Unveiling the Completion Rates of Elden Ring: A Deep Dive

So, you’re wondering what percentage of gamers actually conquered the Lands Between in Elden Ring? This question has sparked countless debates in the gaming community, and the answer, while not definitive, offers valuable insights into the game’s difficulty, accessibility, and player engagement. Based on aggregated data from various platforms, it’s estimated that around 30-40% of players who purchased Elden Ring have defeated the final boss and seen the credits roll. This percentage fluctuates depending on the platform (Steam, PlayStation, Xbox) and the specific metrics used (achievement completion, trophy acquisition). However, it’s a surprisingly high number compared to other similar games, indicating that while challenging, Elden Ring has managed to captivate a significant portion of its player base until the very end.

Understanding the Metrics: Achievements, Trophies, and Completion Rates

The most common way to gauge completion rates is by analyzing achievement and trophy data on platforms like Steam and PlayStation Network. These achievements are often tied to specific milestones in the game, including defeating major bosses and reaching the ending.

Steam Achievement Data

Steam provides a relatively transparent view of achievement completion rates. The “Elden Ring” achievement, which is awarded for defeating the final boss, is held by roughly 37.6% of Steam players. This number gives us a solid baseline for estimating the overall completion rate on PC.

PlayStation Trophy Data

PlayStation trophy data also offers valuable insights. The trophy associated with defeating the final boss is typically around 30-35%, varying slightly between regions. What’s more, an impressive 7.9% of Elden Ring players have earned the Platinum trophy, signifying complete 100% completion.

Platform-Specific Variations

It’s important to note that completion rates can vary between platforms. This could be attributed to different player demographics on each platform or variations in game difficulty and accessibility.

Why is Elden Ring’s Completion Rate Higher Than Expected?

Given Elden Ring’s reputation for being a difficult game, many are surprised by its relatively high completion rate. Several factors contribute to this phenomenon:

Open-World Exploration and Flexibility

Elden Ring’s open-world design offers players a degree of freedom rarely seen in the “Souls-like” genre. Players who struggle with a particular boss can explore other areas, level up, and acquire better gear before returning to the challenge. This flexibility makes the game more approachable for a wider audience.

Summoning and Cooperative Play

The ability to summon other players for cooperative play significantly reduces the difficulty of many encounters. This feature allows players to overcome challenging bosses with the help of experienced allies, making the game more accessible to less skilled players.

Extensive Online Resources and Guides

The Elden Ring community has created a wealth of online resources, including detailed guides, walkthroughs, and strategies for defeating bosses. Players who are struggling can easily find assistance and advice, reducing the learning curve and increasing their chances of success.

The Allure of “FromSoftware” Games

FromSoftware, the developer of Elden Ring, has cultivated a dedicated fanbase over the years. These players are familiar with the studio’s unique style of game design, and many are drawn to the challenge and sense of accomplishment that comes with completing their games.

The “Easy Mode” Debate: Skill, Time, and Perseverance

While Elden Ring doesn’t have a traditional “easy mode,” many argue that the game’s mechanics allow players to tailor the difficulty to their liking. By utilizing summons, exploring thoroughly, and leveraging online resources, players can significantly reduce the challenges they face. The game ultimately rewards patience, exploration, and a willingness to learn from mistakes.

Debunking the Myth: “Git Gud” is Not the Only Way

The phrase “git gud” (get good) is often associated with challenging games like Elden Ring, implying that players who struggle are simply not skilled enough. However, this is a simplistic and misleading view. While skill is certainly important, time commitment, research, and strategic use of the game’s mechanics are equally crucial for success.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Elden Ring Completion Rates

Here are 15 frequently asked questions to further expand on the topic of Elden Ring completion rates, designed to provide you with the most comprehensive insights:

1. What percentage of players have beaten Malenia, Blade of Miquella? According to PlayStation trophy data, roughly 31.7% of Elden Ring players on PS5 have defeated Malenia. This makes her one of the most challenging bosses in the game, with a significantly lower completion rate than the final boss.

