Three years after Elden Ring redefined open-world RPGs with its unforgiving difficulty and hauntingly beautiful lore, FromSoftware is ready to re-engage players with new options and content. At the recent FromSoftware Games Event Spring 2025, the studio unveiled two new starter classes-Heavy Knight and Knight of Ides-coming to Elden Ring with the launch of the Tarnished Edition on the upcoming Nintendo Switch 2.

However, these new classes won't be limited to Nintendo's next-gen console. In a move that reflects FromSoftware's commitment to its community, these classes will be available across all platforms-PlayStation, Xbox, and PC-through a free update rolled out simultaneously with the Switch 2 launch. While no specific release date for the Tarnished Edition has been confirmed, it's slated for a 2025 release.

What Are the New Classes?a

FromSoftware hasn't revealed full details on the stats or starting gear for the new classes, but early descriptions offer intriguing insights.

Heavy Knight: This class appears to cater to players who favor strength-based builds, reminiscent of the Vagabond or Hero classes but with an even greater focus on poise, armor, and raw melee power. It likely starts with high Strength and Vigor, making it an excellent choice for newcomers who want to trade agility for endurance and heavy-hitting weaponry.

Knight of Ides: Though it sounds like a traditional knight archetype-similar to the existing Confessor or Knight classes-there's speculation that the Knight of Ides may incorporate magic into its combat style. The name evokes themes of fate and duality, suggesting a possible hybrid between melee and sorcery or incantations.

While the starting class can define your early experience, Elden Ring's RPG system remains highly flexible. Players can still respec and craft their character into any build using Larval Tears, so these new classes serve more as thematic springboards than strict templates.

Why New Starter Classes Matter

At first glance, veteran players might shrug off the addition of new starter classes as inconsequential. After all, once players reach a certain level or gain access to rebirth mechanics, the impact of their initial class choice diminishes. However, for newcomers and veterans looking to start fresh, new starter classes provide a new lens through which to experience the Lands Between.

Moreover, for challenge runners, role-players, or those pursuing specific thematic builds, the new classes offer fresh immersion and lore-building potential. Imagine crafting a brutal, ironclad Heavy Knight who takes a vow of brute strength, or a Knight of Ides sworn to a balance between intellect and faith. These classes help set a tone and narrative for the journey ahead.

What Is the Tarnished Edition?

The Tarnished Edition is a bundled re-release of Elden Ring for the Switch 2 that includes:

The base game,

The full Shadow of the Erdtree expansion,

New gear, armor sets, and customizations for Torrent, your spectral steed.

This edition will also bring optimizations tailored for the Switch 2's hardware. Given the original game's scale and graphical demands, this will likely be a significant technical achievement.

Importantly, all Tarnished Edition content (excluding potential Switch-exclusive bonuses) will be available to other platforms via updates or expansions.

FromSoftware's Expanding Universe

The new classes are just one part of a broader creative surge from FromSoftware. Alongside Elden Ring's ongoing evolution, two other projects are currently in development:

Elden Ring: Nightreign: A co-op survival experience launching soon, it's set to expand on the core game's mechanics while offering a new gameplay format. Whether it will be PvE-focused or include competitive elements remains to be seen.

The Duskbloods: This game will be a PvPvE title exclusive to the Switch 2, with an expected 2026 release. It aims to blend player combat with environmental threats and narrative storytelling. Early speculation hints at a spiritual successor to Bloodborne or Sekiro, though no official connections have been made.

With these additions, FromSoftware is showing it isn't content to rest on its laurels. Instead, it's building an ecosystem of interconnected titles with shared lore, mechanics, and fan service.

The Big Picture: More Than Just Classes

The addition of the Heavy Knight and Knight of Ides reflects FromSoftware's understanding of its player base. They're not just giving us new stats or gear; they're providing new narratives and archetypes for fans to explore.

For returning players, these classes are an invitation to relive the wonder of discovery. For new players-especially those entering the game on the Switch 2-they offer welcome diversity and tailored playstyles to ease into one of the most challenging yet rewarding gaming experiences of the decade.

And with Shadow of the Erdtree already redefining what post-launch expansions can deliver, the future of Elden Ring seems brighter than ever.

Conclusion

To fully embrace the arrival of the Heavy Knight and Knight of Ides, having a solid supply of Elden Ring runes and high-quality Elden Ring items is key to making your build shine early on. Whether you're preparing for a new journey with one of these starter classes or diving into New Game+ with a fresh concept, investing in essential items can save hours of farming and boost your performance immediately.