Greetings, Ashen Ones and aspiring speed demons! Are you tired of the grueling journey through Lothric? Do boss fights feel like an insurmountable wall, pushing your patience to its absolute limit? What if I told you that the entire epic saga of Dark Souls III can be conquered in less time than it takes to watch a lengthy movie? Today, we're peeling back the layers on one of the most impressive feats in the gaming world: completing Dark Souls III in an astonishing 35 minutes. This isn't just about rushing; it's about mastering the game’s deepest secrets, exploiting its mechanics, and executing a near-flawless run. We're focusing on the Any% category, specifically without the infamous TearDrop Glitch, a testament to pure skill and route optimization. Get ready to witness the power of calculated chaos and unparalleled precision.
Table of Contents
What is Any% Speedrunning?
Before we dive into the specifics of Dark Souls III, let's clarify what "Any%" means in the speedrunning community. Simply put, Any% is the category where the runner aims to complete the game as fast as possible, using any means necessary. This includes glitches, sequence breaks, and out-of-bounds exploits. The only rule is that the player must reach the end credits. This contrasts with other categories like "100%" (completing every objective) or "Glitchless" (completing the game without using unintended game mechanics). The Any% category often showcases the most creative and extreme ways players interact with game code, pushing boundaries to shave off precious seconds.
The pursuit of Any% records is a constant evolution. What was considered a revolutionary technique a few years ago might be standard practice today. The community constantly innovates, discovers new glitches, and refines existing strategies. This ongoing development is what makes speedrunning so dynamic and exciting.
The Dark Souls III 35-Minute Challenge
Dark Souls III is notorious for its difficulty and sprawling world. A casual playthrough can easily exceed 50 hours. Yet, the world record for the Any% category (without the TearDrop Glitch) sits comfortably under 35 minutes. How is this even possible? It boils down to an incredibly optimized route, precise execution, and the exploitation of several game-breaking mechanics. The runner, in this case, the phenomenal Moochyy, doesn't explore every nook and cranny or engage in optional combat. Instead, every single action is calculated to minimize time.
This sub-35-minute run is a masterclass in efficiency. It involves skipping entire sections of the game, glitching through walls, and defeating bosses with incredibly fast, often unintended, methods. The "No TearDrop Glitch" restriction means runners can't rely on that specific, powerful sequence break, forcing them to use a combination of other, less potent but still game-altering, exploits.
The incredible speed achieved in Dark Souls III Any% runs is a testament to the depth of game mechanics and the ingenuity of the speedrunning community.
Key Strategies and Glitches
To achieve such a blistering pace, speedrunners employ a variety of techniques and glitches. Here are some of the most crucial ones:
- Out-of-Bounds (OOB) Travel: This is a cornerstone of many speedruns. By carefully manipulating the character's position and collision, runners can get outside the intended playable area. This allows them to bypass entire levels, skip boss fights, or reach objectives much faster than intended. For instance, certain areas in Dark Souls III can be traversed by clipping through geometry, saving significant time.
- Menu Glitching: Like in many FromSoftware titles, precise menu manipulations can trigger unexpected game states. This can include anything from fast-traveling at incorrect times to manipulating item usage or spell casting for faster animations.
- Enemy Manipulation: Runners often use enemy AI against itself. They might lure enemies into specific positions to skip combat entirely or bait them into attacking in a way that propels the player forward or through obstacles.
- Damage Boosting: Sometimes, taking damage is faster than avoiding it. Runners might intentionally get hit by enemies or environmental hazards to utilize the brief invincibility frames or to be knocked into a specific position that allows for faster progression.
- Fast Travel Optimization: While seemingly straightforward, the timing and location of using the Bonfire for fast travel are meticulously planned to minimize travel time between critical checkpoints.
The "No TearDrop Glitch" exclusion means runners must rely on a more fundamental set of exploits. This often involves clever use of the Estus Flask for healing and sometimes even for minor damage or movement boosts, alongside precise attack timings and spell usage. Mastering the character's movement, particularly rolling and sprinting, is paramount. Every wasted frame counts.
Boss Fights Optimized
Even with skips, certain boss encounters are unavoidable and must be overcome with extreme prejudice. Speedrunners don't fight these bosses as intended; they employ specific strategies to end the encounters as quickly as possible. This often involves:
- High-Damage Weapon Choice: Selecting weapons that can deal massive damage in a short window is crucial. Often, this means wielding powerful armas or utilizing specific weapon arts that exploit boss weaknesses.
- Critical Hit Exploitation: Landing backstabs or ripostes at the right moment can deal enormous damage, often staggering bosses and allowing for follow-up attacks that can end the fight prematurely.
- Ranged Strategy: For some bosses, using magic or bows can be more efficient if the player has a fast casting animation or can inflict status effects like poison or bleed quickly.
- Pattern Recognition and Exploitation: Runners have memorized boss attack patterns to the frame. They know exactly when to dodge, when to attack, and when to reposition to maximize damage output and minimize risk.
Think about bosses like Iudex Gundyr, Vordt of the Boreal Valley, or even the infamous Abyss Watchers. In a speedrun, these encounters are not epic duels but brief, brutal tests of damage output. The runner aims to stagger the boss and unleash a flurry of attacks, often depleting their health bar in mere seconds.
