Achieving 100% completion in Dark Souls III typically requires around 101 hours of gameplay. This figure accounts for players who delve into every aspect of the game, ensuring no stone is left unturned.
Understanding Dark Souls III Completion Times
The time it takes to complete Dark Souls III can vary significantly depending on a player's approach and goals. While focusing solely on the main story path offers a quicker experience, reaching 100% completion is a much more extensive undertaking.
Main Story vs. 100% Completion
For those primarily interested in experiencing the core narrative and defeating the essential bosses, the main story of Dark Souls III can be completed in approximately 31½ hours. This involves progressing through the necessary areas and defeating the bosses required to reach the game's ending.
However, a "100 percent" playthrough goes far beyond the main story. It encompasses a wide array of activities designed to fully explore the game's world, lore, and mechanics.
What Does 100% Completion Entail?
Achieving full completion in Dark Souls III typically involves:
- Defeating all Bosses: Including optional bosses and those found in DLC content.
- Acquiring all Weapons, Armor, and Spells: Locating every unique piece of equipment and magic available.
- Collecting all Rings: Many rings are hidden or require specific conditions to obtain.
- Completing all Side Quests: Following every NPC storyline to its conclusion, which often involves multiple playthroughs or specific actions.
- Maxing out Covenant Ranks: Dedicating time to farm specific items or engage in online play to earn all covenant rewards.
- Unlocking All Achievements/Trophies: This often overlaps with the above points and may require multiple endings or specific challenges.
- Exploring Every Area Thoroughly: Discovering all secrets, hidden paths, and optional areas.
Factors Influencing Playtime
Several elements can affect how long it takes an individual player to achieve 100% completion:
- Player Skill: Veterans of the Souls series might navigate challenges more efficiently, while newcomers may spend more time learning combat mechanics and boss patterns.
- Exploration Habits: Players who meticulously search every corner of a map will naturally take longer than those who rush through.
- Online Play: Activities like invasions, co-op, or farming for covenant items can significantly extend playtime.
- New Game+ Cycles: Some rings, spells, or endings require multiple playthroughs (New Game+, New Game++, etc.) to obtain, further increasing the total time.
Playtime Overview
Here's a quick look at the estimated completion times for Dark Souls III:
Playstyle | Estimated Time |
---|---|
Main Objectives | Around 31.5 Hours |
100% Completion | Around 101 Hours |
Ultimately, the journey through Dark Souls III is an intensely personal one, with the 100% completion mark serving as a testament to a player's dedication and perseverance in the face of immense challenge.