Gaming is already challenging, but some players take it to the next level by setting their own rules. They do things like finishing a game without getting hit, completing it as fast as possible, or playing on the hardest difficulty with no second chances. These challenges push skill, patience, and creativity to the limit.
Popular Player-Made Challenges
1. No-Hit Runs
- The goal is to complete a game without taking a single hit.
- It is popular in games like Dark Souls, Sekiro, and Hollow Knight.
- Requires extreme precision, memorization, and reaction speed.
- Mistakes mean restarting from the beginning.
- Some players add extra difficulty by banning shields or healing items.
2. Speedruns
- The objective is to finish the game as fast as possible.
- Different categories:
- Any% – Finish the game by any means necessary, even using glitches.
- 100% – Complete every mission, collect every item, and unlock everything.
- Glitchless – No game-breaking shortcuts allowed.
- Speedrunners practice movement, enemy patterns, and shortcuts.
- Games like Super Mario 64, The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time, and Doom Eternal are popular for speedrunning.
3. Hardcore Modes
- One life only—if you die, you start over.
- It is often played in games like Minecraft (Hardcore Mode), Diablo II, and Fallout: New Vegas.
- Mistakes are costly, making every decision important.
- Many players create personal rules, like no fast travel or no crafting.
4. Pacifist Runs
- Beating a game without attacking enemies.
- Famous in Undertale, Deus Ex, and Dishonored.
- Players must find alternate ways to progress, like sneaking or talking.
- It can be frustrating when bosses force combat.
5. Level 1 Challenges
- Completing the game without leveling up.
- It is popular in RPGs like Final Fantasy, Kingdom Hearts, and Elden Ring.
- Forces creative strategies, perfect dodging, and innovative use of items.
- Some players allow upgrades but not level-ups to balance difficulty.
6. No HUD Challenges
- Playing without any on-screen indicators.
- Common in The Witcher 3, Red Dead Redemption 2, and Horizon Zero Dawn.
- It makes navigation, combat, and health management harder.
- Increases immersion by removing distractions.
Why Do Players Create These Challenges?
- To test their skills – Normal gameplay becomes too easy over time.
- For bragging rights – Completing a tough challenge is impressive.
- To add replay value – Old games feel new again with new rules.
- For fun – Some gamers enjoy overcoming impossible odds.
Expert Advice for Trying These Challenges
- Start with small challenges – Don’t jump straight into no-hit runs.
- Watch experienced players – Learn from speedrunners and challenge runners.
- Be patient – These challenges take time and practice.
- Use practice tools – Some games have training modes or save states.
- Join the community – Online forums and Discord servers can offer tips.
Conclusion
Gamers love to push boundaries, and self-made challenges prove that skill and creativity go hand in hand. Whether dodging every attack, racing against time, or playing on the hardest difficulty, these challenges turn games into something new. The best part? Anyone can try them—pick a game, set some rules, and see how far you can go.