One particularly dedicated and talented speedrunner has managed to beat Elden Ring in just under an hour. The massive, sprawling open-world adventure is not only packed with content to uncover but difficult challenges to overcome. Because of this, many players try to find ways to beat the game in efficient or unorthodox ways, like one fan who recently beat one of Elden Ring's hardest bosses in just two hits.
FromSoftware's latest endeavor is perhaps its largest yet, as the Lands Between is a mass of complex topography, dizzying mountains, lakes, rivers, castles, and caves. Players are set upon this huge map with little more than vague directions about where to go, aided by their trusty steed Torrent and a few other allies. As far as movement mechanics go, Elden Ring isn't as robust or versatile as a platformer, but it certainly offers players more traversal options than previous FromSoftware games. Players can jump on foot or on Torrent, which will grant them even more verticality. These movement mechanics, along with the game's multiple portals and other teleportation resources, allow players to easily and expediently explore Elden Ring regions like The Eternal City and Raya Lucaria without too much trouble.
Elden Ring speedrunner and YouTuber LilAggy has leveraged these mechanics, along with many others, to complete the massive adventure in less than one hour (via GamesRadar). The speedrunner starts the game as a Samurai, which provides them with the stamina needed to sprint for long periods of time. Once LilAggy is released into the Lands Between, they swiftly navigate the complicated terrain and ride down a path to Liurna of the Lakes, where they makes use of a portal to speed them on their way to completion. After utilizing more shortcuts and exploits, LilAggy was eventually able to finish the game's main campaign in just 59 minutes and 38 seconds - the current world record speedrun of the game.
Many Elden Ring players have to turn back before they're ready to face its first major boss, so this definitive victory over the game in under an hour is impressive. It's worth noting, however, that LilAggy prioritized speed over everything, as this was an any-percentage speed run. This means that they simply sped past most of the game's threats rather than conquering them.
Because this speedrun is now the Elden Ring world record, there are likely already several players attempting to best LilAggy. This run will surely unveil a few secrets for those aspiring to beat the record, but only time will tell if that is possible. If an Elden Ring player can be even quicker than LilAggy, that will certainly be a sight to behold.
Source: LilAggy/YouTube (via GamesRadar)