The Tainted Grail update 1.1 has arrived, and it’s everything the community hoped for. After months of anticipation, developer Questline has delivered their biggest post-launch update yet, packed with the most requested features and significant improvements to the dark fantasy RPG experience.
Released on September 8, 2025, this massive patch addresses many of the concerns players had with the game’s third act while introducing exciting new features that extend replay value considerably.
New Game Plus Finally Arrives
The headlining feature of Tainted Grail update 1.1 is the long-awaited New Game Plus mode. This isn’t just a simple restart – it’s a comprehensive system that lets you carry over character progression while facing increasingly difficult challenges.
When you start NG+, the entire world resets, giving you opportunities to make different choices and explore alternative storylines. Your character keeps their build, weapons, and armor, but loses King’s powers, learned recipes, quests, keys, and readable items. The trade-off? Every NG+ level makes enemies stronger with higher status resistances while debuffing your armor.
What makes this particularly rewarding is that all items found or crafted in New Game Plus come with improved stats and better rewards, making the increased difficulty worthwhile.
Transmog System and Visual Improvements
Fashion enthusiasts will love the new transmog system that lets you customize your character’s appearance without sacrificing stats. This feature has been a community request since launch, and its implementation feels polished and intuitive.
The update also brings substantial visual and audio improvements throughout the game. New enemy sound effects, additional music tracks by Dzivia, and enhanced third-person camera mechanics make the world feel more immersive than ever.
Act 3 Content Expansion and Fixes
Perhaps the most significant improvements come to Act 3’s Forlorn Swords region, which many players felt was undercooked at launch. The Tainted Grail update 1.1 addresses these concerns head-on with:
- Three brand new caves: Gunnvaldr Ancestral Cave, Crimson Cave, and Remors’ Caves
- Expanded and improved existing dungeons
- Additional loot scattered throughout the region
- Six new quests with improved rewards
- Enhanced terrain textures and visual polish
The Gates of Knowledge dungeon received a complete rework, while several other locations got geometry improvements and additional content. These changes transform Act 3 from feeling rushed to properly fleshed out.
Quality of Life and Performance Improvements
Console players will appreciate the significant RAM optimizations that improve stability, especially during late-game content. The update also introduces several convenience features:
- Bulk options for stash and shop management
- Alphabetical item sorting
- Enhanced journal with 120+ NPC entries and new lore
- Head bobbing option for increased immersion
- Armor hard-capped at 95% for better balance
Your pet Qrko also gets new forms, including the ability to serve as both a mount and a summon, adding practical benefits beyond companionship.
New Equipment and Crafting Options
The update introduces new weapon and armor sets, plus an origin potion crafting recipe that many alchemist builds have been waiting for. The addition of blacksmith and alchemy stations in previously underserved areas makes crafting more accessible throughout your journey.
These additions work particularly well with the New Game Plus system, giving veteran players new tools to experiment with different build approaches across multiple playthroughs.
Community Response and Long-term Impact
The Tainted Grail community’s reaction has been overwhelmingly positive. Players who had shelved the game due to Act 3 issues are returning to experience the improved content, while newcomers are finding a more polished and complete RPG experience.
This update represents more than just bug fixes – it’s a fundamental improvement to the game’s structure and replay value. The combination of New Game Plus, expanded content, and quality-of-life improvements addresses nearly every major criticism the game faced at launch.
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Tainted Grail update 1.1 released?
Update 1.1 was released on September 8, 2025, for all platforms including PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC via Steam.
What do you keep in New Game Plus mode?
You keep your character progression, build, weapons, armor, and equipment, but lose King’s powers, learned recipes, quests, keys, and readable items.
Are the Act 3 improvements significant?
Yes, Act 3 received substantial content additions including three new caves, dungeon reworks, six new quests, and improved visual polish throughout the Forlorn Swords region.
Does the update improve console performance?
Absolutely. The update includes significant RAM optimizations that improve stability on consoles, particularly during late-game content where crashes were more common.
Is the transmog system easy to use?
The transmog system is intuitive and allows you to customize your character’s appearance without sacrificing the statistical benefits of your equipped gear.
Can I still access old save files after the update?
Yes, existing save files remain compatible with update 1.1, and you can continue your current playthrough while enjoying the new improvements and content.
Conclusion
Tainted Grail update 1.1 delivers on its promises and then some. This isn’t just another patch – it’s a comprehensive overhaul that transforms the game into the complete RPG experience it was always meant to be. Whether you’re a returning player curious about the improvements or someone who’s been waiting for the game to reach its full potential, now is the perfect time to dive into Avalon’s dark fantasy world.
The combination of New Game Plus, expanded Act 3 content, and quality-of-life improvements creates a more engaging and replayable experience that should satisfy both newcomers and veterans alike.