U4GM - 9 Themed Challenge Runs Using NPC-Related Items in Elden Ring
One of the most memorable aspects of Elden Ring is its deep, often tragic NPC lore. Characters like Blaidd, Ranni, and Millicent aren’t just side quests — they’re personalities with stories that shape the game’s world. As someone who enjoys both lore and gameplay challenges, I decided to create a series of themed challenge runs centered around using items tied directly to these NPCs. The result? Some of the most rewarding and immersive playthroughs I’ve had in the Lands Between.
Each of these nine runs uses gear, weapons, or spells linked to a specific NPC, combined with self-imposed rules that reflect their backstory or combat style. If you want to dive into one of these but don’t want to spend hours farming, services offering Elden Ring Nightreign Boosting or letting you buy Elden Ring Items can help you get started more easily.
1. Blaidd’s Wolf Knight Challenge
Blaidd, Ranni’s loyal shadow, is one of Elden Ring’s most iconic NPCs. This run requires you to wear Blaidd’s armor and use his signature weapon, the Royal Greatsword. You must also complete Ranni’s questline. No magic allowed — just strength, poise, and loyalty.
In my run, I committed to protecting Ranni’s interests above all else, even skipping areas that didn’t fit her story arc. The combination of fashion and loyalty made this build feel genuinely noble.
2. Millicent’s Scarlet Redemption
Wielding the Prosthesis-Wearer Heirloom and the Cleanrot Spear, this build mimics Millicent’s struggle against the rot. I used Scarlet Rot-based incantations and limited healing to reflect her frailty. You’re only allowed to cure rot when absolutely necessary.
Fighting Malenia with this build was especially emotional. It was like walking in Millicent’s footsteps, giving her story a form of closure.
3. Rya the Serpent’s Path
Based on the humble servant of Volcano Manor, this run restricts you to serpent-related items. Use the Serpent-God’s Curved Sword and wear gear looted from the manor. You must complete Tanith’s questline and only kill “marked” targets.
This was one of my favorite roleplay-heavy runs. I interpreted the journey as Rya’s internal struggle between loyalty and personal morality. It gave me a whole new perspective on the Manor’s mission.
4. Dung Eater’s Cursebearer Build
This dark run revolves around the Seedbed Curse and the Inescapable Frenzy incantation. Use the Omen Armor set and deliver curses whenever possible. You’re encouraged to invade rather than cooperate with other players.
It’s not a build for the faint of heart — both morally and gameplay-wise — but embracing the Dung Eater’s madness adds a haunting atmosphere to your game. I couldn’t finish this one without feeling a little guilty.
5. Patches’ Trickster Run
This light-hearted but difficult run limits you to backstabs, throwing items, and retreating. Use the Buckler, partial armor, and avoid direct confrontation unless absolutely necessary.
I laughed more during this run than any other — rolling away from bosses and surviving with just consumables. If you want to buy Elden Ring Items like Kukris or Sleep Pots in bulk, it’ll save you tons of time for this trickster-style gameplay.
6. Seluvis’ Puppet Master Build
Inspired by the manipulative sorcerer Seluvis, this build focuses on Spirit Ashes. You can only fight while your summoned puppets are alive. Use sorceries exclusively, and wear gear that amplifies INT and summon duration.
Managing FP and positioning becomes crucial here. I actually failed many fights because I over-relied on summons. It’s a great test of support-style combat.
7. Fia’s Deathbed Companion
This run focuses on Death Sorceries and the use of the Deathbed Dress. You must avoid direct damage as much as possible, using summons and debuffs. The Prince of Death’s Staff and Fia’s Mist are core to your toolkit.
In my experience, this run was perfect for slower, more tactical players. Every encounter felt like a slow dance with death — thematic and oddly beautiful.
8. Yura’s Hunter of Bloody Fingers
Take on the role of a Bloody Finger Hunter using Yura’s armor and the Nagakiba. Your mission: invade and eliminate other invaders. You may only fight in PvP or help NPCs against other NPC invaders.
This gave me some of the most intense multiplayer experiences I’ve had in Elden Ring. With Elden Ring Nightreign Boosting, you can get to the required level range for effective PvP faster and enjoy this run without long leveling delays.
9. Rogier’s Scholar of Death
Use Rogier’s Rapier and spells that focus on death and intelligence. You must complete his storyline, never raise a weapon against Ranni, and favor intelligence scaling gear. Avoid heavy armor to stay true to his fragile state.
This run brought a reflective tone to the game. Rogier’s story is tragic, and this challenge emphasized the cost of knowledge and obsession. A beautiful experience, especially if you're a fan of Elden Ring’s deeper lore.
Tying a challenge run to an NPC’s gear and backstory breathes new life into Elden Ring. These aren’t just difficulty tweaks — they’re narrative roleplay experiences that force you to engage with the world differently.
I personally found these runs to be more rewarding than any meta-build or optimized route. If you want to speed up the setup, especially for hard-to-get items, you can always buy Elden Ring Items or use Elden Ring Nightreign Boosting to jump right into the fun. Ultimately, it’s about crafting a story — and in the Lands Between, every story is worth telling.
Step-by-Step Guide: How Elden Ring Runes Affect Your Weapon Upgrades
MMOexp Explains the Dune: Awakening Class System – Choose Your Path
With Dune: Awakening, Funcom is delivering a bold vision: an MMO survival experience set in one of the most legendary sci-fi universes of all time. Blending survival mechanics, political intrigue, open-world exploration, and player-driven conflict, the game offers a complex, long-term journey through the deadly sands of Arrakis.
