Can You Snag That Elden Ring Platinum in a Single Run? A Tarnished’s Guide

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So, you’ve braved the Lands Between, felled demigods, and are eyeing that shiny Platinum trophy for Elden Ring. The big question on every Tarnished’s mind: can you achieve it all in just one playthrough? The answer, while initially seeming like a resounding no, is a bit more nuanced. Technically, yes, you can get the Elden Ring platinum in one playthrough, but only with clever use of cloud saves. Without save manipulation, you’ll need a minimum of three playthroughs to acquire all necessary endings.

The core issue lies in the game’s multiple endings, specifically the trophies associated with each. Elden Ring features several different endings, each unlocking a unique trophy. To obtain all ending-related trophies, you’d typically need to complete the game multiple times, choosing a different ending each time.

However, there’s a workaround. By backing up your save file to the cloud (or a USB drive, if on PlayStation), you can defeat the final boss, acquire one ending, download your save, and then repeat the process, choosing a different ending each time. This allows you to unlock all ending trophies within a single playthrough.

Keep in mind there are also missable trophies. You must be extremely careful not to lock yourself out of any areas or quests before completing them. Missing just one Legendary Armament can force another playthrough! Careful planning, diligent exploration, and strategic use of online resources are your best friends.

Navigating the Missable Content

Before diving into save manipulation, let’s address the elephant in the room: missable content. This is where Elden Ring can be particularly unforgiving. Here’s a breakdown of what to watch out for:

• Legendary Armaments: There are nine legendary armaments scattered throughout the world, and collecting them all is required for a trophy. Two weapons, the Bolt of Gransax and the Ruins Greatsword are notoriously missable. The Bolt of Gransax disappears after a certain point in the story related to Leyndell, Royal Capital, while accessing the Ruins Greatsword requires completing the Radahn Festival.
• Endings: As previously mentioned, the various endings are tied to trophies. While cloud saves can help, you still need to unlock the requirements for each ending within your playthrough. This includes completing specific NPC questlines, such as Ranni’s for the “Age of Stars” ending.
• NPC Questlines: Many NPC questlines are missable or can be failed, leading to locked content and potentially impacting trophy acquisition. Pay close attention to dialogue, exhaust all conversation options, and consult a guide if unsure of the next steps.
• Areas Locked by Progression: Certain areas become inaccessible as the story progresses, often locking you out of items or encounters within them. Be thorough in your exploration before advancing the main quest too far.

The Cloud Save Strategy: Ending It Right

Here’s how to use the cloud save method to get all the ending trophies in one playthrough:

1. Reach the Final Boss: Progress through the game until you’re ready to face the final boss.
2. Complete Ending Requirements: Before the final fight, ensure you’ve fulfilled the requirements for all the endings you wish to obtain. This typically involves completing specific NPC questlines and obtaining key items. For instance, to get the “Age of Stars” ending, you must complete Ranni’s questline.
3. Backup Your Save: Upload your save file to the PlayStation Plus cloud storage (or a USB drive for offline backup).
4. Defeat the Final Boss: Beat the final boss and select your desired ending. This will unlock the corresponding trophy.
5. Restore Your Save: Download your saved game from the cloud (or USB). This will revert your game to the state it was in before you defeated the final boss.
6. Repeat: Face the final boss again and select a different ending. Repeat steps 3-5 until you’ve unlocked all ending trophies.

Is it Worth It?

The decision to attempt a one-playthrough platinum depends on your personal preferences. Using cloud saves can save time and prevent the need for multiple full playthroughs, but it also requires careful planning, attention to detail, and potentially frequent use of guides. If you enjoy exploring the world and experiencing the game at your own pace, multiple playthroughs may be a more enjoyable option.

Remember, the journey through the Lands Between is just as important as the destination. Whether you choose to optimize for speed or savor the experience, Elden Ring offers a rewarding and unforgettable adventure. The Games Learning Society conducts research on games and learning. Find out more at GamesLearningSociety.org.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are 15 frequently asked questions about getting the Elden Ring platinum trophy:

1. How many endings are required for the Platinum trophy in Elden Ring?

   While there are multiple endings in Elden Ring, you only need to unlock all the trophies associated with different endings to get the Platinum. You can obtain all ending trophies with just one playthrough using save manipulation.

2. Are there any truly missable trophies in Elden Ring?

   Yes, there are missable trophies. The trophy related to collecting all Legendary Armaments is particularly prone to being missed due to specific weapons becoming inaccessible after certain points in the story.

3. Can I get all achievements/trophies in Elden Ring solo?

   Absolutely! While Elden Ring supports co-op play, all trophies and achievements can be earned playing solo.

4. What is the approximate time to platinum Elden Ring?

   The time to platinum Elden Ring varies depending on your skill level and playstyle. On average, expect to spend between 70-100 hours.

5. Is Elden Ring platinum difficult to obtain?

   The difficulty of the Elden Ring platinum is subjective. Many players rate it around a 7/10 due to challenging bosses and the need for meticulous exploration.

6. What is the maximum level in Elden Ring?

   The maximum level in Elden Ring is 713. Reaching this level requires an astronomical amount of runes.

7. Is there a “point of no return” in Elden Ring?

   Yes, there are several points of no return that can lock you out of certain areas, items, and questlines. Be sure to explore thoroughly before progressing the main story too far.

8. How do cloud saves work for trophy hunting in Elden Ring?

   Cloud saves allow you to back up your game progress before making crucial decisions (like choosing an ending). After obtaining one ending, you can restore your save and choose a different ending, thus unlocking multiple ending trophies in a single playthrough.

9. Do difficulty levels affect trophy acquisition in Elden Ring?

   Elden Ring does not have traditional difficulty levels. The game’s difficulty is inherent and cannot be adjusted. Trophies are not tied to any specific difficulty setting.

10. What are soft caps and hard caps in Elden Ring?

    Soft caps are levels where the stat bonuses gained from leveling begin to diminish. Hard caps are levels where further investment in a stat yields minimal to no benefit. Stats generally can’t exceed 99.

11. What’s the deal with New Game Plus in Elden Ring?

    New Game Plus allows you to replay the game with your existing character and gear. Enemies become stronger with each subsequent playthrough.

12. Can you respec your character in Elden Ring?

    Yes, you can respec your character by using Larval Tears, which can be found throughout the world.

13. How do I unlock the “Age of Stars” ending?

    The “Age of Stars” ending is unlocked by completing Ranni the Witch’s extensive questline. This involves a series of steps spanning multiple regions.

14. Are summons allowed when going for the platinum trophy?

    Yes, you can use summons (both spirit ashes and player summons) while pursuing the platinum trophy.

15. Where can I find the Legendary Armaments in Elden Ring?

    The Legendary Armaments are scattered throughout the Lands Between. You’ll need to explore thoroughly and consult online guides for specific locations. Remember to grab the Bolt of Gransax in Leyndell and complete the Radahn Festival for the Ruins Greatsword before they become missable.