So, you’re wondering about Elden Ring playtime? Let’s break it down for the Tarnished seeking optimal efficiency versus total immersion. The numbers you’ve heard (20, 60, and 31 hours) are just the tip of the iceberg, mere signposts on a journey through the Lands Between.
The “Main Story Only” Run (20 hours): This is a brutal, unforgiving path. You’ll experience the core narrative, minimal exploration, and likely many deaths. Expect intense focus on boss fights and main questlines, sacrificing almost all side content for sheer speed. Think of it as a legendary warrior sprinting through a battlefield, ignoring the cries for help to reach the ultimate goal.
The “Completionist’s Nightmare” (60+ hours): This is the average playthrough for someone engaging with most content. It involves a decent exploration of every region, completion of many side quests, and a healthy dose of experimentation with builds and strategies. This is where you truly unearth the secrets woven into the game’s breathtaking tapestry.
- Consider this: This time estimate assumes reasonable skill. Dying repeatedly will undoubtedly inflate this number.
- Remember: There are countless hidden dungeons, bosses, and secrets throughout the Lands Between.
The “Balanced Approach” (31 hours): This represents a middle ground, encompassing a good amount of exploration and side content without sacrificing significant progress on the main story. A good way to experience the game’s breadth without being overwhelmed by its depth.
- Prioritize key side quests: Many of these unlock powerful weapons and lore-rich dialogue.
- Explore thoroughly but strategically: Focus on regions relevant to your current story progression, but don’t be afraid to venture off the beaten path.
- Manage expectations: The Lands Between is vast and full of surprises. Don’t feel pressured to complete everything in a single playthrough.
Beyond the Numbers: Ultimately, the true playtime in Elden Ring is subjective. It’s about the journey, the discovery, and the countless stories hidden within. Embrace the challenge, the uncertainty, and the sheer wonder of the Lands Between. Your personal Elden Ring experience will far exceed any arbitrary number.
How many endings does Elden Ring have?
Elden Ring boasts six distinct endings: Age of Fracture, Age of Order, Age of Duskborn, Age of Despair, Lord of Frenzied Flame, and Age of Stars. These are all triggered at the fractured Marika statue after defeating both Radagon of the Golden Order and the final boss, whose identity varies depending on your choices throughout the game. The path to each ending involves collecting specific items and making key decisions during the narrative, most notably interacting with key NPCs like Ranni the Witch, Melina, and the Fingerslayer Blade. Understanding these interactions significantly shapes your ultimate fate. Choosing the “right” ending is subjective, each providing a different interpretation of the game’s themes regarding order, chaos, and the very nature of existence itself. The endings are not merely cosmetic variations; they reflect fundamental shifts in the world’s status quo, profoundly affecting its inhabitants and the overall tone of the post-game experience. The questlines related to these endings are intricate and often interwoven, requiring careful attention to dialogue and exploration to unlock their respective requirements. The sheer depth of choices and the nuanced consequences make Elden Ring’s multiple endings a significant triumph of narrative design.
How long does it take to play Elden Ring?
So, you’re wondering how long Elden Ring takes? Sixty hours to beat the main story, that’s the short answer. Think of that as a speedrun, focusing only on the critical path, minimal exploration. But that’s barely scratching the surface. Elden Ring is massive.
To really experience everything, to explore every corner of the Lands Between, uncover all the secrets, and defeat every boss including all those optional ones… you’re looking at a much longer commitment, upwards of 134 hours for a true 100% completion. This includes finding all the Legendary Talismans, weapons, spells, and uncovering the lore hidden within item descriptions and environmental storytelling.
Don’t underestimate the side quests. Some of the most compelling stories and challenging encounters are off the beaten path. Plus, you’ll need to grind for materials and levels; even the most skilled players will likely find themselves farming for those late-game upgrades.
The playtime varies wildly based on your playstyle. Are you a reckless warrior charging headfirst into every battle? Or a cautious mage meticulously planning each attack? Your build, your choices, they all impact how long the journey takes. Expect it to take significantly longer if you’re focusing on completing every achievement and trophy. Prepare to get lost – it’s part of the fun!