2. What rune level is recommended for beating Elden Ring? Most players who complete Elden Ring are around Rune Level 150. This level provides a good balance of stats and abilities, allowing players to tackle the final bosses with a reasonable degree of confidence.

3. Does leveling up past 150 affect matchmaking for cooperative play? Yes, leveling up significantly beyond 150 can make it more difficult to find cooperative partners. The “meta level” for PvP duels is generally considered to be around 125, so players who want to engage in online play may want to limit their level progression.

4. How long does it take the average player to beat Elden Ring? On average, it takes around 58 hours to beat Elden Ring by focusing on the main objectives. Players who want to explore the entire world and complete all side quests can expect to spend around 133 hours.

5. What is the fastest recorded completion time for Elden Ring? The fastest Any% completion of Elden Ring is currently around 19 minutes and 49 seconds. These speedruns often exploit glitches and skips to bypass large portions of the game.

6. Is Elden Ring suitable for new players to the “Souls” genre? Yes, Elden Ring is considered to be one of the most accessible “Souls” games due to its open-world design and the availability of cooperative play. The game’s flexible difficulty curve allows new players to gradually learn the mechanics and improve their skills.

7. What percentage of players beat the first major boss, Margit the Fell Omen? Roughly 70% of Elden Ring players have defeated Margit the Fell Omen. This indicates that many players are willing to overcome the early challenges of the game, but a significant number drop off before reaching later stages.

8. What is considered the hardest boss in Elden Ring? Malenia, Blade of Miquella, is widely considered to be the hardest boss in Elden Ring due to her aggressive attack patterns, high damage output, and self-healing ability.

9. Are there any “easy” or “cheese” strategies for defeating the Elden Beast? Yes, there are several strategies for cheesing the Elden Beast, including using the Mimic Tear spirit ash to create a powerful distraction and exploiting the boss’s weakness to certain damage types. Staying calm and close to the Elden Beast will grant players chances to do damage, no matter which builds they are using.

10. What are the best builds for beating Elden Ring? There are many viable builds for beating Elden Ring, ranging from strength-based melee builds to intelligence-based mage builds. Some of the most popular builds include the Rivers of Blood build, the Comet Azur build, and the Faith build.

11. How important is leveling up in Elden Ring? Leveling up is important for increasing your character’s stats and improving their combat effectiveness. However, skill and strategy are equally important. It’s possible to beat Elden Ring at a relatively low level with the right build and approach.

12. What level is considered “too high” in Elden Ring? Leveling up beyond 400 can make the game feel tedious and repetitive, as you’ll have maxed out most of your stats. However, there’s no technical limit to how high you can level up, and some players enjoy experimenting with extremely powerful builds. Players cannot level up any of their stats beyond 99.

13. Where can I find resources and guides for Elden Ring? There are many online resources and guides for Elden Ring, including wikis, forums, and YouTube channels. Some popular resources include the Fextralife Wiki, the Elden Ring subreddit, and various content creators who provide detailed strategies and build guides.

14. Can you completely explore every area in Elden Ring on one playthrough? Yes, it is possible to completely explore every area in Elden Ring on one playthrough. However, some areas are locked behind specific story progression or require certain items or keys to access.

15. What are the most difficult common enemies in Elden Ring? Fingercreepers are among the most disturbing and challenging common enemies in Elden Ring.

Conclusion: Elden Ring’s Enduring Appeal

Despite its reputation for difficulty, Elden Ring has proven to be a remarkably accessible and engaging game. Its high completion rate, coupled with its vast open world, intricate lore, and rewarding gameplay, has cemented its place as a modern classic. Whether you’re a seasoned “Souls” veteran or a newcomer to the genre, Elden Ring offers a unique and unforgettable gaming experience. The Games Learning Society explores how games like Elden Ring can teach us valuable skills, such as problem-solving, critical thinking, and collaboration. For more information, visit GamesLearningSociety.org.