The 'any%' speedrun of Dark Souls III is less about experiencing the game's narrative and more about treating the game's code as a puzzle to be solved with the fastest possible solution.
Route Planning and Execution
The route for a sub-35-minute Dark Souls III run is a meticulously crafted sequence of movements, actions, and intended glitches. It's not something one stumbles upon; it's the result of countless hours of practice, experimentation, and analysis by the speedrunning community.
Every step is planned. Runners know precisely which areas to skip, which enemies to aggro or ignore, and which shortcuts to take. The path might lead through areas rarely seen by average players, utilizing sequence breaks that drastically alter the intended progression. For example, a runner might collect key items out of order or trigger events in an unconventional sequence to open up new paths or skip entire boss encounters.
Execution is where the real magic happens. A route is only as good as its player. The ability to perform complex movement techniques, execute precise attacks, and manipulate game mechanics under pressure is what separates good runners from world record holders. Even a few dropped frames or a slightly mistimed dodge can add significant time, potentially costing the run.
The Role of RNG
While speedrunning is heavily reliant on skill and strategy, Random Number Generation (RNG) plays a significant role. In Dark Souls III, RNG influences various aspects that can impact a speedrun:
- Enemy Drops: Certain items or weapon drops needed for the run might have a low probability of appearing.
- Boss Behavior: The specific attack patterns a boss chooses can either help or hinder the runner. Some attack sequences are faster to deal with than others.
- NPC Placement and Behavior: Interactions with NPCs can sometimes be time-sensitive and influenced by RNG.
- Item Acquisition: The exact location or drop rate of crucial consumables or gear can be subject to RNG.
Top speedrunners have developed strategies to mitigate bad RNG or even manipulate it to some extent. This might involve resetting the game if a critical drop doesn't occur, or choosing a different path if an enemy spawns in an unfavorable position. However, in an Any% run, the goal is often to progress even with less-than-ideal RNG, relying on sheer skill to overcome the challenges.
The TearDrop Glitch, while excluded here, is a prime example of how understanding RNG and game mechanics can lead to massive time saves. Its absence means runners must rely on more fundamental, but equally impressive, exploitations.
Preparing for Your Own Speedrun
Inspired to try your hand at speedrunning Dark Souls III? Here's how you can start:
- Watch and Learn: Study the world record runs and other top speedrunners on platforms like YouTube and Twitch. Pay attention to their routes, strategies, and the glitches they use. Channels like Moochyy's and the broader SPEEDRUN EXPLAINED series are invaluable resources.
- Practice Individual Segments: Don't try to do a full run from the start. Focus on mastering specific sections or boss fights. Break down the run into smaller, manageable chunks.
- Learn the Route: Find a documented route from resources like speedrun.com. Understand why each step is taken and what the goal of each segment is.
- Master the Mechanics: Practice the core movement and combat mechanics until they are second nature. Learn the optimal ways to dodge, attack, and use your resources.
- Use a Timer: Tools like LiveSplit are essential for tracking your progress and comparing your splits to the best times.
- Join the Community: The Dark Souls III speedrunning community is a great place to ask questions, share progress, and get feedback. Many runners are happy to help newcomers.
Remember, speedrunning is about continuous improvement. Your first runs will likely be much slower, and that's perfectly okay! The journey of shaving off seconds and refining your execution is the core of the experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Any% No TearDrop Glitch category in Dark Souls III?
This category aims to complete the game as quickly as possible by reaching the end credits, using any glitches and exploits *except* the specific TearDrop Glitch, which is a powerful sequence break that manipulates game mechanics in a particular way. Runners must find alternative, often more fundamental, exploits to achieve low times.
How much time does the TearDrop Glitch save?
The TearDrop Glitch is a significant time-saver that allows runners to skip large portions of the game, including boss fights and entire areas. Its exclusion means Any% runs without it are considerably longer, but still incredibly fast, showcasing different strategic approaches.
Is it possible for a beginner to achieve a sub-40-minute run in Dark Souls III?
While sub-35 minutes is world-class, achieving a sub-40-minute run is a realistic goal for dedicated beginners who study the routes and practice consistently. It requires mastering core mechanics and understanding key skips and boss strategies.
What are the most important glitches used in Dark Souls III speedruns?
Commonly used glitches include out-of-bounds exploits (clipping through walls), menu-based glitches for faster animations or interactions, enemy manipulation to skip combat, and damage boosting to utilize invincibility frames or specific movement effects.
Where can I find the latest Dark Souls III speedrun records and guides?
Websites like speedrun.com are the definitive source for world records, leaderboards, and detailed guides for various categories. YouTube channels dedicated to speedrunning analysis also offer valuable insights.
The 35-minute barrier in Dark Souls III is not just a number; it's a monument to human dedication, game mastery, and the relentless pursuit of perfection. It showcases how players can interact with and subvert the intended design of a game to achieve astounding results. Whether you're a seasoned speedrunner or just curious about the extreme limits of gaming, understanding these techniques offers a new appreciation for the intricate dance between player and code. Keep practicing, keep experimenting, and who knows – maybe you'll be the next one to shave precious seconds off the clock!
What are your thoughts on these speedrunning strategies? Do you have any personal speedrun goals for Dark Souls III or other FromSoftware titles? Share your insights, tips, and favorite speedrun moments in the comments below! Let's build an even stronger community of speedrunning enthusiasts.