That 134-hour figure? That’s just an estimate. Many players report far longer playthroughs, especially those who really delve into the rich world and lore. Consider it a marathon, not a sprint.
Is Elden Ring the longest game?
Elden Ring’s length is subjective; while it’s touted as one of the longest games of 2025 by HowLongtoBeat, that metric only considers completion times. It significantly underrepresents the depth of optional content, including hidden bosses, challenging areas, and build experimentation.
True playtime varies wildly, from a brisk 50 hours for a focused main story completion to well over 100 hours for thorough exploration and multiple playthroughs. Many players, as your statistic indicates (264 quitting – a significant yet still small percentage compared to the game’s overall player base), found the difficulty and extensive playtime overwhelming. This is common with Soulslike games; burnout is real.
Strategies for mitigating burnout: Don’t force yourself. Take breaks. Explore selectively; focusing on specific areas or storylines can break up the monotony. Experiment with different builds to change your gameplay experience. And remember, there’s no shame in using guides or summoning help – this game is notoriously difficult. Many consider the challenge part of the game’s appeal but acknowledging personal limits is crucial for enjoyment.
In short: Elden Ring is long, yes, but “longest” is misleading. Its true length depends entirely on your playstyle and tolerance for difficulty. Prepare to invest considerable time, but prioritize your enjoyment over chasing completion.
Is Elden Ring a 30-hour game?
While Elden Ring’s producer, Yasuhisa Kitao, suggests a 30-hour completion time, that’s incredibly misleading. Think of that as a speedrun estimate focusing solely on the main storyline. It ignores the game’s core strength: its sprawling, intricate world.
Realistically, expect a first playthrough to take significantly longer, easily doubling or even tripling that initial estimate. This is due to:
- Exploration: The Lands Between are vast and brimming with hidden areas, secrets, and challenging optional bosses. Getting lost is part of the fun!
- Character Building: Experimenting with different builds and playstyles is highly encouraged, and this involves significant time investment in leveling, equipment gathering, and respeccing your character.
- Multiple Endings: Achieving all endings necessitates multiple playthroughs, significantly increasing overall playtime.
- Combat Mastery: Mastering Elden Ring’s complex combat system takes time and practice. Expect numerous deaths – they are part of the learning curve.
To break it down further:
- 30 Hours: Main story, minimal exploration, focused progression.
- 60-100 Hours: A thorough first playthrough, exploring most areas, engaging in some optional content.
- 100+ Hours: Multiple playthroughs, full exploration, mastering different builds, achieving all endings, and tackling the toughest challenges.
Don’t be fooled by the 30-hour claim. Elden Ring offers hundreds of hours of engaging gameplay for those willing to delve into its depths. Prepare for a journey, not a sprint.
When does Elden Ring end?
Elden Ring’s “ending” is a fluid concept, more a culmination of your personal journey than a fixed point. The game technically launched February 25th, 2025, but the true endgame for PvP veterans like myself lies far beyond the final boss. The meta continues to evolve, with patch 1.16 (October 17th, 2024) being the latest shake-up. This means new strategies, builds, and exploits constantly emerge and are countered. The real “end” is when you’ve mastered every weapon art, every build, every strategy, and can consistently dominate in any PvP environment. This is a never-ending quest for the truly skilled. It’s less about beating the game and more about conquering the players. The initial release date (Feb 25, 2025) and announcement date (June 9, 2019) are merely milestones on a much longer path. The PvP scene is where the true mastery, and the true endgame, is discovered.
How many bosses are there in Elden Ring?
Elden Ring boasts a staggering 238 boss fights, a testament to its immense scale and replayability. Don’t let that number intimidate you though; you only need to defeat 12 mandatory bosses to complete the main storyline. That said, tackling more will significantly enrich your experience and unlock more of the game’s secrets.
