Elden Ring Release Dates: From 2022 to the 2026 Tarnished Edition

Many gamers still hunt for accurate Elden Ring release dates. They want to track the base game, major expansions, and special editions without digging through scattered sources. Confusion grows with delays, ports, and new versions announced years later.

This listicle solves that problem. Here, you get a clear timeline of every major Elden Ring release from the original launch in 2022 through the upcoming Tarnished Edition in 2026. We cover platforms, key features, and what each version added to the experience.

You will learn the exact dates, why some shifted, and how content evolved. The base game dropped in February 2022. Shadow of the Erdtree followed in 2024. A Switch 2 port led to the Tarnished Edition delay into 2026. Fans now wait for this definitive package.

Stay with us. We break it down step by step so you grasp the full history. Whether you play on PC, consoles, or hope for Switch 2, this guide keeps everything in one place.

Elden Ring Release Dates and Editions

Elden Ring grew from a groundbreaking 2022 launch into a franchise with expansions and ports. Here are the top milestones. Each shaped the game fans love today.

We focus on major releases that changed how players experience the Lands Between.

1. Elden Ring Base Game – February 25, 2022

FromSoftware and Bandai Namco launched Elden Ring worldwide on February 25, 2022. Platforms included PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, and PC via Steam. The original plan targeted January 21, 2022. FromSoftware delayed it to polish the massive open world. George R.R. Martin provided the mythology. Hidetaka Miyazaki directed the action.

Players chose a customizable Tarnished. They repaired the shattered Elden Ring to become Elden Lord. The game blended Soulslike challenge with open exploration. It earned Game of the Year awards almost everywhere. Global timings varied. PC unlocked early in some regions on February 24 due to time zones. Consoles hit at midnight local time on February 25.

Millions bought it fast. Praise focused on freedom, tough bosses, and stunning design.

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2. Shadow of the Erdtree Expansion – June 21, 2024

The first major DLC arrived on June 21, 2024. Shadow of the Erdtree required the base game. It launched on the same platforms: PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Series X/S, and PC. FromSoftware announced it in 2023. Trailers built hype with new areas, weapons, and boss fights. Miquella’s story tied into the lore.

Release timings followed patterns like the base game. PC often started hours earlier in some zones. Consoles dropped at midnight local.Critics called it excellent. It sold over 10 million copies quickly. New challenges matched the original difficulty. Fans explored the Land of Shadow for fresh secrets. This expansion extended playtime. It added depth without changing core mechanics.

3. Nightreign Multiplayer Spinoff – 2025

FromSoftware released Elden Ring Nightreign in 2025. This multiplayer-focused spinoff shifted away from single-player exploration. It built on the main game’s universe. Players teamed up for co-op challenges. New mechanics emphasized group strategy over solo runs. Exact date varied by region, but it landed fully in 2025. Platforms matched prior releases, with strong PC support.

Fans enjoyed the fresh take. It kept the dark fantasy tone while adding replayable modes. This release showed FromSoftware’s ongoing support. It bridged to future projects.

4. Initial Tarnished Edition Announcement and Delay – Original 2025, Pushed to 2026

FromSoftware revealed Elden Ring: Tarnished Edition for Nintendo Switch 2. Early plans targeted 2025. The edition bundled the base game plus Shadow of the Erdtree. It added new armor sets, weapons, classes, and Torrent customization. FromSoftware delayed it in October 2025. They cited performance adjustments for Switch 2 hardware. Optimization needed more time.

No exact 2025 window existed after the push. Fans waited for stable play on the new console. This version aimed to be definitive. It promised the complete experience in one package.

5. Elden Ring Tarnished Edition – Expected Sometime in 2026

As of March 2026, Elden Ring: Tarnished Edition targets a 2026 launch on Nintendo Switch 2. No firm day exists yet. Recent showings, like at GDC 2026, showed better performance. Hands-on feedback praised smoother gameplay. It includes all prior content. Extras feature new gear and customization. Other platforms may get free or paid updates to match.

FromSoftware focuses on quality. They avoid rushing a port. Fans expect news soon. Rumors point to possible Q1 or Q2 2026. The wait continues, but progress looks strong. This edition brings Elden Ring to new players. It refreshes the adventure for veterans too.

These five dates mark the journey. Each built on the last. The franchise keeps growing.

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Conclusion

Elden Ring started strong in February 2022. It added huge content with Shadow of the Erdtree in June 2024. Nightreign arrived in 2025 for multiplayer fans. Now, the Tarnished Edition heads to Nintendo Switch 2 in 2026 after a delay for better performance.

This timeline shows FromSoftware’s care. They polish releases and expand the world. Players get more challenges, lore, and ways to play. Whether you seek the original thrill or the complete package, these dates guide you. The Lands Between remain epic.