How Long Does Elden Ring Take to 100%? A Deep Dive for Completionists
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Alright, Tarnished, you’ve ventured into the Lands Between and now you’re staring down the barrel of a monumental question: how long will it actually take to achieve 100% completion in Elden Ring? The short answer? Buckle up. We’re talking anywhere from 150 to 200+ hours, and that’s assuming you know what you’re doing (at least somewhat). A truly fresh run, where you’re experiencing everything organically, could easily push you past the 250-hour mark. Let’s dissect this beast, shall we?
Understanding What 100% Actually Means
Before diving into time estimates, it’s crucial to define “100%.” For most players, this means:
- Completing all major and minor bosses: This includes all the optional bosses scattered across the map, not just the mandatory ones for story progression.
- Acquiring all Legendary Armaments, Talismans, Sorceries, and Incantations: Essentially, collecting every unique item that falls under the “Legendary” category.
- Exploring every area of the map: Unveiling the entire map and visiting all points of interest, including those hidden caves and catacombs.
- Achieving all endings: Elden Ring has multiple endings, and true completionists will want to see them all. This typically requires multiple playthroughs (NG+ or creating new characters).
- Completing all (or nearly all) quests: Some quests have mutually exclusive outcomes, meaning you can’t complete them all in a single playthrough. However, striving for near-total quest completion is part of the 100% experience.
Factors Influencing Playtime
Several elements can drastically impact your Elden Ring completion time:
- Your Skill Level with Souls-like Games: If you’re a veteran of the genre, you’ll likely breeze through combat encounters faster than a newcomer. Understanding enemy attack patterns and build optimization is key.
- Your Build: A well-optimized build can make a huge difference. Certain builds are more efficient for certain bosses and areas. Experimentation is part of the fun, but efficient builds save time.
- Your Playstyle: Are you meticulous and cautious, carefully exploring every nook and cranny? Or are you a speedrunner at heart, focused on efficiency? Your playstyle will influence your pace.
- Your Use of Guides and Resources: Referencing guides and online resources can save you countless hours of aimless wandering. However, relying too heavily on them can detract from the experience for some.
- Your Platform: PC loading times are generally faster than those on consoles, which can shave off some time in the long run.
- Co-op and Summons: Utilizing co-op or summoning spirits can make challenging encounters significantly easier, potentially reducing the number of attempts required.
- New Game Plus (NG+): While not strictly necessary for 100% completion, NG+ playthroughs allow you to progress through the game faster with your existing build and gear, making subsequent endings easier to achieve.
Breaking Down the Time Investment
Let’s roughly estimate the time required for each major component of 100% completion:
- Main Story and Major Bosses: 50-70 hours (highly variable depending on skill and build)
- Optional Bosses and Areas: 30-50 hours
- Legendary Items Collection: 20-30 hours (requires thorough exploration and potentially some farming)
- Quest Completion: 20-30 hours (some quests are complex and require specific actions)
- Achieving All Endings (Multiple Playthroughs): 30-50 hours (depending on how many endings you pursue and whether you use NG+)
Tips for Efficient Completion
While Elden Ring is meant to be enjoyed, here are some tips to optimize your journey toward 100% completion:
- Plan Your Build: Research and plan your build early on to avoid wasting time on respecs later.
- Prioritize Exploration: Thoroughly explore each area as you progress to minimize backtracking.
- Use a Checklist: Create a checklist of legendary items and quests to track your progress.
- Utilize Online Resources: Don’t be afraid to consult guides and wikis for information on obscure quests and item locations.
- Optimize Your Farming: If you need to farm for specific items, research the most efficient methods and locations.
- Don’t Be Afraid to Summon: Utilizing summons can significantly reduce the difficulty of challenging encounters.
- Embrace NG+: New Game Plus allows you to replay the game with your existing build and gear, making subsequent playthroughs faster and easier.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Is it possible to 100% Elden Ring in a single playthrough?
While technically possible to acquire all items and complete most quests in a single playthrough, achieving all endings requires multiple playthroughs. Some quests also have mutually exclusive outcomes, meaning you can’t complete them all in one go.
2. Does getting all achievements count as 100%?
Getting all achievements is a good indicator of progress, but it doesn’t necessarily equate to 100% completion. There may be items or areas that aren’t tied to specific achievements but are still part of the overall completionist goal.
3. What is the hardest part of 100% completing Elden Ring?
The hardest part varies depending on the player. For some, it might be defeating the most challenging bosses. For others, it might be the tedious task of collecting all the legendary items. Some players find the intricacies of certain questlines to be the most challenging aspect.
4. Is there a “point of no return” that prevents 100% completion?
Yes, there are certain actions that can lock you out of specific quests or endings. It’s crucial to be aware of these points of no return and make informed decisions. Consult a guide if you’re unsure.
5. Do I need to collect every single item in the game for 100%?
No, you don’t need to collect every single item. The focus is on acquiring all the Legendary Armaments, Talismans, Sorceries, and Incantations. Common items and consumables are not typically considered part of the 100% completion criteria.
6. How important is online play for 100% completion?
Online play is not strictly necessary for 100% completion, but it can be helpful. Co-op allows you to tackle challenging bosses with assistance, and trading can help you acquire certain items more easily.
7. Is there a best build for 100% completing Elden Ring?
There’s no single “best” build, but some builds are more efficient for general exploration and boss fights. A well-rounded build that can deal both physical and magical damage is often a good choice. Strength/Faith builds and Dexterity/Intelligence builds are both popular and effective.
8. How much farming is involved in 100% completion?
Some farming is inevitable, especially for acquiring rare items or materials needed for weapon upgrades. However, efficient farming strategies can minimize the amount of time spent grinding.
9. Can I respec my character if I make a mistake?
Yes, you can respec your character by using Larval Tears. These items allow you to reallocate your stats at Rennala, Queen of the Full Moon.
10. Is it necessary to defeat all Remembrance bosses for 100%?
Yes, defeating all Remembrance bosses is generally considered part of the 100% completion goal. These bosses drop unique Remembrances that can be exchanged for powerful weapons and spells.
11. What should I do if I get stuck on a particular boss or area?
If you’re stuck, try experimenting with different builds, weapons, and summons. Consult online resources for tips and strategies. Don’t be afraid to take a break and come back later with a fresh perspective.
12. Are there any missable items that can prevent 100% completion?
Yes, there are some missable items, particularly those tied to specific quests. Be sure to thoroughly explore each area and complete quests before progressing too far.
13. Does the difficulty setting affect 100% completion?
Elden Ring does not have difficulty settings.
14. Is it worth pursuing 100% completion in Elden Ring?
Whether or not it’s “worth it” depends on your personal preferences. If you enjoy exploring every corner of the Lands Between and mastering its challenges, then 100% completion can be a rewarding experience. However, if you find the process tedious or stressful, it might be better to focus on enjoying the game at your own pace.
15. Where can I find a supportive community to discuss Elden Ring strategies and lore?
There are many online communities dedicated to Elden Ring, including forums, subreddits, and Discord servers. These communities are a great resource for finding tips, sharing strategies, and discussing the game’s lore. You might also find value in the research and community surrounding Games Learning Society and how gameplay impacts learning; visit their website to learn more: https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/.
Final Thoughts
Achieving 100% completion in Elden Ring is a significant undertaking that requires patience, dedication, and a willingness to explore every aspect of the game. While the estimated playtime of 150-200+ hours may seem daunting, the journey through the Lands Between is filled with unforgettable moments and rewarding challenges. So, Tarnished, embrace the grind, explore the world, and become the Elden Lord you were destined to be! Good luck on your journey!