Understanding the Boss Variety:
- Main Bosses: These 12 are crucial for progressing the main narrative. They’re challenging, but strategically manageable with proper build and preparation.
- Optional Bosses: The remaining 226 offer incredible variety and difficulty. Some are straightforward encounters, while others require meticulous planning and multiple attempts.
- Field Bosses: Scattered across the Lands Between, these are often less predictable and can catch you off guard. Be prepared for anything!
- Reoccurring Bosses: Some bosses may reappear in altered forms or locations, testing your adaptation skills. Learning their attack patterns is key.
Strategic Approach:
- Explore thoroughly: The Lands Between are vast. Don’t rush. Explore thoroughly to find hidden paths, resources, and optional bosses that can enhance your build and strategy.
- Level up strategically: Focus on attributes that synergize with your chosen weapons and playstyle. Don’t spread your stats too thin.
- Experiment with builds: Don’t be afraid to try different weapons and spells. Find what suits your playstyle.
- Learn boss patterns: Observe their attacks, identify openings, and adapt your strategy accordingly. Many bosses have telltale signs before launching devastating attacks.
- Summon help: Don’t hesitate to summon spirits to assist you, especially during challenging boss fights.
The Six Regions and Demigods: The Lands Between is divided into six distinct regions, each ruled by a powerful demigod. Defeating these demigods is key to uncovering the game’s central mystery, but be prepared for some incredibly tough fights.
Who is easier to play Elden Ring as?
Want to conquer the Lands Between with ease? The Prisoner, a battle mage, offers the best starting experience for new players. Their high Intelligence and Dexterity stats, coupled with a decent starting arsenal, provide a solid foundation for both spellcasting and melee combat.
Conversely, the Wretch is designed for masochists. This class boasts incredibly low stats across the board, making it the hardest starting class. It’s the ultimate challenge for veteran players looking for maximum difficulty.
Here’s a quick breakdown:
- Prisoner Advantages: Strong early-game potential, versatile build options, good starting equipment.
- Prisoner Disadvantages: Requires some understanding of stat management and build crafting.
- Wretch Advantages: Unparalleled challenge, sense of accomplishment upon completion (if you manage it!), maximum player agency in build customization.
- Wretch Disadvantages: Extremely difficult early game, requires significant knowledge of the game’s mechanics and enemy patterns.
Ultimately, the “easiest” class depends on your playstyle and experience. However, for newcomers, the Prisoner’s balanced stats and powerful starting equipment significantly ease the early game learning curve.
Is it possible to play after the Elden Ring ending?
So, you beat Elden Ring, huh? Congrats! That final fight with the Elden Beast…brutal. But the adventure doesn’t actually end there. After you roll the credits and choose your ending (and yes, the ending *does* matter for NG+ builds, trust me!), you’ll get the option to jump straight into New Game Plus. But if you’re not quite ready to dive back in, don’t worry. You’ll be sent back to the Roundtable Hold. Don’t freak out – all your stuff’s still there. And, here’s the key thing most people miss: If you interact with the Roundtable Hold’s Site of Grace, you’ll find a new option: “Start a New Journey.” That’s your way to start a fresh game, completely from scratch, keeping your character’s appearance and maybe even some other minor things (some items carry over depending on certain endings), but it’s a completely clean slate to experience the Lands Between all over again.
Pro-tip: Before starting NG+, consider what build you want to go for. You’ll keep all your runes and items, so plan ahead! Also, different endings affect your starting stats and items in NG+, so think about how that will impact your next playthrough. Don’t rush it, really experiment with builds! There’s a ton of stuff that’s hidden or you might have skipped your first time. Maybe now’s the time to try that crazy Arcane build.
What endings are required for 100% completion of Elden Ring?
