8 Ways to Make Elden Ring Even Harder in 2026 - Ultimate Challenge Run Guide

Hey fellow Tarnished! We all know Elden Ring is already a masterpiece of challenge, right? But what if I told you there are ways to crank that difficulty up to eleven? As someone who's sunk hundreds of hours into the Lands Between since the game's release, I've experimented with every possible way to make my playthroughs more punishing. Whether you're a seasoned veteran looking for a fresh thrill or a masochist at heart, these eight methods will transform your 2026 Elden Ring experience into something truly legendary. Let's dive into the abyss together!

8️⃣ Use A Completely Different Controller

Okay, hear me out on this one! Why stick to boring old controllers or keyboard setups when you can get creative? I recently tried playing with a dance pad, and let me tell you – Margit has never been more terrifying! 🕺💀

What I've seen in the community:

• Piano controllers (yes, you play spells with musical notes!)

• Banana controllers (literally using bananas as buttons)

• Motion controls that make you physically dodge

• Voice command setups where you shout your attacks

Why it's brutal: Your muscle memory goes out the window! Every dodge, every parry, every heal becomes a conscious effort. It's like learning the game all over again, but with extra steps (sometimes literal ones if you're using a dance pad!).

7️⃣ Go Completely Against The Meta

We all know about Rivers of Blood and Moonveil, right? Well, forget them! I challenged myself to use only the most underpowered weapons I could find, and wow – the game feels completely different!

My anti-meta loadout:

🔹 Basic Club (no upgrades allowed!)

🔹 Torch as secondary weapon

🔹 No ash of war enhancements

🔹 Leather armor only

What you'll learn:

• Timing becomes EVERYTHING

• You'll master spacing like never before

• Every victory feels earned, not handed to you

• You appreciate the game's combat depth on a whole new level

6️⃣ Spellcasting Only Run

As someone who usually plays strength builds, switching to pure spellcasting was... enlightening. And by enlightening, I mean I died approximately 473 times to the Tree Sentinel. ✨💀

The harsh reality of magic-only:

✅ Spells have cast times (enemies don't wait!)

✅ FP management becomes a mini-game

✅ Close-quarters combat? Good luck!

✅ Spell interruptions will make you scream

✅ Early game is PARTICULARLY rough

Pro tip: Start as Astrologer and don't touch a single melee weapon. Not even to break boxes! The purity of the challenge is what makes it special.

5️⃣ Use Your LEAST Favorite Play Style

I've always been a strength/faith enjoyer. Big weapons, big heals, big fun. So naturally, I forced myself to play a pure dexterity/arcane build. The learning curve was vertical! 📈

How to choose your nemesis build:

1. What stat do you NEVER level? Pick that one!

2. What weapon type makes you groan? Use only those!

3. What playstyle looks boring to you? That's your new religion!

My experience: Going from Unga Bunga to precise, quick attacks made me realize how much I relied on poise damage. Suddenly, I had to actually learn attack patterns instead of trading blows!

4️⃣ The Infamous No Death Run

Let's talk about the ultimate test of patience and skill. I attempted this three times before succeeding, and each attempt taught me something new about the game.

My survival strategy:

• Overlevel for every area (yes, it's allowed!)

• Cheese whenever possible (no shame!)

• Run past everything that isn't mandatory

• Practice bosses on a separate save file

• Take breaks! Tilt is your worst enemy

Most terrifying moments:

1. Platforming sections (we all know which ones)

2. Any enemy with grab attacks

3. Gravity (the true final boss)

4. That one lobster in Liurnia

3️⃣ Mod Your Game Into Oblivion

The modding community has been BUSY since 2023! As of 2026, there are mods that will make you question your life choices. I tried the "Randomizer + Enemy Aggression" combo and nearly cried.

Current brutal mods (2026 edition):

🔥 Enemy Randomizer Plus – Bosses can appear anywhere. Yes, Malenia in Limgrave.

🔥 Deathless Enemies – Enemies revive after 10 seconds

🔥 Boss Rush Mode – All bosses, one after another

🔥 No Healing – Estus? What's that?

🔥 Permadeath – One death = delete save file

Warning: Some of these will test your sanity. Have a stress ball ready!

2️⃣ No Summons Whatsoever

This might sound simple, but it changes EVERYTHING. No Mimic Tear. No wolves. No helpful NPCs. Just you and the boss, dancing the dance of death.

Bosses that become nightmares:

👹 Radahn – Without the festival crew? Absolute terror

👹 Godskin Duo – The true test of your multi-tasking

👹 Malenia – She already heals on hit, now she only hits YOU

👹 Fire Giant – That second phase, alone... shudders

What you gain:

• Perfect knowledge of every boss move

• Incredible dodging skills

• The right to brag FOREVER

• A new appreciation for solo combat

1️⃣ The Ultimate Challenge: No Runes Used

We've saved the best (worst?) for last. This means:

❌ No leveling up – stay at starting level

❌ No buying from merchants – scavenge everything

❌ No weapon upgrades that require runes

❌ Starting gear only (mostly)

My Level 1 Wretch journey:

• Every enemy is a potential run-ender

• You learn to use EVERY mechanic (sleep pots, anyone?)

• Environmental kills become your best friend

• Patience is no longer a virtue – it's a necessity

The silver lining: You stop caring about losing runes! That fear of dying with 100k runes? Gone! It's strangely... liberating?

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So there you have it, my fellow masochists! Eight ways to make Elden Ring hurt even more in 2026. Whether you try one or combine them all (you monster), each of these challenges will give you a fresh perspective on this incredible game.

My personal recommendation: Start with the "Against the Meta" challenge, then work your way up to the no-runes run. Each step will prepare you for the next level of punishment!

Remember: Every death is a lesson, every victory is earned, and every broken controller is a badge of honor. Now go out there and suffer beautifully! 💪✨

Which challenge are you trying first? Let me know in the comments! I'm always looking for new ways to suffer in the Lands Between! 😂