Hey Tarnished! Welcome back to GamingSpeedrun.com, where we dive deep into the most insane feats of gaming mastery. Today, we're talking about Elden Ring, specifically its Any% speedrun category. Our very own cha0smagick has absolutely shattered expectations, posting an incredible time of 22 minutes and 21 seconds. This isn't just a record; it's a statement. The grind for sub-20 is officially on, and the Lands Between will never be the same.
For those new to the speedrunning scene or Elden Ring's intricate mechanics, the Any% category means completing the game by any means necessary, with the primary objective being to reach the final credits as fast as possible. This often involves utilizing glitches, skips, and highly optimized routes that would make a typical playthrough seem like a leisurely stroll through Limgrave.
Table of Contents
What is the Any% Category in Elden Ring?
In the world of speedrunning, Any% is the most common and often the most chaotic category. It means you can use any intended or unintended mechanics within the game to reach the end credits. For Elden Ring, this translates to exploiting every possible shortcut, every sequence break, and every glitch that the community discovers. The goal isn't to play the game "correctly" but to finish it faster than anyone else. This often involves skipping entire sections of the game, defeating bosses in unintended ways, or utilizing specific movement techniques to traverse the vast map at breakneck speeds.
Think about games like Super Mario 64. The Any% category there revolutionized how players interacted with the game's physics and level design. Similarly, Elden Ring's Any% runs showcase an incredible understanding of the game's engine, pushing it to its absolute limits.
Understanding the Old Patch Unrestricted Ruleset
The record set by cha0smagick is in the "old patch unrestricted" category. This is crucial. Speedrunning communities often designate specific versions of a game for runs to ensure fairness and to allow for the study of established techniques. The "old patch" refers to an earlier version of Elden Ring before significant balance changes or bug fixes were implemented.
The "unrestricted" part means that certain actions, like force quits and zipping, are permitted. Force quitting typically involves manipulating the game's save system to reset your position or state, often allowing for quick repositioning or recovery. Zipping refers to a specific glitch where players can propel their characters across large distances at incredible speeds, often by manipulating game physics through specific actions or item usage. These techniques, while not intended by the developers, are integral to achieving these lightning-fast times in this specific category. It’s a testament to the community’s ingenuity in finding ways to break the game.
"This category is very hardware dependent :)" - This single line hints at the immense technical skill and optimization required, going beyond just game knowledge.
The Crucial Role of Hardware
As the runner himself noted, this category is "very hardware dependent." This is a key insight often overlooked by casual observers. Achieving elite speedrun times in games like Elden Ring isn't just about mastering the in-game strategies; it's also about having the right setup.
- Loading Times: Faster SSDs mean significantly reduced loading times during force quits, respawns, or when entering new areas. Every second saved here adds up dramatically over a full run.
- Frame Rates: Consistent and high frame rates ensure smoother gameplay, making precise inputs easier and reducing the chance of errors during complex maneuvers or boss fights.
- Input Lag: Minimal input lag from controllers and displays allows for more responsive character control, which is vital for executing tight tricks and precise movements.
The best runners often invest heavily in their hardware to shave off those precious milliseconds that can mean the difference between a personal best and a world record. It’s a constant battle against the game and the limitations of technology.
Mastering the Route: Beyond the Basics
A 22:21 in Elden Ring Any% doesn't happen by accident. It's the result of countless hours of practice, study, and route optimization. The route is a meticulously planned sequence of actions designed to progress through the game as quickly as possible, often involving:
- Sequence Breaking: Performing actions out of the intended order to bypass challenges or unlock areas early.
- Optimal Movement: Utilizing the fastest ways to traverse the map, whether through strategic use of Torrent, specific jump timings, or utilizing glitches.
- Combat Efficiency: Engaging in combat only when absolutely necessary and defeating bosses with the quickest possible strategies, often involving specific weapon choices or powerful early-game spells/ashes of war.
- Resource Management: Carefully managing FP (Focus Points) and HP (Health Points), often using flasks only when critically needed to avoid wasting time.
The evolution of speedrun routes is a fascinating aspect of the community. What was considered optimal a few months ago might be outdated today thanks to new discoveries and advancements in technique. This constant innovation is what keeps games like Elden Ring exciting for speedrunners.
Key Glitches and Skips
While the specific route for this record isn't detailed here, common elements in Elden Ring Any% speedruns often include:
- Main Gate Skip: Bypassing the need to defeat Margit, the Fell Omen, by using specific movement or glitches to enter Stormveil Castle early.
- Boss Skips: Finding ways to avoid triggering boss encounters or defeating them with minimal effort through environmental hazards or damage glitches.
- RNG Manipulation: While not strictly a glitch, optimizing runs often involves understanding and sometimes manipulating the game's Random Number Generator (RNG) for favorable outcomes, like specific enemy spawns or item drops.
- Damage Duplication/Amplification: Techniques that allow players to deal significantly more damage than intended, often by exploiting animation timings or weapon properties.
The discovery and implementation of new glitches and skips are what drive the meta forward in games like Elden Ring.
Exploring these mechanics requires a deep dive into the game's code and physics, often a collaborative effort within the speedrunning community.
The Push for Sub-20: What's Next?
With a 22:21 under their belt, the ultimate goal for many runners in this category is to break the 20-minute barrier. This is a significant milestone. Achieving it will likely require:
- Further optimization of the existing route.
- Discovery of new, game-breaking glitches or skips.
- Near-perfect execution on every single segment of the run.
- Potentially, a new patch or version of the game that enables even faster strategies (though this record is on an old patch).
The current record holder is already hinting that the "grind for sub 20 begins," signaling their intent to push the limits even further. We'll be watching closely here at GamingSpeedrun.com!
Supporting the Speedrunner
If you enjoy these incredible displays of skill and dedication, the best way to support runners like cha0smagick is by watching their streams, engaging with their content, and sharing their achievements. Speedrunning is a passion project for most, and community support is what keeps it alive and thriving.
You can follow the journey and witness future attempts live by tuning into their streams. The link provided, "https://ift.tt/r1TD72a", is your gateway to watching the action unfold in real-time. Witnessing a world record attempt live is an electrifying experience!
For those who want to dive deeper into the world of hardcore gaming and exclusive digital collectibles, the runner also invites you to check out their NFT store: mintable.app/u/cha0smagick. Supporting creators in diverse ways helps fuel their continued efforts in pushing boundaries.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Any% category in Elden Ring?
The Any% category means completing the game by any means necessary, focusing solely on reaching the end credits as fast as possible, often utilizing glitches and skips.
What does "old patch unrestricted" mean for Elden Ring speedruns?
It refers to a specific, older version of the game where certain mechanics like force quits and zipping are allowed, which are often patched out in later versions.
How important is hardware in Elden Ring speedrunning?
Extremely important. Faster hardware (like SSDs) reduces loading times, and consistent frame rates are crucial for precise inputs and execution, directly impacting the achievable time.
Is breaking 20 minutes in Elden Ring Any% possible?
Yes, it's the next major frontier. It will require near-flawless execution, further route optimization, and potentially the discovery of new glitches.
Where can I watch live Elden Ring speedruns?
You can watch live runs on platforms like Twitch. Many top speedrunners, including the one who set this record, stream their attempts and practice sessions there. Check the links provided in the article for specific channels.
This incredible run is a testament to the dedication and skill within the Elden Ring speedrunning community. We can't wait to see what happens next as the community continues to innovate and push the boundaries. What are your thoughts on this record? Any predictions for the sub-20 run? Let us know in the comments below!
