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How Long Does It Take to 100% Dark Souls 3?

The short answer: Achieving 100% completion in Dark Souls 3 typically takes around 80-120 hours. However, this timeframe is highly variable depending on your skill level, prior experience with Soulsborne games, and how meticulously you approach the task. This completion time is based on the necessity of completing at least three full playthroughs of the game on the same character (NG++).

Diving Deep into the Completionist’s Journey

Dark Souls 3 is not just about beating the final boss; it’s about mastering its intricacies, exploring every nook and cranny, and conquering every challenge it throws your way. Embarking on a 100% run requires more than just raw skill; it demands patience, strategy, and a deep understanding of the game’s systems.

The Three Playthrough Requirement

Why three playthroughs? Because certain key items, spells, and rings are only available in New Game Plus (NG+) and New Game Plus Plus (NG++). To truly obtain everything, you’ll need to venture through Lothric and beyond multiple times, facing increasingly challenging enemies.

Factors Influencing Completion Time

Several factors can significantly impact how long your 100% run will take:

Experience with Soulsborne Games: If you’re a seasoned veteran, familiar with the core mechanics and enemy behaviors, you’ll naturally progress faster.
Skill Level: Your proficiency in combat, parrying, dodging, and exploiting enemy weaknesses will greatly influence your efficiency.
Build Optimization: A well-optimized character build can drastically reduce the difficulty of encounters, allowing you to clear areas more quickly.
Exploration Habits: Are you a thorough explorer, meticulously searching every corner for hidden items and secrets, or do you tend to rush through areas?
Co-op Play: Playing with friends can make certain sections easier, but it can also slow down progress if you’re not coordinated.
Farming Requirements: Dark Souls 3 often requires tedious farming for specific items, such as covenant rewards. Your luck (or lack thereof) with drop rates can significantly extend your playtime.

Key Completionist Tasks

What exactly constitutes a “100% completion” in Dark Souls 3? Here’s a breakdown of the major tasks:

Defeating all Bosses: This includes all mandatory bosses as well as all optional bosses in the base game and DLC.
Collecting all Rings: The complete set of rings requires multiple playthroughs as some are only available in NG+ and NG++.
Acquiring all Spells: Pyromancies, Miracles, and Sorceries all need to be obtained, some of which require significant covenant grinding.
Gathering all Gestures: Discovering and learning every gesture scattered throughout the game world.
Unlocking all Achievements/Trophies: Meeting all the requirements for the game’s achievements or trophies on your chosen platform.
Completing all NPC Questlines: Successfully navigating the often-obscure questlines of the game’s NPCs.
Discovering all Locations: Exploring every accessible area in the game, including hidden zones and optional paths.
Maxing out Covenants: Earning all the associated rewards from the game’s covenants, which often involves tedious farming.

Tips for Efficient Completion

Here are some tips to help you streamline your 100% Dark Souls 3 run:

Plan your Build: Choose a build that is effective in both PvE and PvP (for covenant farming).
Use a Checklist: Keep track of your progress to ensure you don’t miss any items or quests.
Consult a Guide: Don’t be afraid to use online resources to help you navigate tricky areas or questlines.
Optimize your Farming: Learn the best strategies for farming covenant items to minimize the grind.
Manage your Time: Break down the completionist tasks into smaller, more manageable chunks to avoid burnout.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are some frequently asked questions related to completing Dark Souls 3:

Is it possible to get 100% completion in a single playthrough? No, it is not possible to get 100% completion in a single playthrough because some rings and spells are only available in NG+ and NG++.
Which covenant is the most difficult to max out for completion? The most difficult covenant is often considered to be the Proof of a Concord Kept for the Blades of the Darkmoon.
What’s the best class to start with for a 100% run? The Knight class is generally recommended for its balanced stats and solid starting equipment.
Do I need to collect every weapon for 100% completion? No, you do not need to collect every weapon. Completion is usually determined by acquiring all achievements/trophies, which focuses on rings, spells, gestures, and boss defeats.
Are the DLC areas required for 100% completion? Yes, the DLC areas are required for 100% completion as they contain unique rings, spells, bosses, and achievements.
Does difficulty affect item drop rates? No, difficulty does not affect item drop rates. However, higher difficulties feature stronger enemies and better souls.
What is the fastest way to farm covenant items? The fastest way to farm covenant items involves equipping items that boost discovery, such as the Symbol of Avarice, Gold Serpent Ring, and Rusted Coins, and finding the most efficient farming locations.
Can I respec my character during a playthrough? Yes, you can respec your character by offering a Pale Tongue to Rosaria, Mother of Rebirth.
Is online play required for 100% completion? No, online play is not strictly required, but it can significantly speed up the process of obtaining certain covenant rewards.
What’s the most missable item in Dark Souls 3? Many feel it is related to NPC questlines, such as Sirris of the Sunless Realms and can be easily missed if one is not careful.
What is the importance of Hollowing in Dark Souls 3? Hollowing affects your appearance and provides a Luck bonus when wielding Hollow weapons.
Does the difficulty of the game increase with each playthrough? Yes, the difficulty of the game increases with each playthrough. Enemies have more health, deal more damage, and can have slightly different attack patterns.
Which is the hardest boss in Dark Souls 3 for most players? The Nameless King and Slave Knight Gael are considered by most to be the hardest bosses in Dark Souls 3.
What build should I use? Consider a quality build as it allows you to use a wide variety of weapons and spells.
Where can I learn more about the influence of video games on education? Check out the Games Learning Society at https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/ for research and resources on the intersection of games and learning.

The Enduring Appeal of Dark Souls 3

Dark Souls 3 is a challenging but rewarding experience that tests your skills and pushes you to your limits. Achieving 100% completion is a testament to your dedication and mastery of the game. The time invested is a true investment. And while the journey is long, the sense of accomplishment is unparalleled.

How long does it take to 100% Ds3?