Cracking the Undead Code: How Long Does a Full Dark Souls Run Really Take?
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So, you’re thinking of braving Lordran and etching your name into the annals of Dark Souls completionists? Excellent! You’ve chosen a path paved with perseverance, patience, and probably a few broken controllers. But before you embark on this epic quest, you’re likely wondering: just how much of your life will Dark Souls consume in the pursuit of 100% completion?
The short answer: expect to sink around 105 hours. However, that number is a mere guideline, a whisper in the wind. The actual time commitment varies wildly based on your skill level, prior Souls experience, and whether you opt for a guide or choose to stumble blindly (a perfectly valid, if masochistic, approach).
The truth is, “100%” in Dark Souls isn’t just about beating every boss and collecting every item. It’s about mastering the game’s intricate systems, understanding its cryptic lore, and, most importantly, overcoming its relentless challenges. It’s a rite of passage that tests your resolve and rewards your dedication.
Let’s break down what constitutes 100% completion in Dark Souls and how that influences the total playtime. 100% completion generally means:
- All Achievements/Trophies: This is the most concrete definition. You must unlock every achievement or trophy available in the game.
- Knight’s Honor Achievement/Trophy: Arguably the most time-consuming, requiring you to collect all rare weapons in the game.
- All Bosses Defeated: This includes all optional bosses, not just those required to progress the main story.
- Reaching NG++ (New Game Plus ++): Certain achievements, particularly related to acquiring all spells, necessitate playing through the game multiple times.
- Full Exploration (Debatable): While not strictly required for the achievements, many completionists strive to explore every nook and cranny of Lordran, uncovering its secrets and lore.
The initial playthrough, where you’re learning the ropes and dying repeatedly to the Capra Demon, can easily stretch to 40-50 hours. Subsequent playthroughs, armed with knowledge and a stronger character, will be significantly faster. However, the Knight’s Honor achievement, with its weapon farming requirements, can add considerable time.
Ultimately, the 105-hour estimate is a reasonable target, but don’t be surprised if it takes you longer, especially if you’re new to the Soulsborne genre. Remember, the journey is the reward.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About 100% Dark Souls
Here are some common questions from players aiming to conquer Dark Souls completely.
Is Dark Souls 1 the Longest Souls Game to 100%?
No, not necessarily. While the base game may be shorter than Dark Souls 2, the Knight’s Honor achievement, with its extensive farming requirements, can make it feel longer for some players. Dark Souls 2 is often considered the longest due to its sheer size and DLC content. According to the text, Dark Souls 2 is the longest Souls game, even if you just run through and do the basics.
Can You 100% Dark Souls in One Playthrough?
Unfortunately, no. Some achievements, particularly those related to acquiring all spells (pyromancies, miracles, and sorceries), require items that are only available in New Game Plus (NG+) or New Game Plus Plus (NG++). This means you’ll need to play through the game at least twice, possibly three times, on the same character.
What’s the Hardest Achievement/Trophy in Dark Souls?
Without a doubt, it’s the Knight’s Honor achievement/trophy. Collecting all rare weapons requires not only beating every boss multiple times but also farming specific enemies for rare drops, which can be incredibly tedious and time-consuming.
Is Dark Souls II the Easiest Souls Game to 100%?
Some players find Dark Souls II easier than the other Souls games. The ability to respec your stats and the abundance of healing items can make the journey more forgiving. This is further confirmed by the text above Dark Souls II is the easiest in the franchise
How Many Playthroughs are Needed for 100% Dark Souls?
Generally, you’ll need two full playthroughs and approximately half of a third playthrough (NG++) to acquire all the necessary items and spells for 100% completion.
What is Involved in Getting the Knight’s Honor Achievement/Trophy?
This achievement requires collecting all rare weapons in the game. Many of these weapons are obtained by:
- Boss Weapon Ascension: Defeating bosses and using their souls to create unique weapons.
- Rare Enemy Drops: Farming specific enemies for rare weapon drops, which can have very low drop rates.
- Covenant Rewards: Ranking up in certain covenants to earn unique weapons.
Is Dark Souls 1 Harder Than Dark Souls 3?
The difficulty is subjective and depends on individual playstyles. Some players find Dark Souls 1 harder due to its slower combat and less forgiving mechanics. Others find Dark Souls 3 harder due to its faster-paced combat and more aggressive enemies. According to the text, 3>1>2 in terms of difficulty.
Can I Use a Guide for 100% Completion?
Absolutely! In fact, using a guide is highly recommended, especially for the Knight’s Honor achievement. A guide can save you countless hours of aimless wandering and farming.
Does Difficulty Affect Achievement/Trophy Unlocks?
No, the difficulty setting does not affect achievement/trophy unlocks in Dark Souls. You can play on any difficulty level and still earn all achievements.
What Happens After I Beat Dark Souls?
After defeating the final boss, Gwyn, Lord of Cinder, you’ll be given a choice that determines the ending. Regardless of your choice, you’ll be immediately thrust into New Game Plus (NG+), where the game starts over with increased difficulty and some new items and enemy placements.
Is it Recommended to Explore Everything in One Playthrough?
While not strictly required for 100% completion, exploring everything on your first playthrough is highly recommended. This will allow you to better understand the game’s world, lore, and mechanics, making subsequent playthroughs easier and more enjoyable.
What Stats Should I Focus on for a First Playthrough?
For a first playthrough, it’s generally recommended to focus on stats like Vitality (for health), Endurance (for stamina and equip load), Strength, and Dexterity (depending on your weapon preference).
How Important is Humanity in Dark Souls?
Humanity is a valuable resource in Dark Souls. It allows you to kindle bonfires (increasing the number of Estus Flasks you receive), summon other players for co-op, and reverse hollowing (becoming human again).
Where can I learn more about gaming research and education?
The Games Learning Society, found at GamesLearningSociety.org, is an excellent resource for exploring research and educational applications of gaming. You’ll find research, resources, and a community interested in the intersection of games and learning.
What is the Easiest way to find rare weapons in Dark Souls?
Follow a well-constructed guide for Knight’s Honor, and be prepared for some grinding. Focus your time and energy on acquiring all the rare weapons.
Achieving 100% completion in Dark Souls is a significant undertaking that requires dedication, skill, and a healthy dose of patience. But the rewards – the satisfaction of conquering a challenging game, the knowledge of its intricate systems, and the bragging rights among fellow gamers – are well worth the effort. So, embrace the darkness, prepare to die (a lot), and embark on your quest to become a true Dark Souls master!