Has Anyone Fully Completed Elden Ring? A Deep Dive into Completion, Percentages, and the Endless Debate

Yes, many players have “fully completed” Elden Ring, depending on your definition of “fully completed.” While a true, technical 100% might be impossible due to branching storylines and choices that lock you out of specific content in a single playthrough, a significant number of players have achieved what most would consider complete mastery: earning the Platinum trophy on PlayStation, unlocking all achievements on other platforms, and thoroughly exploring the Lands Between. The percentage of players achieving this varies, but figures show it’s a substantial achievement, with Elden Ring having one of the higher completion rates among AAA titles. Let’s break down what “fully completed” really means in the context of Elden Ring and address some frequently asked questions.

Defining “Fully Completed” in Elden Ring

The ambiguity around 100% completion stems from the game’s design. Elden Ring boasts multiple endings, missable content, and a sprawling open world. Thus, defining full completion depends on the individual player’s goals:

• Achievement/Trophy Hunters: This is the most common metric. Earning the Platinum trophy or unlocking all achievements requires completing specific tasks, defeating particular bosses, collecting certain items, and reaching all possible endings (across multiple playthroughs).

• Exploration Enthusiasts: For some, true completion means meticulously exploring every nook and cranny of the Lands Between, discovering every secret, and battling every boss, optional or otherwise.

• Lore Masters: Others focus on uncovering the rich and complex lore of Elden Ring, piecing together the fragmented story through item descriptions, dialogues, and environmental details. This involves deep investigation and engagement with the game’s narrative elements.

• Power Levelers: These players aim to reach the highest possible level, maximizing their stats and experimenting with different builds to dominate the game. The “meta level” is a frequent topic of discussion as players try to find an ideal stopping point for PvP encounters.

The fact that reaching every ending requires multiple playthroughs inherently prevents a true 100% completion in a single run. However, players can get “pretty close” to experiencing everything the game has to offer.

Completion Rates and Player Data

Various sources offer insights into Elden Ring’s completion rates. One article mentioned that 7.9% of Elden Ring players on PlayStation had earned the Platinum trophy. Another source suggested that 8.7% of players have obtained all achievements. These percentages are considered high for a AAA game, indicating that a relatively large portion of the player base is dedicated to completing the game’s objectives.

These numbers should be interpreted cautiously. They don’t represent the entire player base, as they primarily track users who use achievement/trophy systems. PC players, for example, aren’t always accurately reflected in these statistics.

The Time and Skill Investment

Achieving “full completion” in Elden Ring demands a significant investment of time and skill. While some players, like RondogeRekt, managed to achieve 100% completion in around 101 hours, reaching New Game+3 in the process, this is far from the average experience. Most players aiming for complete exploration can expect to spend around 133 hours.

Elden Ring is known for its challenging gameplay. Its difficulty means that patience, persistence, and a willingness to learn from mistakes are vital. While anyone can beat the game, even the most experienced players will face formidable bosses like Malenia. Data shows that only 31.7% of Elden Ring players on PS5 have conquered Malenia. This highlights the skill and dedication required to overcome the game’s toughest challenges.

The Impact of Community and Resources

The Elden Ring community has played a crucial role in helping players achieve full completion. Online guides, walkthroughs, and forums provide invaluable information on boss strategies, item locations, and quest solutions. The collective knowledge of the community makes the daunting task of 100% completion more accessible. The Games Learning Society, at GamesLearningSociety.org, is a great resource for information on how games promote learning and problem-solving, skills very useful in tackling games like Elden Ring.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Elden Ring Completion

1. Is it technically possible to get a true 100% completion in Elden Ring?

No, not in a single playthrough. The branching storylines and multiple endings necessitate multiple playthroughs to experience everything. However, players can achieve a very high level of completion by earning all achievements/trophies and exploring a vast majority of the game’s content.

2. How long does it take to 100% complete Elden Ring?

On average, it takes around 133 hours to achieve 100% completion. Speedrunners can do it faster, but for most players, a thorough playthrough will require a significant time investment.

3. Is Elden Ring hard to 100% complete?

Yes, Elden Ring is a challenging game. Achieving full completion requires skill, patience, and a willingness to learn from your mistakes. Bosses like Malenia are notorious for their difficulty.

4. What is the fastest recorded time for 100% completion?

One of the earliest recorded times for 100% completion was around 101 hours, by a player named RondogeRekt, reaching New Game+3.

5. Can an average person beat Elden Ring?

Yes, anyone can beat Elden Ring with enough patience and persistence. While the game is challenging, it’s also fair, and players can improve their skills over time.

6. What level should I be to finish Elden Ring?

Players are often around Rune Level 150 when finishing Elden Ring, which is generally considered high enough to beat the game without excessive difficulty.

7. Can you get all 99 in Elden Ring?

Yes, 99 is the hard cap for stats in Elden Ring. You cannot increase stats beyond 99, even with talismans or other bonuses.

8. What is the recommended level for PvP duels in Elden Ring?

The “meta level” for PvP duels is commonly considered to be 125, although there is debate, and some players prefer 150.

9. What is the maximum level you can reach in Elden Ring?

While stats hard cap at 99, the maximum level your character can reach is 713.

10. How many people have beaten Malenia?

Only 31.7% of Elden Ring players on PS5 have defeated Malenia.

11. What are some tips for achieving 100% completion in Elden Ring?

• Use online resources: Consult guides, walkthroughs, and forums for help.
• Experiment with builds: Find a build that suits your playstyle.
• Be patient: Don’t get discouraged by difficult bosses.
• Explore thoroughly: Leave no stone unturned in the Lands Between.
• Engage with the community: Ask for help and share your experiences with other players.

12. Is there an easy mode in Elden Ring?

No, Elden Ring does not have a traditional “easy mode.” However, players can use various strategies, such as summoning other players for help or over-leveling, to make the game easier.

13. What is New Game+ in Elden Ring?

New Game+ allows you to start a new playthrough of the game with your existing character and equipment. Enemies are generally more difficult, but you retain your progress.

14. What are the different endings in Elden Ring?

Elden Ring has multiple endings, each determined by the choices you make during the game. Achieving all endings requires multiple playthroughs.

15. Is Elden Ring the most-quit game of 2022?

According to some data, Elden Ring was the most-quit game of 2022, based on users who log their playing habits on HowLongToBeat.com. However, this data may not be representative of the entire player base.

Conclusion: The Ongoing Pursuit of Completion

“Fully completing” Elden Ring is a subjective goal, one that varies based on individual playstyles and priorities. While a true, technical 100% may be unattainable in a single playthrough, the game offers endless opportunities for exploration, mastery, and discovery. Whether you’re an achievement hunter, a lore enthusiast, or simply someone who enjoys a challenging game, Elden Ring provides a rich and rewarding experience that can be enjoyed for hundreds of hours. The game is a great testament to how games can be engaging and promote skills that can be useful in other areas, as discussed by the Games Learning Society at GamesLearningSociety.org. The community continues to explore and dissect every aspect of the game, ensuring that the pursuit of “full completion” remains an ongoing journey.