How Many Hours Long is Dark Souls 3? A Comprehensive Guide
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The burning question for any adventurer contemplating a plunge into the unforgiving world of Lothric: How long is Dark Souls 3? The answer, as with many things in the Souls series, is nuanced. On average, a focused playthrough aiming to complete the main storyline will take players around 32 hours. However, this is just the tip of the iceberg. For those seeking a 100% completion experience, including all side quests, optional bosses, and the game’s challenging DLC content, you should expect to spend closer to 92-99 hours. The exact time investment, of course, can vary significantly based on individual playstyles, skill levels, and the level of exploration undertaken.
The beauty of Dark Souls 3, much like its predecessors, lies in its replayability and the freedom it grants the player in how they approach the game. Some players may speed through it on repeat runs, while others may spend countless hours meticulously exploring every nook and cranny of the game world. The number above is a guideline, not a rule, and your journey in Dark Souls 3 can very well extend far beyond these averages.
Playtime Breakdown: Main Story vs. Completionist
The significant discrepancy between a main story run and a completionist run highlights the depth of Dark Souls 3. A 32-hour playthrough likely means that you will skip optional areas such as Archdragon Peak, and some of the more challenging optional bosses. These extra layers of content, however, can add tremendous depth to your experience. A completionist run, on the other hand, will take players close to 100 hours. This extended time includes tackling DLC areas, such as Ashes of Ariandel and The Ringed City, collecting all items, fully exploring all maps, defeating all bosses, and mastering the lore that makes the soulsborne series so beloved.
The Impact of Multiplayer
Dark Souls 3‘s active multiplayer community can also drastically affect playtime. Summoning other players to assist with challenging bosses or engaging in PvP battles can add countless hours of gameplay. This social element is integral to the experience for many players, making the game’s longevity far exceed the average completion times. The game’s replay value is boosted through a variety of builds, character styles, and co-op opportunities.
Dark Souls 3 Playtime vs. Other Soulsborne Titles
While Dark Souls 3 is not the longest game in the series, it sits comfortably in the mid-range. Here’s a quick look at how it compares:
- Dark Souls Remastered: 26-63 hours
- Dark Souls II: 46-119 hours
- Dark Souls II: Scholar of the First Sin: 36-105 hours
- Dark Souls III: 32-93 hours
- Dark Souls III: The Fire Fades Edition: 35-93 hours
- Bloodborne: 34-76 hours
- Bloodborne: Game of the Year Edition: 28-77 hours
- Dark Souls Prepared to Die Edition: 47-105 hours
As the above data indicates, Dark Souls 2 tends to be on the longer side, whereas Dark Souls Remastered is generally considered the shorter of the series. Both the base game and The Fire Fades Edition of Dark Souls 3 offer roughly the same playtime, with the latter simply including the game’s two DLCs. It’s important to note that the differences in play times between versions are minimal, and all experiences will generally take around the same amount of time to complete.
The Influence of Player Skill
A significant factor affecting playtime is player skill and experience with similar games. A veteran of the Souls series will likely complete Dark Souls 3 faster than a newcomer. Learning enemy patterns, understanding the game’s mechanics, and mastering combat will all contribute to a speedier playthrough. Conversely, players new to the genre may find themselves spending more time overcoming the game’s infamous difficulty.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is Dark Souls 3 the longest game in the series?
No, Dark Souls II and the original Dark Souls generally take longer to complete. Dark Souls 3 features the shortest average playtime compared to other entries in the series.
Is Dark Souls 3 shorter than Dark Souls 2?
Yes, on average, Dark Souls 3 tends to be shorter than both Dark Souls 2 and Dark Souls 2: Scholar of the First Sin.
How many hours does Dark Souls 3 have for a main story playthrough?
A focused playthrough aiming to complete the main story of Dark Souls 3 takes around 32 hours.
How long does Dark Souls 3 take to 100%?
Achieving 100% completion in Dark Souls 3 usually requires around 92-99 hours, including exploration of optional areas, defeating all bosses, and completing DLC content.
Does the Fire Fades Edition impact playtime?
The Fire Fades Edition is a complete edition, containing the base game and all DLC. It has an average completion time very similar to the base game, ranging from 35-93 hours.
Are the DLCs required for 100% completion?
While they add significant content and challenges, the DLCs are NOT required for 100% completion of the base game’s achievements and trophies.
How many DLCs does Dark Souls 3 have?
Dark Souls 3 has two DLCs: Ashes of Ariandel and The Ringed City.
Which Dark Souls 3 DLC is the longest?
The Ringed City is the longer of the two DLCs, offering more content and challenging boss fights.
Is Dark Souls 3 harder than Dark Souls 1?
Many players consider Dark Souls 3 to be more aggressive and challenging, especially in the later stages of the game. It’s often regarded as harder for new players in terms of its aggressive enemies and tough bosses. However, the first Souls game that someone plays tends to be the hardest for them personally.
Is Dark Souls 3 easier than Dark Souls 2?
The general consensus is that Dark Souls 3 is easier than Dark Souls 2 due to smoother combat mechanics and a more straightforward progression system.
How long is Sekiro compared to Dark Souls 3?
Sekiro takes about 30 hours to beat, with a 100% completion target taking around 70 hours. Dark Souls 3 tends to have a longer completionist playtime overall, when taking into account the optional DLC content.
Is Dark Souls 3 the easiest Souls game?
No, Dark Souls 3 is not generally considered the easiest Souls game. Games like Elden Ring and Bloodborne are typically considered more approachable.
What is the hardest area in Dark Souls 3?
The Ringed City is widely considered the hardest area in Dark Souls 3, with its challenging enemies and brutal boss fights. Archdragon Peak is also frequently mentioned as being very challenging.
Who is the hardest boss in Dark Souls 3?
The Nameless King is often regarded as the hardest boss in Dark Souls 3, with his two-phase fight providing a significant challenge to even the most experienced players.
Why is Dark Souls so hard?
The difficulty in Dark Souls games stems from meticulously implemented game design. It requires careful planning, precise execution, and the ability to learn from failures. The game is designed to be a challenging yet rewarding experience, that promotes strategic thinking and player patience.
Conclusion
Dark Souls 3‘s playtime is a variable thing, deeply influenced by play style and personal goals. Whether you are a hardened veteran seeking to challenge every boss and explore every hidden corner or a new player looking to experience the story, you can expect to invest anywhere between 32 to 100 hours into this dark and compelling game. Its replayability, multiplayer component, and the sheer volume of content ensure Dark Souls 3 continues to offer a rich and immersive experience for many players.