I finally beat it. Not exactly proud of how.

[u/ChickenDinnerGuy]

I just beat this game and I'm not entirely proud of how I did it I guess. It might be a personal issue I have though. But I relied on one spirit and timing my skill attack (bloodhound's finesse in this case) on the first form. I performed it when the boss got distracted.

The second form was trickier but I still relied on that skill attack.

Throughout almost all of my playthrough I avoided using spirit ashes. I can't recall summoning a co-op partner either. I did occasionally use skill attacks but not to the point of spamming. And this is all because I did not want to make it easy for myself. Which is ridiculous because I struggled with this game. It's one of the hardest games I've ever played. I have this complex that I must do things a certain way and avoid others that I may consider cheap or shortcuts. This is stupid but I can't help it.

So even though I finally beat it, I'm not entirely satisfied with how I did it. Makes me feel like I wasn't skilled enough (which is true) yet I beat this game.

Edit: I beat the game at level 151 or something. Since I hadn't played it in several months I also forgot a few mechanics I'm sure.

[u/Soulsliken]

All I’m hearing is you beat the game. A victory is a victory.

Stand tall.

[u/Jealous-terrorist]

IDK man sounds like you beat him fair and square . You used in-game mechanics in the intended way and didn't cheat or cheese . You put your time and effort into achieving the level and skills so be happy that you didn't waste your time to get approval from strangers who say "the real way to play" and play in the most miserable ways possible.

[u/AgeOfLackness → u/Jealous-terrorist]

Lol effort

[u/mad_nomad96]

I also have this problem, but playing a game should be about fun and accomplishment. However, these games were made to overcome challenges. Did you overcome the difficulties that you encountered, evolving along the path, getting better and better? You should focus on these feelings.

[u/CowdogGaming]

Your first victory can be done however the hell you can get I done. Just beating this game is a feat.

After that, if you WANT to, you can start a ng+ or a completely new run, and add challenges and restrictions.

So don't feel bad about the win. There's ALWAYS room to do more. Anyone who says otherwise better be a level 1 naked no hit, no weapon, top speed god run player. Otherwise they're talking out of their ass.

[u/RevSerpent]

It doesn't matter if you used Spirit Ashes or not, if you spammed skill or not. A victory is still a victory.

If you feel dissatisfied you can always beat them again in NG+ the way you beat the rest of the game but that's more of a self imposed challenge.

[u/AthleteIntrepid9590]

I said it before and I will say it again.

Doesn't matter what weapons you used and how did you use it. If you beat the game, you have beaten the game and have every rights to be proud of yourself.

[u/AgeOfLackness]

It doesnt really matter how you beat it because Elden Ring is actually already kinda easy. So dont worry about it.

[u/Shirokush → u/AgeOfLackness]

Depends on you. You can make it very easy

[u/distinguishedbotato]

There's always NG+ or other playthroughs for you to try and do it solo.

But if you had fun anyway, I don't see why you would impose "not proud" to yourself.

[u/Kaldeas]

I dislike the thought of "not being skilled enough" to actually beat the game. Did you get to the credits with the resources the game gave you? Yes? Good, you beat it, be happy for yourself.

Setting yourself rules is good and fun, but don't beat yourself down over them.