Dark Souls Ring of Fog-fixing patch due today

The latest patch for Dark Souls is due to roll out today, bringing with it a number of much-requested fixes.

According to Siliconera's translation of the Japanese patch notes, the patch will resolve problems with multiplayer matchmaking, which often left players unable to summon assistance.

Many of the game's freezing issues have been countered, as has the duplication exploit, several bugs which could trap the player's character, and a nasty attack delay. Defeating bosses will now award the correct amount of souls, and some bosses will also now also drop humanity or Homeward Bone items.

A number of specific abilities and equipment pieces have been tweaked, including magic shield, great magical shield, Iron Flesh, Pyromancy Flame, Tranquil Walk of Peace, and Ring of Fog; this last has been heavily criticised in the multiplayer community, as it reduces visibility and prevents lock on.

Balancing fixes include drop rates, equipment weight, and souls earned. Cracked Red Eye Orbs have been modified so they won't be consumed if an invasion fails for any reason.

Shopkeepers have been given a once over, giving players access to useful items like the Bottomless Box and Smithboxes in multiple locations. More merchants will carry arrows of various types including the cheap standard arrows.

The patch brings the PlayStation 3 version of the game to 1.04, and is expected any moment now.