In the ever-competitive world of gaming, speedrunning has carved out a vibrant niche where enthusiasts push the limits of what's possible within their favorite titles. One shining example of this spirit is the recently concluded $10,000 Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree speedrun tournament organized by notable speedrunner Distortion2. This event not only tested the skills of participants but also showcased incredible talent and strategy over a thrilling competition period. As the dust settles, it’s time to dive into the details of this remarkable contest and celebrate the victor whose exceptional performance took the crown.
Chapter 1: The Tournament's Objective
The primary goal of this tournament was exactly as daunting as it sounds: participants were challenged to conquer all Shadow of the Erdtree Remembrance bosses and take down Bayle the dragon, all while remaining at level 1. The additional stipulation involved using only DLC weapons, and players were restricted to gaining just one Scadutree level per boss defeated. The premise created a unique strategic landscape that differed significantly from typical speedrun categories.
Competitors had the advantage of utilizing any items provided in predefined character save files, with talismans playing a crucial role in enhancing performance. While a few glitches, notably the newly discovered pegasus walk, were accepted to skip certain regions in the game, the tournament demanded a well-thought-out approach rather than simply rushing towards the end goal. This careful crafting created a captivating atmosphere, where meticulous routing and strategic item usage mattered as much as raw skill.
Chapter 2: The Winning Moment
The tournament reached its climax with Spicee emerging as the champion, having submitted a stunning final run mere hours before the deadline. This ace run clocked in at an impressive 1:14:41, eclipsing the second-place competitor Blanix, who finished with a time of 1:17:05. This 144-second difference, while seemingly modest, held significant weight in the context of high-level speedrunning. Overall, it added an exciting layer to the competitive grind, with the last-place runner finishing at 1:29:14, revealing just how demanding the tournament proved to be.
With the win, Spicee's superior skill and strategy earned them a well-deserved $4,000 prize, a sign of their sheer hard work and dedication throughout the event.
Chapter 3: A Tactical Approach
Each run was livestreamed and recorded, allowing audiences to witness the intricacies of Spicee's strategy. From the very beginning of the competition, Spicee made some intriguing choices, aiming for the Blade of Mercy DLC talisman, which enhances damage following a critical hit. Spicee's opener in the swamp featured a strategic selection of weapons and items, including the Great Katana, Firespark Perfume Bottle, and other critical gear that paved the way for their success.
Through consistent optimization, Spicee refined their strategy with every submission, underscoring the importance of precision and execution. One noteworthy tactic involved using throwing knives to divert enemies, enabling the collection of valuable items such as the Carian Thrusting Shield and Flame Spear Ash of War. These earlier preparations were vital for tackling formidable foes such as the Golden Hippopotamus and Scadutree Avatar with relative efficiency.
Chapter 4: Conquering the Bosses
With the Avatar defeated, Spicee acquired the Shadow Sunflower Blossom weapon, utilizing the materials from their save file—dubbed "Fun"—to maximize its capabilities. Armed with this upgraded weapon, Spicee effectively overcame formidable opponents like Commander Gaius, whose combat space revealed a new set of Scadutree Fragments upon vanquishment. Adding to the spectacle, the Putrescent Knight quickly fell victim to effective stun-locking techniques, showcasing the meticulous preparation and execution of the champion’s strategy.
The climax arrived with a dramatic showdown against Radahn, the Consort of Miquella. Notably, Spicee enjoyed fortuitous RNG during the battle, showcasing the unpredictable nature of the game intertwined with skillful execution, which kept viewers on the edge of their seats. When Spicey delivered the final punch, there was a victory shout that reflected the poignancy of the moment.
Chapter 5: Using Unconventional Tactics
Throughout the run, two pivotal damage-boosting incantations played an integral role: Golden Vow and Flame Grant Me Strength, becoming essential tools in Spicee's arsenal. More interestingly, Spicee opted for the Unseen Form sorcery—a largely unconventional choice during standard gameplay but a true gem in speedrunning contexts, greatly aiding stealth and evasion against foes.
For those curious about how Spicee was able to wield such powerful weaponry and magic while remaining at level one, a combination of stat-boosting talismans and Physick tears became the game-changer, allowing for an effective engagement with some of the toughest enemies at a low character level.
Chapter 6: The Game-Changing Glitch
A turning point in the competition came around the 1:05:00 mark when Spicee executed the pegasus walk, a maneuver allowing immediate access to the Abyssal Woods and facilitating a swift comparison through the game's maze-like terrain. This strategy cut down significant minutes from their playtime, showcasing both the innovation and skill that define elite speedruns, making a splash in the tournament and placing Spicee firmly ahead of the competition.
Chapter 7: Looking Ahead
With the tournament concluded, Distortion2 humorously remarked on the nature of such events, joking about the challenges of offering an enticing prize as large as $10,000 on frequent occasions. However, they also announced a tantalizing opportunity for emerging participants: a smaller reward system of $500, $325, and $175 for those who could outdo Spicee’s incredible time using the “anvil route” Distortion2 developed.
The community’s excitement was palpable as participants and spectators alike anticipated future bounties and competitions. With a commitment to fostering talent and helping skilled players put their practice to good use, Distortion2 hinted at the possibility of sponsorship, sparking enthusiasm for upcoming gatherings of speedrunning talent.
Chapter 8: The Legacy of Elden Ring
As the curtain falls on this remarkable tournament, the legacy of Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree continues to thrive, evidenced by a supportive community celebrating its triumphs. Bandai Namco chimed in, noting the game's commercial success while fostering an atmosphere of creativity and challenge in speedrunning circles. The event has not only spotlighted extraordinary talent but has also opened the door for future engagements and challenges in the enchanting world of Elden Ring.
In conclusion, competitions such as these unravel the depth of strategic possibilities within gaming, allowing players to shine through exceptional skill and innovative tactics. As the community moves forward, the anticipation builds for the next speedrunning challenge, inviting both established and upcoming gamers to rise and shine in the spotlight. Until the next round, good luck to everyone aiming to master the art of speedrunning in Elden Ring.
