The recent Elden Ring 1.16 update for the Shadow of the Erdtree DLC brought significant bug fixes and performance improvements, though many of these changes were left unmentioned in the official patch notes. In this guide, we’ll dive into what has been fixed, especially around an ongoing issue with stat boosts, and cover community discoveries that highlight more improvements players are experiencing.

The Stat Boost Bug Fix

The major issue addressed in this update is a bug related to temporary stat boosts. Players noticed that certain buffs, which should be temporary, would persist even after restarting the game. These buffs affected core stats like vigor, mind, and endurance, leading to an imbalance in both PvE and PvP gameplay. With the 1.16 update, these stat boosts will now reset properly, ensuring a fair playing field, particularly in competitive PvP environments.

Grafted Blade Greatsword Fix

One of the standout fixes in the patch, not explicitly mentioned by developers but discovered by the community, pertains to the Grafted Blade Greatsword. The Ash of War skill associated with the sword, Oath of Vengeance, was notorious for granting extended stat boosts, leading to unbalanced encounters, especially in PvP. The bug allowed players to stack boosts indefinitely, making it almost impossible to fight against those using the skill. With the 1.16 update, this exploit has been resolved, restoring balance for both PvE and PvP players.

Performance Fixes and Stability Issues

The update also includes several performance tweaks aimed at improving stability across platforms, particularly for PlayStation 5 and PC players. Although these fixes were not fully detailed in the patch notes, players have reported smoother gameplay and less frequent framerate drops after the update.

• PlayStation 5: Players experiencing unstable framerate on PS5 are advised to rebuild the console’s database from safe mode. This solution has been confirmed to resolve issues with performance dips in certain high-demand areas of the game.

• PC: On PC, players are advised to check their ray tracing settings. Ray tracing may have been unintentionally enabled after the update, causing performance issues. Disabling it from the graphics settings menu has resolved framerate problems for many players. Additionally, third-party software that controls mouse behavior may interfere with the game’s performance, so turning off such applications could help stabilize gameplay.

"Inappropriate Activity Detected" Message Fix

Another bug that some PC players encountered was the “inappropriate activity detected” message, which would appear even when players weren’t using cheats or mods. To address this, the developers recommend verifying the integrity of game files through Steam. This process ensures that all files are correctly installed and can prevent this false detection from appearing again.

What’s Missing? Fan Reactions

While the update brings critical bug fixes, many in the Elden Ring community have expressed some disappointment regarding the lack of substantial content changes. The last two updates have focused more on technical improvements than on adding new features or significant balancing changes. Given the excitement surrounding the Shadow of the Erdtree DLC, players were hoping for more content, such as new spells, weapons, or balance adjustments to keep gameplay fresh.

Summary of Patch Notes

1. Stat Boost Fix: Temporary boosts to stats no longer persist after restarting the game.
2. Grafted Blade Greatsword Fix: Exploit with the Oath of Vengeance skill has been addressed.
3. Performance Fixes: Improvements for both PS5 and PC versions, including:
   • Rebuilding the PS5 database.
   • Adjusting ray tracing settings on PC.
   • Disabling third-party software that controls mouse behavior.
4. Inappropriate Activity Message: Fixed by verifying the integrity of game files on PC.

The Elden Ring 1.16 update may not have added new features, but it has resolved some critical issues that were affecting the player experience, especially in PvP. Keep these fixes in mind as you continue your journey through the Shadow of the Erdtree DLC, and be sure to keep your game updated to avoid any lingering performance or gameplay bugs.