Table of Contents
Introduction to the Run
What's up, Tarnished! You're watching a truly insane speedrun of Elden Ring, clocking in at a mind-blowing 26 minutes and 22 seconds. This isn't just any run; it's a 4-second personal best (PB) that showcases incredible skill and dedication. The "No Zip Glitch" category is one of the most challenging, demanding precise movement and a deep understanding of the game's mechanics. This performance pushes the boundaries of what's possible in the Lands Between.
In my experience, seeing these kinds of times is what makes speedrunning so captivating. It’s a testament to countless hours of practice, route optimization, and sheer grit. The current world record is always being chased, and this run is a significant leap forward. We're talking about shaving off precious seconds, which in Elden Ring, is monumental.
Breaking Down the 26:22 Masterpiece
This 26:22 run represents the pinnacle of Elden Ring Any% speedrun in the [No Zip Glitch] category. What does "Any%" mean? It means finishing the game by any means necessary, usually by reaching the final boss and defeating them, regardless of how much of the game's content you've actually experienced. The "No Zip Glitch" restriction means the runner deliberately avoids a specific, powerful glitch that allows players to clip through walls, significantly shortening the route.
This adds a layer of complexity and challenge that many runners and viewers appreciate. It forces players to master the intended level design and enemy encounters, rather than relying on exploits. The precision required to navigate the open world, engage bosses efficiently, and execute sequence breaks without the zip glitch is truly astonishing.
The sheer dedication to perfect every single movement and every single fight is what makes this time so impressive. Every second counts when you're aiming for a top-tier speedrun.
We're talking about perfectly timed dodges, optimal spell casts or weapon swings, and navigating treacherous platforming sections flawlessly. The runner's ability to maintain this level of performance throughout the entire playthrough is what separates good runs from legendary ones.
Why Patch 1.02?
The runner specifically mentions that this run is performed on Patch 1.02. This isn't arbitrary; patch versions can drastically alter game mechanics, enemy AI, item locations, and even glitch stability. For Elden Ring speedrunning, certain patches are known to be more favorable due to:
- Faster Bosses: Some boss fight timings or AI patterns might be exploitable for quicker kills.
- Optimized Routes: Specific skips or movement tech might be more consistent or easier to perform on older patches.
- RNG Manipulation: Enemy spawn rates or item drop probabilities can be different, sometimes making certain strategies more viable.
Patch 1.02, in particular, was one of the earlier patches released and became a staple for many speedrun categories before later patches introduced new possibilities or fixed exploits. Choosing the right patch is a critical strategic decision for any serious runner.
Key Strats and Skips
While the "No Zip Glitch" restriction prevents one major shortcut, Elden Ring is still ripe with opportunities for sequence breaks and optimized movement. Expect to see:
- Advanced Movement Tech: Techniques like "jump-canceling" or precise dashing can save fractions of a second at every opportunity.
- Boss Cheese Strategies: Efficient methods to defeat bosses quickly, often involving specific weapon arts, spells, or positioning to minimize the fight duration.
- Optimal Pathing: Navigating the vast world of the Lands Between with absolute efficiency, avoiding unnecessary combat and travel time.
- Early Game Power Spikes: Strategies to acquire powerful weapons or spells very early in the run to accelerate boss progression.
The runner's mastery of these strats is evident in how seamlessly they transition from one segment to the next. It's a ballet of precise inputs and split-second decisions.
Without the zip glitch, runners have to rely on pure skill and a deep knowledge of the game's collision and enemy AI to make up for lost time.
The Role of RNG
Even with the most optimized route and perfect execution, RNG (Random Number Generation) still plays a significant role in any speedrun. In Elden Ring, this can manifest in several ways:
- Enemy Aggro and Patrols: Enemies might spot the runner sooner or later than expected.
- Boss Attack Patterns: While runners aim for specific phases, bosses can sometimes enter more advantageous or disadvantageous attack cycles.
- Item Drops: Though less critical in Any%, certain optional items or buffs can be influenced by RNG.
A truly great speedrun not only executes the route but also adapts to unfavorable RNG with minimal time loss. This run clearly benefited from favorable RNG, but it was the runner's ability to capitalize on it that secured the new PB.
Personal Best and Future Goals
Achieving a 4-second Personal Best is a massive accomplishment. It signifies that the runner has refined their execution, potentially discovered a new micro-optimization, or simply had a near-perfect run. The statement "hopefully World Record soon!" signals immense ambition.
The current World Record holders in Elden Ring speedrun are constantly pushing boundaries. This new PB puts the runner in a very strong position to challenge for the top spot. The dedication to livestreaming attempts on Twitch allows the community to witness these attempts firsthand and provides valuable feedback for the runner.
Supporting the Speedrunner
The original post included several links for community support, and it's crucial to highlight them. If you enjoyed watching this incredible Elden Ring speedrun, consider showing your appreciation:
- Subscribe on YouTube: Click here to subscribe and never miss new content.
- Turn on Notifications: Ring the bell on YouTube to get instant alerts for new uploads.
- Watch Live on Twitch: Follow the runner's journey and interact with them during live attempts at https://www.twitch.tv/hazebladetv.
- Merchandise: Check out the runner's Merch Store for exclusive gear.
- Memberships: Support directly by becoming a YouTube Member starting at $1.99.
- Social Media: Follow on Twitter (@hazebladetv) and other platforms to stay updated.
Supporting runners like this helps them dedicate more time and resources to perfecting their craft and pushing the limits of what's possible in gaming.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: What is the "Any%" category in Elden Ring speedrunning?
A1: The "Any%" category means the goal is to finish the game as quickly as possible, typically by reaching and defeating the final boss, without any restrictions on how much of the game's content is completed.
Q2: Why is the "No Zip Glitch" category significant?
A2: The zip glitch allows runners to bypass large sections of the map by clipping through walls. Running "No Zip Glitch" requires a deeper mastery of traversal, combat, and routing within the game's intended boundaries, making it a more challenging category.
Q3: Is Patch 1.02 still considered optimal for Elden Ring speedruns?
A3: While speedrunning meta evolves, Patch 1.02 was a very popular and well-optimized version for many categories. Newer patches might offer different advantages or require entirely new strategies. Runners often specialize in specific patch versions.
Q4: How much does RNG affect an Elden Ring speedrun?
A4: RNG plays a notable role, influencing enemy spawns, boss attack patterns, and other random elements. However, top runners develop strategies to mitigate bad RNG and capitalize on good RNG, ensuring consistency.
Conclusion
This 26:22 speedrun of Elden Ring [No Zip Glitch] is a monumental achievement, setting a new Personal Best and inching closer to the coveted World Record. It's a stunning display of skill, dedication, and deep game knowledge. The Elden Ring speedrunning community continues to innovate and push boundaries, proving that there's always a new way to experience and master The Lands Between.
What did you think of this incredible run? Did you spot any new strats or moments that blew your mind? Let us know in the comments below! Join our Discord server to discuss Elden Ring speedruns, share your own PBs, and connect with fellow speedrunning enthusiasts!