Elden Ring, the highly anticipated action role-playing game developed by FromSoftware, has finally arrived. As players delve into the dark, mysterious world of the Lands Between, they’re met with a daunting task: can they truly 100% the game? The question has sparked debate among gamers, with some claiming it’s impossible, while others are determined to prove them wrong. In this article, we’ll explore the challenges and intricacies of Elden Ring, and provide insights on what it takes to achieve 100% completion.
The Scope of Elden Ring’s World
To understand the enormity of 100%ing Elden Ring, it’s essential to grasp the sheer scope of the game’s world. The Lands Between is a vast, interconnected realm, comprising multiple regions, each with its unique geography, history, and secrets. From the windswept plateaus of Dragonbarrow to the foreboding swamps of Caelid, each area is meticulously crafted to provide an immersive experience.
The game’s world is divided into six main regions, each containing various sub-areas, dungeons, and secret locations. With an estimated 30-40 hours of main storyline content, and potentially hundreds of hours of exploration and side-quests, Elden Ring’s world is a behemoth of gaming design.
Hidden Areas and Secrets
One of the most significant challenges in 100%ing Elden Ring lies in uncovering its hidden areas and secrets. FromSoftware is notorious for hiding obscure pathways, secret doors, and cryptic messages throughout their games. Elden Ring is no exception, with many areas requiring precise exploration, observation, and problem-solving skills to access.
For instance, the game’s optional dungeons, known as “Legacy Dungeons,” are expertly hidden, often requiring players to solve environmental puzzles or use specific abilities to gain entry. These dungeons contain valuable loot, lore, and boss battles, making them essential for 100% completion.
The Importance of Map Exploration
Map exploration is crucial in Elden Ring, as it allows players to discover new areas, secrets, and questlines. The game’s map is intricately designed, with many hidden paths, invisible walls, and cryptic markings that require careful attention to detail.
Players must thoroughly explore each region, using their skills, such as the ability to ride Spirit Steeds, to access hard-to-reach areas. Even seemingly insignificant details, like optional pathways or obscure NPC interactions, can hold the key to unlocking hidden content.
The Role of NPCs and Questlines
Non-playable characters (NPCs) play a vital role in Elden Ring’s narrative, providing questlines, lore, and insights into the world’s history. Completing NPC questlines is essential for 100%ing the game, as they often reward valuable items, skills, and knowledge.
However, Elden Ring’s NPCs are notoriously cryptic, with many quests remaining shrouded in mystery until the very end. Players must pay close attention to NPC interactions, dialogue, and environmental clues to unravel the complex web of questlines.
Optional Questlines and Character Quests
In addition to the main storyline, Elden Ring features numerous optional questlines and character quests. These quests often provide unique rewards, insights into the world’s lore, and even alter the game’s ending.
Examples include the mysterious Fia’s Questline, which requires players to collect obscure items and complete challenging tasks, or the enigmatic Sorceress Siofra’s quest, which demands players to decipher ancient runes and uncover hidden secrets.
The Importance of Choice and Consequences
Player choice and consequence are significant aspects of Elden Ring’s narrative. The game’s story is heavily influenced by the player’s actions, with even seemingly minor decisions affecting the world and its inhabitants.
Players must consider the repercussions of their choices, as they can alter the fate of NPCs, regions, and even the game’s ending. This level of agency adds depth to the game’s narrative, making it essential to think carefully about the consequences of each decision.
The Challenge of Collecting Every Item and Skill
Collecting every item, skill, and upgrade is a monumental task in Elden Ring. The game features a vast array of consumables, equipment, and skills, each with its unique effects and purposes.
Players must scour the Lands Between, defeating formidable enemies, solving puzzles, and exploring hidden areas to collect every item and skill. This process requires extreme patience, skill, and dedication, as many items are exceedingly rare or well-hidden.
The Role of Crafting and Upgrades
Crafting and upgrading equipment is crucial for survival in Elden Ring. Players must gather resources, craft new gear, and upgrade existing equipment to tackle the game’s formidable challenges.
The crafting system is complex, with many recipes and materials hidden throughout the game. Players must experiment with different combinations, using trial and error to unlock new items and upgrades.
The Significance of Optional Bosses
Elden Ring features numerous optional bosses, each providing a unique challenge and reward. Defeating these bosses is essential for 100% completion, as they offer valuable items, skills, and insights into the world’s lore.
For example, the fearsome Dragonlord Placidusax, hidden deep within the Dragonbarrow, drops a coveted Ash of War, granting players a powerful new skill. Similarly, the enigmatic Malenia, Blade of Miquella, hidden within the Elphael, offers a unique and devastating weapon.
Can You Truly 100% Elden Ring?
