As a fellow Tarnished who has ventured through the Lands Between more times than I care to admit, I’ve often wondered: what keeps drawing us back to Elden Ring long after we’ve defeated the final boss? How does this game maintain its grip on players when we’ve uncovered every secret, defeated every demigod, become Elden Lord (or Lord of Frenzied Flame, if that’s your jam) and have conquered the Shadow of the Erdtree DLC?
The answer, my friends, lies not just in the masterful craftsmanship of FromSoftware, but in the vibrant, creative, and sometimes downright wacky community that has sprouted around this modern masterpiece. So grab your flask of Crimson Tears, and let’s dive into how the Elden Ring community keeps the fire burning bright, as we delve deeper into what we started earlier with the post After the Erdtree’s Shadow: What’s Next for Elden Ring Enthusiasts? and in the three part Explorer Types in the Lands Between series.
Lore Hunters: Piecing Together the Puzzle
If you’ve played Elden Ring, you know that its story is about as straightforward as navigating Leyndell, Royal Capital blindfolded. Enter the lore hunters, a dedicated group of players who spend countless hours piecing together the fragments of narrative scattered throughout the Lands Between. With the arrival of the Shadow of the Erdtree DLC lore hunters had the opportunity to once again dive deep into the Elden Ring story to uncover new layers of lore or even rewrite well known aspects of the game’s narrative.
These intrepid souls scour item descriptions, analyze environmental details, and debate endlessly on forums and YouTube channels. Did you know that the fearsome Mohg, Lord of Blood, might have a rather creepy obsession with his half-brother Miquella? Or that the Two Fingers might not be as benevolent as they first appear? It’s these lore hunters who keep uncovering new connections and theories, breathing life into the game’s rich backstory long after the credits have rolled.
The depth of Elden Ring’s lore is truly staggering and lore hunters continue to unearth new insights even months (or meanwhile years) after release. They meticulously catalog every mention of the Outer Gods, trace the lineage of demigods, and construct elaborate timelines of events leading up to the Shattering. Some have even begun to draw connections between Elden Ring and FromSoftware’s other titles, speculating on shared universes or thematic links.
One particularly fascinating area of study is the nature of the Erdtree itself. Is it truly a benevolent force or something more sinister? Lore hunters have pointed out its parasitic relationship with the Crucible, the primordial form of the Erdtree and its connection to the otherworldly Elden Beast. These theories not only enrich our understanding of the game but often lead to heated debates within the community, further fueling the passion for discovery.
Challenge Runners: Turning Difficulty Up to 11
Just when you thought beating Malenia was the pinnacle of gaming achievement, along come the challenge runners to make you question your skills all over again. These masochistic maestros find increasingly creative ways to amp up Elden Ring’s already formidable difficulty.
From “No Hit” runs (completing the game without taking a single point of damage) to “Level 1” runs (never leveling up), these players push the boundaries of what’s possible in the game. My personal favorite? The “Pacifist” run, where players attempt to complete the game without directly killing any enemies. Watching someone diplomatically talk their way past Radahn is a sight to behold.
But the creativity of challenge runners doesn’t stop there. Some have attempted “Torch Only” runs, relying solely on the humble torch as their weapon throughout the entire game. Others have embarked on “Consumables Only” challenges, defeating bosses using nothing but throwing knives, pots, and other disposable items. There’s even a “Mimic Tear Only” run, where the player must rely entirely on their spectral doppelganger to deal damage.
These challenges not only showcase incredible skill but also often reveal unexpected depths to the game’s mechanics. For instance, “No Rolling” runs have led to a greater appreciation of the intricacies of Elden Ring’s movement and positioning systems. Each new challenge run adds another layer to our collective understanding of the game’s systems and design.
Fashionistas of the Lands Between: Elden Bling
Who says you can’t look fabulous while slaying demigods? The Elden Ring community has embraced “Elden Bling” with open arms, turning character creation and armor combination into an art form.
From recreating pop culture icons to crafting truly original (and often hilarious) characters, players share their creations on platforms like Reddit’s r/EldenBling. I’ve seen everything from a disturbingly accurate Homer Simpson to a character that looks suspiciously like a certain maiden in a fridge. The creativity on display is a testament to both the game’s robust character creator and the community’s boundless imagination.
