The Longest Road: Unveiling the Longest Soulslike Games
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So, you’re a glutton for punishment, eh? A connoisseur of crushing difficulty and rewarding perseverance? You’ve come to the right place. We’re diving deep into the masochistic world of Soulslike games to answer the burning question: What game offers the most playtime for your hard-earned (and likely controller-throwing) money?
The crown for the longest Soulslike game, based on average main story completion time, goes to Let It Die, clocking in at a staggering 135 hours according to HowLongToBeat’s Main Story metric. While Let It Die certainly isn’t everyone’s cup of tea (or flask of Estus), its unique blend of roguelike elements, free-to-play structure, and sheer volume of content ensures a marathon experience for those willing to brave the Tower of Barbs.
Diving Deeper: Beyond the Main Story
However, focusing solely on the main story completion time paints an incomplete picture. Many Soulslike games are designed for multiple playthroughs, encouraging players to explore different builds, uncover hidden secrets, and truly master their intricate combat systems. When considering completionist playthroughs (achieving 100% completion, unlocking all achievements, etc.), the leaderboard can shift significantly.
It’s also crucial to differentiate between “Souls” games developed by FromSoftware (Demon’s Souls, Dark Souls series, Bloodborne, Sekiro, Elden Ring) and the broader “Soulslike” genre, which encompasses games inspired by FromSoftware’s formula but developed by other studios. While Elden Ring may be the longest Souls game, the Soulslike genre contains titles with far more playtime potential.
The Contenders: Beyond Let It Die
While Let It Die currently holds the top spot, several other Soulslike games offer significant playtime:
- Nioh 2: Complete Edition (84 Hours): Team Ninja’s samurai action RPG is packed with content, including multiple difficulty levels, expansive post-game challenges, and a deep combat system that rewards experimentation.
- Nioh: Complete Edition (73 Hours): The original Nioh also provides a substantial time sink, laying the foundation for the refined gameplay and content found in its sequel.
- Outward (49.5 Hours): This open-world RPG emphasizes survival and resource management, adding layers of complexity and requiring careful planning that can extend playtime considerably.
- Hollow Knight (41 Hours): While technically a Metroidvania, Hollow Knight’s challenging combat, exploration, and melancholic atmosphere place it firmly within the Soulslike conversation.
- Wo Long: Fallen Dynasty (34 Hours): Another entry from Team Ninja, Wo Long brings a Three Kingdoms flair to the Soulslike formula, providing a satisfying (though shorter than Nioh) experience.
- Code Vein (34 Hours): Bandai Namco’s anime-inspired Soulslike offers a unique partner system and customizable classes, adding replayability and encouraging experimentation.
It’s About the Journey, Not Just the Length
Ultimately, the “longest” Soulslike game is subjective and depends on individual playstyle and goals. Some players are content with completing the main story, while others strive for 100% completion or engage in multiple playthroughs with different builds. The real appeal of Soulslike games isn’t simply their length, but the challenging and rewarding gameplay loop that keeps players coming back for more, even after countless deaths. Learning, adapting, and finally overcoming seemingly insurmountable obstacles is what makes these games so compelling.
For those interested in further exploring the dynamics of game design and player engagement, consider visiting the Games Learning Society at GamesLearningSociety.org. Their work delves into the educational and psychological aspects of gaming, providing valuable insights into why we’re so drawn to experiences like the Soulslike genre.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What exactly defines a “Soulslike” game?
A Soulslike game typically features challenging combat, demanding precision and timing, punishing death mechanics (often involving the loss of collected currency), intricate level design with interconnected areas, and a focus on player skill and learning. While the Dark Souls series established the core tenets, many games have since adopted and adapted these elements.
2. Is Elden Ring considered the longest FromSoftware game?
Yes, based on average main story completion time, Elden Ring (56 Hours) is longer than any of the Dark Souls games, Bloodborne, Sekiro, or Demon’s Souls.
3. Which Dark Souls game has the longest main story?
Dark Souls 2 (44 Hours) boasts the longest main story completion time among the Dark Souls trilogy.
4. What’s the shortest Souls game?
The shortest Souls game is Dark Souls 3 (32 Hours).
5. What is considered the hardest Soulslike game?
Difficulty is subjective, but Bloodborne is frequently cited as one of the most challenging Soulslike games due to its fast-paced combat and aggressive enemy design.
6. Which is the easiest FromSoftware Souls game?
Elden Ring is often considered the most accessible FromSoftware title, primarily due to its open-world structure and the availability of Spirit Ashes to assist in combat.
7. What was the first Soulslike game ever made?
Demon’s Souls (2009), developed by FromSoftware, is widely recognized as the progenitor of the Soulslike genre.
8. Which Souls game has the best story/lore?
Bloodborne is often praised for its rich lore, intricate world-building, and haunting atmosphere.
9. Is Nioh harder than Dark Souls?
This is debated. Some find Nioh harder due to its reliance on multiple enemies and one-shot mechanics, while others consider Dark Souls more difficult due to its stricter stamina management and deliberate combat.
10. What is the most active Dark Souls game in terms of online play?
Dark Souls 3 and Bloodborne tend to have the most active online communities.
11. Who is the strongest character in the Soulsborne universe?
This is highly debated and depends on interpretation of lore. Gwyn, Lord of Cinder, is often mentioned due to his role in linking the First Flame, but the player characters (Chosen Undead, Tarnished, etc.) are capable of defeating immensely powerful beings.
12. Why are Souls games so difficult?
FromSoftware intentionally designs their games to be challenging, emphasizing player skill, learning from mistakes, and overcoming adversity. This philosophy is central to the rewarding experience they aim to create.
13. What’s the best Soulsborne game for beginners?
Bloodborne is often recommended for newcomers to the genre due to its engaging combat and streamlined mechanics.
14. Is Demon’s Souls harder than Elden Ring?
Yes, Demon’s Souls is generally considered more difficult than Elden Ring
15. Are there games with worlds bigger than Elden Ring?
Yes, several open-world games feature larger maps than Elden Ring. Some examples include: True Crime: Streets of LA, Xenoblade Chronicles X, and Arma 3.