Does Elden Ring Track Death Count? Unraveling the Mysteries of the Lands Between’s Mortality
The short answer is yes, Elden Ring does track your deaths, though not in a way that’s directly visible to the player in-game. While you won’t find a personal death counter ticking away in your menus, Bandai Namco has been diligently collecting this data behind the scenes. This information was publicly released to celebrate the game’s first anniversary, providing a fascinating (and perhaps slightly humbling) look at how many times players have fallen in the Lands Between. This article delves into the specifics of how Elden Ring tracks death, what those deaths reveal about player behavior, and answers some frequently asked questions about mortality in this challenging RPG.
The Grim Statistics of Elden Ring Deaths
Elden Ring isn’t just known for its breathtaking open world and intricate lore; it’s also notorious for its difficulty. Bandai Namco’s data revealed some staggering statistics about player deaths. Perhaps the most eyebrow-raising is the total number of deaths recorded: over 9 billion. Yes, you read that correctly. Nine billion times players have met their demise in Elden Ring.
This gargantuan number is further broken down to show what’s leading to so much digital death. Enemies and NPCs account for a whopping 69% of all deaths, solidifying the reputation of Elden Ring’s combat encounters. Status effects like poison and rot caused 15% of deaths. The game’s treacherous environment led to 14% of deaths from falling, while surprisingly, only 2% of deaths came from other players in multiplayer invasions. These numbers paint a picture of a game that punishes not only combat errors but also a lack of spatial awareness and vulnerability to status conditions.
The Reign of Malenia
One boss in particular stands as the ultimate harbinger of death in Elden Ring: Malenia, Blade of Miquella. This notoriously challenging optional boss is responsible for a staggering 329 million deaths. The sheer number of attempts on her highlights her as objectively the deadliest encounter in the game. Her aggressive move set, coupled with her devastating Waterfowl Dance attack, has frustrated and humbled countless Tarnished.
Average Death Count and Game Completion
With 9 billion deaths recorded across roughly 20 million copies sold in the game’s first year, the math reveals an average death count of around 450 per player. This paints a stark picture of the high mortality rate in Elden Ring and confirms that the game’s reputation for difficulty is indeed well-earned. Interestingly, while the game boasts a massive player base, only about 37% of players have actually completed the game. What’s more, only around 7.9% of players on PlayStation have achieved 100% completion, earning the Platinum trophy, showing the huge effort it takes to truly conquer all the game has to offer. This makes 100% completion one of the highest completion percentages for a AAA PlayStation game, while still being very challenging to achieve. According to data on HowLongToBeat.com, Elden Ring was 2022’s most completed game.
Death Mechanics and Consequences in Elden Ring
When death inevitably finds you in the Lands Between, there are consequences, though not all of them are permanent. Upon death, you will drop all held runes, the in-game currency used for leveling up and purchasing items, at the location of your demise. You will respawn at the last site of grace you rested at. You have an opportunity to return to the spot where you died to retrieve your dropped runes, but be warned: if you die again before retrieving them, they are gone forever.
Runes and Sacrificial Twigs
There are ways to mitigate the loss of runes. One consumable item, the Sacrificial Twig, prevents rune loss upon death. However, the twig itself is lost after use. This talisman is a useful tool for tackling dangerous areas and bosses, but its consumable nature means it must be used judiciously.
Great Runes and Rune Arcs
Great Runes, gained from defeating shardbearers, offer powerful buffs but only when activated using a Rune Arc. However, if you die, the buff of your equipped Great Rune is deactivated and you have to consume another Rune Arc to reactivate that Great Rune.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Death in Elden Ring
1. Can you track your own death count?
No, Elden Ring does not display a personal death count in the game menus. The death statistics are aggregated and released by Bandai Namco.
2. What are the common causes of death in Elden Ring?
The most common causes of death are enemies and NPCs (69%), followed by status effects (15%), and falling (14%).
3. What do you lose when you die?
You lose all of your currently held runes upon death, dropping them where you were defeated. These can be reclaimed unless you die again before retrieving them.
4. Does death impact Great Runes?
Yes, any Great Rune buffs activated with a Rune Arc are lost upon death. You will have to use another Rune Arc to reactivate the buff.
5. Who is the deadliest boss in Elden Ring?
Malenia, Blade of Miquella has inflicted the most deaths, with a staggering 329 million attempts recorded against her.
6. How many people have beaten Malenia?
Approximately 31.7% of players on PS5 have beaten Malenia, showing just how difficult she can be.
7. What is the average number of deaths in Elden Ring?
The average death count for a player in Elden Ring is roughly 450 in the first year of the game.
8. What is a Sacrificial Twig?
The Sacrificial Twig is a consumable talisman that prevents rune loss upon death, though the twig is consumed in the process.
9. How many people have 100% completed Elden Ring?
Approximately 7.9% of players on PlayStation have earned the Platinum trophy, indicating 100% completion.
10. How many players have completed Elden Ring?
Less than 37% of players have beaten the game.
11. What is the maximum level in Elden Ring?
The maximum level is 713, with all eight stats at 99.
12. What is the most popular Great Rune?
While subjective to playstyle, Godrick’s Great Rune is highly praised, offering a boost to all attributes.
13. What are Shardbearers?
Shardbearers are the main bosses of Elden Ring, including Godrick the Grafted, Rennala, Queen of the Full Moon, Starscourge Radahn, Mohg, Lord of Blood, Rykard, Lord of Blasphemy, Morgott the Omen King, and Malenia, Blade of Miquella.
14. Are there any weapons that affect death in Elden Ring?
Death’s Poker is a Greatsword that scales with strength, dexterity, and intelligence. It does piercing damage and causes frostbite.
15. How can you play the whole game in co-op?
A mod called Seamless Co-op allows players to play through the entire game together without the limitations of the normal co-op.
Conclusion: Death is Just the Beginning
While Elden Ring doesn’t feature a personal death tracker, the staggering statistics released by Bandai Namco underscore the game’s notorious difficulty. Death is a common occurrence in the Lands Between, but it’s also a learning experience, part of the journey that makes overcoming the challenges so rewarding. Whether you are a seasoned Tarnished or a newcomer to the Lands Between, embrace death as a crucial part of the Elden Ring experience. By understanding the mechanics of death and the staggering statistics, you can better prepare yourself for the challenges that await, and hopefully reduce your personal contribution to that 9 billion.