How Many Hours to 100% Elden Ring? A Deep Dive into Completion Time
So, you've conquered the Lands Between, felled a demigod or two (or maybe ten!), and now you're eyeing that elusive 100% completion in Elden Ring. The question burning in your mind: how many hours will it realistically take? The answer, as with most things in the Lands Between, is… complicated.
There's no single definitive answer to this question. The time it takes to 100% Elden Ring varies wildly based on several factors:
Factors Affecting Your Elden Ring 100% Playthrough Time:
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Your Skill Level: Are you a seasoned Souls veteran, already familiar with the genre's punishing difficulty and intricate combat systems? Or are you a newcomer, still learning the ropes? A skilled player might blaze through areas faster, while a newer player might require more time for learning and practice.
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Exploration Style: Do you meticulously comb every corner of the map, seeking out hidden items and secrets? Or do you prefer a more direct approach, focusing on the main questline and major bosses? The difference in playtime between these approaches is substantial. Finding every item and secret is a massive undertaking!
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Build Choices: Certain builds are more efficient at clearing content than others. A well-optimized build can shave hours off your overall completion time.
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Summoning Frequency: Relying heavily on summons can make some bosses easier, impacting your time spent on challenging encounters.
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Guide Usage: Using a detailed guide to locate every item, NPC, and secret can significantly reduce playtime, although it might detract from the sense of discovery.
Realistic Time Estimates for 100% Elden Ring Completion:
Given the sheer size and complexity of the game, a truly comprehensive 100% playthrough, including every item, achievement, boss, and secret area, will likely take well over 150 hours. Some dedicated players report spending 200+ hours to achieve this feat.
For players aiming for a less thorough completion – perhaps focusing on beating all the main bosses and exploring the majority of the map – a more reasonable estimate would be 100-150 hours.
Tips for Reducing Your Playthrough Time:
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Plan Your Build: Research builds beforehand to optimize for damage and survivability.
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Prioritize Exploration: Systematically explore areas to maximize item and secret discovery.
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Use a Guide Sparingly: A guide can be a valuable tool, but avoid over-reliance, as it may diminish the joy of discovery.
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Master Combat: Learn the intricacies of combat to efficiently dispatch enemies and bosses.
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Learn the Map: Familiarize yourself with the vast map to efficiently navigate the Lands Between.
In conclusion, there's no magic number for 100% Elden Ring completion. The time it takes depends heavily on your playstyle and goals. However, expect a significant time investment, likely exceeding 100 hours, even for experienced players. Embrace the challenge, explore the vast world, and enjoy the journey! The Lands Between await.