From Software and Namco Bandai have released the 1.06 update for the console versions of Dark Souls to prep the game for the forthcoming Artorias of the Abyss downloadable content. While the addition of more warp-capable bonfires may make traveling through the game easier, From Software has also made other aspects of the dark fantasy role-playing game more difficult.
The effectiveness of items like the Black Knight Greataxe, Mask of the Mother, Mask of the Father and Eagle Shield have been reduced in Dark Souls' 1.06 patch, as have magic attacks like Crystal Soul Spear and Sunlight Spear. Changes to the behavior of the Dark Wood Grain Ring and Hornet Ring have also been implemented, making their effects weaker. Elemental weapon attributes including flame, chaos flame and lightning have also been rendered less powerful.
Various bugs and glitches have also been removed, including the infinite soul harvesting exploit related to the Dragon Head mutation.
The patch also reinstates fan-favorite onscreen notification "You defeated" upon defeating each of the game's boss monsters.
The console release of the Artorias of the Abyss content — already included in the Dark Souls: Prepare to Die Edition for PC — is rolling out globally throughout the week.