How Long Does it Take to Finish Bloodborne?
The burning question for many potential hunters venturing into the gothic horror of Bloodborne is: how long will this harrowing journey take? The answer, like much within the game itself, is nuanced and depends heavily on your playstyle and goals. A straightforward run focusing solely on the main objectives can clock in around 33 hours. However, if you’re the type of player who strives to uncover every hidden corner, defeat every optional boss, and achieve 100% completion, you’re looking at a playtime closer to 76 hours. That’s more than double the time, showcasing the incredible depth and replayability of the FromSoftware masterpiece.
Factors Influencing Playtime
Several key factors contribute to the wide range of playtimes reported by players:
Player Skill and Experience
If you are a seasoned Souls-like veteran, familiar with the punishing combat mechanics and intricate level design, you will likely progress through Bloodborne at a faster pace than someone new to the genre. The game’s fast-paced combat, demanding precise parrying and dodging, can be a significant hurdle for newcomers. A significant learning curve should be expected if it is your first foray into the world of FromSoftware games.
Exploration Habits
Bloodborne is renowned for its interconnected world and myriad secrets. Players who diligently explore every nook and cranny, seeking out hidden areas and optional bosses, will naturally spend far more time in the game. Those who focus solely on the main path will significantly reduce the time they spend in Yharnam.
Use of Guides and Online Resources
Going into Bloodborne blind is a completely different experience compared to utilizing guides or walkthroughs. Attempting to discover the game’s secrets independently, learn boss attack patterns, and navigate the interconnected world will dramatically increase your playtime. Conversely, using guides and online resources will help you avoid pitfalls and complete areas more efficiently.
Goals for Completion
The term “finishing” Bloodborne can mean different things to different players. Simply rolling the credits after defeating the final required boss is one form of completion. Reaching true 100% completion involves defeating all optional bosses, obtaining all trophies, and completing all side questlines, significantly increasing playtime.
First Playthrough vs. Subsequent Runs
First-time playthroughs typically take the longest, as players are learning the ropes, experimenting with different builds, and discovering the game’s world for the first time. Subsequent playthroughs are often much faster, as players know the game’s layout, boss patterns, and optimal routes. The replayability of Bloodborne is a major factor, with many players returning for multiple playthroughs to try different builds or experience the game in new ways.
Typical Playtime Expectations
For a typical first playthrough, without the use of guides and moderate exploration, expect to spend roughly 50 hours experiencing the harrowing world of Bloodborne. This time will vary depending on how thorough you are with exploration and how many times you struggle with particularly challenging areas and bosses. Expect to add more time onto this estimate if you’re aiming for all trophies, and the true ending.
Bloodborne DLC
The Old Hunters DLC adds a significant amount of content to the base game, including new areas, bosses, and weapons. If you are planning on tackling the DLC, be prepared to add another 10-20 hours to your playtime for the whole experience. The DLC content is frequently cited by fans as being the most challenging aspect of the entire game, so keep this in mind.
Conclusion
Finishing Bloodborne can take anywhere from 33 hours for a barebones playthrough to over 76 hours for a comprehensive, 100% completion run. Your individual playtime will be influenced by your gaming experience, exploration style, and your personal goals for finishing the game. No matter your playstyle, the immersive and challenging world of Bloodborne offers an unforgettable experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some frequently asked questions about the playtime and difficulty of Bloodborne:
1. Can I finish Bloodborne in a week?
Whether you can finish Bloodborne in a week depends on how much time you have to play each day. If you aim for the base game, a 33-hour playthrough is possible with consistent daily playtime. However, aiming for a complete or even average 50-hour playthrough will require dedicated time each day.
2. Is Bloodborne harder than Elden Ring?
While both are challenging games, Bloodborne is often considered more difficult due to its faster-paced combat and less forgiving mechanics. Elden Ring provides more options for mitigating difficulty, such as the Spirit Bell to summon allies, and the open-world design allows players to leave difficult encounters and return later when they are stronger.
3. Is Bloodborne the hardest game ever made?
Bloodborne is frequently cited as one of the hardest games, particularly within the Souls-like genre, due to its challenging boss battles and fast-paced combat. However, whether it is the hardest is a matter of personal preference and varies between players.
4. What’s the longest Souls game?
While some of the Dark Souls titles can reach playtime of 100+ hours for completionist runs, Bloodborne tends to fall in the middle of the pack, at 34-76 hours.
5. What happens when an Elden Ring player tries Bloodborne for the first time?
Elden Ring players stepping into Bloodborne often find themselves initially overwhelmed by the faster combat and tighter level design. The lack of a dedicated block button also requires a complete shift in strategy, often leading to an initial shock before players adapt.
6. Which Souls game is the hardest?
While Bloodborne is notoriously difficult, Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice is often considered the most challenging due to its strict parrying mechanics and reliance on precise timing.
7. What’s the best origin in Bloodborne for beginners?
The Military Veteran origin is generally considered a strong starting class for beginners, offering well-rounded stats that make early game survival more accessible.
8. Is Bloodborne faster than Sekiro?
Sekiro is mechanically faster than Bloodborne due to the ability to dash and jump. Bloodborne‘s combat emphasizes dodging, parrying, and fast-paced attacks, rather than the more vertical traversal of Sekiro.
9. Who is the hardest boss in Bloodborne?
The Orphan of Kos is often cited as the most difficult boss in Bloodborne due to its erratic movements and relentless attacks. It can be very frustrating to overcome.
10. Is Bloodborne harder than Ghost of Tsushima?
Bloodborne is generally considered far more difficult than Ghost of Tsushima, which is an open-world action game with a strong emphasis on exploration and side quests.
11. Is Bloodborne the hardest souls like?
The Bloodborne DLC is frequently cited as the most challenging content in the series. The battles against Ludwig The Accursed/Ludwig The Holy Blade and the Orphan of Kos are notorious amongst the fan base.
12. Is Bloodborne getting a remaster?
Rumors suggest a Bloodborne remaster is in development and is aiming for a 2025 release. However, this information is not confirmed and should be taken with a grain of salt.
13. Is Bloodborne more difficult than Demon’s Souls?
Demon’s Souls is considered easier than Bloodborne. However, the slower, more deliberate pace of Demon’s Souls can be a hurdle for those used to more fast-paced combat.
14. What percentage of players beat Bloodborne?
Approximately 31.9% of players have completed at least one of the game’s endings, reflecting the game’s challenging but engaging nature.
15. What is the hardest thing to do in Bloodborne?
Many encounters in Bloodborne are notorious, including the optional boss fights, encounters with multiple hunters, and traversing through heavily populated enemy zones. The two giant fishmen in the DLC are commonly cited as the most difficult encounter.