The Elden Bling phenomenon has evolved beyond mere aesthetics, with players crafting entire backstories and personalities for their creations. Some have even started “Fashion Souls” challenge runs, where they restrict themselves to using only the most visually appealing (but not necessarily most effective) armor and weapons throughout their playthrough.
Speedrunners: Gotta Go Fast
While some of us spent hours exploring every nook and cranny of the Lands Between, speedrunners ask a different question: “How quickly can I become Elden Lord?” These lightning-fast players have turned rushing through the game into a science, using precise movements, clever glitches, and deep game knowledge to beat Elden Ring in times that would make even Torrent jealous.
The current world record for an “Any% Unrestricted” run (completing the game as fast as possible using any means necessary) stands at a mind-boggling 3 minutes and 56 seconds (see for yourself: Any% Unrestricted in 3:56, but don’t ask me how it works). That’s right, in the time it takes most of us to create the hairstyle of our character, these speed demons have already become Elden Lord!
But speedrunning Elden Ring isn’t just about the fastest possible time. The community has developed numerous categories to challenge themselves in different ways. “All Remembrances” runs require players to defeat every major boss, while “All Legendary Armaments” runs task players with collecting every unique weapon. There are even “No Wrong Warp” categories that prohibit the use of certain glitches, focusing instead on optimizing legitimate gameplay.
The techniques developed by speedrunners often reveal fascinating insights into the game’s mechanics and design. For instance, the discovery of the “Zip” glitch, which allows players to teleport vast distances, has led to a deeper understanding of how the game world is constructed and loaded. These discoveries not only benefit the speedrunning community, but often trickle down to casual players, enhancing everyone’s understanding and enjoyment of the game.
Modders: Reimagining the Lands Between
For PC players, the modding community has opened up entirely new ways to experience Elden Ring. From small quality-of-life improvements to total game overhauls, modders keep the game fresh with their creative tweaks and additions.
Want to play the game in Pokemon style? There’s a mod for that. Fancy fighting Thomas the Tank Engine instead of an original boss? Yep, that exists too. Some modders take a more serious approach, rebalancing the game or adding new challenges.
Here are some notable mods you can go for on your PC:
- The Convergence Mod: This is a comprehensive overhaul of Elden Ring, introducing dozens of new weapons, hundreds of new spells, revamped areas and maps, new enemies, and bosses. It aims to provide a fresh and challenging experience for players who have already explored the base game extensively.
- Seamless Co-op: This mod allows players to experience Elden Ring in a co-operative mode without the usual restrictions, making it easier to play with friends throughout the game.
- Easy Mode: For players who find the game too challenging, the Easy Mode mod offers several variations to reduce difficulty, such as taking less damage and earning more runes per kill.
- Item and Enemy Randomizer: This mod randomizes the placement of bosses, enemies, and items, including key items and shop inventories, providing a unique and unpredictable gameplay experience.
- Magic Overhaul (Sorceries): This mod rebalances some of the less effective spells in the game, making them more viable in combat by adjusting damage values and targeting properties.
- Anti-Cheat Toggler and Offline Launcher: This tool allows players to toggle the game’s anti-cheat system, which can improve performance and facilitate the use of mods without risking bans.
- Elden Ring Ultimate Cheat Engine Table: A comprehensive tool for modifying in-game data, offering numerous features for players looking to customize their experience further.
Artists and Content Creators: Bringing the Lands Between to Life
The Elden Ring community is brimming with talented artists who continue to interpret and reimagine the game’s characters and worlds. From stunning fanart to hilarious comics, these creations help keep the game alive in our collective imagination.
Content creators on platforms like YouTube and Twitch also play a crucial role. Whether it’s in-depth lore videos, hilarious “let’s play” series, or PvP showcases, there’s always something new to watch in the world of Elden Ring content.
The artistic community has expanded beyond traditional mediums, with some creators producing elaborate cosplays of characters like Malenia or Ranni the Witch. Others have composed original music inspired by the game’s haunting soundtrack, or created short films set in the Lands Between. There’s even a growing community of Elden Ring fan fiction writers, expanding on the game’s lore or exploring “what-if” scenarios.
