The $10,000 Elden Ring speedrunning tournament organized by Distortion2 has finally concluded, with the winning run submitted just hours before the deadline. Spicee emerged victorious with an impressive time of 1:14:41, narrowly beating out the second-place runner Blanix, who finished with a time of 1:17:05.
The goal of the tournament was to defeat all Shadow of the Erdtree Remembrance bosses and Bayle the dragon at level 1 using only DLC weapons, with the additional restriction of only gaining one Scadutree level after defeating each boss. While some glitches were allowed, including the newly discovered pegasus walk, this was not your typical any% clear speedrun where players rush to the end and defeat bosses with gravity.
Spicee’s winning run showcased intricate planning and execution. They made strategic use of items like the Blade of Mercy DLC talisman, the Great Katana, Firespark Perfume Bottle, Repeating Crossbow, and various throwables crafted from thin beast bones. By optimizing their route and utilizing specific weapons and spells, Spicee was able to shave off crucial seconds throughout the run.
One of the standout moments in the run was Spicee’s battle against Commander Gaius, where they utilized the Shadow Sunflower Blossom weapon to maximum potential. Additionally, unconventional choices like the Unseen Form sorcery for increased stealth and the stat-boost talismans and Physick tears to enable the use of powerful weapons and spells at level 1 were crucial to Spicee’s success.
The discovery of the pegasus walk at the 1:05:00 mark was a game-changer, allowing Spicee to skip directly to the end of the Abyssal Woods and reach Midra much faster. This strategic shortcut significantly contributed to Spicee’s winning time and highlighted the importance of route optimization in speedrunning.
With the tournament now concluded, Distortion2 has announced additional rewards for runners who can beat Spicee’s time using his developed “anvil route.” He is offering cash prizes of $500, $325, and $175 respectively to the first three players who can achieve this feat. While the challenge may seem daunting, it presents an opportunity for dedicated speedrunners to put their skills to the test and potentially earn rewards for their efforts.
Looking ahead, Distortion2 expressed his desire to organize similar tournaments in the future with potential sponsorship opportunities. His vision is to bring together the speedrunning community for competitive events that showcase skill, strategy, and innovation in the world of gaming. By offering incentives and creating a platform for players to demonstrate their abilities, he hopes to foster a vibrant and engaging environment for speedrunning enthusiasts.
The Elden Ring speedrunning tournament was a testament to the dedication and skill of the participants, particularly the winner, Spicee. From careful planning and execution to innovative strategies and game-breaking discoveries, the event highlighted the thrill and excitement of competitive gaming. As the speedrunning community continues to evolve and grow, opportunities for recognition, rewards, and friendly competition abound, creating a dynamic and engaging space for gamers to push the boundaries of what is possible in their favorite titles.
Leave a Reply