WORLD FIRST: Elden Ring Sub-13 Minute Speedrun Achieved!

Introduction: The Unthinkable Achieved

Hold onto your runes, Tarnished! We've just witnessed history being made in the Elden Ring speedrunning community. The impossible has been achieved: a sub-13-minute Any% Unrestricted run. This isn't just a new personal best; it's a monumental world record (WR), clocking in at an absolutely blistering 12 minutes and 32 seconds. This run shatters previous benchmarks and redefines what we thought was possible in the Lands Between.

The Record Run: A Masterclass in Execution

The player behind this incredible feat has truly outdone themselves. From the absolute first moment, the precision was palpable. Every movement, every spell cast, every dodge felt calculated and perfect. This wasn't just a fast run; it was a flawless execution of a highly optimized strategy, showcasing years of speedrun development distilled into one perfect attempt.

"Absolutely crazy run. The zips were clean from the start to the finish, even if it did take a few tries to get the 'mega-zip' at the end. Really happy with this run, a big improvement over previous runs."

This quote perfectly captures the sentiment. While the run *looked* effortless, the runner acknowledges the immense skill and practice required, especially for those game-changing "zips." The consistency demonstrated is what truly sets this PB apart.

Key Strats and Skips

The magic of any great speedrun lies in its ingenious use of glitches, skips, and optimized movement. This 12:32 WR is no exception. Let's break down some of the critical components that made this run possible.

Early Game Prowess: Limgrave & Liurnia

The run kicks off with an immediate display of mastery. The tutorial segment is navigated with blistering speed, setting the tone. Following this, the infamous Limgrave Zips are executed cleanly. These aren't just minor shortcuts; they are fundamental to compressing the early game's playtime.

  • Tutorial Completion: Under 1:38.
  • Limgrave Zips: Essential for rapid traversal.
  • Liurnia Section: Includes the crucial Icerind Hatchet grab and the technically demanding Four Belfries Zip. This entire sequence is completed before the 5-minute mark, demonstrating insane route efficiency.

Mid-Game Dominance: Farum Azula & Upgrades

The journey through Crumbling Farum Azula is another area where time can be gained or lost dramatically. In this record run, it's a masterclass in traversal and combat efficiency. The runner hits this area around the 7:35 mark.

A critical part of the strategy involves obtaining specific upgrades. The player secures the Iji Upgrades, enhancing the Icerind Hatchet to +4. This investment in weaponry pays dividends in the boss encounters that follow, allowing for quicker damage output and minimizing the time spent in combat.

The Final Push: Maliketh and the MEGAZIP

The tension mounts as the runner approaches the endgame. The fight against Maliketh, the Black Blade is a significant hurdle. Executing this fight quickly, especially with the enhanced weapon, is key. The Ashen Capital is traversed with extreme speed, leading to the final, most crucial sequence.

The run culminates in what the runner calls the "MEGAZIP." This is likely a highly complex, sequence-breaking glitch or exploit that allows for an unprecedented shortcut to the final objective. Successfully pulling off this MEGAZIP at 17:12 (note: the timestamp in the original content seems slightly off if the total is 12:32, likely referring to a *previous* run's segment timing) is what truly sealed the WR, shaving off precious seconds needed to break the 13-minute barrier.

This level of optimization and execution is what speedrunning is all about. Seeing new strats emerge and push the boundaries is always exciting.

The dedication to finding and perfecting these strats, like the MEGAZIP, is a testament to the passion within the speedrunning community. It's a constant evolution, with runners pushing each other to discover new limits.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • What category is this Elden Ring speedrun?

    This is an Any% Unrestricted speedrun. 'Any%' means the goal is to finish the game using any means necessary, and 'Unrestricted' means all glitches and exploits are allowed.

  • How much faster is this record than previous ones?

    While exact previous records vary, breaking the 13-minute barrier represents a significant leap forward, potentially shaving off minutes from the top times previously achieved.

  • What is the 'MEGAZIP' mentioned?

    The 'MEGAZIP' refers to a critical, likely complex glitch or exploit used near the end of the run that allows for a massive shortcut, enabling the sub-13-minute finish.

  • Where can I watch full Elden Ring speedruns?

    You can find many speedruns on platforms like YouTube and Twitch. Websites like Speedrun.com also host leaderboards and links to top runners' channels.

Conclusion: A New Era for Elden Ring Speedrunning

This 12:32 world record run is more than just a number; it's a symbol of innovation, dedication, and the relentless pursuit of perfection in gaming. The strategy employed, particularly the clean execution of zips and the game-changing MEGAZIP, sets a new precedent for future attempts. We've entered a new era for Elden Ring speedruns, and it's incredibly exciting to think about where the community will go from here. What are your thoughts on this incredible record? Did you expect the sub-13 barrier to fall this soon? Let us know in the comments below!