The first patch to Elden Ring, update 1.02, was released on launch day and fixes some of the initial issues with the game!
What’s fixed and improved in Elden Ring 1.02
Elden Ring has just launched and Bandai Namco has already released the first patch for it. After you update your game, you should see the following on your lower right corner of the main screen before you load your last save:
- App Ver. 1.02
- Regulation Ver. 1.02.1
This patch improves the player controls, fixes some textures and bugs. It aims to improve the framerate by eliminating as many of the framerate drops as possible. For a first attempt, not bad. I actually updated to it before I start the game for the first time, so I can’t tell how bad it was before.
Bandai Namco also confirmed that they are working on the upcoming implementation of ray tracing, but more details will be revealed in “future announcements”.
“Timing for the implementation of ray tracing, which is planned to be supported after the launch, will be revealed in future announcements.”
Plural, really? Ouch.
There’s no denying that the game falls behind some of the more modern titles in the graphics and visuals department, but I doubt any old-school Souls-fan would even notice the aging engine and its weak sides if they are enjoying the gameplay.
Here are the patch notes, as scarce as they may be, in case you want to see them in their original form, as posted by Bandai Namco on their official site.
Full 1.02 Patch Notes and how to update your game
Major items included in the latest update:
- Improved player controls
- Addition and adjustment of BGM
- Text adjustments
- Balance adjustments
- NPC event fixes and adjustments
- Fixed frame rate drops under certain conditions
- Fixed text bug in some languages
- Fixed a bug that prevented the Xbox wireless headset from working properly
In case you have no experience of updating your games, here is a quick reminder or a guide to help you do that.
On PC:
If you have purchased a digital version of the game, please apply the patch after downloading the full game.
On PlayStation 4/5:
On the home screen, select ELDEN RING, press the OPTIONS button, and then select [Check for Updates].
On Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One:
Select ELDEN RING from the Home screen or My Collection > Games, then press the Menu button and select Manage Games and Add-ons. Select [Update] when the game management screen opens.
What’s coming next for Elden Ring
The issues are not completely fixed and Bandai Namco acknowledged that shortly after they announced this patch. I personally still get frame drops and stuttering on PC.
“We are currently experiencing some issues that are preventing the game from playing properly under some conditions.”
Here is a short list of some of the main improvements planned for a next update soon:
Regarding the problem of the mouse being too sensitive in the PC version: A patch is coming soon to address this.
Regarding the problem of Easy Anti-Cheat failing to launch when the Steam account name includes a multi-byte character: To be fixed soon with a patch.
Regarding the phenomenon of frame rate and other performance-related issues during gameplay: I find it funny how they describe it as a “phenomenon”. In the meantime, check if your graphics drivers are up to date. Nvidia released a new driver with Elden Ring on the front line there.
About the phenomenon of game data that does not save correctly in the PlayStation 5 version: If your PS5 turns off unexpectedly during Elden Ring gameplay, know that this issue should be fixed soon with a patch. You should save your game manually by exiting the game frequently. Not the best, but still a working workaround, officially suggested by Bandai Namco.
Have you started your adventure in The Lands Between? Do you know how to get your mount early? We have a guide to help you with that. Torrent, your spectral steed, is invaluable part of your exploration and gameplay in Elden Ring.
And in case you get stuck on the first truly challenging major boss in the game, we have a guide to help you beat Margit the Fell Omen.
