In the gaming world of 2026, Elden Ring continues to be a titan, its influence long outlasting the initial frenzy surrounding its release and the subsequent Shadow of the Erdtree expansion. The game's developer, FromSoftware, remains dedicated to refining the experience, even years later, with patches that can still send shockwaves through the community. A recent, headline-grabbing update did just that by introducing a seemingly simple yet profoundly divisive feature: the ability to summon the spectral steed, Torrent, during the climactic battle against the Elden Beast. This addition, arriving long after most players have conquered the Lands Between, has reopened old debates about difficulty, accessibility, and the ever-evolving nature of a live game.

The reaction was swift and, frankly, a bit salty. A significant portion of the fandom greeted the news with a collective sigh of "too little, too late." For veterans who battled the Elden Beast in its original, foot-slogging glory, the update felt like a postcard from a war they'd already won. Comments flooded social media with sentiments like, "This is literally two years too late… this should’ve been implemented the second week of the game being released at the latest, lmao." The frustration was palpable, especially for those who had just recently completed their journey. "I literally just beat the game two days ago and now they add this 😭," one player lamented, capturing the bittersweet timing perfectly. Completionists felt a unique pain, with one stating, "I literally JUST did the fight after the patch last night and didn’t realize this. Gotta replay the whole game now." It's the classic FOMO (Fear Of Missing Out) hitting hard in the world of punishing RPGs.

However, the debate wasn't just about timing. The core of the controversy centered on the game's sacred cow: difficulty. A vocal group of purists and Soulslike veterans argued that introducing Torrent into the Elden Beast fight was nothing short of activating an easy mode. The boss, known for its vast arena and tendency to flee, suddenly became far more manageable on horseback. Critics were blunt: "Easy mode lol and people say there’s no difficulty slider in this game. This plus a mage build = very easy mode," quipped one player. Another simply dismissed it as "Easy mode for the kids." The concern was about preserving the integrity of the challenge—the git gud ethos that defines the genre. Some offered more measured feedback, hoping for a rebalance: "Makes it way easier. Hopefully, they buffed him as well to balance it out."

On the flip side, another segment of the community was absolutely stoked about the change. For them, the Elden Beast fight wasn't a test of skill but a test of patience—a tedious marathon of chasing a cosmic whale across a glowing lake. The addition of Torrent transformed it from a slog into an epic cavalry charge. Supporters saw it as a poetic and fitting conclusion to the adventure. "A nice finale with your trusty steed," one fan noted warmly. Others appreciated the improved clarity the change brought: "That might be a huge boss nerf but on the other hand, probably way more fun. I can barely see what’s going on during that fight in close combat." This perspective highlights a key point: fun and fairness are subjective. For players who struggled with the fight's pacing rather than its mechanics, Torrent was a game-changer in the best way.

Beyond the boss fight drama, the patch was a robust one, proving FromSoftware's commitment to the game's ecosystem. It wasn't just about one feature. The update included:

• Five New Hairstyles: Because even The Tarnished deserve a fresh look after all that dying.

• A New 'Map Functions Menu': Streamlining navigation in the vast open world.

• Enhanced Summoning Pool Features: Making cooperative and competitive play smoother for the dedicated community that remains active.

• Foundational Support for Shadow of the Erdtree: Ensuring the acclaimed DLC continues to run seamlessly.

So, what's the final verdict on this years-later update? It's a fascinating case study in modern game support. While the timing certainly rubbed some veterans the wrong way, the feature itself addresses a common point of criticism in the base game. It shows that developers are still listening and willing to tweak even the most sacred of battles. In 2026, Elden Ring isn't just a game you beat and shelve; it's a living world that can still surprise you. Whether you see Torrent in the final battle as a welcome quality-of-life improvement or a dilution of the Soulslike spirit, one thing is clear: the conversation around this masterpiece is far from over. The Lands Between are still very much alive with debate, and that, in itself, is a testament to the game's enduring legacy. 🐴✨⚔️