I sometimes get asked for advice on how to get better at Pump it Up and so I made a video sharing all of my thoughts. Whether you are a new or experienced player, I hope there is something you can take away from this. Check it out if you're interested!
Game: Pump it Up Phoenix 2
Song: Escape D_AAN
Level: 24
Currently 3rd in Phoenix 2 leaderboards. This score squeezes just outside Top 10 in Phoenix 1. Really happy with how it went!
This is a highlights/analysis video of the 6+ hour marathon that took place on August 30th, 2026.
Player 1: ElijahTS
Player 2: Tomatonium
When Phoenix 2 released, most people spent their first session listening to the new songs, playing the new charts, and exploring the new features. Tomatonium had a different idea on how he wanted to spend his first session; clear every D25. I interviewed Tomatonium to gain more insight on how he approached not just this challenge, but his journey to improving as a player. Check it out on my YouTube!
Just a month ago, I was celebrating a SS+ score on it. I'm really happy with the progress I've made in my footspeed!
I attached my Pumbility sheet if you want to see what got me the 19k points required for the title. Really happy to get this!
Final Audition Ep. 2-X S24 (99.7 EG)
Let's go!! I initially wanted just to get a SSS for Run Lv 10 but then I was motivated to keep pushing and seeing if a SSS+ was possible. I was happy!
I had a blast with the new stuff, now I'm filling out scores and trying to build some Pumbility. I almost got the PG...one sneaky good during the last stair!
Hymn of Golden Glory -Shortcut- S23
I actually got a PG on it as a warm-up song at Beast in the East, but no one got it on video and it was in event mode. I did it again, and this time with evidence!
The 26 wall was a massive one for me. There were sometimes months between clears not because I wasn't playing, but because I was genuinely stuck. After returning from Beast in the East 9, I felt like I had gotten a lot of momentum and that propelled me to achieving this title right before Phoenix 2! Unfortunately, I seemed to have missed the deadline when they transferred the Phoenix 1 titles over to Phoenix 2 so this won't be carrying over sadly, but I'm still incredibly proud of the push I made!
My clears in order:
Repentance: 9-14-2025
Leather: 9-21-2025
Solve my Hurt SC: 11-22-25
Cleaner: 12-23-25
Aragami: 4-12-26
Extreme Music School 2nd Period: 7-26-26
Chimera: 7-28-26
Bemera: 7-31-26
Paradoxx: 8-1-26
Plus an upscore on Cleaner and Repentance!
I call it the No Bargoyle Challenge. The next goal is to get a UG!
Full Video:
I had the pleasure of spending the weekend in Virginia to compete in Beast in the East 9! It was my first tournament so I was feeling nervous on how I was going to do. I did not win the grand final, but I was incredibly happy to even reach the finals and earn the runner-up spot! I met so many great people and experienced many moments that I will cherish forever. I love Pump it Up and I love being a part of the Pump it Up community!
In this clip, I'm playing Repentance D26 as the final song of the winner's bracket final. HDS and I were tied 2-2, so this was the tiebreaker. He went first and got a broken AAA+ 96.6 which was higher than my 96.0 clear that I got in 2025. I've probably attempted this chart 50 times between 2025 to now, and now here I am with only one shot to beat a score that I've never gotten in any of the attempts I've put into it. In all of my years of playing Pump it Up, I have never been put in a situation where the stakes were this high. I thought I was going to crack under the pressure and let my nerves get the best of me. What ended up happening was a run where everything clicked when it mattered most. I gave it my all, and was able to win the match with a 97.2 S score. I was overcome with joy and excitement. It was truly an unforgettable moment and definitely one of the biggest highlights (highlights highlights) of my Pump it Up journey.
While I came short of the win in the grand finals, I felt like I was able to overcome my nerves and give it my best from beginning to end. I'm typing this having just returned home about 12 hours ago. I'm exhausted and sore but my heart is full and happy. Here's to next year!
Getting 100% completion in Rhythm Heaven Groove requires you to play each minigame a MINIMUM of six times. You will be acknowledged for achieving 100%, but you aren't missing out on much if you decide this grind is not worth it. You need to get the three consecutive perfects for night mode but you can simply play night mode by closing your eyes! 🤣
-Earn a medal in a minigame.
-Go for a perfect when the opportunity unlocks.
-Get a perfect three consecutive times for rainbow heart.
-Get a perfect in night mode.
-Repeat that entire process 79 more times.
-Clean up remaining minigames to get the flow perfect. (music note)
It took me about 30 hours total. And that excludes the side games, multiplayer, and score attack which could add many more hours. Long story short, this is a massive game!
Did not expect it to go so well!
Working my way through 100% completion. This has been the hardest night mode perfect challenge I have encountered so far!