To 100% Elden Ring, you need three endings: Mend the Elden Ring, Age of the Stars, and Frenzied Flame. Getting Mend the Elden Ring is straightforward post-game; simply select that option at the final boss’s grace site. This unlocks the standard “good” ending, restoring the Elden Ring. However, Age of the Stars requires Ranni’s questline completion and requires you to get her ending to unlock it, involving numerous steps, key item acquisitions, and specific choices within the storyline. The Frenzied Flame ending is obtained by choosing the Three Fingers’ path, a significantly different route requiring interaction with a different faction and a separate boss fight. Keep in mind that choosing one ending doesn’t lock you out of others; you can reload a save and select another choice to obtain the remaining endings for that elusive 100% completion. The achievement / trophy for completing all three endings will then pop.
Is the Elden Ring DLC long?
The Shadow of the Erdtree DLC? Let’s just say, it’s a substantial addition. Our speedrunners blazed through it in around 25 hours, showcasing masterful combat and efficient exploration. However, for those of us who prefer a more thorough approach – and let’s be honest, who *doesn’t* in the Lands Between? – expect closer to 32 hours. This isn’t a simple linear path; the open world design, a hallmark of Elden Ring, is fully embraced here. Prepare for countless hidden areas teeming with secrets, challenging optional bosses, and lore deep enough to rival the main game itself. Expect significant playtime dedicated to unraveling the mysteries of this new region.
Key Time Sinks to Consider:
Boss Fights: Some encounters will demand multiple attempts, strategic preparation, and a thorough understanding of enemy attack patterns. Don’t be surprised if you spend hours on a single boss, perfecting your build and strategy.
Exploration: The sheer size of this new area and the density of hidden caves, secrets, and items will significantly impact your playtime. Dedicated exploration is key to unlocking the full experience.
Build Optimization: This DLC introduces new weapons, spells, and talismans. Experimenting to find the optimal build for your preferred playstyle will add considerable time to your overall playthrough.
Side Quests: Like the main game, expect a network of intricate quests with rewarding conclusions. Don’t rush; savour the storytelling.
Ultimately, the time you spend in the Shadow of the Erdtree will directly correlate with your desired level of completion. A casual playthrough might take 30+ hours. A thorough exploration and completionist approach could easily double that. Embrace the challenge; the rewards are well worth the effort.
Why should you stay at level 150 in Elden Ring?
Level 150 in Elden Ring represents a compelling meta for several key reasons. It’s effectively a soft cap for many vital stats, allowing players to achieve a robust build without excessive grinding. This optimized build translates to consistent success against late-game bosses, crucial for progression and minimizing frustration. Furthermore, level 150 sits comfortably within the optimal PvP and co-op range, facilitating balanced online interactions. The concentration of players around this level ensures a vibrant and competitive online environment, maximizing matchmaking success and minimizing the likelihood of facing vastly overpowered or underpowered opponents. While higher levels offer marginal stat increases, the diminishing returns outweigh the benefits for most players at 150. This makes it an extremely efficient level, balancing build optimization with online interaction viability, thereby solidifying its position as a popular and strategically sound choice among experienced players.
The efficiency of this level is further highlighted by the prevalence of build variety at this point. Players can successfully experiment with a wide array of weapon arts and playstyles while still maintaining competitive viability. A level 150 character offers a good balance of damage output, survivability, and stamina management, minimizing the need for heavy reliance on specific, highly-tuned builds and making the meta more accessible to skilled players with diverse strategic approaches. The result is a dynamic and engaging community around this specific power level.
Why is Elden Ring so difficult?
Elden Ring’s difficulty spike, particularly entering the Lands Between, is intentional and central to the soulslike experience. It’s designed to teach through punishing failure. This isn’t arbitrary; mastering the combat necessitates understanding enemy attack patterns, learning boss fight mechanics, and exploiting enemy weaknesses. Mastering these aspects is key to transitioning from frustrating difficulty to rewarding challenge.
Key learning elements:
Pattern recognition: Observe enemy tells – animations preceding attacks, predictable movement cycles. This allows for effective dodging and counter-attacking.
Strategic item usage: Don’t just blindly attack. Utilize your flasks, spells, and Ashes of War to adapt your strategy. Experiment with different weapons and builds to find what suits your playstyle.
