Elden Ring Tarnished Edition launches for Nintendo Switch 2 on August 28, 2026. It brings the full base game and Shadow of the Erdtree together, then adds a smaller Tarnished Pack with new armor and a way to change Torrent’s appearance.

This is the first Switch 2 version of Elden Ring, not a new sequel or a second expansion. Players on PlayStation, Xbox, and PC will also be able to buy the Tarnished Pack content separately.

Elden Ring Tarnished Edition Release Date

  • Release date: August 28, 2026.
  • New platform: Nintendo Switch 2.
  • Publisher: Bandai Namco Entertainment.
  • Developer: FromSoftware.

Digital preorders are open for the Switch 2 version. Bandai Namco has listed the release date directly on the official Elden Ring site and in its Tarnished Edition announcements.

The official product page also lists preorder bonus gestures. Treat those as optional extras rather than part of the core reason to buy: the lasting value is the base game, the expansion, and the new Tarnished Pack content.

What Is Included in Tarnished Edition?

  • Elden Ring base game.
  • Shadow of the Erdtree expansion.
  • Tarnished Pack DLC.
  • New armor included through the Tarnished Pack.
  • A new appearance-customization feature for Torrent.

The package is aimed at players starting Elden Ring on Switch 2. Shadow of the Erdtree is the large expansion set in the Land of Shadow, while the Tarnished Pack is the smaller new-content bundle tied to this release.

Is Tarnished Edition a New Game?

No. Tarnished Edition combines the original Elden Ring adventure with its existing Shadow of the Erdtree expansion. You still play the same action RPG across the Lands Between and later enter the expansion’s Land of Shadow.

The new part is the Tarnished Pack. Bandai Namco has confirmed new armor and Torrent appearance customization, but it has not described Tarnished Edition as another story expansion.

Can Existing Players Get the New Content?

Yes. Bandai Namco says the Tarnished Pack content will also be sold for PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, and PC through Steam.

That means existing players should not need to buy the full Switch 2 edition just to access the new armor or Torrent customization. Pricing and store availability can vary by platform, so check the listing for the version you already own before buying.

Do You Need Shadow of the Erdtree?

Shadow of the Erdtree is included in Tarnished Edition. It normally requires the Elden Ring base game, but both are already part of this Switch 2 package.

New players can begin with the base-game route and enter the expansion later after reaching its in-game requirements. The edition does not move a fresh save directly into the DLC.

What Do We Know About the Switch 2 Version?

Bandai Namco has confirmed the platform, release date, included content, and digital preorder. The publisher’s current announcement does not provide a complete technical breakdown covering frame rate, resolution, or performance modes.

Wait for official specifications or reliable final-version testing before treating performance claims as confirmed. The content list is clear, but technical comparisons still need evidence from the released build.

Should Existing Players Buy Tarnished Edition?

Tarnished Edition makes the most sense for someone who wants the full game on Switch 2 or has not bought Shadow of the Erdtree elsewhere. Players who already own the game and expansion on another platform can compare the separate Tarnished Pack against the cost of starting again on Switch 2.

Bandai Namco has not announced cross-save support in the cited release information. Do not assume a PlayStation, Xbox, or PC save will move to Switch 2 unless the publisher confirms it.

Final Answer

Elden Ring Tarnished Edition launches August 28 on Nintendo Switch 2. It includes Elden Ring, Shadow of the Erdtree, the Tarnished Pack, new armor, and Torrent appearance customization. Existing PlayStation, Xbox, and PC owners can wait for the separate Tarnished Pack instead of buying the full Switch 2 package for the new extras.

Bandai Namco’s official Tarnished Edition announcement has the confirmed release and platform details.