Meet the 8-Year-Old with Autism Who Defeated Radahn in Elden Ring: An Inspiration to Gamers Everywhere
Elden Ring is known for its challenging gameplay, where even the most experienced players struggle. However, an unexpected hero has emerged: an 8-year-old boy with autism who defeated the formidable boss, Starscourge Radahn, on his first attempt without any help. His victory has caught the attention of veteran gamers and captivated audiences worldwide.
The Wholesome Victory
A heartwarming video posted by the young player’s father, Twitter user @jnoe33, showcases the boy’s exceptional gaming skills. In the clip, the child can be seen expertly maneuvering his character, dodging Radahn’s deadly attacks, and seizing every safe opportunity to strike. The fluidity and precision of his actions are remarkable, especially considering the short amount of time he’s been playing.
My son has recently got into gaming, and of course, he wants to play elden Ring. He has autism and is 8 years old and is very low level and refuses to let me help him at all. This is him fighting Radahn. @Schrodingersba4 @NightSkyPrince_ @philipharts @_subtxt_ @BltzZ7 pic.twitter.com/ICVzKCxm95
— Jnoe33 (@jnoe33) July 1, 2024
A Natural Talent
According to his father, the young gamer has only been playing video games for “a few months,” yet has already managed to achieve what many seasoned players still struggle with. “My son has recently got into gaming, and of course, he wants to play Elden Ring,” @jnoe33 shared on Twitter. “He has autism and is eight years old and is very low level and refuses to let me help him at all.”
Despite his limited experience with games, the boy has clearly been paying close attention. His father mentions that his son has probably “played 10-12 hours” of Elden Ring but had watched his dad play numerous times. This observation might explain some of his skill and familiarity with the game mechanics, but it doesn’t make his achievement any less awe-inspiring.
The Perfect Build
The young hero’s choice of equipment is both humble and effective. Using the base Longsword and armor set from the Vagabond class, he navigated Radahn’s complex combat sequences with grace. “He loves that sword and light rolling,” said his dad. “He’s tried other things too, but if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.”
A Bright Gaming Future
It seems that this child’s love for challenging games is only beginning. According to his father, he expressed a desire to “play more games like Elden Ring.” With his current skill level and passion, there’s no doubt he’ll continue to amaze us with his gaming prowess. Who knows? He might even face Malenia next and emerge victorious.
A Role Model for All Gamers
This story resonates on multiple levels. It’s not just about beating a difficult game; it’s about overcoming personal challenges and demonstrating that talent and perseverance know no age or condition. The fact that an eight-year-old with autism can excel in such a demanding game without asking for help is a testament to his determination and focus.
His triumph serves as a source of inspiration. Whether you’re a beginner or a veteran gamer, there’s something to be learned from this young Tarnished. Sometimes, it’s not about how long you’ve been playing but how committed and observant you are. This young man’s story is a beautiful reminder that passion and dedication can lead to incredible achievements.
If you’re inspired by this story and are currently exploring Elden Ring‘s latest content, be sure to check out our Shadow of the Erdtree tips to help make your journey a little smoother.
About the Writer
I’m one of GamesRadar+’s news writers, dedicated to delivering stories we love. After contributing extensively to The University of Sheffield’s student newspaper, focusing on Pokémon and indie games, and earning a degree in Journalism Studies, I joined GAMINGbible as a journalist for over a year and a half. I then moved to TechRadar Gaming, where I cover a range of gaming topics. In my spare time, you can find me playing story-driven RPGs like Xenoblade Chronicles and Persona 5 Royal, or going for a Victory Royale in Fortnite.
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