How Long is Elden Ring for Beginners? A Tarnished’s Guide to Time in the Lands Between
So, you’re a newcomer gazing upon the sprawling landscapes of the Lands Between, wondering just how much of your life Elden Ring will consume. As a beginner, expect to spend anywhere between 60 to 80 hours to complete the main story. This accounts for the time needed to learn the game’s mechanics, explore, and yes, die… a lot.
Understanding Elden Ring’s Time Commitment
Elden Ring isn’t a linear experience. Its open world is vast and brimming with distractions. Unlike more streamlined games, the allure of exploration can easily lead you off the beaten path. While a seasoned player, familiar with the “Souls-like” formula, might be able to rush through the main bosses in around 58 hours, beginners need time to adapt. You’ll need time to understand the combat system, learn enemy patterns, and find your footing in this unforgiving world. This is especially true since Elden Ring is known to be harder than the average AAA action game.
Here’s what to expect when figuring out how long to beat Elden Ring as a beginner:
- Initial Learning Curve: The first few hours will be a trial by fire. Expect to die frequently as you learn the intricacies of dodging, attacking, and managing your stamina.
- Exploration: The Lands Between are designed to be explored. You’ll find hidden dungeons, powerful weapons, and crucial upgrades if you take the time to wander.
- Boss Battles: Elden Ring is famous for its challenging bosses. You’ll likely need multiple attempts to defeat each one, learning their movesets and exploiting their weaknesses.
- Leveling and Upgrading: You’ll need to collect Runes (the game’s currency) and level up your character to improve your stats. You’ll also need to upgrade your weapons to deal sufficient damage.
- Seeking Help: Don’t be afraid to consult online guides or ask for help from other players. The Elden Ring community is generally very supportive.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) for Elden Ring Beginners
1. Can a complete beginner play Elden Ring?
Absolutely! While Elden Ring’s difficulty is often discussed, it’s definitely manageable for beginners. The open world structure actually works in your favor. If you’re stuck on a boss, you can always explore other areas, level up, and return later. Experimentation is key!
2. Is Elden Ring easier for beginners than other Souls-like games?
While it maintains the core Souls-like difficulty, Elden Ring offers more accessibility for beginners. The open world provides alternative routes and opportunities for leveling, and the ability to summon spirits for assistance in boss battles can significantly ease the challenge.
3. What class should I choose as a beginner in Elden Ring?
The Vagabond is arguably the best class for beginners. It starts with high health, strong armor, a shield, and a decent weapon. It is a character who can hold his own in combat and help you learn the basics. This allows you to survive longer and make more mistakes without being punished too severely. Other solid options include the Warrior or Samurai. Avoid classes like the Wretch, which are designed for experienced players seeking a challenge.
4. What is the easiest build in Elden Ring for beginners?
A melee build focusing on strength and vigor is generally the easiest for beginners. Using a large weapon and heavy armor allows you to tank damage and deal significant damage in return. As new players find, the bow build is good to start with as they can thin enemy groups before melee combat starts.
5. What keepsake should I choose at the start of Elden Ring?
The Crimson Amber Medallion (increases max HP) is an excellent choice for beginners. It provides a significant boost to your survivability, giving you more room for error. The Stonesword Key is also useful for accessing early-game areas.
6. Is Elden Ring too hard for a casual gamer?
While Elden Ring is challenging, it’s not insurmountable for casual gamers. It will require patience and a willingness to learn, but the sense of accomplishment after overcoming a difficult boss is incredibly rewarding.
7. What level do most players beat Elden Ring?
Most players are around Rune Level 150 when they beat Elden Ring. This level provides a good balance of stats and allows you to experiment with different builds.
8. Why is Elden Ring so hard at first?
Elden Ring can feel overwhelming at first due to the lack of hand-holding and the unforgiving combat. You’re thrown into the world with minimal guidance and expected to learn through experimentation and observation. The focus and endurance to chain moves together into a successful battle also plays a large part in that.
9. Does Elden Ring have difficulty settings?
No, Elden Ring does not have traditional difficulty settings. However, there are ways to make the game easier, such as summoning spirits, leveling up, and using powerful weapons and spells.
10. Should I play Elden Ring if I haven’t played Dark Souls?
Absolutely! Elden Ring is a great entry point to the Souls-like genre. While prior experience with Dark Souls can be helpful, it’s not necessary.
11. Is Elden Ring the longest FromSoftware game?
Yes, Elden Ring is the longest FromSoftware game to date. Its sprawling open world and numerous side quests contribute to its extended playtime.
12. What percentage of players actually finish Elden Ring?
Approximately 50% of players who own Elden Ring on Steam have completed the game at least once. This is a relatively high completion rate compared to other AAA games, suggesting that many players find the game engaging and rewarding enough to see it through to the end.
13. Is Elden Ring a frustrating game?
Elden Ring can be frustrating at times, especially when facing difficult bosses or navigating challenging areas. However, the sense of accomplishment after overcoming these challenges is what makes the game so rewarding.
14. How can I make Elden Ring easier?
There are several ways to make Elden Ring easier:
- Level up your character.
- Upgrade your weapons.
- Summon spirits for assistance.
- Use summons to cheese bosses
- Explore thoroughly to find powerful items and spells.
- Consult online guides and communities for help.
- Experiment with different builds and playstyles.
15. Can the average person beat Elden Ring?
Yes, the average person can beat Elden Ring with patience and determination. While the game is challenging, it’s not impossible. Anyone can beat this game, just need some patience. The key is to learn from your mistakes, adapt to the game’s challenges, and don’t give up.
Ultimately, the time it takes to beat Elden Ring as a beginner depends on your playstyle, willingness to explore, and ability to learn. Embrace the challenge, explore the world, and don’t be afraid to seek help when needed. Good luck, Tarnished! You can see how games impact learning on the Games Learning Society website. Check them out at GamesLearningSociety.org.