How Quickly Can You Beat Elden Ring? A Deep Dive into Completion Times
Fast answer first. Then use the tabs or video for more detail.
- Watch the video explanation below for a faster overview.
- Game mechanics may change with updates or patches.
- Use this block to get the short answer without scrolling the whole page.
- Read the FAQ section if the article has one.
- Use the table of contents to jump straight to the detailed section you need.
- Watch the video first, then skim the article for specifics.
The question of how fast one can conquer the sprawling world of Elden Ring is a hot topic among gamers, particularly on platforms like Reddit. The answer, as with many things in the Lands Between, is multifaceted. While some players meticulously explore every nook and cranny, others are driven by the thrill of speed and efficiency. This article explores the different completion times, factors influencing them, and what you can expect from an Elden Ring playthrough.
The Spectrum of Elden Ring Completion Times
There’s no single answer to how quickly you can beat Elden Ring. Completion times vary dramatically based on playstyle, experience with Souls-like games, and chosen path through the world. Here’s a breakdown:
- Speedruns: The absolute fastest completions of Elden Ring are achieved through highly optimized speedruns. The current world record stands at an astonishing 19 minutes 49 seconds, achieved by the speedrunner “FirstTwoWeeks.” This feat involves advanced knowledge of the game’s mechanics, precise movement, and the exploitation of glitches and exploits. These runs are not representative of a typical player’s experience.
- Focused Playthrough (Main Objectives): A focused playthrough, concentrating on the main story path and essential boss encounters, can take approximately 58 hours, according to various sources. This involves making a beeline for required areas and bosses, bypassing optional content as much as possible.
- Average First Playthrough: For most players, a first playthrough will take significantly longer than the aforementioned focused run. The average time for a casual first playthrough is around 46 hours to 107 hours, according to Reddit discussions and articles. This disparity is due to the varying levels of exploration, side-quest engagement, and difficulty different players experience.
- Completionist Playthrough: Those aiming for a 100% completion of Elden Ring can expect to sink around 133 hours into the game. This entails exploring all regions, completing all quests, defeating all bosses (including optional ones), and obtaining all available weapons, spells, and items.
- New Game Plus (NG+): Replaying the game on NG+ can be completed significantly faster, as players carry over their character level, gear, and experience. The second run may be achieved in around 66 hours if you have good game knowledge, or even shorter times if rushing through.
Factors Influencing Elden Ring Completion Time
Several factors affect the duration of an Elden Ring playthrough:
- Player Skill and Experience: Players with prior experience in FromSoftware titles (such as Dark Souls, Bloodborne, and Sekiro) will generally complete the game faster due to their familiarity with the combat mechanics and game design.
- Exploration: The Lands Between are vast and filled with secrets. The extent to which players choose to explore will greatly influence their play time. Thorough explorers will spend more time discovering hidden areas, dungeons, and items.
- Combat Approach: Players who are meticulous in their approach to combat, carefully choosing engagements and using strategic advantages, might take more time than those who opt for a more aggressive or risk-taking playstyle.
- Build and Gear: A well-optimized character build with powerful weapons and equipment can significantly reduce the difficulty of boss fights and, consequently, the overall play time.
- Use of Guides and Help: Utilizing online resources, such as walkthroughs, guides, or cooperative play can expedite the process for some, while some find that it takes away from the intended experience.
The Reddit Perspective on Elden Ring Completion Times
Discussions on Reddit often highlight the varying experiences players have with Elden Ring. Here are some key takeaways from those discussions:
- Casual Players: Many casual players report their first playthroughs taking anywhere from 60 to 100+ hours, often getting sidetracked by the vast open world.
- Speedrunner Community: The speedrunning community is very active with a variety of routes and strategies, leading to impressive record times and constant competition.
- Completionist Community: Reddit also has a large community of completionists who enjoy sharing tips and tricks for getting 100%, detailing their individual play times and experiences.
- Advice for New Players: The Reddit community frequently offers advice for new players, often recommending not to focus on rushing through the game, but instead to enjoy the experience at their own pace. Many encourage new players to explore the world, experiment with different builds and weapons, and above all, to have fun.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are some frequently asked questions regarding the completion time of Elden Ring:
How fast can you beat Elden Ring?
The absolute fastest recorded time for completing Elden Ring is 19 minutes 49 seconds by speedrunner “FirstTwoWeeks”. However, this is a highly optimized speedrun and not representative of a typical player’s experience.
Can you beat Elden Ring in 30 hours?
Yes, it is possible to beat Elden Ring in around 30 hours, but this requires a focused approach and skipping much of the optional content. It’s often not recommended for a first playthrough as it can lead to a missed experience.
How long does it take to beat Elden Ring focusing on the main objectives?
A playthrough that focuses solely on the main objectives and essential bosses can be completed in approximately 58 hours.
What is the average time for a first playthrough of Elden Ring?
The average time for a first playthrough of Elden Ring for most casual players is around 46 hours to 107 hours, depending on exploration and gameplay habits.
How many hours does it take to 100% complete Elden Ring?
Achieving 100% completion of Elden Ring typically takes around 133 hours or more, as it involves exploring all locations, completing all quests, and defeating all bosses.
Is Elden Ring difficult?
Elden Ring is considered a challenging game, but its difficulty can be mitigated with time, experience, and player skill. The game offers many tools for improving your character’s power and overcoming obstacles.
What is the easiest ending to get in Elden Ring?
The easiest ending to get in Elden Ring is the default Age of Fracture ending, which is achieved by simply following the main storyline.
What is the most difficult ending to achieve in Elden Ring?
The most difficult ending to achieve is the Lord of Frenzied Flame ending, which requires completing a complex and obscure questline.
How many players have defeated Elden Ring?
Less than 37% of players have beaten Elden Ring, according to Steam achievement data, illustrating the game’s challenging nature.
What is the fastest “no death” completion of Elden Ring?
One player has completed the game in approximately 2.5 hours without dying a single time, showcasing remarkable skill and game knowledge.
How high of a level can you achieve in Elden Ring?
The maximum achievable level in Elden Ring is 713.
Is level 400 too high in Elden Ring?
Reaching level 400 is extremely high, and it can make many aspects of the game trivial. Level 400 is generally not recommended for PvP.
What is the hardest boss in Elden Ring?
Many players consider Malenia, Blade of Miquella to be the hardest boss in Elden Ring.
What percentage of players have 100% completed Elden Ring?
An incredible 7.9% of players on PlayStation have achieved 100% completion and earned the Platinum trophy, which is a very high completion rate for a AAA game.
How long is New Game Plus in Elden Ring?
A second full playthrough (NG+) can be completed in around 66 hours, however this could be much quicker for more experienced players.
Conclusion
The completion time for Elden Ring is a highly personal experience, shaped by the player’s choices, skill level, and engagement with the world. Whether you’re aiming for a lightning-fast speedrun, a comprehensive exploration, or something in between, Elden Ring offers a vast and engaging adventure for every player. While the speedrunning community provides awe-inspiring examples of efficiency, most players will find fulfillment in taking their time, exploring the Lands Between, and forging their own path to becoming the Elden Lord.