The New Standard in Elden Ring Speedrunning
Alright, Tarnished, gather 'round! You've seen the title, you've seen the time: 25 minutes and 13 seconds. A new World Record for Elden Ring's Any% speedrun has been set, and it's not just a small improvement – it's a leap forward, thanks to a technique that's sending ripples through the community: "The Zip Glitch." If you're here, you're likely not just looking for news; you're hungry for the strategies, the breakdown, and the sheer audacity that goes into shaving off seconds, minutes, and ultimately, rewriting the record books. This isn't just about beating the game; it's about breaking it in the most exhilarating ways possible.
The pursuit of the perfect run is what drives speedrunners. Every frame counts, every decision is critical, and every exploit discovered can change everything.
For too long, the Elden Ring speedrunning scene has been pushing the boundaries of known routes and glitches. We’ve seen incredible precision and mastery of existing techniques. But the advent of "The Zip" has opened up a new frontier. This article will dive deep into what this record entails, dissect the key strategies, and explore how this new glitch is shaping the future of Elden Ring speedruns.
Breaking Down the 25:13
The 25:13 run, achieved by the incredibly skilled speedrunner who also set the prior record, isn't just about raw speed; it's a masterclass in execution and route optimization. This particular category, Any%, means the goal is simply to reach the end of the game by any means necessary, prioritizing the fastest completion time.
Here’s a glimpse into the key components that made this run possible:
* **Icerind Route:** This established route is known for its efficiency in the early to mid-game, allowing runners to acquire crucial items and access key areas quickly. It often involves strategic skips and optimized movement.
* **The "Zip Glitch":** This is the star of the show. This newly discovered or refined glitch allows players to traverse massive distances in mere seconds, drastically cutting down travel time between critical points in the game.
* **Boss Strategies:** Even with major glitches, bosses are still a hurdle. This record likely features highly optimized strategies for key bosses, minimizing downtime and ensuring quick victories.
* **RNG Manipulation:** While some glitches are consistent, many speedruns rely on favorable random number generator (RNG) outcomes for things like enemy spawns, item drops, or spell casts. Expert runners develop strategies to either manipulate or quickly adapt to these RNG factors.
The Game-Changing "Zip Glitch"
So, what exactly is "The Zip Glitch"? Without getting too technical for the casual observer, it's a way to exploit the game's physics engine to achieve incredible horizontal and vertical momentum. Think of it as a supercharged version of other movement glitches seen in games, allowing a player to effectively "teleport" across large sections of the map.
The precise inputs and conditions required to perform The Zip are complex and have been the subject of intense community research. It often involves a specific sequence of actions, timing, and possibly the use of certain items or abilities. The discovery and consistent application of this glitch are what elevate this 25:13 run from merely fast to outright revolutionary. It bypasses entire levels and combat encounters, fundamentally changing how the game can be completed.
The speedrun community thrives on discovery. Every new glitch, every new skip, is a testament to the dedication and ingenuity of players pushing games to their absolute limits.
The implications of The Zip are enormous. It means that previous routes and strategies are now obsolete for Any% runs. Runners will need to master this new technique to remain competitive. It's a classic example of how player-driven innovation can redefine the experience of a game, turning known paths into speed bumps.
Mastering the Icerind Route
The Icerind route has been a staple for Elden Ring speedrunners for a good reason. It's designed to get you into the Lands Between and geared up as efficiently as possible. Key elements typically include:
* **Early Weapon Acquisition:** Grabbing powerful early-game weapons, often with status effects like frostbite (hence "Icerind"), allows for quicker boss defeats.
* **Essential Spirit Ash:** Obtaining a strong Spirit Ash can provide crucial support during boss fights, taking aggro and dealing damage.
* **Targeted Exploration:** The route focuses only on necessary locations and items, skipping vast amounts of content.
When combined with The Zip Glitch, the Icerind route becomes even more potent. Imagine completing the early game objectives and then *zipping* past half the map to reach the endgame bosses. This synergy is what makes the 25:13 record so astounding. It’s not just one trick; it’s the perfect marriage of an optimized path and a game-breaking exploit.
