ELDEN RING Tarnished Pack Review Summary

This DLC brings exciting new weapons and solid replay value, but its small content and steep price make it feel like a cash grab that should have been free.

DLC provides replay value: The DLC gives players a reason to replay the game, adding content that increases replayability. Reviewers see it as a good reason to return to the game.

New weapons are exciting: The DLC introduces new weapon types, including a light greatsword, flail, and others, which are praised for adding freshness and fun to the game. Reviewers enjoy using these weapons early in the base game.

Game is highly praised: The base game is described as brilliant, amazing, and one of the best games of all time. Reviewers express strong admiration for the developers and the overall quality of the game.

DLC is worth the price: Reviewers find the DLC reasonably priced and worth the entertainment value. The content is seen as good quality and affordable, making it a worthwhile purchase.

DLC provides early access to weapons: The DLC allows players to use certain weapon types from the start of the game, providing a shortcut to weapons like the light greatsword. This is appreciated by reviewers.

DLC is overpriced cash grab: The DLC is widely criticized as a low-effort cash grab with minimal content for its price. Reviewers feel the pricing is abusive and disproportionate to what is offered.

DLC should be free: Many reviewers argue the DLC content is so minor that it should have been a free update or patch. They believe charging for it is unjustified and greedy.

Content too small: The DLC offers only a few items, classes, and cosmetic changes, which reviewers find insufficient for a paid expansion. The lack of new areas or story is a major disappointment.

Free for SotE owners: Players who purchased the Shadow of the Erdtree expansion feel the new DLC should have been free for them. They see it as an additional charge on top of an already expensive expansion.

Separate purchase required: The DLC requires a separate purchase on Steam, which some reviewers note as an additional barrier. This is seen as an unnecessary extra cost for players.

DLC adds armor sets: The DLC includes multiple new armor sets, though some are considered reskins. This is a common point of feedback.

DLC adds new classes: The DLC introduces two new starting classes, expanding character build options. This is a frequently mentioned feature across multiple clusters.

DLC includes horse skins: The DLC provides cosmetic skins for Torrent, the spirit horse, which are seen as cosmetic fluff. This is a notable but less critical addition.

DLC includes invasions: The DLC adds NPC invasions, providing additional gameplay encounters. This is a specific feature mentioned in feedback.

DLC is optional expansion: The DLC is purely optional and serves as a content expansion for the base game. It adds some neat things but is not required.

Performance issues: lag and freezing: Players report constant lag, hiccups, and freezing, which severely impact gameplay experience. These issues are widespread and affect overall satisfaction.

DLSS feature missing: The absence of DLSS is noted as a missed opportunity for performance enhancement, especially for players with capable hardware. This omission is seen as a drawback.

Not worth buying: Many reviewers state the game is not worth its price, recommending purchase only if you have extra money. This sentiment is echoed across multiple clusters, indicating a common negative consensus.

Only for Elden Ring fans: The game is recommended only for players who love Elden Ring and plan to replay it. Reviewers note it adds little for others, making it a niche purchase.

DLC worth for some: Some reviewers find the DLC worth buying, especially for early weapons, new classes, or as a cheap optional addition. This positive feedback contrasts with the negative majority.

Decide for yourself: Some reviewers advise players to make their own decision based on personal interest and budget, rather than following the crowd. This suggests mixed opinions and a need for individual judgment.

Worth it for enjoyment: A few reviewers find the purchase worthwhile for the hours of enjoyment it provides, especially for those who enjoy replaying the game. This positive perspective is less common but present.

Community fair range: $50.00 - $60.00.

Game completion: 0.1h.

Session length: 2.5h.

The update makes the early game of Elden Ring fun from the start by providing early access to DLC weapon types, resolving the previous boredom of the first hours for veteran players.

Friction: DLC weapon types previously locked to late game or DLC; Boring early game for repeat playthroughs.

Unlock drivers: Early access to DLC weapon types in base game; New starting class with fun weapon and 100% physical resistance shield.

PvP Min-Maxer: Focuses on PvP, experiments with new classes and weapons, and meticulously allocates stats to achieve maximum efficiency at specific meta levels. Motivation: Optimizing character builds for PvP combat and staying competitive in the meta. Stance: buy.

FromSoftware Loyalist: Plays extensively, purchases all content regardless of price, and often defends the developer against criticism. Motivation: Supporting FromSoftware and expressing appreciation for the game and its developer. Stance: buy.

Anti-Microtransaction Purist: Plays the base game but refuses to buy paid DLC, often leaving negative reviews to voice disapproval. Motivation: Preserving the integrity of single-player games and opposing the spread of microtransactions. Stance: no buy.

The Windows <8GB VRAM cohort reports significant performance problems, including severe FPS drops after an update and lack of high refresh rate support.

Windows <8GB VRAM: negative. Users report FPS dropping to 20-30 on medium settings after the update, and no 120 FPS unlock, indicating poor performance.

Monetization: The reviews indicate that the game's monetization is limited to a one-time purchase of the base game and a small paid DLC. While many players complain about the DLC's value, there is no evidence of microtransactions, pay-to-win, gacha, or other predatory mechanics. The DLC is optional and cosmetic/weapon-based, with no statistical advantages. The score is low, reflecting a fair monetization model.

Paid DLC criticized as microtransaction: Players criticize the DLC for being sold as paid content rather than a free update, with some calling it a microtransaction. The low price does not justify the monetization approach.

DLC content minimal and cosmetic: The DLC includes only two starting classes, a horse skin, and a few weapons and armor sets. Players feel this content is too minor to justify a separate purchase.

Compared to free remasters: Reviewers compare the DLC to free remasters from other developers, such as The Witcher 3, highlighting the contrast between free updates and this paid content.

DLC compared to Oblivion Horse Armor: Reviewers compare the DLC to the infamous Oblivion Horse Armor, implying it is a cash grab. This comparison highlights the perceived low value of the content.

Developer monetization criticized: The developer's monetization behavior is criticized, with comparisons to CDPR's free updates. Players are concerned about the future direction of monetization.