FromSoftware's newest Action-RPG title, Elden Ring, is one of the largest games the studio has developed, and will take longer to beat than previous installments in the Dark Souls series thanks to its sprawling and detailed open world. FromSoft's previous games have all been known for having a good length, along with enough freedom in approaches and playstyles to encourage multiple playthroughs. Demons Souls was one of the first games to really incentivize players to go through multiple new game+ runs with scaling difficulty and unique rewards only obtainable through playing this way, paving the way for many games that came after to include similar modes.
FromSoftware's previous Elden Ring having difficult optional bosses, which may take players a little longer to overcome than previous titles.
Elden Ring looks to be a larger entry thanks to its open-world design, and this is reflected in the playtime of the game. Players can expect to spend at least 50 hours on their first playthrough, although this could vary wildly depending on how much exploration is done, with the open world potentially offering a lot more hours for those looking to explore all its secrets. Players struggling on certain bosses may also find themselves taking even longer to get through the game, as although Elden Ring is seemingly more approachable than other Dark Souls titles, it still has a difficulty curve when it comes to enemies and bosses. Elden Ring's bosses build on Dark Souls' greatest enemies, and should provide some of that series' trademark challenge for those looking to test their mettle.
Elden Ring Will Take Longer To Beat Than Other Souls Games
Given that Elden Ring is FromSoftware's first open-world game, it's no surprise that there are more places to explore than in its previous titles, which would only serve to make the player's experience longer. The 50 hours mentioned also doesn't for the new game+ experience that makes a key part of FromSoft games, meaning there is potential for players to spend even longer traversing The Lands Between across multiple playthroughs. The playtime will also likely be influenced by the player's choice of starting class in Elden Ring, with their differences affecting gameplay in various ways and each suiting different play styles.
The multiplayer modes made popular in the Dark Souls games also return in Elden Ring, with players able to summon friends to help take on the dangers of the world or invade others in an attempt to gain treasures. It's important to note that those players more familiar with Dark Souls and other FromSoftware titles may be able to clear the game in a shorter period of time than the figures mentioned, although they may have to spend less time taking in the game's world in order to do so. It's likely that Elden Ring's multiplayer aspect will further boost the playtime for players, as the chance to team up with a friend should add greater replayability, and ensure that it stays in their rotation for longer.
