In this article, we'll break down the full list of patch notes for Lords of the Fallen update 1.1.326 and analyze how these alterations may shape both new and returning player's experiences with the game.

PVE and PVP Balancing Improvements

A major highlight of patch 1.1.326 is separate balancing for PVE and PVP modes. This will allow Deck 13 to tweak things like damage values, poise (resistance to being stunned), and effectiveness of certain LOTF Items differently depending on if players are facing enemies or other human opponents.

Previously, any balancing changes risked disrupting the delicate meta of both single and multiplayer modes. By splitting these, developers can now fine-tune each experience independently to better cater to their respective playerbases.

Along with this, defensive stats will provide stronger damage mitigation against PVE threats. While offensive stats see amplified effects versus other players to increase PVP build diversity.

Overhauled Lock On System

Combat in Lords of the Fallen has been refined with an updated targeting system. Locking on to enemies is now smoother and more reliable by automatically keeping the target centered on screen even when turning. This should streamline melee fights particularly against agile bosses.

Players can also toggle lock on quicker by utilizing the left trigger button. Plus, locking on now works at longer ranges which gives more space to react to incoming attacks. All around, these changes aim to tighten the combat flow and responsiveness.

Ramped Up Boss Difficulty

One common complaint of the original Lords of the Fallen was that bosses could feel too simplistic or lacking in challenge compared to Souls staples. Well, this update looks to remedy that with major buffs to numerous enemy officers and bosses throughout the game world.

Enemies will feature amplified attributes like health, damage output, and new attack patterns to genuinely test even veteran players. With the improved lock on too, these climactic encounters should deliver the intense, strategic fights fans of the genre adore. While increased difficulty may frustrate some, Souls aficionados excited for a tougher boss grind will find much to appreciate in this patch. Mastering the revamped bosses will feel like a true achievement.

Other Notable Changes

Aside from the above highlights, patch 1.1.326 introduces many quality of life adjustments and bug fixes across the whole Lords of the Fallen experience.

Players can now also respec their attributes an unlimited number of times using new LotF items. New danger effects and status indicators make avoiding damage clearer too. Plus various areas, quests, and overall stability received improvements.

The vigor system seeing adjustments as well - restoring this vitality stat is now less punishing overall through reduced costs. A welcome change to some criticisms of its steep penalties previously.

Final Thoughts

- With these broad-ranging changes, Lords of the Fallen stands as a markedly improved experience over its 2014 release state. By splitting PVE and PVP balancing plus adding a deeper lock-on system, Deck 13 have tightened the combat in all modes.

- And ramping up boss fights to FromSoftware caliber difficulty will give veterans an all-new late-game thrill. Coupled with quality of life tweaks, update 1.1.326 feels like a true seminal upgrade patch breathign fresh life to this cult Soulslike.

 Have you jumped back into Hallowed Lands since this patch? Let us know your thoughts on how Lords of the Fallen holds up in 2023 within the comments!