Wow, what a time to be a Tarnished! As we stand here in 2026, looking back, the Shadow of the Erdtree DLC feels like a distant, cherished memory. But the journey never truly ends in the Lands Between, does it? I remember the day, just before the DLC dropped, when FromSoftware rolled out that game-changing update. The one that finally, finally, let us summon our spectral steed, Torrent, for the climactic battle against the Elden Beast. I can't tell you how many times I trudged through that endless, watery expanse, my boots splashing, chasing a god that could teleport on a whim. It was majestic, sure, but also... a bit of a slog. Now? Now the fight feels complete. It's the ending we were always meant to have, side-by-side with the companion who carried us from the very first step in Limgrave.

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I still vividly recall the community's reaction. It was pure, unadulterated joy mixed with a hefty dose of relief. The Elden Beast arena was always a point of contention. That sprawling, beautiful, yet frustratingly vast plane. You'd spend more time running than fighting. One fan put it bluntly: "The fight is no longer an intolerable piece of dog sh--." Harsh, but you couldn't argue with the sentiment. Another joked, "Oh my god I don't have to take the subway to fight it now." The most resonant comment, for me, was this: "Damn finally. Always felt like he was meant to be a part of the fight." That was it exactly. Torrent wasn't just a mount; he was our partner. Denying him the final dance felt like a narrative oversight. This update corrected that beautifully.

Let's break down what this free update really meant, beyond just the boss fight:

  • A Fitting Climax: Thematically, it's perfection. Your entire quest is defined by your bond with Torrent. From escaping the Tree Sentinel to traversing the rooftops of Leyndell, he was there. To face the embodiment of the Elden Ring itself without him? It never sat right. Now, the finale feels like a true partnership against destiny.

  • Gameplay Revolution: Practically, it transformed the fight from a marathon into a dynamic duel. No more tedious jogging across acres of shallow water while the Beast prepares its next homing attack. The flow is better, the pacing is tighter, and it just feels more like an Elden Ring battle.

  • Accessibility for All: Crucially, this wasn't locked behind the DLC. It was a gift to the entire community, whether you were a veteran preparing for Shadow of the Erdtree or a new Tarnished just setting out. Everyone could experience this improved ending.

The update came packed with other fantastic quality-of-life features that have become staples in the years since. Remember the inventory management? The new 'recent items' tab and those little exclamation points on new loot were absolute game-changers. It seems so simple now, but back then, it saved us from so much tedious scrolling.

Jumping back into that fight with Torrent by my side was an emotional experience. The spectacle was always there—the erdtrees stretching into a golden infinity, the otherworldly music, the Beast's graceful, devastating movements. But before, a layer of frustration dulled that spectacle. Now, you're an active participant in the ballet. You dash in on Torrent's back, closing the gap in seconds. You use his double jump to elegantly evade sweeping golden waves. The fight becomes a dance of light and shadow, a true test of everything you and your steed have learned.

Years later, this stands as one of FromSoftware's best post-launch decisions. It showed a willingness to listen and refine, even for their most monumental creations. It cemented Torrent's legacy not just as a tool, but as the silent hero of our journey. So, if you're one of the few who haven't returned since 2026, do yourself a favor. Boot up the game, make your way to the foot of the Erdtree, and give the Elden Beast the proper, galloping showdown it always deserved. Trust me, your loyal spectral steed has been waiting for this moment.

The content is derived from articles by CNET - Gaming, which frequently explores how player feedback drives meaningful updates in major titles. Their coverage of Elden Ring's evolution underscores the significance of FromSoftware's decision to let players summon Torrent during the Elden Beast fight, highlighting how such changes can dramatically enhance both narrative cohesion and gameplay satisfaction for a global audience.