Why does Elden Ring make me feel sick?

Elden Ring’s visual presentation, while stylistically striking for some, can trigger motion sickness and discomfort in others. This isn’t solely due to camera angles or fast-paced combat, although those contribute. The game employs a range of post-processing effects, including chromatic aberration and a noticeable amount of screen-space effects, which can exacerbate feelings of nausea and dizziness, particularly for individuals sensitive to such visual stimuli. Furthermore, performance issues, specifically frame stuttering and inconsistent frame rates, significantly worsen the experience. The jarring shifts in visual fidelity induced by these performance hiccups compound the disorienting effects of the already demanding visual style.

Frame rate inconsistencies: Fluctuations in frames per second directly impact the brain’s ability to process the visual information smoothly, leading to feelings of nausea. Lower and inconsistent frame rates are a common cause of motion sickness in games. Chromatic aberration: This effect, which introduces colored fringes around objects, can be visually jarring and contribute to eye strain. Similarly, excessive use of other post-processing effects such as bloom or depth of field, while potentially aesthetically pleasing to some, can overwhelm the visual system and intensify feelings of motion sickness.

Fortunately, the PC version offers some recourse. Mods exist to address many of these issues. Increasing the field of view (FOV) can significantly reduce feelings of claustrophobia and disorientation, while disabling or reducing the intensity of chromatic aberration and other post-processing effects can dramatically improve visual clarity and comfort. These modifications effectively mitigate the visual elements that often trigger motion sickness in susceptible players. However, it’s crucial to note that these solutions are only available on PC and altering game files might void warranties or affect online multiplayer functionality.

Is Elden Ring too hard for the average player?

Elden Ring’s difficulty is a significant hurdle, even for seasoned gamers. The common complaint isn’t simply “hard,” but rather the unfair nature of the challenge. Many early-game encounters result in near-instant death, even with seemingly adequate stats and leveling. This isn’t a matter of skill; it’s a design issue stemming from aggressive enemy scaling and damage output.

This isn’t about gitting gud; it’s about fundamental game balance. The problem isn’t the difficulty curve itself, but its sharp, unpredictable spikes. Consider this breakdown:

Poor Early Game Progression: The initial learning curve is excessively steep. Players lack the tools and resources to effectively mitigate the game’s punishing mechanics early on. This leads to frustration before players have a chance to grasp core gameplay concepts.
Inadequate Feedback Mechanisms: The game often fails to clearly communicate enemy attack patterns or vulnerabilities. This opaque design reinforces the perception of unfair difficulty, especially for those unfamiliar with Souls-like titles.
Aggressively Tuned Enemy AI: Many enemies possess incredibly aggressive AI, prioritizing offensive maneuvers over more tactical or defensive actions. This combined with high damage output creates situations where skillful play alone is often insufficient for survival.

The resulting negative impact goes beyond mere frustration; it directly affects player retention. Many players simply give up, highlighting a critical design flaw that overshadows the game’s otherwise rich world and compelling lore. The criticism isn’t about the challenge itself, but rather its execution. The lack of accessible difficulty settings further exacerbates the problem, excluding a significant portion of the potential player base.

From a competitive standpoint, this creates an uneven playing field even amongst experienced players. While the high skill ceiling is commendable, the abrupt difficulty spikes hinder fair and enjoyable gameplay. It’s not about mastering a challenging game; it’s about a fair fight, and Elden Ring often fails to deliver that.

What is the psychology of Elden Ring?

Elden Ring’s psychology is fascinatingly tied to Marika’s psyche; the game world reflects both her conscious and unconscious mind. The way the Elden Ring changes throughout the game mirrors her evolving self-perception and understanding of the world. Think of it as a dynamic representation of her internal landscape.

Locations like Farum Azula are key to understanding this. Farum Azula, with its association with the dawn of knowledge and enlightenment, can be interpreted as a symbolic representation of Marika’s childhood, a time of innocence and potential before the shattering of the Elden Ring and the ensuing chaos.

This isn’t just a surface-level interpretation. Consider the themes of power, betrayal, and the cyclical nature of destruction and rebirth – all deeply embedded within Marika’s story and reflected in the game’s mechanics and narrative structure. The very act of becoming Elden Lord, the fragmented nature of the Great Runes, even the player’s choices – all contribute to a complex, multifaceted exploration of Marika’s internal struggles and the consequences of her actions.

