Elden Ring Switch 2 Reveals New Classes Ahead of August Launch

FromSoftware has unveiled two brand-new starting classes for Elden Ring: Tarnished Edition on Nintendo Switch 2, alongside fresh gameplay footage, performance expectations, and details about pricing and exclusive content.

The August 28, 2026 release of Elden Ring: Tarnished Edition gives Nintendo Switch 2 owners another huge release. FromSoftware introduced two new beginning character classes for the Switch 2 version, giving players more options for their Lands Between quest. The developer of FromSoftware RPGs says your first class isn't permanent. Your first armor, gear, and base character stats are primarily determined by it.

These choices can make the first few hours simpler, depending on your playstyle; however, players can later respec their character to completely redistribute their numbers. Thus, choosing a build for the whole experience is less important than how you want to start the game. If you want heavy weaponry and sheer power or agility and quickness in combat, our two new classes offer alternative starting points.

The official Elden Ring social media sites revealed the latest news with fresh artwork and a teaser that said, “Two unseen paths drawn by the faintest trace of grace. Gods aren't timid; watch your step."

Detailed stat breakdowns for the two new character classes were also posted.

Heavy Knights, heavily armored fighters focused on endurance and strength, are the first new class. Level 10 starts with 14 Vigor, 8 Mind, 17 Endurance, 15 Strength, 11 Dexterity, 7 Intelligence, 8 Faith, and 9 Arcane. Heavy Knights use massive weapons and hefty steel armor to defeat enemies. For classic Souls gamers who favor heavy two-handed swords, blocking, and powerful melee attacks, its high endurance and strength make it a good choice.

Fans can also see the armor set's frightening knight in thick steel plating in the artwork. This class seems like an excellent starting class for slow, deadly combat. The second addition is the Idis Knight, a faster Lands of Idis fighter. This class emphasizes speed, lighter gear, and dexterity battling over the Heavy Knight.

Idis Knight Level 7 Stats: The Idis Knight possesses 10 Vigor, 12 Mind, 11 Endurance, 13 Strength, 15 Dexterity, 8 Intelligence, 11 Faith, and 6 Arcane. It may start low, but that's okay. Fewer levels mean fewer runes for players to customize their builds. Swift weapons, fast mobility, and quick attacks are preferred over heavy armor and force by the class.

Due to its streamlined design, its lighter armor set is appealing to gamers who prefer to focus on dexterous weaponry, quick dodges, and fast-paced combat. In addition to the new classes, recent gameplay footage gave fans a clearer picture of how Elden Ring plays on the Nintendo Switch 2. Although it won't be as fast as the PlayStation 5 or Xbox Series X, early footage suggests the game targets 30 frames per second, which should keep performance stable throughout the trip.

Elden Ring for Nintendo Switch 2 includes the whole game and the massive Shadow of the Erdtree expansion, giving players the full experience.

Bonus emotes come with pre-ordering, and the Tarnished Edition contains new Torrent customization skins and two unique starting classes. When the expansion debuts, Elden Ring on other platforms will receive an update with much of the Tarnished Edition's content. The exact pricing of that improvement is unknown, although it will likely be a free update rather than DLC.

Nintendo says Elden Ring: Tarnished Edition will cost $79.99 on Switch 2, the same as the main game and Shadow of the Erdtree elsewhere. One topic of debate is the game's release format. Elden Ring will be released on Switch 2 as a cartridge, but not the full game. A Game Key Card will be provided. Even if the player buys a physical copy, the game data must be downloaded from the Nintendo eShop and stored on the device.

Positively, the Game Key Card can be bought, sold, traded, or shared like a physical release. However, many collectors prefer cartridges over downloads for game data. The $79.99 price has also drawn criticism from fans. The package includes the basic game and its massive expansion, but some gamers would have preferred to buy the original game first before buying the DLC.

The main campaign alone can provide 60 to 70 hours of playtime (or more for completionists), making the package a good value for FromSoftware enthusiasts. That experience is enhanced by 30 to 40 hours of content in The Shadow of the Erdtree. Souls-like veterans may find the Tarnished Edition to be one of the best portable Elden Ring experiences. On August 28, 2026, the platform will get new character classes, a bundled expansion, cosmetic changes, and Nintendo Switch 2 support.