Elden Ring, FromSoftware's critically acclaimed action RPG, offers a sprawling world filled with challenging bosses, intricate lore, and countless secrets. But the burning question on many players' minds is: how long does it take to beat Elden Ring? The answer, unfortunately, isn't straightforward. It heavily depends on your play style, experience with Souls-like games, and how thoroughly you explore the Lands Between.
Factors Affecting Elden Ring Playthrough Time
Several factors significantly influence the time it takes to complete Elden Ring:
1. Your Skill Level and Experience with Souls-like Games:
If you're a seasoned Souls veteran, familiar with the combat mechanics and enemy patterns, you'll likely breeze through many encounters. Expect a shorter playtime. Newcomers to the genre, however, will require more time for learning the ropes, mastering combat, and overcoming challenging boss fights. Expect a significantly longer playthrough.
2. Exploration and Side Quests:
Elden Ring is vast. The Lands Between are teeming with secrets, hidden areas, optional bosses, and compelling side quests. Completing all of this will drastically increase your playtime. Focusing solely on the main storyline will result in a much faster completion.
3. Difficulty Setting:
While Elden Ring doesn't have traditional difficulty settings in the same way as other games, your build, playstyle, and strategic choices will determine your difficulty. A well-optimized build and strategic approach can significantly reduce your playtime, while a less effective build may prolong the game.
4. Your Play Style:
A stealthy, cautious approach might take longer than an aggressive, all-out assault style. Experimentation and finding what suits you best will impact the overall time investment.
Estimated Playthrough Times:
Based on various player experiences, here's a general estimate:
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Main Story Only (Speedrun): Highly skilled players aiming for a speedrun can potentially complete the main storyline in 20-30 hours. This involves minimal exploration and a focused approach.
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Main Story with Moderate Exploration: A typical playthrough focusing on the main story with some exploration and a few side quests might take 50-70 hours.
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Complete Game with 100% Completion: Players aiming for 100% completion, including all bosses, items, and secrets, can expect to spend 100+ hours, sometimes even 150 hours or more. This is a significant time commitment.
Tips for a Faster (or Slower) Playthrough:
- For a faster playthrough: Focus on the main story, avoid unnecessary detours, and utilize online guides for optimal boss strategies.
- For a slower, more immersive playthrough: Explore every nook and cranny, engage with all side quests, and take your time to appreciate the breathtaking scenery and rich lore.
Conclusion:
Ultimately, the time it takes to beat Elden Ring is subjective and depends heavily on your individual preferences and play style. Whether you're looking for a quick, action-packed adventure or a deep, immersive experience, Elden Ring offers something for everyone. Just be prepared to dedicate a substantial amount of time to fully explore its vast world and conquer its formidable challenges.
