The first major post-launch update for Dark Souls III is due out later today...but, whereas most patches come with a long list of tweaks and fixes, the folks over at From Software (via IGN) are keeping things vague.
While many would expect the first patch to focus entirely on performance issues (especially on consoles), it seems that From Software is tackling some of the game's balance issues first. Again, the studio is being intentionally vague: the patch notes mention a few specific weapons, but doesn't go in to any details on what's changing. The Greatsword weapon class will be 'adjusted' - whatever that means - so anyone using one of the giant blades will want to keep an eye on how much damage they're doing.
A major bug related to specific areas of Dark Souls III will also be addressed. Previously, certain items and weapons would become completely ineffective after players completed the game and returned to either the Road of Sacrifice, Farron Keep or the Cathedral of the Deep. From what the patch notes reveal, it seems that the bug has been taken care of.
The full list of patch notes is as follows:
• Performance adjustment for Greatsword
• Battle performance adjustment for Dancer’s Enchanted Sword, Winged Knight Twinaxes
• Performance adjustment for Soul’s Greatsword, and Farron Flashsword
• Fix for issue where multiple items become impossible to use at Road of Sacrifices, Farron Keep, Cathedral of the Deep after clearing the game
• General balance adjustments and bug fixes
There's really not all that much to go on - much like the core game itself, it looks like anyone who wants to ferret out exactly what's going on in Dark Souls III's first major update will have to do some digging.
All things considered, it's almost surprising that there isn't a bigger focus on performance issues. Dark Souls III is reviewing extremely well; the only consistent criticism seems to be the game's technical troubles on consoles. One would think that said issues would be From Software's first priority...but maybe they're simply being saved for the next update.
For everything on Dark Souls III, including boss guides, combat tips and more, make sure to check out our ever-growing coverage hub.
