Introduction

The Elden Ring community is known for pushing the limits of what is possible within the game’s brutal world, but streamer Ainrun’s recent accomplishment has taken things to a new level. In a feat that has captivated players, Ainrun completed the Shadow of the Erdtree expansion with just 1 HP, 1 FP, and 1 Stamina. This Herculean effort is a testament to both the unforgiving difficulty of the DLC and the dedication of FromSoftware’s fanbase.

This guide will break down the challenge that Ainrun faced, offer insights into the mechanics behind such a run, and explore what made Shadow of the Erdtree one of the toughest expansions in Elden Ring.

The Impossible Challenge: 1 HP, 1 FP, and 1 Stamina

Ainrun’s challenge involved keeping their character’s health, focus points, and stamina at just 1 throughout the entire Shadow of the Erdtree DLC. While 1 HP runs are often seen in no-hit speedrunning communities, the added limitations of 1 FP and 1 Stamina introduced a new layer of complexity. This setup meant that any mistake, such as getting hit by an enemy, would instantly result in death. Additionally, Ainrun could not use any skills, magic, or Ashes of War due to the lack of FP. However, the stamina restriction was the hardest part of the challenge.

As Ainrun explained, “The one HP didn’t matter much because I’m used to no-hit runs. The one stamina was the worst part. You can’t chain actions like spam rolls or do combos because every action takes stamina and goes to the negative. You need to wait a whole second for your stamina to go back to the positive before you can do another action.”

This brutal limitation turned the most basic of maneuvers, like dodging or attacking, into a calculated decision. Each action had to be perfectly timed, and the margin for error was essentially zero.

Radahn: The Ultimate Roadblock

The most significant hurdle during Ainrun’s challenge was the fight against Radahn, one of the toughest bosses introduced in Shadow of the Erdtree. In fact, Radahn is notorious for his massive health pool and relentless attacks, and many players struggled with this fight even under normal circumstances. For Ainrun, however, the challenge was even more grueling, with the fight taking over 20 hours and more than 900 attempts.

The boss fight was a true test of endurance, as any slight miscalculation would result in an instant loss. Many fans have compared Radahn’s difficulty to legendary FromSoftware bosses like Malenia from the base game or Bloodborne's Orphan of Kos. However, for Ainrun, this was about precise movement and timing, using only basic attacks and parries.

The Long Road to Victory

In total, Ainrun’s 1 HP, 1 FP, and 1 Stamina run took around 55 hours to complete, with Radahn being the most difficult part of the entire journey. Other bosses and encounters in the Shadow of the Erdtree DLC also tested the streamer’s patience and skill, but none matched the frustration of Radahn’s marathon fight.

This challenge is not for the faint of heart, and Ainrun’s ability to stick with it for dozens of hours showcases a remarkable level of dedication. The community has celebrated the streamer’s perseverance, as this run has now been etched into Elden Ring history as one of the most difficult ever attempted.

What Shadow of the Erdtree Added to the Elden Ring Experience

Shadow of the Erdtree was released in mid-2024, and it quickly became a fan-favorite expansion. Known for its challenging bosses, intricate new areas, and engaging lore, it expanded upon the already immense world of Elden Ring. The DLC introduced new enemies, weapons, and strategies, all while raising the stakes with some of the toughest fights FromSoftware has ever created.

The sheer difficulty of the DLC, combined with inventive runs like Ainrun’s, continues to generate conversation within the community. Fans have praised Shadow of the Erdtree for its ability to add fresh challenges and experiences for those who had already conquered the base game.

Conclusion

Completing Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree with 1 HP, 1 FP, and 1 Stamina is an accomplishment that will stand as one of the most difficult feats in the game’s history. Streamer Ainrun’s dedication and perseverance not only highlight the difficulty of the DLC but also the relentless spirit of the Elden Ring community. For players looking to push the boundaries of their skills, Ainrun’s run is an inspiring example of what’s possible with determination and precise gameplay.