Challenge runs are a way for players to push their limits and mix up their playthroughs. They can be used to test different strategies or to see how well they can complete a game.
There is no built-in challenge in DS3 other than some mods for PC, so you’ll have to be careful not to cheat.
If you complete some of the extremely hard playthroughs legitimately, you’ll have bragging rights and every Dark Souls nerds respect.
- The Half Marathon: This is one of the most popular challenges out there, and can be done in a variety of ways. Some runners choose to run the entire race, while others take a shorter route. The goal is to cover as much ground as possible in a set amount of time, and to do it in a challenging environment.
- The 5K: This challenge can be done in a variety of ways, but the goal is usually to cover as much ground as possible in a set amount of time. It can be done on an easy or hard course, and can be completed with or without medals.
- The 10K: This challenge is typically shorter than other challenges, but still has its challenges. The goal is usually to cover as much ground as possible in a set amount of time, and to do it in an challenging environment.
Use What You See
This is a unique way to make money that is popularized by content creator/streamer Lobos Jr.
UWYS is a great app for players who have taken some time away from the game and forgotten the exact locations of items. ..
You see an item, you equip it and then you go out into the world to do what you need to do.
This could be a problem if you don’t meet the requirements for the weapon you’re using.
If you want to go truly crazy, you can use this in conjunction with a randomizer mod on PC, and have some very unique experiences.
Bow Only
Next up is a run with only a bow. I’m having a blast doing it and it’s looking really good!
Bows are an underused and overlooked part of the game, so most players don’t have a lot of experience using them to their full potential. ..
The challenge with bows is that their base damage is low, and it’s important to manage ammo well in order to make the most of your shots. It’s also important to aim correctly and time your attacks correctly in order to take down your opponents quickly. ..
The deep one is a very difficult boss in the game. His lack of crowd-control bows makes him very difficult to fight.
No Healing (No Estus)
Running a marathon is one of the most challenging things you can do, but it’s also one of the most rewarding. ..
These playthroughs call for the use of really out-of-the-box items, like the ring of the evil eye, sun princess ring, pontiff’s left eye, blessed-infused weapons – there’s a surprising number of ways to passively gain HP!
This run disallows the use of estus, but if you want to push the boat out even more, you can add to the challenge by not allowing healing miracles – or for a real hard one, no HP regen – only healing at bonfires!
Spell Only
Spell only is a list of schools of magic that are only allowed to be used by those who have been trained in them.
Typically, runners of this challenge will choose just one magic type, leading to playthroughs that are all pyro-based. ..
This means that players must use their spells to defeat enemies, and that weapons are not a viable option.
Despite the challenges that remain in Spell, one of the more popular challenges, it still remains a fun challenge that doesn’t stray too far from a standard int/faith playthrough. This added difficulty makes it even more enjoyable for those who enjoy playing games with a bit more challenge.
Double Ring
The challenge requires the use of 2 rings – the skull ring and the calamity ring. The skull ring is a special ring that is used to challenge contestants to a fight. The calamity ring is a special ring that is used to cause destruction.
The skull ring increases the aggression of enemies, making them prioritize you over other targets. The calamity ring causes you to take double damage! ..
The build is very limited in ring slots, and will require you to find ways to make use of the extra space.
Thanks to the calamity ring, it’s recommended to try this for a NG+ playthrough, which will add even more difficulty thanks to the up-scaled enemies!
The NG is the highest score possible in a game, and can be achieved by playing for as long as possible without dying.
Fat Roll (No Vitality)
Many people have noted that FromSoftware was heavily influenced by Bloodborne when making Dark Souls 3, as armor and blocking are pretty useless when compared to simply rolling out of harm’s way. ..
This run is to counteract the idea that you should roll with the punches and not fat up.
This is achieved by having a high equip load, which is easy if you have some heavy armor or never level vitality.
Blocking, poise, and armor are all important in Dark Souls III. The result is a run more akin to the original Dark Souls – with an emphasis on blocking, poise, and armor. ..
In DS3, the real challenge is dodging attacks and managing your stamina. In addition, blocking can take a lot of time and you may find yourself staggered often.
This playthrough is going to require a lot of endurance and stamina, as well as stacking up on points in both.
Shield Only
This is a quote from Sun Tzu, the Chinese strategist who wrote The Art of War. Sun Tzu is famous for his advice on how to win wars. He says that the best way to win a war is to attack your opponent first and then defend yourself. This is what the United States should do if it wants to win the war against ISIS.
The Shield-Only Run is just about to reach a tipping point where challenges become truly brutal.
Your shield is a two-handed weapon that you use to block projectiles and protect yourself from harm. But like all weapons, it has its own weaknesses. The first is that it’s not as strong as a one-handed weapon. So if an attacker grabs your shield and tries to push it off of you, you’ll be forced to let go and take the hit. The second weakness of your shield is that it can only block one type of projectile at a time. So if an attacker throws a rock at you, they might be able to hit your shield but not the rock itself.
Their shield is pitiful and leaves much to be desired, because outside of a very select few, no weapon was ever meant to be a shield.
Your opponent can parry, but before you do, put on your hornet ring and prepare to take off.
If you’re looking for a hard time and enjoy it, give it a try!
Consumable Only
We’ve gone beyond the bounds of what’s possible and now find ourselves in an uncharted territory that’s completely out of our control.
The consumable only runs are incredibly unforgiving.
The long item animations and low damage make it difficult to play the game, and the high soul cost from vendors makes it difficult to get enough soul to buy items.
Players use unorthodox strategies to overcome the challenges in the game. For example, farming enemies for souls using environmental deaths and dropping stacks of items just outside of boss fog gates. This allows players to overcome difficult obstacles and complete the game in a shorter amount of time.
This one is the ultimate Dark Souls experience. If you’re a hardcore fan of the game, then this is the perfect guide for you.
Soul Level 1
Since the earliest days of Dark Souls, players have complained about the speedrun-friendly Sl 1 runs. ..
You cannot progress in the game if you are not deprived of resources. There is no way to level up, and even if you do, you will never be able to achieve the level of success that you desire.
This new weapon system challenges the player by limiting their options and putting a huge cap on their HP, stamina, and equip load.
In the early game, you’ll be one-shot by almost everything. You’ll have to execute perfect boss fights with flawless dodging and attacking, all while dealing a fingernail of damage per hit.
For this run, you’ll need to rely heavily on DPS boosters like the morion blade and red tearstone ring to help you out.
If you decide to try out the new game, be prepared for a long and arduous journey. Boss fights will take up a significant amount of time, and you’ll only be able to complete them if you’re very lucky.
No Hit
The Dark Souls achievement “The Lord of the Rings” is now available to be earned. This achievement requires players to complete all of the game’s main quests, including the three DLC quests that were released for the game. Completing this achievement will reward players with a unique weapon, The Lord of the Rings. ..
In order to beat the entire game without taking damage, you will need to use your strategies and tactics wisely.
This is a rare and powerful breed of gamer, one that has mastered the game to the point where they can beat almost any boss with ease.
It takes the patience of a saint to do, because if you take even a single point of damage, you have to start the entire game over again.
In Dark Souls 3, how long have you been able to stay alive without taking damage? Have you been able to tank small hits and continue attacking? Been caught by a surprise second enemy? Been poisoned in Farron swamp? ..
Don’t try this. I cannot recommend it less. But if you do – I wish you the best of luck. You’re braver than me.