At MMOexp, we’re here to break down what makes Dune: Awakening one of the most unique upcoming games and how you can prepare to thrive from day one.
The Sandbox of Arrakis – A New Kind of MMO
Unlike most MMOs that follow a linear quest progression, Dune: Awakening gives players the freedom to shape their destiny in a persistent sandbox. This is not just a game of fighting NPCs—it’s a living world Dune Awakening Items where players build, explore, and influence the balance of power.
Here’s what makes it different:
Persistent World: The same server evolves over time based on player actions.
No Class Restrictions: You're not locked into a role—adapt and change as needed.
Dynamic Territories: Control over regions is constantly shifting through warfare and diplomacy.
Whether you're interested in warfare, economics, espionage, or survival, Dune: Awakening gives you the tools to pursue it all.
Survival in the Wasteland – More Than Just Staying Alive
Arrakis is not a place for the weak. Players will need to survive in a truly hostile environment, where nature is just as deadly as your enemies.
Core survival elements include:
Water Scarcity: Players must manage hydration, collect dew, or recycle water using stillsuits.
Sandworm Threats: Moving across the sands too quickly can attract massive sandworms, forcing strategic movement.
Harsh Weather: Sandstorms and extreme heat demand shelter and timing.
Limited Resources: Spice, water, and building materials are finite—competition is fierce.
Survival isn’t about hiding in a corner—it’s about using limited resources wisely and working with (or against) others to secure your future.
Building and Engineering – Create Your Base of Power
In Dune: Awakening, construction isn’t just about building a house—it’s about establishing influence. Players can design outposts, spice harvesting stations, and defensive strongholds.
You can:
Build modular bases with defensive turrets, storage units, and production areas.
Craft advanced tech including ornithopters, harvesters, cloaking devices, and traps.
Automate systems to defend your base or produce materials while you explore.
Over time, players will establish sprawling fortresses, making base defense and infrastructure a key part of long-term success.
Economy, Trade, and Gold – A Player-Driven Marketplace
The in-game economy is driven by player actions, making trade, production, and gold farming more important than ever.
How Gold Works in Dune: Awakening:
Gold is the primary trade currency, used for:
Buying gear, vehicles, and rare materials.
Trading with NPC factions and other players.
Hiring mercenaries or paying for protection.
Top Ways to Make Gold:
Spice Dealing: Control spice fields, process raw spice, and sell to other players or NPCs.
Craft and Sell Equipment: Become a master crafter of weapons or tools.
Logistics and Transport: Offer transport services through hostile territory.
Resource Mining: Extract minerals from remote regions for high-profit sales.
MMOexp Pro Tip: Early control of high-yield spice veins will give your guild long-term financial dominance.
If you want a fast track to success, MMOexp also offers affordable, secure in-game gold so you can focus on strategy—not grinding.
Social Strategy – Guilds, Politics, and Alliances
Politics in Dune: Awakening is as deadly as the desert itself. Players can create or join guilds (factions, Houses, or Smuggler groups), forging alliances or declaring open war.
Guild Warfare: Large-scale battles over territory and spice harvests.
Espionage: Infiltrate enemy factions, steal data, or sabotage operations.
Diplomacy: Form trade pacts, non-aggression deals, or temporary alliances.
The game includes a reputation system—betray your allies or fail contracts, and the world will remember. Trust is as valuable as any weapon.
PvE and PvP – Balance of Challenge and Conflict
While PvP is central to Dune: Awakening, PvE content still plays a vital role.
PvE Features:
Creature Hunts: Face native wildlife, rogue AI machines, or sandworm events.
Dynamic Quests: Procedural missions based on your location and status.
NPC Factions: Trade, ally, or fight groups like Fremen, smugglers, or corporate agents.
PvP Highlights:
Full-loot zones: High-risk, high-reward areas where you can lose gear.
Siege Warfare: Launch attacks on enemy bases and defend your own.
Open-world Combat: Anywhere outside safe zones, combat can erupt at any time.
This blend of PvE and PvP ensures every type of player finds challenge and excitement.
Long-Term Progression and Updates
Funcom has confirmed that Dune: Awakening will feature seasonal content, regular updates, and a long-term roadmap. Some of the future features expected include:
New regions of Arrakis to explore and claim.
Expanded tech trees and vehicles.
Large-scale faction events that impact the entire server.
Player feedback will play a huge role in shaping the direction of the game—this is a living world, after all.
Final Thoughts – The Future of Survival MMOs?
Dune: Awakening is poised to redefine the MMO survival genre. It’s not just about leveling up—it’s about building an empire in a world where everything, from the weather to other players, is out to destroy you.
For players who enjoy meaningful progression, high-stakes conflict, and sandbox freedom, this game offers limitless potential. Whether you want to dominate spice trade routes, lead a faction, or survive as a lone explorer, Dune: Awakening gives you that choice.
MMOexp – Your Partner in the Dunes
Want to get ahead of the competition? MMOexp is your trusted source for gold, gear, and guides in Dune: Awakening. We offer secure, fast services so you can focus on building your legend on Arrakis.Dune Awakening Solari Be sure to check our Dune: Awakening section for the latest farming tips, economy updates, and player strategies.