Graceborne Alpha 0.2 launched on November 21, 2025, bringing massive updates to the Bloodborne-inspired Elden Ring overhaul mod. Created by solo modder Noctis, this free mod available on Nexus Mods adds functional trick weapons, gun parrying mechanics, and a completely custom UI that shifts the Lands Between into something far darker and more sinister than FromSoftware originally intended.
What Graceborne Changes
Graceborne isn’t just a visual reskin. This comprehensive overhaul fundamentally alters how Elden Ring plays by importing core Bloodborne mechanics into the game’s foundation. The world is locked into permanent nighttime, casting everything in shadow and dramatically changing the atmosphere of familiar locations.
The mod adds 22 armor sets inspired by Bloodborne’s gothic Victorian aesthetic, 35 weapons total including 17 fully functional trick weapons with transformation mechanics, and 5 firearms that can parry attacks just like in Yharnam. Equipment load no longer affects your movement speed, so you can wear heavy armor without fat rolling. When locked onto enemies, your dodge becomes a quickstep dash instead of a roll, encouraging aggressive playstyles.
Rally mechanics return from Bloodborne, letting you regain lost health by immediately attacking after taking damage. This creates a risk-reward dynamic that punishes defensive play and rewards calculated aggression. Boss fights and enemy encounters feel completely different when survival depends on pressing forward rather than turtling behind shields.
Alpha 0.2 Updates
The Alpha 0.2 update represents months of work since the initial release. Noctis added multiple new trick weapons with unique movesets, overhauled the user interface with custom Bloodborne-style menus and HUD elements, and implemented new sound effects that replace Elden Ring’s audio with something closer to Bloodborne’s unsettling soundscape.
The trick weapon system got significant expansion. These aren’t simple weapon swaps, each trick weapon features complete movesets for both transformed and untransformed states with seamless transitions between forms. Some weapons even change your character’s idle animations and running stance, adding visual flair that makes each weapon feel distinct.
Several mob enemies and bosses received visual overhauls to better match the gothic horror aesthetic. The modder replaced character models, adjusted enemy placements, and modified boss encounters to create scenarios that feel more like Bloodborne’s aggressive enemy design philosophy.
Trick Weapons Breakdown
| Weapon Type | Description |
|---|---|
| Saw Cleaver | Classic starting weapon with serrated blade in short form, extends for reach |
| Hunter Axe | One-handed short axe transforms into two-handed long polearm |
| Threaded Cane | Elegant cane for quick strikes, transforms into whip for area control |
| Burial Blade | Curved sword becomes massive scythe with sweeping attacks |
| Amygdala Arm | Cosmic horror weapon with unique grab attacks and high poise damage |
| Whirligig Saw | Pizza cutter weapon with continuous damage when holding attack |
| Original Weapons | Multiple original trick weapons designed specifically for Graceborne |
How To Install Graceborne
Installing Graceborne requires Elden Ring version 1.13 or compatible patches. The mod file is hefty at over 5GB, reflecting the massive amount of custom content included. You’ll need to download the mod from Nexus Mods and follow installation instructions that involve mod management tools.
YouTuber LadySheik created detailed tutorials covering installation, getting gun parries working correctly, and troubleshooting common issues. Gun parrying specifically requires additional setup steps beyond the base mod installation. The mod is designed for offline play only, as using mods online will result in bans from FromSoftware’s anti-cheat system.
Graceborne currently has some compatibility limitations with the Shadow of the Erdtree DLC. The mod works primarily with the base game content, though the modder continues working on expanding DLC compatibility. Check the Nexus Mods page for current compatibility notes and known issues before installing.
Why Fans Love This Mod
Bloodborne remains stuck on PlayStation 4 with no remaster, PC port, or sequel announcement in sight despite constant fan demand. Graceborne gives PC players their only legitimate way to experience Bloodborne-style gameplay with modern performance and visuals.