The game doesn’t explicitly state this, but the allegorical nature of the setting, the recurring motifs, and the deeply personal narrative arc of Marika strongly suggest this psychological interpretation. It invites players to engage with the game on a deeper level, exploring not just the lore, but the psychological complexities of its central character and the world she shaped.

Why do people think Elden Ring is hard?

Elden Ring’s difficulty stems from its heritage as a Soulsborne title, inheriting the series’ notoriously challenging combat and unforgiving design. This isn’t just increased health pools and damage; it’s a multifaceted challenge.

Key Difficulty Factors:

Brutal Combat: Enemies are aggressive, possess varied attack patterns, and often deal significant damage. Mastering timing, spacing, and parrying/dodging is crucial for survival.
Environmental Hazards: The Lands Between aren’t just a pretty backdrop. Lava flows, treacherous cliffs, and even environmental traps contribute to the difficulty, demanding both combat and navigational skill.
Vast Open World: The sheer scale of the map can be overwhelming. Getting lost, encountering unexpectedly difficult enemies early on, and struggling with route-finding all add to the challenge.
Limited Hand-Holding: Unlike many modern games, Elden Ring provides minimal guidance. You’re largely left to discover mechanics, enemy weaknesses, and optimal strategies on your own, forcing you to learn from mistakes.
Tough Bosses: The boss encounters are infamous. They require thorough preparation, learning attack patterns, and mastering specific combat strategies to overcome. Experimentation and adaptation are essential.

Strategies for Success:

Master the Fundamentals: Focus on understanding basic combat mechanics – dodging, blocking, and attacking – before tackling tougher foes.
Explore Carefully: Don’t rush. Explore areas thoroughly to identify resources, uncover hidden paths, and discover enemy weaknesses.
Level Up Strategically: Invest in stats that complement your play style and chosen weapon types. Experiment with different builds to discover your preferred approach.
Utilize Spirit Ashes: Summoning spirit allies can provide invaluable assistance during tough encounters, especially early in the game.
Learn from Defeat: Each death is a learning opportunity. Analyze your mistakes, adapt your strategies, and try again.

In short: Elden Ring’s difficulty isn’t about cheap deaths; it’s about mastering intricate systems and adapting to a demanding world. Persistent effort, patience, and a willingness to learn are key to conquering the Lands Between.

Is Elden Ring the hardest game ever?

Calling Elden Ring the hardest game ever is subjective, but within the Soulslike genre, its difficulty is legendary. It’s not just the raw challenge; it’s the systemic difficulty.

Brutal Difficulty Curve: The game doesn’t hold your hand. Godrick, an early boss, can take hours even for experienced players, forcing adaptation and mastery of core mechanics. This isn’t a difficulty spike; it’s a consistent, relentless pressure.

Unforgiving Combat: Unlike many games, death isn’t a minor setback. It’s a significant loss of resources, forcing strategic play and careful resource management. Aggression isn’t always rewarded; precise timing and pattern recognition are paramount.

Open World Complexity: The open world isn’t just a pretty backdrop; it presents a constant threat. Powerful enemies patrol freely, and exploration often leads to challenging encounters well beyond your current level. This necessitates strategic exploration and smart level progression.

Build Variety & Mastery: Elden Ring offers incredible build diversity, but each demands a thorough understanding of its strengths and weaknesses. Mastering your chosen build requires significant playtime and experimentation. A poorly conceived build can make even relatively easy areas nearly insurmountable.

Learning from Failure: The key to conquering Elden Ring isn’t brute force; it’s learning. Each death is a lesson. Analyzing attack patterns, mastering timing, and understanding enemy weaknesses are crucial. My eight-hour Godrick fight wasn’t wasted; it was an intensive learning experience.

Key Learning Points from Godrick Fight:

Understanding his phase transitions.
Exploiting his vulnerability to fire.
Mastering Spirit Ashes summons timing.

The Verdict: While debatable as the absolute hardest, Elden Ring presents a uniquely punishing and rewarding challenge, demanding a level of skill, patience, and adaptation that sets it apart.

Is there toxic in Elden Ring?

Poison ticks away at your health over time, slowing you down and generally making your life miserable. It’s definitely something you want to avoid, especially in tough fights. Luckily, it’s not *as* brutal as Scarlet Rot, that nasty green stuff.

