Elden Ring Tarnished Edition DLC gear tested
Players are testing new weapons and armor from the $5 Tarnished Edition DLC, with Leontiel's Greatsword and its 'Matador' skill proving popular against
Elden Ring players are testing new gear from the Tarnished Edition DLC, a $5 pack released recently by FromSoftware. The DLC adds new starting classes, armor sets, and horse armor, sparking a wave of player experimentation to determine the items' effectiveness and style.
It took time for the community to locate all the new items, which were hidden in unexpected places as is typical for the developer. Now that most items have been found, including some unannounced minor additions, the analysis phase is in full swing.
Leontiel's Greatsword Dominates Discussion
A new greatsword obtained from a dueling NPC has become the most popular weapon. Leontiel's Greatsword, a reference to a Dark Souls 2 character, features a powerful move inspired by bullfighters. The skill, called Muleta, has the character taunt with a red cloth before stepping around a target for a backstab. Its slick animation has players eager to test it on bosses.
One Reddit user, SaxSlaveGael, used it on the bull-like boss Gaius from the Shadow of the Erdtree DLC, calling it "the Matador Treatment." The skill functioned as a perfect taunt and follow-up against the boss's boar. Another user, Ilamahradeys, used it to nearly one-shot a Full-Grown Fallingstar Beast in Mt. Gelmir, instantly staggering the resilient creature in a stylish display.
Fashion and Function in New Armor
While some players prioritize stats, the tradition of "fashion souls" remains strong. The shiny chestpiece from the new Idus starting class has become a favorite for its sleek, polished look that pairs well with other armor sets. Players are using it for cosplay, such as mimicking Casca from Berserk, and are also noting its apparent visual enhancement of the character's physique.
For players focused on viability, the new heavy armor starting class is under scrutiny. One Reddit user who completed a playthrough with it reported it as a sturdy class that excels in the mid-to-late game. Its boosted vigor and strength stats, key for melee builds, help it handle the game's toughest later bosses. You can compare detailed gear stats on our stats page for deeper analysis.
The DLC's new toys, while not game-changing, provide enough fresh content to entice players back for another run. As one player noted, a $5 package with this much new gear is a rare value that can keep fans engaged. For those planning new builds around this gear, our fixtures page can help track performance in different game scenarios. The testing continues as the community fully dissects the Tarnished Edition's offerings.