The mod succeeds because Noctis clearly understands what makes Bloodborne special beyond surface aesthetics. The aggressive combat philosophy, the satisfying weight of trick weapon transformations, the gothic atmosphere, and the emphasis on risk-taking over cautious play all translate remarkably well into Elden Ring’s engine.
Community reception has been overwhelmingly positive. Content creators like Shrady, Thingfishy, and Cell have produced full playthrough series showcasing how Graceborne transforms the Elden Ring experience. Players report that boss fights feel completely different when approached with Bloodborne mechanics, creating fresh challenges even in familiar encounters.
Solo Developer Passion Project
Noctis created Graceborne entirely alone, fueled by passion for Bloodborne and countless hours of work. The modder runs a Patreon where supporters can help fund continued development, though the mod itself remains free to download and play.
In the Alpha 0.2 release trailer description, Noctis wrote about pouring endless hours into the project driven purely by love for the source material. The dedication shows in the polish and attention to detail present throughout the mod. This isn’t a quick asset swap, it’s a comprehensive reimagining that required deep knowledge of both games’ systems.
The modder actively engages with the community, taking feedback and continuously improving the experience. Alpha 0.2 directly addresses requests and issues identified during Alpha 0.1, showing commitment to refining Graceborne into the best possible version of itself.
Performance and Requirements
Since Graceborne is built on Elden Ring’s foundation, system requirements mirror the base game. You’ll need a gaming PC capable of running Elden Ring smoothly, with around 60GB of free space for the game plus the 5GB mod installation.
Performance generally matches vanilla Elden Ring, though the permanent nighttime setting and modified lighting can affect frame rates in certain areas. The custom UI and sound effects don’t significantly impact performance compared to the base game.
Graceborne works with popular reshade presets if you want to further enhance the visual presentation. Some players combine it with other compatible mods like seamless co-op, though mixing multiple major overhaul mods can create conflicts that require troubleshooting.
FAQs
Is Graceborne free to download?
Yes, Graceborne is completely free on Nexus Mods. Noctis offers a Patreon for those who want to support continued development, but downloading and playing the mod costs nothing.
Can you play Graceborne in co-op?
Traditional Elden Ring co-op won’t work with mods enabled. However, the seamless co-op mod has been reported to work with Graceborne with proper setup, allowing modified multiplayer experiences.
Will using Graceborne get you banned?
Using any mods in Elden Ring’s online mode will trigger anti-cheat bans. Play Graceborne exclusively offline. Most modders recommend creating a separate save file specifically for modded playthroughs.
Does Graceborne work with Shadow of the Erdtree DLC?
Graceborne has limited compatibility with the DLC. The mod primarily focuses on base game content. Check the Nexus Mods page for current DLC compatibility status as Noctis continues development.
How long does a Graceborne playthrough take?
Playthrough length matches base Elden Ring, typically 50-100 hours depending on your playstyle and how much optional content you explore. The modified combat mechanics create new challenges that may extend playtime.
Can you use regular Elden Ring weapons alongside trick weapons?
Yes, the base game weapon arsenal remains available. You can mix standard Elden Ring weapons with Graceborne’s trick weapons and firearms to create hybrid builds.
Is Graceborne still being updated?
Yes, Noctis actively develops Graceborne with Alpha 0.2 launching in November 2025. The modder continues adding content, fixing bugs, and implementing community feedback for future updates.
Conclusion
Graceborne Alpha 0.2 represents one of the most ambitious Elden Ring mods ever created, successfully translating Bloodborne’s core identity into FromSoftware’s open-world framework. For PC players desperate for a Bloodborne experience or Elden Ring veterans looking for a fresh challenge, Noctis has crafted something genuinely special. The trick weapons feel fantastic, the gothic atmosphere transforms familiar locations, and the aggressive combat philosophy forces you to relearn encounters you thought you’d mastered. While we wait for Sony and FromSoftware to officially bring Bloodborne to modern platforms, Graceborne is the closest thing to a sequel we’re getting.