Elden Ring update makes summoning easier and finally lets you do the Varre quest solo

pcgamer.com:

FromSoftware just pushed out a new update for Elden Ring(opens in new tab), making summoning a friendly face a whole lot easier, removing the online requirements for a quest and slapping some nerfs on a few meta skills and weapons.

Patch 1.06 lets you send summoning signs to more areas, including regions you're not currently in. It should make finding a helper in quieter areas a lot easier now, though understandably you can only be summoned to areas you've already visited. The same is also true for invaders, so now you can invade a larger area, including regions you're not currently in.

The update has also introduced an offline alternative for the White Mask Varre questline(opens in new tab). Before now, the only way to advance was by invading someone else's game three times. Although you didn't actually have to fight or win against any other players, it was a pain for people playing offline. Now, those who don't fancy getting their hands dirty with PvP can instead defeat a new NPC. I haven't seen word on how tough said NPC is just yet, though hopefully it's not too much of a pain to beat.

There have also been a few nerfs to weapon skills that have proven a major sore point. Fans seem chuffed to see that Ash of War Bloodhound Step(opens in new tab) has been given a healthy nerf, decreasing its invincibility frames and reducing performance when continuously used. Its travel distance has also been reduced, though it'll be increased when using a light equip load. Corpse Piler has also seen a nerf, decreasing damage and bleed build-up. While it's not considered a major change, it's still a small downgrade for the Rivers of Blood katana.

Elden Ring 1.06 has a few bug fixes here and there, too, like no longer being easily