As we’ve explored the scope of Elden Ring’s world, the complexity of its NPCs and questlines, and the challenge of collecting every item and skill, the question remains: can you truly 100% the game?
The answer is a resounding “maybe.” While it’s possible to complete the main storyline, explore every region, and collect most items and skills, the true essence of 100%ing Elden Ring lies in uncovering its hidden secrets, optional content, and obscure interactions.
To achieve true 100% completion, players must be willing to invest countless hours, utilizing their skills, observation, and problem-solving abilities to uncover every secret, complete every questline, and collect every item and skill.
Ultimately, the quest for 100% completion is a personal challenge, one that requires dedication, perseverance, and a passion for discovery. As you embark on this journey, remember that the true reward lies not in the achievement itself, but in the experiences, discoveries, and memories forged along the way.
| Region | Secrets | |
|---|---|---|
| Dragonbarrow | 4 | 7 |
| Caelid | 5 | 9 |
| Liurnia of the Lakes | 3 | 6 |
In conclusion, 100%ing Elden Ring is a monumental task, requiring a deep understanding of the game’s world, mechanics, and secrets. While it may seem daunting, the journey itself is the true reward, offering a level of depth and complexity that few games can match. So, embark on this adventure, and may the Lands Between yield their secrets to you.
How long does it take to 100% Elden Ring?
It’s difficult to estimate an exact time frame for achieving 100% completion in Elden Ring, as it largely depends on individual player skills and playstyle. However, veteran players and speedrunners have reported that it can take anywhere from 100 to 200 hours to complete the game with 100% completion.
This time frame can vary greatly depending on how thoroughly one wants to explore the Lands Between, how many optional quests and side activities they want to complete, and how much time they spend optimizing their build and strategies. Additionally, the game’s complex world design and interconnected areas can make it easy to miss certain details or areas, adding to the overall completion time.
What is required to achieve 100% completion in Elden Ring?
To achieve 100% completion in Elden Ring, players must complete the main storyline, defeat all bosses, collect every unique weapon and armor set, complete all side quests and optional activities, and fully explore the Lands Between. This includes discovering every hidden area, finding all the secrets, and completing all the challenges and puzzles.
Furthermore, players must also collect every single souvenir, gesture, and incantation, as well as fully upgrade their character’s stats and abilities. It’s a monumental task that requires dedication, perseverance, and a keen eye for detail. Completing every aspect of the game will also grant players a deeper understanding of the game’s lore and worldbuilding.
Are there any missable items or quests in Elden Ring?
Yes, there are several missable items and quests in Elden Ring. Certain unique weapons, armor sets, and items can only be obtained during specific points in the game or by completing certain quests and activities. If players miss these opportunities, they will not be able to obtain these items later in the game.
It’s essential to keep track of questlines, NPCs, and item locations to avoid missing out on important items and story beats. Players should also be mindful of their choices and actions, as some decisions can affect the availability of certain quests or items.
How important is exploration in achieving 100% completion in Elden Ring?
Exploration is crucial in achieving 100% completion in Elden Ring. The Lands Between are filled with hidden areas, secret paths, and concealed secrets, many of which contain valuable items, unique weapons, and important lore information.
Players must be willing to venture off the beaten path, explore every nook and cranny, and investigate suspicious-looking areas. The game’s world design encourages exploration, and players who take the time to thoroughly explore the Lands Between will be rewarded with unique discoveries and a deeper understanding of the game’s world.
Can I 100% Elden Ring on my first playthrough?
While it’s technically possible to 100% Elden Ring on your first playthrough, it’s highly unlikely. The game’s complexity, interconnected world design, and sheer amount of content make it difficult to discover everything on the first try.
Additionally, certain items and quests may require specific strategies, builds, or knowledge that players may not possess on their first playthrough. It’s recommended to focus on completing the main storyline on your first playthrough and then revisiting the game with a more informed approach to achieve 100% completion.
Are there any benefits to achieving 100% completion in Elden Ring?
Achieving 100% completion in Elden Ring comes with several benefits. For one, players will gain a deeper understanding of the game’s world, lore, and characters. They will also unlock unique items, weapons, and armor sets that can enhance their build and gameplay experience.
Furthermore, achieving 100% completion can also grant players a sense of accomplishment and pride, as it requires dedication, perseverance, and skill. It’s also a great way to extend the game’s replay value, as players can explore different builds, strategies, and playstyles.
Is it possible to achieve 100% completion in Elden Ring solo?
Yes, it’s possible to achieve 100% completion in Elden Ring solo. While multiplayer features and co-op play can make certain aspects of the game easier, they are not necessary to achieve 100% completion.
Solo players will need to rely on their own skills, strategies, and resourcefulness to overcome challenges and defeat bosses. With patience, practice, and perseverance, solo players can complete every aspect of the game and achieve 100% completion.