Recently, FromSoftware announced the delay of Elden Ring: Tarnished Edition to 2026. This announcement disappointed many, particularly fans who own the Nintendo Switch 2. The postponement was not entirely unexpected given reports of struggles with optimization.

Despite anticipating its release in 2025 initially, the game got pushed back because of performance issues, including reports from Gamescom where the frame rate dropped as low as 15 FPS during intense gameplay. Bandai Namco has been cautious, even directing attendees not to capture footage of the game.

While fans await the release, it’s essential to note that Elden Ring: Tarnished Edition will include both the base game and the new expansion, Shadow of the Erdtree. This update will provide new classes, weapons, and customization options for players. However, for gamers without a Switch 2, the new content will eventually become available on other platforms as well.

This delay follows concerns over the game’s physical edition being labeled as a Game-Key Card release, which has drawn criticism from players craving more traditional physical copies instead of downloads.

In summary, while it is disappointing to see another delay, it’s encouraging that the development team is prioritizing quality over haste, hoping to deliver an enriching experience for all players regardless of their platform.