Elden Ring continues to captivate players worldwide, and the upcoming Nintendo Switch 2 release-titled Elden Ring: Tarnished Edition-is set to deepen that experience with exciting new content.
Among the most anticipated additions are two brand-new character classes: the Knight of Ides and the Heavy Knight. These classes promise fresh gameplay dynamics that will enrich how players explore The Lands Between, making this edition a must-play for both newcomers and veterans alike.
New Classes: Knight of Ides and Heavy Knight
Revealed at the FromSoftware Games Event Spring 2025 in Tokyo, the Knight of Ides and Heavy Knight classes bring intriguing new options to Elden Ring’s character roster.
While detailed stats and abilities remain under wraps, the names and initial impressions suggest distinct playstyles:
- Knight of Ides: Likely a more agile, lightly armored class, possibly balancing offense and defense with swift combat skills.
- Heavy Knight: Expected to be a tankier, heavily armored class focusing on high defense and resilience, ideal for players who prefer absorbing damage and controlling the battlefield.
These classes will provide players with alternative approaches to combat and exploration, encouraging experimentation beyond the traditional builds.
Given Elden Ring’s flexible character progression system-where players can respec and hybridize abilities-the new classes offer a fresh head start with unique thematic and mechanical flavors.
Choosing a starting class in Elden Ring has always been more about setting an initial tone than locking in a rigid playstyle. The introduction of these two classes adds more variety to that initial choice, catering to different player preferences:
- Enhanced Role-Playing: Players can immerse themselves in new archetypes that fit their preferred narrative and combat style.
- Strategic Diversity: The Heavy Knight’s presumed defensive prowess contrasts with the Knight of Ides’ likely agility, offering distinct tactical options.
- Customization Opportunities: Alongside new classes, Elden Ring: Tarnished Edition introduces new armor sets, weapons, and combat arts, plus customizable appearances for Torrent, the Spirit Steed, enhancing personalization.
Moreover, the new content won’t be exclusive to Switch 2 owners. FromSoftware plans to release the Tarnished Pack DLC for other platforms, ensuring that all players can enjoy these additions.
Fresh Perspectives on Elden Ring Evolution
The addition of these classes reflects FromSoftware’s commitment to evolving Elden Ring’s gameplay while respecting its core design. Rather than drastically altering the experience, the new classes serve as thoughtful expansions that deepen player engagement.
- Balancing Tradition and Innovation: The classes draw on medieval knight archetypes, a familiar motif, yet promise new mechanics and aesthetics.
- Expanding Accessibility: By offering classes with potentially different difficulty curves, FromSoftware may attract a broader audience.
- Encouraging Replayability: New classes and gear incentivize revisiting the game, exploring alternative strategies, and mastering fresh combat styles.
From a personal perspective, this approach aligns well with Elden Ring’s open-ended gameplay philosophy.
The ability to respec and mix skills means players can experiment with these classes without fear of being locked into a suboptimal build, making the new classes a compelling reason to dive back into the game or try it anew on Switch 2.
Final words
Elden Ring: Tarnished Edition on Nintendo Switch 2 is more than a simple port; it’s a meaningful expansion of the beloved RPG’s universe.
The introduction of the Knight of Ides and Heavy Knight classes, alongside new gear and customization options, promises to enrich the player experience with fresh tactical depth and personalization.
Whether you’re a seasoned Tarnished or a newcomer eager to explore The Lands Between, these additions offer exciting new ways to engage with one of gaming’s most celebrated worlds.