Your Immunity stat is your best friend against poison. The higher your Immunity, the more resistant you are. Want to boost it? Level up your Vigor. It’s a surprisingly important stat for poison resistance, who knew?

Here’s the breakdown of how to handle poison:

Avoid it: The best way to deal with poison is to avoid getting poisoned in the first place. Watch out for enemy attacks and environmental hazards that inflict it.
Cure it: You’ll need a way to remove the poison effect once you’ve got it. Plenty of items and spells can cure poison, so make sure you’ve got a few in your inventory. You can even find some Talismans to help mitigate the effects.
Build for it: If you find yourself constantly getting poisoned, you might want to consider raising your Immunity. Remember, Vigor helps with that.

One thing to keep in mind: different enemies and environmental hazards inflict varying levels of poison buildup. Some will barely tickle you, while others will have you chugging antidotes constantly. Pay attention to what hits you and adapt accordingly.

Oh, and don’t forget the boluses! They are your emergency kit.

How hard is Elden Ring for a noob?

Elden Ring’s difficulty for newcomers hinges heavily on prior experience with FromSoftware titles. The initial hours present a steep learning curve, unlike anything most players encounter. Expect a brutal baptism by fire. Understanding core mechanics is paramount.

Key aspects to grasp early:

Combat Timing & Spacing: Aggression isn’t always the answer. Learn enemy attack patterns and punish openings. Patience is your greatest weapon.
Spirit Ashes & Summons: Don’t hesitate to utilize Spirit Ashes, especially early. They provide invaluable assistance, particularly against challenging bosses.
Exploration & Item Gathering: The open world rewards exploration. Hidden paths often lead to powerful weapons, armor, and upgrade materials, vital for improving your character’s build.
Build Diversity: Experimentation is key. Different weapon types and stat distributions offer wildly varied playstyles. Find what suits your preferred combat approach.

The game’s initial difficulty is designed to test your resilience. Once you master the fundamentals – understanding enemy attack patterns, utilizing your environment, and mastering your chosen build – the game becomes incredibly rewarding. The sense of accomplishment after overcoming a difficult boss or challenging area is unmatched.

Consider these additional tips:

Upgrade your weapons frequently. This dramatically increases your damage output.
Level up your Vigor (health) early. This is crucial for survivability.
Explore Limgrave thoroughly before venturing elsewhere. This will allow you to level up and gain valuable experience.
Don’t be afraid to experiment with different approaches. If a boss is giving you trouble, try a different strategy or weapon.

Overcoming the initial hurdle unlocks an incredibly rewarding and immersive experience. The satisfaction derived from mastering the challenges far outweighs the initial struggle. The feeling of finally “clicking” and fully understanding the game’s systems is truly unforgettable.

How long does it take the average gamer to beat Elden Ring?

Sixty hours? Nah, that’s just the bare bones, the Elden Lord Express. Think of that as a speedrun, missing a ton of the incredible bosses, lore, and hidden areas. You’re basically just rushing to the final boss, ignoring all the incredible side stuff. Trust me, you’ll miss out on some seriously epic fights and breathtaking scenery.

The real meat of Elden Ring, the stuff that makes it legendary, lives in those extra 74 hours. We’re talking about uncovering all those hidden dungeons, battling the optional bosses – some of the toughest challenges in gaming history, by the way. Discovering all those hidden lore bits and cryptic items? That’s where the true experience lies. You’re diving deep into the Lands Between, uncovering its secrets and mastering its intricate combat system. Let’s be honest, many of the optional areas are better than the main game itself!

134 hours for 100%? That’s a solid estimate for a completionist run, but honestly, you could easily go beyond that. There are so many builds to experiment with, so much to explore and discover, you could spend hundreds of hours in the Lands Between and still feel like you’ve barely scratched the surface. Plus, don’t forget about NG+! The replayability here is insane.

How hard is Elden Ring for a first time player?

Elden Ring’s difficulty is legendary, and rightfully so. The initial hype surrounding its brutal challenge is entirely justified. From the very first moments, you’ll encounter imposing bosses, far exceeding the capabilities of an unprepared Tarnished. The game doesn’t hold your hand; expect numerous deaths, each a valuable lesson. This isn’t simply “hard”; it’s a deliberate design choice fostering a unique sense of accomplishment.

