Is Elden Ring the Longest Souls Game?
Elden Ring, the latest creation from FromSoftware, is a behemoth of an open-world game that sprawls across a vast wasteland. As the fourth mainline Souls game from the studio, it begs the question: is it the longest Souls game we’ve ever seen?
First, let’s tackle this question head-on: Yes, Elden Ring is the longest Souls game to date. According to various sources, Elden Ring boasts an impressive playing time of 56 hours, making it the crowning jewel of the series in terms of sheer magnitude.
The Impact of Open-World Design
One of the primary factors contributing to the game’s lengthy duration is its open-world design. Unlike previous Souls games which were linear in their architecture, Elden Ring rewards exploration and discovery, shattering the boundaries of traditionally linear game design.
Exploration, Discoveries, and Branching Paths
Beneath the Elden Ring’s sprawling landscape is a complex web of dungeons, hidden areas, side quests, and alternate endings. This branching structure amplifies the game’s complexity, making it challenging but rewarding to explore. According to a survey by Rock, Paper, Shotgun, 40% of players expected to spend over 30 hours on their playthrough, with many reports of players logging 200+ hours without scratching the surface of the full experience.
Additional Complications: Combat and Story
Apart from the sheer scope and complexity of the world design, Elden Ring’s combat and storytelling mechanics also contribute to its length. The game sports a deep combat system, with various skill, weapon, and play styles to master. The nuanced storytelling, meanwhile, adds layers of depth and subtext to the game world, encouraging players to dissect and analyze the lore extensively.
Table: Stat Comparison
| Feature | Bloodborne | Dark Souls 3 | Elden Ring |
|---|---|---|---|
| Playthrough Time | 15 hours | 25 hours | 56 hours |
| Number of boss fights | 14-16 | 16 | 20+ |
| Side Quests | 0-6 | 0-11 | 30+ |
| Branching Paths | Limited | Somewhat | Comprehensive |
Elder Ring’s Place in Souls History
Throughout the Souls series, playtime has increased steadily over the years. Dark Souls 3, the pinnacle of the series at that time, boasted an engaging 25-hour play experience. Bloodborne, notoriously challenging, clocked in at around 15-20 hours. Elden Ring, however, surges ahead with an exhaustive 56-hour adventure that eclipses its predecessors and solidifies its place as a behemoth of a souls game.
Conclusion and Final Thoughts
In conclusion, Elden Ring is indeed the longest Souls game to date. Its open-world design, complex combat mechanics, deep storytelling, and extensive list of side quests and alternatives ensure that players can become fully immersed in its wondrous world for a span of 56 hours+. If you were wondering whether Elden Ring is the longest Souls game, the answer is simply: yes, but also so much more.