Welcome, Tarnished, to the ultimate test of skill and endurance in the Lands Between! You've seen the epic tales, the challenging encounters, and the sheer scale of Elden Ring. But have you ever wondered if it's possible to conquer every single boss the game throws at you, not just once, but in a single, breathtaking speedrun? On April 17, 2022, a feat of legendary proportions was achieved: *Elden Ring All Bosses Speedrun in 9:47:14*. This wasn't just beating the game; this was a full-spectrum assault on all 165 bosses, a true testament to mastery. Prepare yourselves, because we're diving deep into what it takes to achieve such a monumental record.
The Unthinkable Goal: All 165 Bosses
The sheer number, 165 bosses, is staggering. This category, often referred to as "All Bosses," demands a deep understanding of not only the main path but also every optional dungeon, catacomb, cave, and legacy dungeon. It means no shortcuts, no skipping the content that FromSoftware meticulously crafted. For a speedrunner, this translates into hours upon hours of precise movement, optimized combat, and an intimate knowledge of enemy attack patterns. The original record holder, lilaggyTV, didn't just play through the game; they *devoured* it, leaving no stone unturned and no boss standing in their path for longer than absolutely necessary. This run redefines what "completing" Elden Ring means in the context of
speedrunning.
Route Planning and Execution: The Art of the Speedrun
Achieving an "All Bosses" run, especially a world-record (WR) time like 9:47:14, is a symphony of meticulous planning and flawless execution. The route is paramount. Every single boss encounter must be integrated into a seamless flow across the vast Lands Between. This involves:
* **Optimized Movement:** Knowing the fastest way to traverse the map, utilizing Torrent effectively, and minimizing time spent in menus or during loading screens.
* **Boss Order:** Strategically planning which bosses to tackle and in what order to minimize travel time and ensure access to necessary items or abilities.
* **Loadout Management:** Deciding on the best gear, spells, and Ashes of War for each stage of the run. Do you go for early magic damage, physical prowess, or a hybrid approach?
* **Resource Management:** Efficiently collecting Runes, Flasks, and Spirit Ashes to sustain the grueling pace. Every pick-up counts.
In my own experience with similar runs, the difference between a good attempt and a WR often comes down to refining the route by mere seconds. Small optimizations in movement or combat can shave off crucial minutes over hundreds of boss fights. The path laid out by lilaggyTV is a masterclass in this optimization, demonstrating an unparalleled understanding of Elden Ring's geography and mechanics.
The route itself is a living document, constantly evolving as new strategies and glitches are discovered by the community. What works today might be outdated tomorrow!
Key Strats and Glitches
Speedrunning Elden Ring, particularly the "All Bosses" category, heavily relies on exploiting game mechanics and, sometimes, unintended glitches. While the exact strats can be highly technical and evolve rapidly, some common elements in high-level runs include:
* **Weapon Arts and Ashes of War:** Certain Ashes of War, like "Bloody Slash" or powerful offensive skills, can trivialize boss encounters, especially when combined with optimized stats and weapons.
* **Spirit Ash Summons:** Using powerful Spirit Ashes, like the Mimic Tear or Black Knife Tiche, can draw aggro and deal significant damage, allowing the runner to focus on positioning or dealing their own damage safely.
* **Damage Optimization:** Finding the most efficient damage types and scaling for the current point in the run. This might involve switching weapons or talismans mid-fight.
* **Specific Boss Skips/Glitches:** While less common in "All Bosses" due to the requirement of defeating every single one, some runs might utilize minor skips or sequence breaks to save time in traversal between boss arenas. The focus is usually on maximizing efficiency rather than outright skipping mandatory encounters.
For instance, a crucial part of any Elden Ring speedrun is knowing precisely when to acquire certain items or level up. The decision to invest points into Vigor versus Strength or Dexterity can drastically alter fight timings. The mastery shown in this run suggests an incredible understanding of these trade-offs for every boss.
The RNG Factor: Luck of the Tarnished
No speedrun is entirely free from the whims of Random Number Generation (RNG). In Elden Ring, RNG can influence:
* **Enemy Attack Patterns:** While bosses have set move sets, the *order* and *timing* of their attacks can vary, sometimes leading to more advantageous openings or dangerous combos.
* **Item Drops:** Certain unique weapon drops or upgrade materials have a chance to drop from specific enemies. While not usually critical for "All Bosses" runs where most items are acquired through guaranteed means, it can play a minor role in specific optimization strats.
* **Enemy Spawns:** In the open world, the placement and behavior of minor enemies can affect traversal speed.
A run of this magnitude requires the runner to be adaptable and react effectively to unfavorable RNG. Surviving a dangerous attack sequence or quickly dispatching an enemy that isn't behaving as expected is a skill honed through countless practice runs. The fact that this record was set indicates a strong ability to mitigate bad RNG and capitalize on good RNG.
You can plan for hours, but sometimes, the Elden Beast just decides to do that one attack combo you hate. That's when the real skill comes in – adapting and overcoming.
Learning from the Best: Resources and Community
This incredible achievement wouldn't be possible without the collective knowledge of the
speedrunning community. Platforms like
speedrun.com are invaluable resources, hosting leaderboards, detailed guides, and discussions about optimal routes and strategies. Watching the VODs of runs like this one, or following streamers like lilaggyTV on platforms like Twitch, offers direct insight into the techniques employed.
The journey of a speedrunner is often one of collaboration. Players share discoveries, debate strats, and push each other to break boundaries. If you're inspired by this record and want to delve deeper into the world of Elden Ring
speedruns, joining community Discords is the best way to learn and connect. The dedication to pushing the limits of what's possible in games like Elden Ring is truly inspiring and showcases the vibrant
gaming culture.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the "All Bosses" category in Elden Ring speedrunning?
The "All Bosses" category requires the player to defeat every single boss present in Elden Ring, including those found in optional dungeons and caves, within the fastest possible time.
How many bosses are there in Elden Ring?
As of the record-setting run, Elden Ring featured 165 bosses that needed to be defeated for the "All Bosses" category. This number can slightly change with game updates.
Is Elden Ring's "All Bosses" speedrun heavily reliant on glitches?
While speedruns often utilize minor sequence breaks or optimized interactions, the "All Bosses" category primarily focuses on efficient routing and combat mastery. Major glitches that skip entire sections are generally not allowed in this category, but minor tech might be used for optimization.
What are the essential skills for an Elden Ring speedrunner?
Key skills include deep game knowledge, precise movement, efficient combat execution, route optimization, resource management, and the ability to adapt to RNG.
Where can I find more Elden Ring speedrunning content?
Websites like speedrun.com, Twitch, and YouTube are excellent resources. Following top runners and joining community Discords will provide the most up-to-date information and strategies.
In conclusion, the 9:47:14 "All Bosses" speedrun of Elden Ring is more than just a time; it's a monument to human dedication, strategic brilliance, and an intimate understanding of one of gaming's most challenging titles. It’s a reminder that even in the vast and daunting Lands Between, limits are meant to be broken. What epic speedruns inspire you? Share your thoughts and favorite moments in the comments below! Join our Discord to discuss strats and connect with fellow speedrunning enthusiasts!
