The $10,000 tournament organized by Elden Ring speedrunner Distortion2 recently came to a conclusion, with the winning run submitted just hours before the deadline. The goal of the tournament was challenging – to kill all Shadow of the Erdtree Remembrance bosses and Bayle the dragon at level 1 using only DLC weapons, with the added restriction of gaining only one Scadutree level per boss defeated. Runners were allowed to utilize the items available on the premade character save files, particularly talismans, and a few glitches were permitted, as long as they didn’t simply skip to the end and defeat bosses with gravity. The winning run, completed by Spicee, edged out second place by a 144-second lead, securing a $4,000 prize for their efforts.
Throughout the run, Spicee showcased meticulous planning and execution. From opting for the Blade of Mercy DLC talisman and Great Katana in the early stages to utilizing throwables crafted from thin beast bones, every decision was pivotal in saving precious seconds. The use of throwing knives to distract enemies and acquire essential items like the Carian Thrusting Shield and Flame Spear Ash of War reflected the runner’s strategic prowess. The meticulous routing and optimization of the run demonstrated the dedication and skill required to excel in such a demanding competition.
Noteworthy moments in the run included the acquisition and enhancement of the Shadow Sunflower Blossom weapon, which proved instrumental in defeating formidable foes like Commander Gaius and the Putrescent Knight. The utilization of incantations like Golden Vow and Flame Grant Me Strength, along with the unconventional choice of Unseen Form sorcery, added depth to the speedrun. The reliance on stat-boost talismans and Physick tears to enable the use of various weapons and spells at level 1 underscored the ingenuity of Spicee’s approach to the challenge.
One of the standout moments in the run was the pegasus walk around the 1:05:00 mark, where Spicee bypassed significant portions of the Abyssal Woods to reach Midra swiftly. This ingenious technique not only saved considerable time but also represented a pivotal moment in the competition. The evolution of speedrunning strategies, supported by community collaboration and individual ingenuity, continues to drive the competitive landscape of Elden Ring speedrunning.
As the tournament concluded, Distortion2 expressed gratitude to participants and hinted at future opportunities for community engagement. Plans to offer monetary incentives for runners who can beat Spicee’s time using a designated route underscore the ongoing commitment to fostering competition and innovation within the speedrunning community. The prospect of securing sponsorships and expanding the scope of future tournaments highlights the growth potential of the Elden Ring speedrunning scene.
The Elden Ring speedrunning tournament not only showcased the dedication and skill of participants but also highlighted the evolving nature of speedrunning as a competitive discipline. Through strategic planning, innovative techniques, and community collaboration, speedrunners continue to push the boundaries of what is possible within the realm of gaming challenges. As the community looks towards future events and opportunities for growth, the spirit of competition and camaraderie remains at the heart of the Elden Ring speedrunning scene.
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