Downpatching ELDEN RING means moving the game from its current version to an older build. Players usually do this for mod compatibility, challenge runs, testing, or to use mechanics that changed in later updates. Because ELDEN RING is regularly updated, a mod that worked perfectly on one patch can stop working after a new update.
Before You Start
Make a backup before changing anything. A failed downgrade can leave you with mixed files from different versions, which may cause crashes or version errors.
You should also:
- Close ELDEN RING and Steam before replacing files.
- Back up your save files and important mod folders.
- Check which game version your mod requires.
- Record your current version before changing anything.
- Make sure you own the game on Steam.
If you use Shadow of the Erdtree, pay special attention to the DLC files. The base game and DLC have separate depots, so downgrading only part of the installation can create compatibility problems.
Find The Version You Need
Verify the target patch before downloading anything when following an older mod guide.
First, identify the exact ELDEN RING version required by your mod or guide. Do not simply choose an older version because it sounds close enough. Mod tools often depend on specific game builds.
SteamDB is useful for researching this because it lists ELDEN RING’s Steam depots and historical manifests. Find the manifest associated with your target patch and write down its manifest ID. If your target version includes DLC, identify the corresponding DLC manifest as well.
Download The Older Build
Steam’s console can download an older depot when you provide the correct application, depot, and manifest information. The general command format is:
download_depot <AppID> <DepotID> <ManifestID>
For ELDEN RING, replace those placeholders with the IDs belonging to the version you want. Steam downloads the depot separately from your normal installation, so the files do not immediately replace your current game.
This is important: do not delete your existing installation before confirming that the older files downloaded successfully. Keeping a backup gives you an easy way to return to the current version.
Replace The Game Files
After the download finishes, locate the downloaded depot files and copy the appropriate contents into your ELDEN RING installation folder. Allow Windows to overwrite matching files.
Mixing an old executable with newer content files, or an old base game with incompatible DLC files, can cause launch failures or unexpected behavior.
After replacing the files, launch the game and check the version number shown in the bottom-right corner of the title screen.
Prevent An Automatic Update
A successful downpatch can be undone the next time Steam updates ELDEN RING. Steam’s update settings can be changed to update the game only when it is launched, but this is not a perfect solution if you need to keep an old build for a long time.
Many players therefore keep the downgraded installation separate and avoid launching it normally through Steam while online. If Steam detects an update, do not allow it to overwrite your older files.
Using Mods After Downpatching
Mod compatibility is the main reason many players downpatch ELDEN RING. Your game version, mod files, and supporting tools should match the version specified by the mod author.
For multiplayer mods such as Seamless Co-op, every player needs compatible game and mod versions. A mismatch can prevent players from connecting.
If the game starts crashing after a downgrade, remove mods temporarily and test the unmodified game first.