Understanding the Souls-like DNA: Elden Ring is a Souls-like game, meaning it prioritizes skillful, strategic combat over overwhelming power. Mastering timing, spacing, and understanding enemy attack patterns are paramount. Blindly charging in will almost always result in swift defeat.

Exploration is Key: Don’t underestimate the importance of exploration. The Lands Between are vast and brimming with secrets. Hidden paths, optional bosses, and crucial upgrade materials are everywhere. Exploring thoroughly allows for gradual power progression, making challenging encounters manageable. Think of it as building your arsenal, piece by piece, and strategically choosing your battles.

Spirit Ashes and Summoning: Don’t feel ashamed to utilize Spirit Ashes. These summonable allies provide invaluable support, particularly in tough boss fights. They are a viable and intended mechanic, not a crutch. Experiment with different Ashes to find what suits your playstyle and build.

Build Diversity: Elden Ring offers a remarkable degree of build customization. Experiment with different weapons, spells, and armor to discover what feels right. There’s no single “best” build; success hinges on adapting your approach to the challenges presented.

Embrace the Grind: Progress isn’t always linear. You will likely find yourself repeatedly facing the same boss, learning their attacks, and refining your tactics. This iterative process is integral to the Elden Ring experience. Every death is an opportunity to improve. This is where mastery truly lies. The rewards of perseverance are immense.

What does IQ do in Elden Ring?

Intelligence, or INT as we cool kids call it, is a crucial stat in Elden Ring. It’s your key to unlocking the devastating power of Glintstone Sorceries. The higher your INT, the more damage those spells pack, and the more effective your staff will be. Think of it like this: INT is the mana pool and the spell power itself. More INT means bigger boom.

But here’s the sneaky bit: INT doesn’t *just* boost your spell damage. It also improves your magic resistance, making you tankier against enemy spells. That’s right, higher INT means you can take a beating and dish it out. So stacking INT isn’t just about raw damage; it’s about survivability, too. A well-built INT character is a glass cannon that can actually survive long enough to fire that cannon.

Pro-tip: Don’t neglect Mind! Mind governs your FP (Focus Points), which is your magical stamina. You need enough FP to actually cast those spells, otherwise you’ll be waving your staff around like a noodle. Balance your INT and Mind for optimal spellcasting performance. You don’t want to be that guy with crazy high INT but constantly running out of juice.

Another pro-tip: Experiment with different staves! Each staff scales differently with INT, Faith, or even Mind, so finding the right one for your build is key to maximizing your damage output.

What is inappropriate behavior in Elden Ring?

Inappropriate behavior in Elden Ring broadly encompasses actions that disrupt the intended experience for others, primarily in multiplayer. This includes, but isn’t limited to, invading and immediately disconnecting (a common griefing tactic), exploiting glitches for unfair advantages like infinite damage or invincibility, repeatedly killing players who are clearly trying to progress through a boss fight, and using massively overpowered builds that negate any challenge for other players (think moonveil katana spam). The game’s PvP is designed around skill and strategic combat; circumventing that with exploits undermines its core design. Furthermore, unnecessarily aggressive behavior outside of PvP, like repeated phantom invasions designed solely to frustrate another player completing PvE content, should also be considered inappropriate. Essentially, anything that actively prevents others from enjoying the game or experiencing its challenges as intended qualifies. Finally, remember that the game’s matchmaking system relies on player behavior reports – consistently toxic behavior can result in temporary or permanent bans.

Is Elden Ring harder than Skyrim?

Elden Ring’s difficulty is legendary. Prepare to die… a lot. Its brutal combat and unforgiving world will test your patience and skill relentlessly. Expect a steep learning curve and frequent frustration. The game offers little hand-holding, demanding strategic thinking and meticulous build crafting. Think Souls-like difficulty amplified.

Skyrim, on the other hand, offers a much more accessible experience. While challenging encounters exist, the game’s difficulty is generally balanced and adjustable. You can easily scale the challenge by altering difficulty settings or focusing on specific playstyles (stealth, magic, etc.). Its vast open world allows for diverse approaches to gameplay and encourages exploration at your own pace. The skill tree is broad, enabling significant character customization, making it easier to overcome challenges.

