophole has been removed.
Elden Ring Patch 1.17.1 Is Live
Elden Ring Patch 1.17.1 arrived on September 8, 2026. It is a small update, but it is important for anyone playing online multiplayer.
According to FromSoftware’s official patch note, the update fixes a problem where players could receive items that they should not normally be able to obtain. This happened in multiplayer under certain conditions.
The official note is short, but the meaning is clear. Players who do not own the Tarnished Pack should no longer be able to pick up its exclusive equipment through online sessions.
Players need to install Patch 1.17.1 to continue playing Elden Ring online. After updating, the game should display App Version 1.17.1 and Regulation Version 1.17.1 on the title screen.
What Was the Tarnished Pack Glitch?
The Tarnished Pack is a paid Elden Ring add-on that costs around $4.99 or $5, depending on the platform and region. It adds new classes, equipment, Torrent customization options, and other content to the game.
Before Patch 1.17.1, a multiplayer issue allowed DLC-related items to appear as pickups for players who had not bought the pack.
In simple words, this meant a player who owned the Tarnished Pack could join or host a multiplayer session and, under certain conditions, help another player receive items from the paid content.
This was not supposed to happen.
The glitch was especially noticeable because the items were tied to premium DLC content. Instead of every player needing to buy the add-on, some players could get equipment through multiplayer interactions.
Reports suggest the problem could also allow Tarnished Pack owners to generate more copies of DLC items for other players.
What Does Patch 1.17.1 Change?
Patch 1.17.1 closes the multiplayer loophole. Players who do not own the Tarnished Pack should no longer be able to receive its items through unintended multiplayer pickups.
The update does not appear to add any new weapons, armor sets, bosses, areas, quests, or gameplay systems. It is mainly a targeted fix for DLC item eligibility.
Here is a quick look at the patch:
| Feature | Patch 1.17.1 status |
|---|---|
| Multiplayer DLC item exploit | Fixed |
| Free Tarnished Pack pickups for non-owners | Removed |
| New weapons or armor | Not added |
| Balance changes | Not listed |
| PvP adjustments | Not listed |
| New content | Not added |
| Online play update requirement | Required |
FromSoftware’s official wording says it fixed an issue in multiplayer where players could obtain items they were not normally eligible to get.
What Is Included in the Tarnished Pack?
The Tarnished Pack was released as extra content for existing Elden Ring players. It is also connected to the newer Tarnished Edition release.
The official PlayStation Store description confirms that the pack includes two new starting classes, new armor, and a feature that changes Torrent’s appearance. The content can be used in both the base game and the Shadow of the Erdtree expansion.
The pack’s main additions include:
Two New Starting Classes
Players can start a new character as either the Heavy Knight or the Idus Knight.
These classes give players different early-game equipment and stats. They are useful for people who want to begin a fresh run with a new type of build instead of spending hours finding gear later.
The Heavy Knight is aimed more toward players who enjoy strong armor, defense, and close-range combat. The Idus Knight is better suited to players who want a different combat style with its own starting equipment.
New Equipment and Armor
The Tarnished Pack adds new weapons and armor sets that players can find in the Lands Between or buy from certain merchants.
This gives returning players more build choices. Elden Ring is known for letting players create unique characters, and fresh equipment can make a new playthrough feel different.
Torrent Appearance Customization
One of the most noticeable additions is the ability to change the look of Torrent, the player’s spectral steed.
The pack adds three types of Spectral Steed Attire:
- Tree Sentinel Spectral Steed Attire
- Silver of Caria Spectral Steed Attire
- Funereal Night Spectral Steed Attire
After finding one of these appearances, players can change Torrent’s look through the Site of Grace menu.
New NPC Invasions
The content also includes new NPC invasion events in Caelid and Leyndell, Royal Capital.
However, players need to reach the correct point in the story to see them. The Leyndell invasion does not happen after the capital changes into Leyndell, Ashen Capital.
Can Players Still Trade Tarnished Pack Items?
This is where the situation is less clear.
FromSoftware’s official Patch 1.17.1 notes only say that the multiplayer issue has been fixed. The studio did not clearly explain whether every possible form of item trading is blocked for Tarnished Pack equipment.
Some community reports say that players may still be able to trade certain DLC items normally. However, the old method that let non-owners receive items as unintended multiplayer pickups has been patched out.
Until FromSoftware gives a longer explanation, players should not assume that trading is a reliable way to access paid Tarnished Pack content.
If you want the new classes, weapons, armor, and Torrent appearances without problems, buying the Tarnished Pack is the safest option.
Why Are Players Upset About This Update?
Many players understand why FromSoftware fixed the glitch. The Tarnished Pack is paid content, and the exploit allowed people to access items without purchasing it.
Still, some fans are unhappy with how fast the fix arrived.
The main complaint is that Patch 1.17.1 focuses only on stopping free access to paid DLC items. The patch notes do not mention wider balance changes, PvP fixes, weapon buffs, weapon nerfs, or other gameplay improvements that some players want to see.
That has led to jokes and criticism across the community. Players are saying that FromSoftware was very quick to fix an issue affecting DLC sales, while other game balance concerns have stayed in the game for longer.
It is worth being fair here, though. Patch 1.17.1 looks like a narrow emergency hotfix, not a full Elden Ring balance update. A larger patch could still arrive later with weapon changes, PvP adjustments, bug fixes, or quality-of-life improvements.
Does Patch 1.17.1 Add Balance Changes?
No balance changes are listed in the official Patch 1.17.1 note.
The update does not mention changes to:
- Weapons
- Spells
- Incantations
- Ashes of War
- Bosses
- Enemy damage
- PvP matchmaking
- PvP damage
- Player builds
- Shadow of the Erdtree balance
This does not mean FromSoftware will never make balance changes again. It only means Patch 1.17.1 is focused on fixing the Tarnished Pack item problem.
Players waiting for major gameplay changes should keep an eye out for future Elden Ring patch notes.
Should You Update Elden Ring?
Yes, especially if you play multiplayer.
Patch 1.17.1 is required for online play, so players who want to summon friends, invade other worlds, use co-op features, or see online messages should install it.
Offline players may not notice a major difference because the patch is mainly about a multiplayer DLC item issue. However, keeping the game updated is still a good idea for compatibility and future patches.
Final Thoughts
Elden Ring Patch 1.17.1 is a quick but very focused update. It stops players from receiving Tarnished Pack DLC items through a multiplayer glitch if they do not own the paid content.
The patch does not add new gameplay features or balance changes. That is why some fans are frustrated, especially those hoping for fixes to weapons, builds, PvP, or other long-standing issues.
For now, the important takeaway is simple: the free Tarnished Pack item loophole is gone. Players who want the DLC’s new classes, equipment, NPC invasions, and Torrent appearance options will need to own the pack normally.