Environmental awareness: The environment is not merely a backdrop. Use the terrain to your advantage, lure enemies into traps, and exploit chokepoints.
Build optimization: Experiment with stats and equipment. A well-balanced character caters better to your weaknesses and strengthens your combat capabilities.
Exploration and Leveling: Don’t rush. Thorough exploration uncovers valuable resources, upgrade materials, and shortcuts, enhancing your ability to overcome difficult challenges. Properly leveling up your stats will also improve survivability and combat effectiveness.
The perceived difficulty reduces significantly once you internalize these elements. The initial challenge is a deliberate design choice, fostering a sense of accomplishment upon overcoming it. It’s a cycle of learning, adapting, and mastering the game’s mechanics.
Will there be an Elden Ring 2?
While a sequel to Elden Ring isn’t currently in development, dismissing the possibility entirely would be premature. FromSoftware’s history demonstrates a penchant for iterating on successful formulas, though often with significant time between installments. The sheer scale and ambition of Elden Ring, however, suggest a considerable development cycle for any potential sequel.
Factors influencing a potential Elden Ring 2:
- Commercial Success: Elden Ring’s phenomenal sales figures significantly increase the likelihood of a sequel being greenlit. The financial viability is undeniably a primary driver.
- Team Capacity: FromSoftware is a relatively small studio. Shifting resources from other projects to a sequel of this magnitude requires careful planning and allocation.
- Creative Direction: Hidetaka Miyazaki’s comments regarding future franchise expansion hint at potential exploration of the Lands Between’s lore, potentially through a sequel or other spin-offs, rather than a direct continuation.
Speculative Considerations:
- A sequel could potentially refine aspects of the open world, perhaps focusing on a more tightly designed interconnectedness or improving the pacing of exploration.
- Given the diverse and memorable cast of characters, future installments could delve deeper into individual storylines or explore entirely new narratives within the established lore.
- Technological advancements could be leveraged to enhance the game’s graphical fidelity and gameplay mechanics, although maintaining the characteristically challenging combat would be crucial to the series’ identity.
Beyond a Direct Sequel: Miyazaki’s interest in an Elden Ring adaptation suggests a broadening of the franchise’s reach beyond video games. This could include spin-offs, expansions, or even a series of smaller-scale titles exploring specific aspects of the game’s world.
What is the hardest boss in Elden Ring?
Elden Ring’s “hardest boss” title is a constantly shifting landscape, a testament to the game’s brutal yet rewarding difficulty. While Malenia, Blade of Miquella, reigned supreme for a time, boasting a staggering 329 million player deaths as reported in March 2025, a new contender has emerged: the colossal, terrifying, and utterly relentless Commander Niall.
Kotaku’s recent community poll points to Niall as the current frontrunner, usurping Malenia from her bloody throne. This isn’t solely due to raw damage output; Niall’s challenge lies in his multifaceted attack patterns and the strategic depth required to overcome him. His summons, particularly the spectral knights, significantly complicate the fight, forcing players to manage multiple threats simultaneously, a critical difference from Malenia’s more focused, albeit devastating, assault.
Malenia’s difficulty stems from her aggressive, high-damage attacks and her infamous Waterfowl Dance, a move that can easily obliterate unprepared players. Niall, however, presents a different kind of challenge. He demands a higher level of strategic awareness and positional mastery, requiring players to effectively manage both his attacks and the summoned spectral knights.
The shift from Malenia to Niall highlights the subjective nature of “hardest boss” discussions. While raw death counts offer a quantitative measure, they don’t fully capture the nuances of each boss fight. Niall’s complexity and strategic depth make him a particularly formidable foe for many, justifying his recent ascent to the top of the difficulty charts. The ongoing debate showcases Elden Ring’s brilliance in providing a diverse range of truly challenging encounters.
When will Elden Ring 2 be released?