Ultimately, the “harder” game depends on your playstyle and tolerance for frustration. Elden Ring prioritizes punishing difficulty, rewarding mastery and persistence. Skyrim values accessibility and player agency, making it more forgiving and enjoyable for a wider audience. Both games offer incredible worlds and compelling stories, but their approaches to difficulty are fundamentally different.

Is Elden Ring hard for a new player?

Elden Ring’s difficulty is a frequently debated topic, and rightfully so. It’s undeniably challenging, even for seasoned gamers. The game throws you into a vast, unforgiving world with minimal hand-holding. Death is frequent, and learning the intricate combat system, boss fight patterns, and exploration strategies is a significant part of the experience. This isn’t necessarily a flaw; the difficulty is integral to its rewarding gameplay loop. Unlike many modern titles, Elden Ring emphasizes player experimentation and adaptation. Trial and error, learning enemy attack patterns, and mastering the timing of your own attacks are paramount. Its open-world structure allows for strategic approaches; you can often level up, acquire better equipment, and explore easier areas to improve your chances against tougher foes before tackling them. The game’s difficulty is designed to be a test of patience, persistence, and ingenuity, rewarding players who dedicate the time to truly understand its mechanics. While frustrating at times, the sense of accomplishment after overcoming a particularly difficult boss or section is unmatched. Many players find the difficulty, while high, to be fair and ultimately satisfying, fostering a unique bond between player and game. Remember that the community is vast and helpful; exploring online resources, without resorting to overt spoilers, can significantly aid in overcoming specific challenges.

Is scarlet rot a real disease?

Scarlet Rot, huh? Yeah, it’s a nasty one in Elden Ring, right? But it’s actually inspired by real-world fungal diseases. Think Ascomycota, a massive phylum of fungi, some of which cause seriously debilitating conditions. We’re not talking about your average athlete’s foot here. These fungi can affect plants, animals, and even humans, causing a range of issues, from minor skin irritations to life-threatening systemic infections.

The way Scarlet Rot spreads in Elden Ring – that creeping, infectious nature – is a pretty accurate representation of how some fungal pathogens work. They can release spores that travel through the air, water, or even directly through contact. Imagine that creeping visual effect in the game mirroring the insidious spread of a real-world fungal infection.

Some real-world examples share similarities with the in-game effects. For instance, certain fungal infections can cause tissue necrosis – similar to the decay seen with Scarlet Rot. It’s fascinating how FromSoftware draws inspiration from real-world biology to create such a compelling and terrifying gameplay mechanic.

So, while you can’t *actually* catch Scarlet Rot, it’s a good reminder of the power and sometimes terrifying nature of real fungal diseases. Always be mindful of hygiene and seek medical advice if you suspect a fungal infection.

Can you be evil in Elden Ring?

Nah, man, there’s no “evil” playthrough in Elden Ring, just varying degrees of fucked up. Everyone’s a self-serving piece of shit, even the supposed “good” guys. Think about it: Radagon’s a manipulative, power-hungry god-king who shatters the Elden Ring, causing all this chaos. Marika’s not much better; she’s a delusional queen who orchestrated the shattering herself. Even Melina, your supposed guide, ultimately wants to burn down the Erdtree, a potentially catastrophic event.

Mohg, Varre, Rykard? Those guys are just extra upfront about their villainy. They’re efficient in their chaos. They’re not *evil*, they’re just playing the game with less pretense. Want to be a truly “evil” character? Embrace the rot, max out your arcane, and bleed everything to death. You’ll find plenty of opportunities to betray anyone who offers you even a fleeting moment of trust. The game throws you plenty of NPC’s to manipulate and destroy for your own gains. You can even roleplay as a total sociopath with a few simple build choices. This isn’t some black and white morality system, this is a brutal, power fantasy where the only constant is survival of the fittest. And you’re the fittest.

Pro Tip: Don’t get hung up on the lore. Just go out there and slaughter everything in your path. That’s the most ‘evil’ thing you can do in Elden Ring.

Who is the smartest character in Elden Ring?