For those looking to dive deeper into Elden Ring's mechanics and strategies, understanding the Icerind route is a great starting point. Exploring different builds and item synergies can also open up new possibilities for speedrunning, even without game-breaking glitches.
RNG: The Unseen Opponent
While The Zip glitch is a deterministic technique, the path to a World Record is never purely predictable. Random Number Generation (RNG) plays a significant role in Elden Ring speedruns. This can affect:
* **Enemy Placement and Behavior:** Will the enemies in a crucial area be positioned favorably, or will they block your path?
* **Item Drops:** Sometimes, specific items needed for the run have a chance to drop from certain enemies or chests.
* **Boss Attack Patterns:** While you can learn to predict and counter boss moves, there's always a degree of random variation in their attack sequences.
A true master of speedrunning doesn't just rely on perfect execution of glitches; they also possess an uncanny ability to manage RNG. This can involve:
* **Save State Manipulation (where applicable):** In some speedrunning contexts, players might use save states to retry sections with better RNG. Elden Ring speedruns, however, typically operate without this luxury.
* **Adaptable Strategies:** Having backup plans for unfavorable RNG is crucial. If a specific enemy doesn't drop an item, can you reroute to get it elsewhere, or can you continue the run without it?
* **Optimized Movement:** Even with bad RNG, fluid movement and quick reactions can minimize time loss.
This 25:13 run is a testament to the runner's ability to navigate these challenges, ensuring that the rare moments of bad luck didn't derail a potentially record-breaking attempt.
What's Next for Elden Ring Speedruns?
The emergence of "The Zip Glitch" has undoubtedly set a new benchmark for Elden Ring Any% speedruns. This sub-25-minute run is just the beginning. We can expect:
* **Further Optimization:** Runners will refine their use of The Zip, potentially finding even more consistent or faster applications.
* **New Routes:** The glitch might enable entirely new routing possibilities, bypassing even more of the game than previously thought.
* **Community Research:** Expect detailed breakdowns and tutorials on The Zip from top speedrunners as they share their discoveries.
* **New Records:** The current record will undoubtedly be challenged, with runners striving to shave off even more precious seconds.
The Elden Ring speedrunning community is one of the most dedicated and innovative out there. The constant drive to explore the game's mechanics and find new ways to break it ensures that the leaderboard will always be a battleground for the fastest and most skilled players.
If you're interested in the technical side of speedrunning and how these glitches are found, looking into resources like [speedrun.com](https://www.speedrun.com/) for Elden Ring can offer invaluable insights. You can see the current records, the different categories, and the discussions happening within the community.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is an Any% speedrun?
An Any% speedrun means the goal is to complete the game by any means possible, with the shortest time being the only objective. This often involves using glitches and exploits.
- What is "The Zip Glitch" in Elden Ring?
"The Zip Glitch" is a newly discovered or refined exploit in Elden Ring that allows players to achieve extreme horizontal and vertical momentum, drastically reducing travel time across the map by bypassing large sections of the game.
- Is the 25:13 Elden Ring WR achieved with glitches?
Yes, this World Record for Any% heavily relies on the use of "The Zip Glitch" and other established speedrunning strategies to achieve its incredibly fast time.
- How long does it typically take to learn Elden Ring speedrunning?
Learning the basics of an Elden Ring speedrun can take weeks or months of dedicated practice. Mastering complex glitches like "The Zip" and optimizing routes can take significantly longer, often years of consistent effort.
- Where can I find more Elden Ring speedruns?
The best place to find Elden Ring speedruns and their associated leaderboards is on [speedrun.com](https://www.speedrun.com/). You can also find many speedrunners streaming their attempts live on Twitch.
The journey to a World Record is an arduous one, filled with countless hours of practice, analysis, and sheer determination. This 25:13 run is not just a number; it's a monument to the dedication and innovation within the gaming community. Keep pushing your own limits, Tarnished, and who knows, maybe your name will be on the leaderboard next!
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