Elden Ring 2 is officially slated for release on May 30th, 2025, across PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, and Windows. A closed beta test successfully concluded in February 2025, providing valuable player feedback that shaped the final product. Expect significant improvements upon the original, potentially including enhanced graphics, refined combat mechanics, and an even more expansive open world.
The official Japanese website offers further details (link to be inserted here, if available). Early leaks suggest a new class system, possibly incorporating player-created builds, and a more intricate narrative, expanding upon the lore established in the first game. Pre-orders are expected to open soon, so keep an eye out for announcements!
What is the essence of Elden Ring?
Elden Ring’s core is about becoming the Elden Lord. You play as a Tarnished, an exiled warrior drawn to the Lands Between by the beckoning Erdtree and its golden light, Grace. This Grace is connected to the Greater Will and the Elden Ring, a powerful artifact shattered by a catastrophic event.
Your Goal: Claim the Elden Ring and become the Elden Lord, restoring order to the Lands Between. This isn’t a simple task; many before you have failed.
- Exploration is key: The open world is vast and filled with secrets, powerful bosses, and hidden lore. Don’t be afraid to stray from the main path.
- Build diversity: Experiment with different weapon types, spells, and armor to find a playstyle that suits you. There are countless viable builds.
- Spirit Ashes are your friends: These summonable allies can significantly aid you in combat, especially against challenging bosses.
- Mastering combat is crucial: Combat is challenging but rewarding. Learn enemy attack patterns and utilize various tools such as parries and dodges.
Understanding the Lore (Optional, but enriching): The game’s rich lore is revealed through item descriptions, environmental storytelling, and optional boss fights. Delving into this lore significantly enhances the experience.
- The Greater Will: A powerful, unseen entity that governs the Lands Between.
- Marika, the Eternal Queen: The former Elden Lord who shattered the Elden Ring.
- Radagon of the Golden Order: Marika’s husband and a powerful warrior.
Ultimately, Elden Ring is about the journey. The challenges are steep, but the rewards – both in terms of gameplay and narrative satisfaction – are immense.
What’s the point of NG+?
NG+, or New Game Plus, isn’t just a replay; it’s a second chance to sculpt your legend, a chance to master the game’s intricacies with the weight of your past victories behind you. Imagine wielding the ultimate arsenal from your first playthrough, the overpowered skills you painstakingly honed, all while facing even greater challenges. This isn’t just about grinding for higher levels – it’s about experiencing the story with a newfound depth, exploring areas with altered perspectives, and unlocking hidden lore often missed on the initial playthrough. Think of it as a director’s cut of *your* experience, where you become the ultimate protagonist, playing on hard mode with God-mode abilities. Key advantages typically include retaining powerful equipment, skills, and often even some story progression elements, creating a tailored and infinitely replayable experience unique to your journey. The increased difficulty often comes with more rewarding loot and challenging encounters, turning familiar territory into a breathtaking new adventure. It’s about pushing beyond the initial conquest, refining your mastery, and truly becoming a legend.
Is it possible to 100% complete Elden Ring in a single playthrough?
Technically, no, you can’t 100% Elden Ring in a single playthrough. The game’s achievements are tied to different endings and choices, requiring multiple playthroughs to fully experience everything. However, you can get all three main endings in quick succession. After defeating the final boss but *before* interacting with Marika (ensure you’re still at the “Fractured Marika” Site of Grace), save your game. Upload this save to the cloud. Complete the ending. Then, reload your previously uploaded save and repeat for the other endings. This saves time compared to starting a new game each time. Be mindful of choices impacting trophy progress – certain item choices, NPC interactions, and even specific boss fights can affect which ending you receive. Thorough online guides are invaluable in charting a course for efficiently achieving all endings, especially considering the vastness of the map and the multitude of optional bosses and questlines.
Essentially, you’re exploiting a save-scumming method to efficiently obtain multiple endings, but true 100% completion (including all achievements, every item, every location explored) demands at least two, potentially three, playthroughs due to the branching narratives and limited inventory space.
