Hey Tarnished! Ever stumbled upon a speedrun that seemed too good to be true? We've all been there, chasing those mind-blowing times. But what happens when a run *is* too good to be true, and it's not just a fast strat, but a deliberate fabrication? Today, we're diving deep into the controversial "45-second" Any% Unrestricted world record for Elden Ring. This isn't your typical guide to beating the game in record time; it's a critical look at how a faked run can disrupt the speedrunning community and the importance of authenticity.

Table of Contents
- The Rise of the 45-Second Run
- Understanding Any% Unrestricted
- Unraveling the Deception: Cheat Engine and Call-Outs
- The Actual Unrestricted Any% World Record
- Impact on the Elden Ring Speedrunning Community
- The Ethos of Speedrunning: Experience, Expertise, and Trustworthiness
- Frequently Asked Questions
The Rise of the 45-Second Run
In the electrifying world of speedrun records, a new "world record" for Elden Ring Any% Unrestricted, clocking in at an astonishing 45 seconds, recently surfaced. While the initial reaction might be awe and disbelief, a closer inspection reveals a far more complex and, frankly, disappointing story. This wasn't a legitimate display of skill but a deliberate act of deception. The goal? To expose another identical, faked run that had, unfortunately, garnered attention.
Understanding Any% Unrestricted in Elden Ring
Before we dissect the controversy, let's clarify what "Any% Unrestricted" means in the context of Elden Ring speedrunning. "Any%" signifies that the runner's objective is simply to reach the end credits, regardless of how that's achieved. "Unrestricted" means that players are allowed to use any glitches, exploits, or sequence breaks discovered within the game. This category often leads to the most creative and wild strategies, pushing the boundaries of what's thought possible. Typically, Any% runs for games as sprawling as Elden Ring involve extensive knowledge of game mechanics, deep understanding of enemy AI, and precise execution of complex strats, often involving significant RNG manipulation and intricate glitches or skips.
Unraveling the Deception: Cheat Engine and Call-Outs
The 45-second run in question was not achieved through legitimate gameplay. The runner openly admitted to using Cheat Engine, a popular tool for modifying game memory, to falsify the time. This act was a direct response to another similarly faked run that had gained traction. The runner's intention was to highlight the absurdity and the damage that such fabricated records can inflict on the dedicated efforts of genuine speedrunners.
It's a shame that fabricated runs get attention, but the truth is, we needed to show how easily these things can happen.
This situation underscores a critical issue within online gaming communities: the challenge of verifying authenticity and the potential for misinformation. The speedrunning scene thrives on trust and transparency, making acts of deception particularly damaging. The runner's own explanation, which points to the source of the falsified run (often a short YouTube video or a link to a specific setup), serves as a meta-commentary on the state of competitive online play.
The Actual Unrestricted Any% World Record
It's crucial to distinguish the fake record from the legitimate achievements in the Elden Ring speedrunning community. The true world record for Elden Ring Any% Unrestricted demands hours, often days, of dedicated practice, route optimization, and flawless execution. The runner who holds the genuine record has poured immense effort into mastering the game's intricacies. We urge everyone to support and celebrate the actual record holders who earn their achievements through skill and perseverance.
For those interested in witnessing true mastery, the real Any% Unrestricted WR holder truly deserves the spotlight. Their dedication to the category, the countless hours spent perfecting every jump, every PB segment, and every tricky boss encounter, is what speedrunning is all about. Checking out their actual run provides a stark contrast to the fabricated one and highlights the incredible skill involved in legitimate world-class runs.
The dedication required for a real world record is immense. It’s about pushing limits through skill, not software.
To see the legitimate WR and give credit where it's due, please visit: https://youtu.be/NpiR70kB-l0. This is where the real effort and accomplishment lie.
Impact on the Elden Ring Speedrunning Community
The incident of the faked 45-second run, while ultimately a call-out, can still have negative repercussions. It can lead to distrust among viewers and participants, making it harder for legitimate records and runners to gain recognition. For new players interested in the RPG and its speedrunning scene, encountering misinformation can be confusing and discouraging. It dilutes the celebratory atmosphere that genuine achievements bring.
Moreover, such events can overshadow the ongoing discoveries and optimizations happening within the community. The relentless pursuit of faster times, the development of new strats, and the refinement of existing techniques are the lifeblood of speedrun categories. When fabricated times gain attention, it distracts from this continuous, positive evolution of gameplay.
The Ethos of Speedrunning: Experience, Expertise, and Trustworthiness
At GamingSpeedrun.com, we are committed to the principles of E-E-A-T: Experience, Expertise, Authoritativeness, and Trustworthiness. This commitment is paramount in our coverage of the gaming world, especially in the demanding field of speedrunning. We strive to provide content that is not only informative but also accurate and respectful of the runners' hard work.
When I first saw the 45-second clip, my immediate thought was that something was off. The sheer impossibility of traversing the Lands Between that quickly without some form of external manipulation was evident. This skepticism is a healthy part of engaging with the speedrunning community. It's through critical observation and a shared understanding of the game's mechanics that the community collectively upholds its standards.
My personal experience with Elden Ring's vastness tells me that 45 seconds for Any% is currently impossible through legitimate means.
The act of using Cheat Engine, while serving as a 'call-out', still highlights the potential for cheating. It's a stark reminder of why speedrun communities rely on robust verification processes, community consensus, and ethical conduct from their members. The online gaming space, particularly competitive sectors like speedrunning, hinges on the trustworthiness of its participants and observers.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What does "Any% Unrestricted" mean in Elden Ring speedrunning?
Any% means completing the game by any means necessary, reaching the end credits. Unrestricted means that all glitches, exploits, and sequence breaks discovered are permitted. - Was the 45-second Elden Ring run legitimate?
No, the 45-second run was confirmed to be faked using Cheat Engine. It was performed as a deliberate call-out against another fabricated run. - Where can I find the actual Elden Ring Any% Unrestricted World Record?
You can find the legitimate World Record run at the provided YouTube link: https://youtu.be/NpiR70kB-l0. - Why would someone fake a speedrun?
In this specific case, the runner faked the run to expose and draw attention to another existing faked run, highlighting the issue of deception within the community. - How does the speedrunning community deal with faked runs?
Legitimate speedrunning communities typically have moderators and community members who scrutinize runs. Faked runs are usually identified, disqualified, and runners are often banned from leaderboards. This incident served as a public exposure.
The pursuit of speed and perfection in games like Elden Ring is a testament to the passion and dedication of the PC gamer and console player alike. While this particular incident highlights a dark side, it ultimately serves as a reminder of the value we place on integrity. Let's continue to celebrate the true achievements, support the honest runners, and foster a community built on trust and respect. The real journey through the Lands Between, whether for casual play or a record-breaking speedrun, is one of skill, perseverance, and genuine PB chasing.
What are your thoughts on this situation? Have you encountered similar instances in other games? Share your experiences and insights in the comments below! Join our Discord channel to discuss all things speedrunning and Elden Ring!
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