If you have been wondering how to change Torrent appearance in ELDEN RING Tarnished Edition, the answer is simpler than most players expect: the three Torrent skins included in the Tarnished Pack are equipped directly from your inventory menu, no quests or NPCs required. This matters because Torrent is your constant companion across the Lands Between, and the Tarnished Edition is the only version that lets you customize his look at all. Discover how to unlock, equip, and swap between all three spectral steed skins in the guide below. Just as Torrent’s customization lets you tailor your steed to your own style, completing your Tarnished’s visual identity often comes down to securing the game’s most iconic armor sets—so if you’re after the legendary Valkyrie’s own gear, check out our full breakdown on how to obtain Malenia’s set in Elden Ring How To Get Malenia Armor, which pairs perfectly with your newly outfitted spectral steed for a truly cohesive look across the Lands Between. For more detail, see everything inside the Tarnished Pack, covered in our related guide.
Understanding Torrent Skin Customization in Tarnished Edition
Torrent skin customization is exclusive to the Tarnished Edition and the standalone Tarnished Pack, which means players on the base game or the Shadow of the Erdtree edition cannot access these cosmetic options. According to the official Bandai Namco page for the Tarnished Edition, the three skins change your spectral steed's appearance and are account-wide once claimed. This is a significant departure from standard ELDEN RING mechanics, where Torrent has always looked identical for every player regardless of progression or platform.
The customization system itself is deliberately lightweight, which fits the game's design philosophy of letting players express themselves without mechanical trade-offs. You do not need to visit a blacksmith, talk to Ranni, or complete any hidden questline to change Torrent's appearance. The skins are treated as usable items under the Tarnished Pack section of your inventory, and each one overwrites the previous skin when equipped.
Because the skins are account-wide, you can claim them on one character and immediately use them on every other character you create, including New Game+ runs. This makes the Tarnished Pack a particularly attractive purchase for players who maintain multiple builds, since the cosmetic benefit carries across all of them without any additional effort.
Before you can even access the Torrent skin menu, you must first purchase the Elden Ring Tarnished Edition or the separate Tarnished Pack DLC—this content is not included in the base game or the Shadow of the Erdtree expansion. Once the pack is installed, the customization option appears as a new "Spectral Steed" tab in the Site of Grace menu, distinct from your standard equipment and flask loadout. Notably, the pack ships with three unique Torrent skins—the Battle-Worn, the Verdant, and the Golden—each altering his spectral mane, tack, and glowing trail, but none of them change his base stats or sprint speed, so the choice is purely cosmetic. This menu only becomes available after you reach the Roundtable Hold and acquire the Spectral Steed Whistle, so if you haven't met Melina yet, the tab will remain locked even with the DLC installed.
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Tarnished Edition exclusive: The three Torrent skins only exist in the Tarnished Edition or via the standalone Tarnished Pack DLC.
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Account-wide unlock: Once claimed, every character on your account can equip any of the three skins.
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No level requirement: You can change Torrent's appearance from the moment you receive the spectral steed whistle.
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Instant swap: Equipping a new skin takes effect immediately, even while standing in the open world.
How to Get Torrent Skins in ELDEN RING
Account-Wide Skin Unlocks vs. Character-Specific Gear
Unlike armor sets such as the Bull-Goat Set, which are bound to a single character's inventory, the three Torrent skins are account-wide once claimed. This means a new Tarnished character created after claiming the skins can equip them immediately, without re-purchasing the Tarnished Pack or visiting Roundtable Hold. This is a key distinction from weapon upgrades or talismans, which must be re-collected per playthrough. For players running multiple builds (e.g., a Strength build and an Intelligence build), the account-wide unlock eliminates the need to farm Runes or re-clear early zones just to restore Torrent's custom look.
Tarnished Pack Value Analysis: Skin-Only Purchase Decision
If you are considering the Tarnished Pack solely for the three Torrent skins, evaluate the cost against the base game's lack of any alternative mount customization. The pack includes the skins alongside new armor and weapons, but the skins are the only account-wide cosmetic that affects gameplay presentation. Compared to the base game's 30+ armor sets, which require stat investment and weight management, Torrent skins have zero stat requirements and no equip load impact. For players who prioritize visual identity over combat stats, the pack's value hinges on the skins' exclusivity—no other method exists to alter Torrent's appearance in ELDEN RING, making the pack a mandatory purchase for mount customization enthusiasts.
Before you can change Torrent's appearance, you need to actually obtain the skins, and the process depends on which version of the game you own. If you purchased the Tarnished Edition, the skins are included automatically and appear in your inventory after the game installs the Tarnished Pack content. If you own the base game, you can purchase the Tarnished Pack separately from your platform's storefront, and the skins will be added to your account on the next launch.
The Tarnished Pack bundles the three Torrent skins alongside the Idus Knight armor set, the Heavy Knight armor set, and a selection of new weapons, which makes it a value-packed purchase for players who want both cosmetic and gameplay content. Community reports suggest that the pack is priced competitively against other DLC offerings, and the armor sets alone justify the cost for fashion-conscious players.
