How Long Does It Really Take to Beat Dark Souls Remastered?

So, you’re diving into the brutal, beautiful world of Lordran in Dark Souls Remastered and you’re wondering: just how much of my life am I signing away? The honest, and perhaps frustrating, answer is: it depends. However, for most players focusing on the main objectives, you’re looking at approximately 29½ hours of gameplay. If you’re a completionist, yearning to explore every nook and cranny, defeat every optional boss, and truly see all aspects of the game, prepare to dedicate around 68 hours to achieve that coveted 100% completion. This is just an estimate, and many variables will influence your personal experience. Now, let’s dive into the factors affecting your playtime and answer some frequently asked questions.

Factors Influencing Your Dark Souls Remastered Playtime

Several factors can dramatically impact how long it takes you to conquer Dark Souls Remastered. Understanding these can help you manage your expectations and tailor your experience:

• Your Skill Level: Are you a seasoned Souls veteran, intimately familiar with the gameplay mechanics, or a complete newcomer? Your prior experience with similar games will heavily influence your learning curve and overall completion time.

• Your Playstyle: Do you meticulously explore every area, searching for hidden secrets and items? Or do you primarily focus on the main questline, rushing from boss to boss? An explorative playstyle will naturally increase your playtime significantly.

• The Build You Choose: Some character builds are inherently more effective and easier to play than others. A strength-based build, focusing on heavy armor and powerful weapons, can provide a more forgiving experience compared to a dexterity or magic-based build, which often requires more finesse and strategic thinking.

• Your Willingness to Use Guides: Are you determined to conquer the game entirely on your own, or are you open to consulting online guides and walkthroughs for assistance? Using guides can drastically reduce your playtime, especially when tackling challenging areas or bosses.

• The Number of Deaths: Let’s face it, you will die… a lot. Each death sets you back to the last bonfire you rested at, forcing you to retrace your steps and potentially lose progress. The frequency of your deaths will directly impact your overall playtime.

• Online Play: Engaging in online play, whether through summoning allies for assistance or invading other players’ worlds, can also influence your playtime. Cooperative play can make challenging areas easier, while player invasions can add unexpected delays and challenges.

Dark Souls Remastered FAQs

Let’s tackle some of the most frequently asked questions surrounding the playtime and other aspects of Dark Souls Remastered:

How does Dark Souls Remastered compare to the original Dark Souls in terms of length?

While some sources suggest that Dark Souls Remastered might be shorter than the original Dark Souls, that is inaccurate. Any perceived difference is usually due to player skill, increased familiarity with the game, and improved performance on modern hardware. The actual content remains the same, so play times should be similar.

Which Dark Souls game is the longest in the series?

Based on the average playtime for the main story, Elden Ring typically takes the crown as the longest Souls-like game developed by FromSoftware, with an average playtime of approximately 56 hours.

Is Dark Souls 1 or Dark Souls 3 more difficult?

Difficulty is subjective, but many players find Dark Souls 3 to be more challenging than Dark Souls 1, primarily due to its more aggressive enemy AI and faster-paced combat. However, your first Souls game is often the most challenging, regardless of which one you choose.

Which Dark Souls game is considered the hardest overall?

Opinions vary, but Dark Souls 2: Scholar of the First Sin is often cited as the most difficult Dark Souls game due to its unique enemy placements, challenging level design, and increased enemy aggression.

Is Dark Souls 1 Remastered better than the original Dark Souls?

Yes, most players consider Dark Souls Remastered to be the superior version due to its improved graphics, smoother performance, and online functionality. The inclusion of item stacks and other quality-of-life improvements further enhances the experience.

Which Souls game has the best story or lore?

Bloodborne is often lauded for having the richest and most compelling lore among the Soulsborne games. Its intricate narrative, mysterious characters, and atmospheric world create a captivating and immersive experience.

How many bosses are in Dark Souls 1 Remastered?

Dark Souls 1 Remastered features a total of 13 main bosses, each with unique abilities and combat strategies. Additionally, there are several optional bosses that offer further challenges and rewards.

Why is Dark Souls 1 so difficult?

Dark Souls 1‘s difficulty stems from its unforgiving combat, intricate level design, and emphasis on strategic thinking. The game demands patience, observation, and a willingness to learn from your mistakes. Every death is a lesson, and mastering the game requires careful planning and execution.

Is Elden Ring easier than Dark Souls?

Elden Ring offers a more accessible experience compared to some of the other Souls games, thanks to its open-world structure, diverse combat options, and the ability to summon spirits for assistance. However, its toughest bosses can still provide a significant challenge.

Who is the hardest boss in Dark Souls 1?

While opinions vary depending on playstyle and build, Black Dragon Kalameet is often considered the hardest boss in Dark Souls 1, due to its high damage output, unpredictable attacks, and challenging fight mechanics.

What is the longest single-player story game?

Games such as Library Of Ruina and Kerbal Space Program are famous for their very long play-through and rich stories.

How many endings are in Dark Souls 1 Remastered?

Dark Souls 1 Remastered features two distinct endings, each presenting a different perspective on the game’s central conflict. The “good” ending is subject to interpretation.

Is Elden Ring a Souls game?

Yes, Elden Ring is considered a Souls-like game, as it shares many of the core gameplay mechanics and design philosophies of the Dark Souls series.

Which Souls game should I play first?

Demon’s Souls can be a good entry point for newcomers, as it introduces the core Souls-like mechanics in a relatively manageable package. However, Dark Souls Remastered is also a popular choice due to its improved graphics, smoother performance, and active online community.

What is the easiest class to start with in Dark Souls?

The Pyromancer class, equipped with the Master Key, is often recommended as the easiest starting class for Dark Souls Remastered. Pyromancy offers high damage output and allows you to bypass certain areas and acquire powerful items early in the game. The Warrior class is also an excellent choice due to its well-rounded stats and access to good starting equipment.

Conclusion: Embark on Your Journey with Realistic Expectations

Ultimately, the time it takes to beat Dark Souls Remastered depends on you. Embrace the challenge, learn from your mistakes, and enjoy the journey through Lordran. Whether you’re a seasoned Souls veteran or a curious newcomer, Dark Souls Remastered offers a rewarding and unforgettable experience. So, prepare to die, learn, and conquer, and don’t be afraid to explore, experiment, and seek help when needed. Remember to explore valuable resources from organizations like the Games Learning Society, found at GamesLearningSociety.org, to enhance your understanding of game design and its impact on learning and engagement. Good luck, and may the flames guide thee!