U4GM - 5 Fun Challenge Runs to Try in Elden Ring
If you’ve already completed Elden Ring once (or several times), you may be looking for a new way to experience the game. Challenge runs are a fantastic way to breathe new life into FromSoftware’s masterpiece. Whether you're testing your patience or your strategic creativity, these five fun challenge runs offer fresh excitement—and a good dose of punishment—for seasoned Tarnished. Drawing from my own experience as a Soulsborne veteran with over 300 hours in Elden Ring Runes, here are some challenge runs I’ve personally enjoyed and recommend.
1. No-Hit Run
The no-hit run is perhaps the most nerve-wracking and rewarding of all challenges. The rules are simple: if you take even a single hit, you start over. This run forces you to memorize enemy patterns, perfect your dodge timing, and remain incredibly focused throughout the game. I attempted this run after two full playthroughs and it drastically improved my skills. Watching your mastery evolve, especially during boss fights like Maliketh or Malenia, is a thrill like no other.
2. Fists-Only Run
In a fists-only run, you discard all weapons and rely solely on your bare hands. This means no swords, no sorcery—just pure brawling. You'll want to invest heavily in strength and endurance, and consider using the Caestus or Spiked Caestus if you're allowing fists-type weapons. This challenge run made me appreciate the weight and pacing of hand-to-hand combat and pushed me to learn enemy patterns more intimately. It’s surprisingly fun, and defeating bosses without traditional weapons feels incredibly satisfying.
3. Rune Level 1 Run (RL1)
This run restricts you to Rune Level 1 throughout the entire game. You cannot level up, which means every encounter is dangerous. Skill, timing, and deep understanding of your build become essential. I started this challenge to test how well I knew the mechanics and was surprised by how strategic I had to be, especially with weapon upgrades and buffs. Managing elden ring runes becomes much more important here—you need to spend every rune wisely since leveling is off the table.
4. Magic-Only Run
For those who love spellcasting, a magic-only run limits you to sorceries and incantations. No melee weapons allowed. You'll need to carefully manage your FP, memorize casting timings, and stay at a distance. This was one of my favorite runs because it highlighted how flexible and powerful the game’s magic system really is. It also made me reconsider boss fights—turning what was once a brawl into a deadly ranged dance. If you're looking to spice up your next New Game+ run, this is a great option.
5. Pacifist Run
Yes, you read that right—a pacifist run. The goal is to complete as much of the game as possible without directly killing enemies. This challenge forces you to find creative solutions: running past enemies, relying on summons, or exploiting environmental damage. It’s quirky, tough, and not entirely viable for every part of the game, but it offers a unique perspective on Elden Ring’s design. I tried this after my fourth playthrough and found it both hilarious and humbling. It also makes farming elden ring runes much harder—unless you get clever with mechanics and co-op help.
Bonus Tip: Getting Help with Runes
Some of these challenge runs, especially the RL1 or magic-only runs, require specific gear or consumables early on. Managing your economy becomes crucial, and it can be tough to farm runes efficiently under strict limitations. That’s why many players choose to buy Elden Ring runes loyalty discount from trusted sources like U4GM. A small investment can save hours of farming and help you focus on enjoying the challenge, not grinding endlessly.
Elden Ring is a vast, rich game that rewards creativity and perseverance. Challenge runs offer a way to test yourself while rediscovering the world of the Lands Between. Whether you’re dodging every attack flawlessly in a no-hit run or running from every enemy in a pacifist playthrough, each challenge opens up a new way to experience the game. So grab your flask, pick your poison, and set off on a fresh journey—you might just fall in love with Elden Ring all over again.
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