Action RPG

After 423 hours and over 15,000 total deaths, Elden Ring player finally beats Shadow of the Erdtree without the upgrades FromSoftware urged everyone to use: “Never give up”

BBG News

For enthusiasts of FromSoftware, the continuous pursuit to craft each game with maximum challenge is unrelenting, and a diligent Elden Ring player has demonstrated this dedication by investing 423 hours to conquer the Shadow of the Erdtree DLC in the most agonizing manner achievable.

Upon its release last year, long-time Elden Ring experts found that a character with high rune levels offered minimal advantage. The expansion pack introduced Scadutree Fragments, providing unique upgrades for the DLC to enhance your attacks and defenses significantly. These enhancements are indispensable; FromSoftware themselves recommended players locate them, even providing precise directions on their whereabouts. It goes without saying that embarking on the entire DLC without these fragments would be an ill-advised choice… and I’m sure you can imagine why!

Previously, following the launch of Shadow of the Erdtree, popular streamer Dan Gheesling posed a query on Twitter. “I am embarking on my inaugural Elden Ring DLC playthrough without vigor (stamina). Without revealing spoilers, how many hours do you think it will take?” However, he went beyond this challenge by also abstaining from increasing his HP, refusing to use Scadutree Fragments, which significantly reduced his ability to harm enemies. As a result, he was likely eliminated in a single strike by most of the creatures he encountered. Furthermore, he declined to utilize resin for crafting greases that would enhance his weapon’s power. Interestingly, someone predicted “a year,” and while that prediction might have seemed excessive, it wasn’t too far from the actual playtime Dan experienced.

Gheesling posted on Twitter after nearly nine months: “I’ve clocked 423 hours with 15,522 deaths in DLC and 3,469 deaths specifically to Radahn. No health points left, no Scadu, no resin – it’s finally done. Perseverance pays off.

Below, witness the climactic scenes of the streamer attempting battle number 3,470 with Radahn, as he delivers an impassioned speech on determination. His message is clear: “Regardless of how many times you hit your head against what seems like an insurmountable obstacle – be it a massive, reinforced steel wall or any other seemingly impossible challenge – never stop trying. Persist, and in time, that obstacle will begin to crumble.” Again, remember this is metaphorical advice for perseverance, not a call to literally bash your head against a wall!

He has experienced numerous deaths, and given the absence of Scadutree upgrades, these deaths would have been immediate most of the time. This is why there was so much struggle when inflicting substantial damage, as it took a long time to do so – the ultimate battle against Radahn lasts approximately 15 minutes, which feels excruciating when one considers that perfection was required throughout this duration. Frankly, I wouldn’t want to attempt such a challenge myself, but I’d prefer it over an unlimited New Game+1,000 run.

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2025-03-10 18:44

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