In an incredible display of innovation and skill, Twitch streamer Perri Karyal has accomplished a remarkable feat in Elden Ring’s Shadow of the Erdtree DLC. Using a hands-free ‘mind control’ virtual controller, Karyal has taken down two major bosses, showcasing the potential of cutting-edge technology in gaming.
Before the release of Shadow of the Erdtree, FromSoftware president Hidetaka Miyazaki noted that the DLC’s challenge would “push the envelope in terms of what we think can be withstood by the player.” Released on June 21, the DLC has received mixed reviews on Steam, with players expressing frustration over its intense difficulty and performance issues, sparking debates across social media.
Despite these challenges, Karyal’s unconventional approach has proven successful. Last year, she gained attention for beating Elden Ring’s base game using an electroencephalography (EEG) brain monitoring headset. This device, typically used by physicians for diagnostic purposes, allowed her to control in-game actions through her brain’s electrical activity. Inspired by her psychology studies, Karyal adapted the technology to serve as a virtual controller, training the accompanying software to recognize specific brain patterns associated with imagined objects, actions, or emotions. These patterns were then linked to in-game commands, enabling her to attack, roll, and heal using only her thoughts.
For Shadow of the Erdtree, Karyal took her innovation a step further by attempting a completely hands-free run. She employed eye-tracking software to control her character’s movement and used voice prompts for more nuanced actions, such as summoning a spirit ash by saying “I choose you.” This method required a different command setup for navigating to bosses compared to the one used during boss fights, adding another layer of complexity to her gameplay.
Karyal’s mind-control technique has already seen her triumph over two formidable early DLC bosses: the Divine Beast Dancing Lion and Rellana, the Twin Moon Knight. Her success underscores that 90 percent of a FromSoftware boss fight truly plays out in the mind.
Karyal is not the first to use unconventional controllers to conquer Elden Ring bosses. Last year, Twitch streamer MissMikkaa defeated two instances of Malenia simultaneously using a Dance Pad and a PS5 DualSense. Similarly, challenge runner Dr. Decomposing completed a no-damage run using a modified electric saxophone as a controller.
Karyal’s achievements highlight the incredible possibilities of combining gaming with advanced technology. As she continues her journey through Shadow of the Erdtree, the gaming community watches in awe, inspired by her groundbreaking approach and relentless determination.
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