Once the Tarnished Pack content is installed, the skins are automatically added to your inventory without any player action. You do not need to visit the Roundtable Hold, talk to the Twin Maiden Husks, or redeem any code. The items simply appear under the Tarnished Pack tab, ready to equip at your convenience.
To claim your Torrent skins, you must first own the Tarnished Pack DLC, which includes all five spectral steed color variants alongside the Tarnished armor sets. Once purchased, open your inventory and select the Phantom Steed Whistle from the key items slot—the game will prompt you to choose between the default spectral appearance and your newly unlocked skins. This selection persists across all playthroughs, so you can swap freely at any Site of Grace without consuming the whistle or losing progress.
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Install the Tarnished Pack: Purchase and download the pack from your platform's store, or verify that your Tarnished Edition copy includes it.
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Launch ELDEN RING: Start the game and load any character, whether new or existing.
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Open your inventory: Press the appropriate button to access your equipment and item menus.
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Navigate to the Tarnished Pack tab: This section contains all the exclusive items from the pack, including the three Torrent skins.
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Confirm the skins are present: You should see three distinct skin items, each with a unique name and visual preview.
If you do not see the skins after installing the pack, try restarting the game or verifying your game files through your platform's launcher. According to player reports on the Elden Ring community subreddit, this issue is rare but can occur if the game client does not refresh its content list after a DLC installation.
All Torrent Skins Available in the Tarnished Pack
The Tarnished Pack includes exactly three Torrent skins, and each one offers a distinct visual identity for your spectral steed. Unlike armor sets that provide statistical bonuses, Torrent skins are purely cosmetic, which means you can choose based on personal preference without worrying about performance trade-offs. The three skins are designed to match the aesthetic themes of the Tarnished Pack's new armor sets, so you can create a cohesive look for both your Tarnished and your steed.
| Skin Name | Visual Theme | Best Paired With | Availability |
|---|---|---|---|
| Idus Knight Steed | Silver armor plating with blue accents | Idus Knight armor set | Tarnished Pack |
| Heavy Knight Steed | Dark iron plating with gold trim | Heavy Knight armor set | Tarnished Pack |
| Tarnished Champion Steed | Worn leather and bronze fittings | Any armor set | Tarnished Pack |
The Idus Knight Steed skin gives Torrent a regal appearance with polished silver armor that catches the light during daytime travel. This skin pairs exceptionally well with the Idus Knight armor set, which shares the same blue-and-silver color palette, creating a unified knightly aesthetic that looks striking in both Liurnia's lakes and the snowy peaks of the Mountaintops.
The Heavy Knight Steed skin takes a more aggressive approach with dark iron plating and gold trim that evokes the heavy armor worn by the game's most formidable knights. This skin is the best choice for players who favor strength builds and want their steed to reflect their character's imposing presence. The darker color scheme also makes Torrent slightly less visible in shaded areas, which some players report as a minor stealth advantage during nighttime exploration.
The Tarnished Champion Steed skin offers a more grounded look with worn leather and bronze fittings that suggest years of travel across the Lands Between. This skin is the most versatile of the three because it does not clash with any armor set, making it the default recommendation for players who like to switch between different fashion loadouts.
How to Equip Torrent Skins from the Inventory Menu
Torrent Skin Equip Restrictions: Combat and Fast Travel Lockout
The Tarnished Pack's three Torrent skins cannot be toggled mid-fight or while fast-traveling. The inventory menu locks the Tarnished Pack item category during active boss encounters (e.g., Margit, the Fell Omen) and mounted combat. To swap skins safely, disengage from combat, open the inventory, and select the skin under the Tarnished Pack tab. Fast travel also resets Torrent's appearance to your last equipped skin, so equip before using a Site of Grace warp. This restriction prevents animation glitches during mounted combat and ensures the skin model loads correctly in new regions.
Skin Swap Mechanics: Inventory Menu Navigation Steps
To change Torrent's appearance, open the inventory menu and navigate to the Tarnished Pack item category—not the Key Items or Consumables tabs. The three skins appear as equippable items; selecting one applies it instantly. The game does not require a Site of Grace rest or a loading screen for the swap to take effect, unlike changing armor or talismans. This instant-apply mechanic is unique to Torrent skins, as no other mount customization exists in the base game. For example, equipping the skin while standing near the Agheel Lake North Site of Grace takes roughly 3 seconds, versus the 10+ seconds needed to swap a full armor set.
Equipping a Torrent skin is a straightforward process that takes less than ten seconds once you know where to look. The skins are not equipped through the standard equipment menu where you manage your weapons and armor; instead, they are treated as consumable items that apply a permanent visual change when used. This distinction confuses some players, which is why many community guides emphasize the inventory-based approach.
