Elden Ring Patch 1.12.3: Bug Fixes and Performance Improvements

Key Bug Fixes and Improvements

The patch addresses a variety of issues across different aspects of the game:

1. Perfume Bottle Balance

• Fixed a bug causing the Lightning Perfume Bottle and Frenzyflame Perfume Bottle to deal double damage under certain circumstances.
• Impact: This fix ensures these items function as intended, preventing unintended advantages in combat scenarios.

2. Weapon Scaling Corrections

• Bloodfiend’s Arm:
  • Corrected incorrect Arcane scaling when setting an affinity.
  • Reduced the status buildup of the heavy attack.
• Gazing Finger:
  • Fixed a bug where Faith scaling wasn’t applied correctly.
• Impact: These fixes ensure that weapons perform as designed, maintaining balance and preventing unintended power spikes.

3. Enemy and NPC Behavior Adjustments

• Addressed an issue where enemies would heal when the gradual HP reduction effect from Black Knife Tiche wore off.
• Fixed unexpected behavior of summoned NPCs in certain situations.
• Impact: These changes will lead to more consistent and fair enemy interactions, particularly in challenging encounters.

4. Boss Attack Correction

• Adjusted the unblockable bite attack of the Golden Hippopotamus boss, which was connecting with players more easily than intended.
• Impact: This fix should make the encounter more balanced and aligned with the developers’ vision for the fight.

5. Text Display Fix

• Corrected an issue causing text to display differently than expected in certain situations.
• Impact: This improvement enhances the overall user experience and clarity of in-game information.

6. Additional Improvements

The patch notes mention several other performance improvements and bug fixes without providing specific details. These undisclosed changes likely address minor issues and contribute to overall game stability and performance.

What This Patch Means for Players

While patch 1.12.3 doesn’t introduce sweeping changes or new content, it offers several benefits to the Elden Ring community:

1. Enhanced Gameplay Consistency

By addressing issues with weapon scaling, enemy behavior, and boss attacks, the patch ensures a more consistent and fair gameplay experience. Players can now rely on weapons and items to function as intended, without unexpected advantages or disadvantages.

2. Improved Combat Balance

The fixes to the Perfume Bottles and the Bloodfiend’s Arm weapon help maintain the delicate balance of Elden Ring’s combat system. This ensures that no single item or weapon provides an unfair advantage, preserving the game’s renowned challenge and strategic depth.

3. More Reliable NPC Interactions

The correction to summoned NPC behavior contributes to more predictable and enjoyable cooperative play experiences. This is particularly important in a game where strategic use of NPC summons can be crucial for overcoming challenging encounters.

4. Enhanced Boss Fight Experience

The adjustment to the Golden Hippopotamus boss’s bite attack ensures that this encounter remains challenging but fair. This change exemplifies FromSoftware’s commitment to fine-tuning the game’s numerous boss battles.

5. Overall Stability and Performance

While not explicitly detailed, the additional performance improvements and bug fixes contribute to a smoother, more stable gaming experience. This is crucial for maintaining immersion in Elden Ring’s vast and intricate world.

The Importance of Ongoing Support

Patch 1.12.3 demonstrates Bandai Namco and FromSoftware’s commitment to ongoing support and refinement of Elden Ring. This dedication to post-launch support is crucial for several reasons:

• Maintaining Game Balance: Regular updates allow developers to fine-tune gameplay mechanics, ensuring long-term balance and fairness.
• Enhancing Player Experience: By addressing bugs and performance issues, these patches contribute to a smoother, more enjoyable gaming experience.
• Community Engagement: Consistent updates show active engagement with the player base, fostering a sense of ongoing development and care for the product.
• Longevity: Regular maintenance updates help keep the game fresh and relevant, encouraging continued play and discussion within the community.

Looking Ahead

While this patch focuses on bug fixes and performance improvements, it’s natural for players to look forward to potential future updates. Some considerations for the future of Elden Ring include:

• Content Updates: While not part of this patch, players may anticipate future DLC or expansions to further explore the rich world of the Lands Between.
• Ongoing Balance Adjustments: As players discover new strategies and builds, future patches may continue to refine game balance.
• Quality of Life Improvements: Future updates might introduce new features or improvements to enhance the overall player experience.
• Community Feedback: Continued engagement with the player base could inform future updates and improvements.

Conclusion: A Step Towards Perfection

Patch 1.12.3 for Elden Ring may not introduce sweeping changes or new content, but it represents an important step in the ongoing refinement of this critically acclaimed title. By addressing specific bugs, improving performance, and fine-tuning gameplay elements, this update contributes to a more polished and enjoyable experience for players exploring the Lands Between.

For Elden Ring enthusiasts, this patch serves as a reminder of the developers’ commitment to maintaining and improving the game. It ensures that both new players and veterans can continue to enjoy the challenging, immersive world of Elden Ring with fewer technical hiccups and gameplay inconsistencies.

As players download and apply this update, they can look forward to a more stable, balanced, and faithful representation of FromSoftware’s vision for Elden Ring. While the journey through the Lands Between remains as challenging as ever, players can now face these challenges with the confidence that the game is operating as intended, free from the bugs and issues addressed in this latest patch.