U4GM - Why Some Elden Ring Items Are More Valuable for Speedrunners Than Others
In the vast and mysterious world of Elden Ring, players are constantly seeking the most effective strategies to complete the game. Among the many communities within the Elden Ring player base, speedrunners stand out for their unique approach. Rather than exploring every corner or engaging in lengthy battles, speedrunners aim to finish the game as quickly as possible. For this reason, certain Elden Ring items hold much greater value for them than others. The difference in usefulness often comes down to how an item affects movement, combat efficiency, or overall route optimization.
One of the key factors that make an item highly desirable for speedrunners is its impact on time-saving. Items that significantly reduce the time spent in combat or traveling between objectives are highly prized. For example, movement-enhancing gear or consumables that allow for fast travel or improved stamina recovery are essential. These items enable runners to skip large sections of the map or avoid unnecessary fights, shaving off valuable seconds or even minutes from their total run time.
Another major consideration is boss efficiency. Some Elden Ring items are particularly powerful against certain bosses, allowing runners to defeat them in just a few hits. Items that scale with popular speedrun builds, such as magic or bleed-based attacks, are common staples. Additionally, anything that offers burst damage, buffs, or elemental advantages can be the difference between a record-breaking run and a failed attempt.
Looking through any well-researched Elden Ring Items List, one will notice that speedrunners often rely on a select few tools. These items may not be the most powerful in general gameplay but are extremely effective when used within a carefully planned route. Examples include the Hoarfrost Stomp Ash of War, the Quickstep ability, and specific talismans that boost attack or reduce stamina consumption. Glitch-friendly items also sometimes appear on these lists, as certain exploits rely on them to perform sequence breaks or skips.
In summary, not all Elden Ring items are created equal—at least not in the eyes of a speedrunner. The value of an item is determined not just by its raw stats, but by its potential to reduce time, increase efficiency, and enable shortcuts. As speedrunning continues to evolve, so too will the preferred items, meaning that the Elden Ring Items List used by runners is always adapting. Whether you’re aiming to break records or just fascinated by the strategies behind the fastest runs, understanding why some items shine more than others is key to appreciating the art of Elden Ring speedrunning.