Biggest changes in Elden Ring patch 1.08

Patch 1.08 is now live in Elden Ring; this patch brings balance changes to PvE and PvP, as well as the Colosseum PvP arenas. The Colosseums have to be opened to access the PvP Arenas. However, there is an extensive patch list of changes to the game. Here are the biggest changes in Elden Ring patch 1.08.

What is the new content for Elden Ring in Patch 1.08?

Patch 1.08 has brought new content to Elden Ring. This DLC brings Player versus Player features and cosmetic options. The new content is:

• PvP Colosseums: The three Colosseums across the Lands Between have opened their doors for PvP matches. Players can partake in Duels, United Combat, and Combat Ordeal matches at either the Limgrave, Caelid, or Leyndell Colosseums.
• Cosmetics: Five new hairstyles have been added to the Elden Ring. Interact with the Clouded Mirror Stand at the Roundtable Hold to change your appearance.

Related: Each Combat Format explained in Elden Ring colosseums update

How to start Arena mode in Elden Ring

With this update, the three Colosseums linked to the PvP arena mode were added to Elden Ring. To start using the arena mode, you must travel to each Colosseum and open the doors. PvP matches can be started from the Colosseums or the Roundtable Hold. At the Roundtable Hold, a Marika statue was added next to the fireplace. The statue can be interacted with to start a match in any of the three Colosseums.

What are the biggest balance changes for Elden Ring in Patch 1.08?

From Software has released full patch notes for patch 1.08. Several general balance changes affect PvP and PvE, as well as PvP-exclusive changes. The primary focus for this patch seems to have been adjusting the poise damage of several weapon classes. The biggest changes are:

• PvP-Exclusive changes:
  • The poise damage of the following weapons has been reduced (Weapon Arts poise damage remains unchanged):
    • Straight Swords / Thrusting Swords / Heavy Thrusting Swords / Curved Swords / Axes / Spears / Twinblade Swords / Katanas.
  • Reduced the poise damage of the Incantation Bestial Sling.
  • Reduced the power of the Spell Carian Slicer.
• General balance changes:
  • Increased the speed and distance of some attacks and reduced the recovery time for the following weapons:
    • Daggers / Axes / Hammers / Flails (dual-wielded) / Twinblade (two-handed) / Reaper / Fist / Claw.
  • Increased poise:
    • With two-handed Hammers and Claws.
    • Increased poise value during the active part of the Stamp (Upward Cut / Sweep) Weapon Art.
    • Increased poise damage of the weapon slash part of the Transient Moonlight Weapon Art and reduced the poise damage of the magic wave.
  • Reduced poise:
    • Reduced the poise damage of the Gravity Bolt Weapon Art.
    • Reduced poise damage of the Flame of the Redmanes Weapon Art.
    • Reduced poise damage of Hammers, Great Hammers, and some Colossal Weapons. Weapon Arts remain unchanged.
    • Reduced the poise damage of the Cragblade Weapon Art.

Does poise damage matter in Elden Ring?

Poise is the degree to which you can resist collapsing under enemy attacks. Having a higher poise will allow you to continue an attack animation through an enemy attack. Weapons with high poise damage have a higher chance of preventing this from happening. The PvP-exclusive changes to reduce the poise damage of several common weapon classes will make it easier to continue attacking through enemy attacks. 

For more on Elden Ring guides, check out Best Staffs in Elden Ring and What are the best starting classes in Elden Ring? here on Pro Game Guides.