Elden Ring speedrunner and former world record holder, Distortion2, has announced an exciting new challenge on his YouTube channel. This challenge, which comes with a hefty $10,000 reward, involves defeating all the remembrance bosses in the upcoming Shadow of the Erdtree DLC, including the formidable Bayle, at level 1, using only DLC weapons and with limited Scadutree levels.

Distortion2’s Unique Speedrun Challenge

Distortion2 is renowned in the Elden Ring community for his impressive speedrunning feats. However, this latest project diverges from traditional speedrunning conventions. Dubbed “Rune Level 1 DLC%,” the challenge mandates that participants remain at level 1 throughout their runs and use only weapons from the DLC, eschewing the powerful base-game arsenal.

“This isn’t your standard speedrun,” Distortion2 explains. “I wanted to do something a bit more unique, so we’d see something other than base game weapons. Hence, the Rune Level 1 DLC%.”

The Challenge Parameters

The competition is not for the faint-hearted. Participants must use a save file provided by Distortion2, accessible via the speedrun bounty Discord. The save file ensures all runs start from a consistent point: next to Miquella’s cocoon in Mohg’s palace. From there, the route players take is entirely up to them, offering flexibility in strategy and execution.

The Route and Strategy

With a deadline of August 11, participants have a limited time to devise the most efficient route. The order in which bosses are defeated can significantly impact the run time, and players must weigh the benefits of tackling easier bosses first versus confronting more challenging foes early on.

The restriction to DLC weapons means speedrunners will need to innovate with new builds. The exclusion of potent base-game weapons like the Blasphemous Blade and Bloodhound Fang, as well as the commonly used Serpent-Hunter, will require participants to explore and master the DLC arsenal.

Limited Scadutree Levels

Adding to the challenge is the limitation on Scadutree levels. In typical Elden Ring speedruns, runners collect as many Scadutree fragments as possible to maximize their damage output. However, in this competition, players can only upgrade their Scadutree level by one for each boss they defeat. This restriction ensures that runners cannot rely on overpowered upgrades and must instead focus on skill and strategy.

“Every standard speedrun in Elden Ring usually involves collecting Scadutree fragments along the route to increase damage,” Distortion2 says. “I wanted to move away from that, so in this bounty, you will only be able to upgrade your Scadutree level by one per boss.”

Community Response and Participation

The Elden Ring community has shown a keen interest in the challenge. Many players, whether seasoned speedrunners or newcomers, are eager to test their skills and potentially claim the $10,000 reward. The anticipation of discovering new strategies and builds adds an extra layer of excitement to the event.

Final Thoughts

Distortion2’s Rune Level 1 DLC% challenge presents a thrilling opportunity for Elden Ring players to showcase their abilities and creativity. The combination of restricted levels, exclusive DLC weapons, and a substantial reward makes this competition a standout event in the gaming community. As the deadline approaches, it will be fascinating to see the innovative strategies and impressive runs that emerge from this challenge.

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