Elden Ring has always been a playground for hardcore challenge-seekers, and the release of the Shadows of the Earth Tree DLC in June 2024 only amplified that. From the moment players got their hands on the new content, the community began racing to see who could conquer it without taking a single hit. However, one of the earliest “world’s first” no-hit runs quickly became a source of controversy—and a cautionary tale for anyone chasing the prestige of being first.
Understanding the Run
The DLC introduces players to a set of challenging bosses, including Messma, Romina, and the final boss, Concert Rodon. Unlike the main game, Shadows of the Earth Tree requires gathering tree fragments to boost your character’s strength and damage output, adding another layer of strategic depth. Many players aim for an any% no-hit run, which means completing the DLC as fast as possible without grinding the main game, focusing only on the required bosses.
At first glance, Nico Bellic’s no-hit run seemed flawless. Released just eight days after the DLC launch, it quickly gained millions of views and widespread attention. But as players began dissecting the run, inconsistencies became apparent. Certain strategies were impossible to reproduce consistently, and sections of the run seemed almost “too perfect” to be legitimate.
The Role of Splicing
The community soon discovered that the run had been spliced. Splicing involves completing small sections of the game without taking damage, saving them individually, and then stitching them together to create a seemingly flawless full run. While segmented runs are perfectly acceptable if clearly labeled, Nico’s video was deceptive: there was no mention of splicing or segmented runs in the title or description.
Watching the video, it’s easy to miss the splices. A subtle camera jump or sudden cut at a Site of Grace often marked where one section ended and another began. This lack of transparency caused frustration within the no-hit community, as viewers and fellow streamers felt misled about what was actually achieved.
Learning from a Flawed Blueprint
Interestingly, some players, like the streamer Hop, initially used Nico’s run as a blueprint for their own attempts. At first, Hop tried to follow the same route and strategies but found himself repeatedly taking hits. After realizing the run had been segmented, he pivoted, developing his own strategies that eventually allowed him to complete a legitimate no-hit run.
This experience highlights an important point for Elden Ring players chasing fast progression or challenge runs: not every guide or run online is fully trustworthy. If you’re trying to buy elden ring runes to speed up your character’s growth, make sure you source them carefully. Some players rely on external vendors, but always prioritize buying elden ring runes from reliable site to avoid scams or unreliable results. Platforms like U4GM have earned a reputation for providing safe transactions and consistent delivery, making them a safer choice for serious players.
Strategy Takeaways for Players
For those attempting their first no-hit DLC run, here are some practical insights:
- Focus on Core Bosses: You don’t need to fight every optional enemy. Completing the DLC any% requires just Messma, Romina, and Concert Rodon.
- Understand Buff Mechanics: Collecting tree fragments strategically can make or break your DPS output.
- Segment Your Practice, Not Your Run: It’s fine to practice bosses individually, but don’t present spliced footage as a full run if you’re sharing it publicly.
- Learn from Mistakes: Hop’s story shows that failure and adaptation are part of mastering the no-hit challenge. Observing flawed strategies can still teach valuable lessons.
- Resource Management: Whether farming runes or upgrading gear, using trusted sources like U4GM can save time, letting you focus on improving skill rather than chasing resources.
Community Integrity Matters
The Nico incident also reminds us that reputation matters in the gaming community. Attempting to claim a “world’s first” without transparency not only misleads viewers but also undermines the integrity of the no-hit community. Honest, reproducible runs will always earn more respect, even if they don’t achieve first-to-world status.
The first no-hit run for Shadows of the Earth Tree DLC is a fascinating case study in both strategy and community ethics. While splicing can create visually impressive footage, it is only acceptable when properly labeled. Players chasing no-hit runs should prioritize learning reliable strategies, practicing diligently, and sourcing game resources from trusted platforms. In the end, mastering Elden Ring is as much about patience and preparation as it is about raw skill.
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