We’ve seen some wild challenge runs in Elden Ring, but nothing quite compares to the ingenuity of one gamer who transformed a three-year-old elliptical machine salvaged from the curb into a functional game controller. What ensues is a leg-tingling adventure.
YouTuber WoolyBeetle1 crafted a custom Elden Ring controller using the antiquated workout equipment, propelling the player character forward with every pedal stroke. It’s a case of exercise or an untimely demise. However, complications soon emerged; the apparatus only features three buttons. WoolyBeetle1 cleverly repurposed these to control looking ahead, dodging, and attacking—essentially the essentials of gameplay.
The 25-minute video below delves into the mechanics of this unique setup and captures the taxing journey through the Lands Between once the equipment was brought to a somewhat usable state. Although the video first dropped three months ago, we felt its creativity was too impressive not to highlight here.
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WoolyBeetle1’s endeavors to slay enemies and avoid getting stuck on obscure terrain make for entertaining viewing, particularly when the elliptical doesn’t cooperate. She even decided to confront Magma Wyrm Makar with this unpredictable setup, resulting in a series of comically chaotic encounters, though she came impressively close during one attempt using two summons. “I don’t know if we’re cheesing it, but I’m on an elliptical, who f**king cares?”
Even as the content creator and gaming athlete ultimately had to concede defeat, she remained optimistic about defeating Makar with her unique strategy. Let’s hope her calves hold up for any future attempts!
Elden Ring’s anticipated Switch 2 port has been postponed to 2026 for “performance adjustments,” and surprisingly, fans have taken it in stride: “I’d prefer it to launch in a more polished state.”