Many content creators have found unique niches within the Elden Ring community. Some focus on helping new players navigate the game’s complexities, while others cater to veterans seeking advanced strategies. There are channels dedicated to exploring every inch of the game world, others that focus on the intricate details of weapon and spell animations, and even some that use Elden Ring as a backdrop for storytelling or roleplaying.
PvP Gladiators: The Never-Ending Duel
For many players, Elden Ring truly begins after the credits roll. The game’s PvP scene is a thriving ecosystem of builds, strategies, and (let’s be honest) a fair bit of cheese. From honorable duels at the Main Academy Gate to chaotic invasions in Liurnia of the Lakes, PvP keeps the game fresh with ever-evolving metas and tactics.
The community has even established unofficial “fight clubs” with their own sets of rules and etiquette. And let’s not forget about “fight pits,” where players use the game’s crafting system to create elaborate arenas for gladiatorial combat.
The depth of Elden Ring’s PvP goes far beyond simple duels. Players have created complex ranking systems and tournaments, often with specific rules to encourage diversity in builds and playstyles. Some events restrict certain weapons or spells, while others require participants to use randomized loadouts.
The PvP community has also become a hotbed of innovation, constantly discovering new combos and strategies. From the (once more) infamous “Rivers of Blood” katana to the surprising effectiveness of the humble Claymore, the meta is in constant flux as players adapt and counter each other’s tactics.
Perhaps most interestingly, the PvP scene has developed its own unwritten code of honor. Many players bow before duels, refrain from healing during one-on-one fights, and avoid using certain tactics considered “cheap” by the community. This self-imposed etiquette adds a layer of sportsmanship to the brutal world of Elden Ring PvP.
Community Created Events: When Tarnished Get Creative
While the developers at FromSoftware have crafted an incredible base experience, the Elden Ring community takes things to another level with their own creative events and challenges. These player-made activities keep the game feeling fresh and inject an extra dose of fun and zaniness.
Elden Ring Bingo: This is essentially a randomized bingo card filled with objectives like “Kill 5 dragons” or “Beat Malenia hitless.” Players try to complete rows or the entire card, often racing against friends or streaming their attempts. It’s a great way to push yourself out of your comfort zone.
Competitions and Races: The competitive spirit is alive and well, with players hosting all sorts of unique competitions with prize money on the line. From races to beat the game as fast as possible with specific requirements, to tournaments showcasing wild challenge run categories, there’s no shortage of ways to test your skills against fellow Tarnished.
Twitch Rivals: Streaming platforms like Twitch have embraced Elden Ring with events like the Twitch Rivals series. These bring top content creators together for zany challenges and matchups, with hilarious commentary and thousands of viewers cheering them on. It’s peak entertainment for Elden Ring fans.
The sheer creativity in these community events is staggering. I’ve seen everything from players attempting to beat bosses using dance pads, to teams working together to take down enemies while bound by unusual constraints. The passion and unwavering spirit of the Elden Ring faithful constantly finds new ways to innovate and breathe life into the experience.
Conclusion: The Fire Fades, But Never Dies
In the end, what keeps Elden Ring burning bright in the hearts of its community is the same thing that makes the game itself so special: the spirit of discovery, challenge, and shared experience. Every lore theory uncovered, every seemingly impossible challenge overcome, every hilarious character created adds another log to the bonfire of our collective passion.
With the arrival of the DLC, the Elden Ring community continues to find new ways to enjoy and celebrate this masterpiece of a game – like a “DLC Stranded Run” where the player starts directly in the DLC content without utilizing resources or items from the base game. So the next time you feel the call of the Erdtree, remember: you’re not just returning to a game, you’re rejoining a vibrant, creative, and slightly mad family of fellow Tarnished.
Now, if you’ll excuse me, I have a date with the Soldier of Godrick. This time, I’m sure I can beat him blindfolded, using only my feet, while the controller is unplugged. Wish me luck!
Please note: This article was created using the help of AI (claude-3-5-sonnet-20240620, DALL-E3)
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