Note: Some light Shores of Gold spoilers ahead
So I finally got around to 100%ing the Tall Tales. As a mainly solo player it was a pretty daunting task so procrastinated a bit until recently I decided to just go for it.
While doing it, to keep me motivated, I decided to turn the Shores of Gold into a time trial of sorts. The Tale itself doesn't change much, the puzzles are always the same, so it's kind of good for a speedrun as you can really try to optimise your path.
Only really RNG part is actually getting there, which is where time can really be lost or gained. I got Krakened on one run which added a few mins.
Taking the time from voting at Morrow's Peak to when the door opens at the end of the final cutscene, my best solo time was 57:05 (13:58 was getting to the Shores of Gold itself). As I have no recording, it's not an official time but it got me wondering. I'm sure it can be done quicker as I died 3 times (darn traps!) on that run and was sailing against the wind to get there.
If anyone wants to try, here's the rules I followed:
- Must be done solo (you can solo brig for speed, but that's only going to make it harder against the Gold Hoarder!)
- Time starts when voting at Morrow's Peak (you can do a running start but boat must not be far enough away to cause a mermaid to spawn)
- Time ends when door opens at the end of the final cutscene with the Pirate Lord.
- Optional split times: when the island name comes up on arriving there, and obtaining the Gold Hoarders Coin (this was at about 37 mins for me).
- No speed swimming with loot or loot juggling allowed but you can sword lunge if needed.
- Empty treasure chest is allowed (probably the best tip for this is to bring one).
- You are allowed to prepare - such as getting the previously mentioned empty treasure chest or gathering meat.
If anyone does attempt it, please let me know. I might do it again at some point myself if I see times to beat.
Happy Sailing.
