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Introduction: The Shattering Begins
Welcome, Tarnished, and fellow speedrunners! If you're anything like me, the moment Elden Ring dropped, you weren't just exploring the vast world of The Lands Between, you were already thinking about how to break it. And break it, we have!
It feels like just yesterday we were marveling at the scale of FromSoftware's latest masterpiece, but the speedrunning community moves at a blinding pace. Reports are flooding in, and the truth is undeniable: Elden Ring has already been fundamentally altered by the relentless pursuit of the fastest times.
This isn't just about finding a few faster routes; we're talking about game-breaking exploits that redefine what's possible. Today, we're diving deep into the mechanics, the mindsets, and the mind-boggling discoveries that have led to Elden Ring's current speedrun landscape.
The Glitch That Broke The Lands Between
The buzz in the community is undeniable. A specific, major glitch has emerged as the cornerstone for most of the groundbreaking speedruns. While details can be technical and often evolve, the core of this exploit allows runners to bypass massive sections of the game.
For those who might not be deeply embedded in the Elder Scrolls speedrunning scene or similar games, understanding these exploits is key. It's not just about execution; it's about understanding game engine limitations and pushing them to their absolute extreme.
Big props to Regole for providing some of the essential footage that showcased this exploit’s potential. Seeing it in action is truly something else – a testament to the observant nature of dedicated players.
The sheer ingenuity behind discovering and utilizing these glitches is what makes speedrunning so compelling. It's a constant cat-and-mouse game with the developers and the game itself.
This isn't a simple skip; it’s a fundamental shift in how the game can be played from start to finish. We're talking about cutting down run times by hours, not minutes.
Community Driven Speedruns
The power of the community cannot be overstated. The Elder Scrolls speedrun community, and specifically the SpeedSouls discord, has been instrumental in refining and understanding these new techniques. The collaborative spirit is what makes these breakthroughs possible.
My own journey into understanding this specific Elden Ring glitch was significantly aided by discussions and shared knowledge within that very community. It’s a reminder that even solo endeavors like speedrunning are deeply social at their core.
If you're interested in Elden Ring speedruns, or any FromSoftware game for that matter, diving into communities like SpeedSouls is a must. The shared passion and expertise are incredible resources.
It's a testament to the dedicated players who spend countless hours dissecting game mechanics, sharing findings, and pushing the boundaries of what we thought was possible.
This collaborative effort ensures that new strategies are found, tested, and optimized at an incredible rate. It's a continuous cycle of discovery and refinement.
Impact on Elden Ring Speedruns
The implications for existing Elden Ring speedrun records are massive. Categories like Any% are seeing times drop dramatically. What was once considered a near-impossible goal is now being achieved by multiple runners.
This isn't just about beating previous records; it's about entering a new era for the game's speedrunning scene. The top players are constantly innovating, finding micro-optimizations within the major glitch, and perfecting the execution.
From my perspective, watching these runs evolve has been fascinating. The level of precision required is astronomical, and the margin for error is razor-thin. It’s a true display of skill and dedication.
The emergence of such a potent glitch also sparks debate within the community about category definitions and the spirit of speedrunning. Is a run that relies on a massive, unintended exploit truly representative of the game? These are the discussions that keep the community vibrant.
The Future of Elden Ring Speedrunning
Where does Elden Ring speedrunning go from here? With this major glitch in play, the focus shifts. Runners will continue to perfect the execution of this exploit, shaving off milliseconds and ensuring consistency.
We might also see a resurgence in interest for categories that restrict or ban this particular glitch, allowing for runs that focus more on traditional routing and gameplay mastery. The exploration of different Challenge Run categories also remains a strong possibility.
The continued discovery of minor skips and optimizations, even within the framework of the major glitch, will keep things interesting. The game's engine is deep, and there are likely still secrets to uncover.
The beauty of speedrunning is its dynamic nature. What's impossible today can be a standard technique tomorrow. Elden Ring is proving to be fertile ground for this constant evolution.
It's an exciting time to be a fan of Elden Ring and speedrunning. The community's dedication ensures that the game will be played, optimized, and celebrated for years to come.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main glitch being used in Elden Ring speedruns?
The primary glitch allows runners to bypass large portions of the game world, significantly reducing completion time. Its exact mechanics are complex and involve manipulating game states.
Who discovered this major Elden Ring speedrunning glitch?
While discovery is often a collaborative process, specific runners like Regole have been pivotal in showcasing and popularizing the exploit through shared footage and analysis.
Are there Elden Ring speedruns that don't use this glitch?
Yes, the community often creates different categories. While Any% might heavily feature this glitch, other categories may exist or emerge that restrict its use, focusing on different aspects of the game's challenge.
How fast are Elden Ring speedruns with the glitch?
With the major glitch, Any% runs have seen drastic reductions, with top times being significantly shorter than previously possible. The exact times are constantly being updated on platforms like speedrun.com.
Where can I learn more about Elden Ring speedrunning?
The best place to learn more is by joining communities like the SpeedSouls Discord server, and by following top Elden Ring speedrunners on platforms like Twitch and YouTube.
The journey through The Lands Between is ever-evolving, especially when approached at warp speed. Elden Ring's speedrunning scene is alive, kicking, and breaking all the rules. What are your thoughts on these game-breaking glitches? Are they a sign of innovation or a departure from the intended experience? Let us know in the comments below, or join the discussion on our GamingSpeedrun Discord! We'd love to hear your take.