With Elden Ring: Nightreign launching later this year, if you’ve yet to experience the wonders of The Lands Between, now is the perfect time.

Undoubtedly one of the greatest games of all time, Elden Ring is a must-play and, dare I say, a gaming rite of passage. Sure, you may lose a few weeks (or months) to its all-consuming gameplay, but isn’t that what RPG life is all about? Especially when it comes to Souls-like games! Plus, what better way to pass the time as you await the co-op Nightreign adventure?

Here’s the caveat: If you’re new to the game, grab your copy, but save this blog for later. This one’s for the veterans. Already conquered Elden Ring and earned those battle scars? Then it's time to spice things up with a fresh challenge run. From brutal restrictions to creative twists, here are some unforgettable ways to make your 2025 Elden Ring playthrough even more exciting (and punishing!)

Good luck—and remember to breathe!

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Top 2025 Elden Ring Challenge Runs:

1. The Region-Locked Weapon Run

Fun but not impossibly difficult; you can’t move on to the next region until you’ve fully cleared the current one (whether that means just the main bosses or every single boss is up to you). But there’s a catch. You must swap to a completely different weapon type with each new region, forcing you to master a variety of weapons as you progress.

2. The One-Weapon-Only Run

To go to the other extreme, pick a weapon and commit to it—no switching allowed. Whether it’s a colossal greatsword, dual daggers, or a bow, this forces you to master every aspect of your chosen weapon. Want a twist? Let a friend choose your weapon for you!

3. The Magic-Only Run

And if you want to do away with weapons entirely, go for the magic-only run! I mean, why swing a sword when you can obliterate foes with arcane fire? A full mage build requires careful FP management and positioning to survive, and you'll get bonus points if you go for a niche spell set, such as only gravity magic, only dragon incantations, or only using Comet Azur like a walking turret.

4. The Pacifist Run (Sort Of)

What if you never directly attacked an enemy? This run relies solely on indirect damage—letting Spirit Ashes, status effects, and environmental hazards do the work for you. Bait enemies into falling off cliffs, use poison and rot to whittle them down, or unleash a mimic tear to fight in your stead. It’s a unique and often hilarious way to play the game.

5. The No Spirit Ashes/Summons Run

We all know that Spirit Ashes can make even the toughest boss fights more manageable, but what if you took them out of the equation entirely? No summons, no NPC help - just you, your weapon, and raw skill. Sound intense? It is! But it's also a rewarding way to test your mettle.

6. The Shield-Only Run

Who needs a sword when you have a shield? Transform your trusty shield from a defensive tool into your primary weapon as you smash, bash, and crash your way through enemies. (Well, that's the hope, anyway!) Whether it’s the spiked Palisade Shield causing Bleed, the fiery Visage Shield spewing flames, or the sheer brute force of a colossal greatshield, with the right Ashes of War, shields aren’t just for blocking - they're for obliterating!

7. The No-Leveling Run

Ready for a tough one? Stay at your starting level for the entire game. Yes, this means no extra health, stamina, or damage scaling. In other words, as your enemies get stronger, your build remains stagnant. You’ll be relying purely on skill, smart equipment choices, and a whole lot of perseverance for this one.

8. The No-Hit Run (For the Ultimate Masochist)

You thought that was hard? Only the truly dedicated attempt this one. Beat the entire game without taking a single hit. Not just without dying, without even getting touched. It’s a feat of patience, precision, and deep knowledge of enemy attack patterns that challenges the best of 'em. Basically, if you want the ultimate test of your reflexes and discipline, this is the run for you.

9. The “Fashion Souls” Run

On the other end of the scale, why care about min-maxing when you can strut through Elden Ring in the most stylish outfit possible? The goal here is simple: prioritize fashion over function. You must always wear the best-looking armor and weapons, no matter how impractical they are. This one is as silly and as challenging as you choose to make it.

10. The “Prepare for Nightreign” Co-Op Run

Since Elden Ring: Nightreign will feature a fully co-op adventure, why not get some practice in by playing through Elden Ring with a friend?

Set some ground rules. For example: No solo play unless at the Round Table; no skipping or warping ahead; no trading items (only use what you and your partner find together); and no healing flasks. You can also limit weapons or stick to a theme (twin samurai, medieval knights, etc).

Just keep in mind that co-op play ends after major boss fights, so you'll need to re-summon each other to continue your adventure. (You may also want a good co-op mod here to make your gameplay more seamless.) See how far your teamwork can take you!

Level Up Your Elden Ring Playthrough and Tackle New Challenges!

Whether you’re a newcomer to Elden Ring or a seasoned veteran, the upcoming launch of Elden Ring: Nightreign makes this the perfect time to step (or step back) into the Lands Between.

For veterans looking to spice up their next playthrough, there’s no shortage of ways to raise the difficulty. From restricting your weapon choices to conquering the game without taking a hit, each fresh challenge run offers a chance to make your adventure unforgettable (if, at times, extremely punishing!)

So, choose your challenge, sharpen your skills, and get ready for your next epic journey. One thing's for sure—Elden Ring always has plenty of surprises waiting for you!

Get Your Copy of Elden Ring @ 2Game Today!