Elden Ring Fan's Epic Endurance Test: A Hitless Messmer Daily Grind Until Nightreign
An Elden Ring enthusiast has embarked on an ambitious, arguably impossible, feat: consistently defeating the notoriously difficult Messmer boss without taking a single hit, and repeating this daily until the release of the upcoming co-op spin-off, Elden Ring: Nightreign. This self-imposed challenge began on December 16, 2024, and will continue until Nightreign's 2025 launch.
The undertaking highlights the enduring popularity of Elden Ring, three years after its initial release. The game's captivating world and demanding yet rewarding combat continue to captivate players. While maintaining the core gameplay of previous FromSoftware titles, Elden Ring's unforgiving open world and freedom of exploration redefined the studio's formula. The surprise announcement of Nightreign at The Game Awards 2024, following previous statements ruling out further Elden Ring content, has only fueled the excitement surrounding the franchise.
YouTuber chickensandwich420 is documenting this extraordinary challenge. The consistent, hitless execution of this difficult boss fight (Messmer, from the Shadow of the Erdtree DLC) is less a test of skill and more a testament to unwavering dedication. While hitless runs are common within the FromSoftware community, the sheer repetition required makes this an endurance test unlike any other.
The FromSoftware Challenge Run Phenomenon
Challenge runs have become a staple of the FromSoftware experience, pushing players to their limits with creatively difficult self-imposed rules. These often involve hitless boss fights or even complete game playthroughs without taking damage. The intricate world design and challenging bosses in FromSoftware games provide fertile ground for such feats, and Nightreign's arrival is sure to inspire even more innovative challenges.
The unexpected reveal of Nightreign contrasts with previous developer statements suggesting Shadow of the Erdtree would be the final Elden Ring expansion. However, Nightreign, with its focus on co-op gameplay, offers a compelling continuation of the Elden Ring universe. While a precise release date remains unannounced, Nightreign is anticipated sometime in 2025.