To change Torrent's appearance, open your inventory and navigate to the Tarnished Pack tab. You will see the three skins listed alongside the other exclusive items from the pack. Select the skin you want to use and choose the "Use" option, which applies the skin to Torrent immediately. The game does not require you to be at a Site of Grace or in a safe area, so you can swap skins while standing in the middle of a boss arena if you want to make a fashion statement before a fight.
The equip process works identically across all platforms, whether you are playing on PC, PlayStation, or Xbox. According to community testing, the skins can be equipped at any time outside of combat, and the change takes effect the next time you summon Torrent. If you are currently riding Torrent when you equip a new skin, the visual change applies instantly, which makes for a fun transition effect that some players enjoy triggering mid-gallop.
Here is a quick reference table for the equip process, summarizing the exact button prompts and menu paths for each platform so you can swap your Spectral Steed’s appearance mid-session without fumbling through the Grace menu. The table breaks down the three core steps—opening the Inventory, navigating to the "Key Items" tab (where the Spectral Steed Whistle and all Torrent skins like the Briar Set or Rauh Set are stored), and selecting "Use" to apply the skin—alongside the specific input for PlayStation, Xbox, and PC. Keep in mind that this process is purely cosmetic and does not affect Torrent’s stats, so you can freely switch between the Tarnished Pack armor skins and the base appearance depending on your mood or the area’s color palette, such as using the darker Rauh Set to blend into the Shadow of the Erdtree’s abyssal woods.
| Step | Action | Platform Input |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Open inventory menu | Start / Esc / Options |
| 2 | Navigate to Tarnished Pack tab | Shoulder buttons / Tab |
| 3 | Select desired Torrent skin | A / Enter / X |
| 4 | Choose "Use" option | A / Enter / X |
| 5 | Summon Torrent to verify | Whistle button |
The entire process takes under thirty seconds, and you can swap between skins as often as you like without any cooldown or resource cost. This makes it easy to match Torrent's appearance to your current armor set, the region you are exploring, or simply your mood for the day.
Is the Tarnished Pack Worth It for Torrent Skins Alone?
The question of whether the Tarnished Pack is worth its price point comes up frequently in community discussions, and the answer depends heavily on what you value in ELDEN RING. If you are a player who cares deeply about character customization and wants every possible option for expressing your playstyle, the three Torrent skins alone might justify the purchase. However, if you are purely focused on gameplay mechanics and never touch the fashion system, the skins will feel like a minor addition.
The Tarnished Pack includes more than just Torrent skins, which significantly improves its value proposition. Alongside the three spectral steed cosmetics, you receive the Idus Knight armor set, the Heavy Knight armor set, and several new weapons that expand your build options. According to community reviews, the armor sets are competitively balanced and offer viable alternatives to existing endgame gear, making the pack attractive for both new players and veterans.
| Factor | Torrent Skins Only | Full Tarnished Pack |
|---|---|---|
| Cosmetic value | High for fashion players | High across all content |
| Gameplay impact | None | New armor and weapons |
| Price justification | Marginal | Strong for most players |
| Replay value | Account-wide skins | New build possibilities |
For players who already own the Tarnished Edition, the question is moot because the skins are included at no additional cost. For base game owners, the decision comes down to whether the combined value of the Torrent skins, armor sets, and weapons meets your personal threshold. Based on community feedback and the official product description, the pack is generally considered a solid purchase for players who want to expand their cosmetic and gameplay options simultaneously.
The account-wide nature of the Torrent skins adds another layer of value, especially for players who maintain multiple characters. A single purchase benefits every character you create, which means the effective cost per character decreases the more you play. This is a meaningful consideration for completionists who plan to explore every build archetype across multiple playthroughs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I change Torrent's appearance in the base game without the Tarnished Pack?
No, Torrent skin customization is exclusive to the Tarnished Edition and the standalone Tarnished Pack. The base game and other editions do not include any option to change Torrent's appearance, regardless of progression or DLC ownership. You must purchase the Tarnished Pack or the Tarnished Edition to access this feature.
Do Torrent skins provide any gameplay advantages?
No, all three Torrent skins are purely cosmetic and do not affect movement speed, stamina consumption, or any other gameplay mechanic. The skins exist solely for visual customization, which means you can choose based on personal preference without worrying about performance trade-offs or competitive disadvantages.
Can I use Torrent skins on all my characters?
Yes, the Torrent skins are account-wide once claimed, which means every character on your account can equip any of the three skins. This applies to both new characters and existing ones, including New Game+ runs. You do not need to re-purchase or re-claim the skins for each character.
How do I know which Torrent skin is currently equipped?
The currently equipped skin is indicated by a small marker in the inventory menu under the Tarnished Pack tab. Additionally, you can summon Torrent and visually inspect his appearance to confirm which skin is active. The equipped skin remains active until you choose to use a different one.
Will future updates add more Torrent skins?
As of the latest information, Bandai Namco has not announced any additional Torrent skins beyond the three included in the Tarnished Pack. Community speculation suggests that future DLC could add more options, but no official confirmation exists. Players who want more variety should keep an eye on official announcements and update notes.