Embarking on the highly anticipated journey of playing Elden Ring, Reddit user Legendarygap found themselves perplexed and disheartened. Having previously enjoyed the challenging experience of Sekiro, they expected Elden Ring to be just as captivating. However, something felt off. It wasn’t until a month later that they uncovered the truth behind their dreadful gameplay experience – they had unintentionally been playing with the worst dodge roll due to the game’s equip load system.
Unintentional Hard Mode
In a Reddit post, Legendarygap expressed their frustration, stating, “I picked up Elden Ring next because I’ve heard it is amazing. I started playing and had a miserable time. The game felt extremely difficult and I could not figure out what I was doing wrong.” Unbeknownst to them, they had inadvertently activated the game’s hard mode by carrying a weapon with a hefty weight. This unintentional choice made their character sluggish and their dodging abilities nearly ineffective. The frustration they experienced during boss battles, such as Margit the Fell Omen, further fueled their disappointment. It took them a week to defeat Margit, and similar struggles persisted with other early-game bosses.
The heaviness of the equipped weapon significantly impacted their gameplay. The daunting task of dodging attacks became even more challenging, as the slow and limited invincibility frames of the heavy dodge roll made it almost useless. Even if Legendarygap managed to maneuver through one attack, subsequent hits quickly followed before they could regain their footing. This particular design flaw hindered the fluidity and enjoyment of the game, understandably making Elden Ring un-fun. Reflecting on my own memories of completely misunderstanding Dark Souls’ magic system, I empathize with the frustration Legendarygap felt.
An Overlooked Aspect
Considering Elden Ring as a continuation of Sekiro’s gameplay mechanics, Legendarygap didn’t pay much attention to the game’s equip load system initially. Such a significant oversight for an entire month seems quite astonishing. In an attempt to understand their experience better, I reached out to Legendarygap, who shared their newfound appreciation for Elden Ring after rectifying their mistake. They revealed, “It’s been about a week since I toggled off of hard mode. I’ve been playing quite a bit; I work from home, so when I take breaks, I am playing Elden Ring.”
Legendarygap discovered the importance of equip load while watching a YouTube speedrun by LilAggy. Intrigued by the idea of a challenge involving a full equip load, they decided to explore the game’s mechanics further. Consulting beginner tutorials, they learned about the impact of equip load on gameplay and checked their inventory. To their astonishment, they found themselves burdened with a heavy load. This newfound knowledge served as a pivotal moment, rekindling their interest in the game. They also stumbled upon the Spirit Call Bell, an item they had previously missed, which further alleviated the difficulty. Legendarygap’s “That’s So Raven” moment ignited a renewed passion for Elden Ring, transforming what was once a frustrating experience into an engaging one.
Achieving the Unthinkable
Intriguingly, Legendarygap managed to defeat multiple bosses during their month-long journey with a handicap. Despite the self-imposed trial of carrying weighty weapons, they triumphed over formidable adversaries such as Margit, Godrick, the Ancient Hero of Zamor, Scaly Misbegotten, and even the notorious Watchdog. Their achievement, borne out of unfortunate circumstances, deserves recognition.
Legendarygap’s unique experience stems from their background as a Sekiro-only player. Although I have interacted with numerous Elden Ring enthusiasts, ranging from those who relish absurd builds and limitations to community heroes known for their co-op efforts, Legendarygap’s journey stands out. They shared, “It’s going much better now… I am building a samurai character in honor of Sekiro. Trying to get my Endurance up so I can carry big boy weapons. I’m also playing around with using parry, which is much more difficult than the Sekiro parry system.” As they adapt to Elden Ring’s mechanics, they find joy in combining parrying and dodging techniques. The ability to explore the vast world of Elden Ring and the multitude of activities available impresses them greatly, while Sekiro remains their favorite when it comes to combat and replay value.
Legendarygap’s story serves as a powerful reminder that mistakes can be instructive. Through their unintentional hard mode experience, they gained a deeper understanding of Elden Ring’s mechanics, ultimately transforming their perception of the game. Their journey highlights the importance of attention to detail and the value of seeking knowledge outside of one’s comfort zone.
Legendarygap’s month-long unintentional hard mode experience in Elden Ring brought forth not only frustration but also newfound appreciation for the game. From their struggles emerged resilience and a desire to explore the game’s depths. Their journey serves as a testament to the power of learning from mistakes and the transformative potential of overcoming challenges.
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