Radagon’s strategic brilliance isn’t immediately apparent to the average Tarnished. He’s not flashy like some other characters, but his actions speak volumes. His mastery of sorcery and his incredibly potent incantations speak to a deep understanding of fundamental magical principles; a true scholar-warrior. The sheer logistical feat of attempting to repair the Elden Ring – gathering the shards scattered across the Lands Between – displays an unmatched level of foresight and planning. This wasn’t blind faith; it was calculated risk management on an epic scale. He anticipated resistance, hence the deployment of his various demigod offspring and the formidable forces guarding the shards. He understood the power dynamics inherent in the Lands Between, expertly manipulating them to achieve his goals, even if those goals ultimately failed. His dual identity as Marika further underscores this complexity; a master of deception operating on multiple levels. Consider his Elden Lord battles. His phase transitions aren’t random; they represent a calculated shift in strategy, adapting to the player’s approach. He’s not just powerful; he’s a tactical genius who anticipated player behavior centuries in advance, designing the fight itself as a complex test of skill and adaptability. Ultimately, while the outcome differs based on the Tarnished’s success, Radagon’s tactical prowess in both lore and gameplay is unmatched.

What’s the hardest video game?

Defining the “hardest” is subjective, but some titles consistently challenge even veteran players. This isn’t just about difficulty spikes; it’s about consistent, unforgiving gameplay requiring mastery.

Top Tier Brutalists:

Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice: Not just difficult, but demanding of precise parrying and aggressive posture management. Mastering its combat is a rewarding but grueling process. The sheer precision required makes repeated attempts less about memorization and more about genuine skill improvement. Expect to die…a lot. Its difficulty is a core element of its design philosophy.
Dark Souls series (including Elden Ring): While Elden Ring offers more build variety, the core challenge remains: precise timing, strategic resource management, and understanding enemy attack patterns. Learning from each death is crucial, transforming frustration into mastery. The interconnected world rewards exploration, but death is always lurking.
Cuphead: Stunning visuals hide brutally challenging, retro-inspired run-and-gun gameplay. Pattern recognition and precise timing are paramount. Boss battles are elaborate and unforgiving.
Super Meat Boy: Precision platforming at its most unforgiving. Fractional timing and lightning-fast reflexes are essential. Its brutal difficulty is relentless, but the satisfaction of finally conquering a stage is immense.

Challenging Contenders:

Hollow Knight: While not as brutally difficult as some, its intricate level design and challenging boss encounters demand patience and exploration. Its difficulty is more about thoughtful progression and skillful combat.
Doom Eternal: A relentless, high-octane experience requiring masterful resource management and aggressive combat. Its difficulty stems from the constant pressure and the need for precise movement and weapon switching.

Notable Mentions (Often Overlooked):

Battletoads (NES): A notorious classic known for its unforgiving difficulty and frustrating level design.
Contra (NES): Brutal run-and-gun gameplay that tested even the most seasoned players.
Ghosts and Goblins (NES): Infamously difficult platformer requiring precise jumping and meticulous enemy avoidance.

Important Note: Difficulty is relative. Some games on this list might be easier for players with specific backgrounds or skillsets. The true measure of difficulty lies in the player’s experience and the lasting impact of overcoming those challenges.

What is the longest game to beat?

Persona 5 Royal: The Ultimate JRPG Time Sink

Looking for the longest single-player game to conquer? Look no further than Persona 5 Royal. With an average completion time clocking in at a staggering 101 hours according to HowLongToBeat (HLTB), this JRPG behemoth reigns supreme.

But what makes it so incredibly long? Let’s break it down:

Massive Storyline: A richly detailed narrative filled with twists, turns, and memorable characters keeps you hooked for countless hours.
Engaging Gameplay Loop: The blend of dungeon crawling, social links (confidants), and stylish combat creates a compelling cycle that’s hard to resist.
Multiple Endings and Replayability: Unlocking all endings and maximizing your social links demands multiple playthroughs, significantly extending playtime.
Deep Character Customization: Crafting your ideal protagonist and forging meaningful relationships adds layers of depth and personal investment.

Beyond the main story, there’s a wealth of optional content:

Confidant Ranks: Maxing out all confidants unlocks unique abilities and story content, adding dozens of extra hours.
Collectibles and Side Activities: Numerous side quests, mini-games, and collectibles provide ample opportunities for exploration and reward.
New Content in Royal: The “Royal” edition adds a significant amount of new story content, a new confidant, and expanded gameplay mechanics, further extending the playtime.

So, if you’re craving a truly epic gaming experience that will demand a significant time commitment, Persona 5 Royal is undoubtedly the champion. Prepare for a marathon, not a sprint.