MMOexp: Claimed that the imitation was a little more intelligent from AventurineLe's blog

After three weeks of this game Elden Ring players had discovered some very effective strategies to defeat it, using OP builds to take on difficult bosses such as Malenia and other players participating in PVP attacks. FromSoft noticed however, and decided to nerf several of the most well-known builds with Elden Ring Runes a huge 1.03 patch that was released immediately. Players will now have to search for alternatives to strats built on Mimic Tear, Hoarfrost Stomp and other games-changing items and capabilities.

Mimic Tear was by far the most efficient. It's a Spirit Ash summon found in Elden Ring's Eternal City region, it allows players to summon the exact image of themselves, who would then take on a battle with them. Since it mirrored the exact character of a player, however, it was controlled by AI the players could dress themselves out in the most powerful equipment, activate the summoning, and return to their normal outfit while the clone ran amok in front of them disorienting bosses. It was a popular method to beat the majority of bosses in the game, including the most difficult, Malenia, Blade of Miquella.

Following the most recent patch however it was discovered that the Mimic Tear summon's damage was drastically diminished. One user on the Elden Ring subreddit who tested the effect estimated that it was around 50 percent. However they claimed that the imitation was a little more intelligent and was able to buy Elden Ring Runes dodge more. However, it's not as efficient at launching powerful spells repeatedly.