Dark Souls has left a significant mark on the gaming world, establishing itself as a pivotal title. It has influenced the industry and given rise to a unique genre known for its tough gameplay and intricate narrative. The franchise, commonly referred to as Soulslikes, is celebrated for its fair yet punishing difficulty and immersive storytelling, making Dark Souls a staple in gaming culture.
Fans of Dark Souls invest countless hours navigating the game's intricate maps and unraveling its complex narratives. In February 2022, FromSoftware introduced Elden Ring, a spiritual successor to Dark Souls, which received widespread acclaim, leading to an upcoming expansion in June 2024. While Elden Ring dominates current discussions, many players still harbor a desire to revisit or experience FromSoftware's Dark Souls trilogy for the first time. The question remains: How long does it take to complete the Dark Souls games?
Updated March 13, 2024 by Mark Sammut: After a prolonged wait, Elden Ring's expansion, Shadow of the Erdtree, is set to launch on June 21, 2024. Anticipation is high, given FromSoftware's reputation for exceptional expansions. In the meantime, players may opt to delve into the expansive world of the Dark Souls games, known for their immersive gameplay experiences.
Dark Souls
Main Story: 42 Hours
Dark Souls followed the cult favorite Demon's Souls and introduced the series to a wider audience. The game laid the foundation for its sequels, featuring interconnected worlds, PvP elements, and a beautifully desolate environment. Players spend over 40 hours exploring vast landscapes, battling formidable foes, and gradually piecing together the game's lore through item descriptions. The estimated playtime, however, does not consider players' mastery of combat mechanics or their discovery of shortcuts and hidden secrets within the game.
A completionist run entails defeating all bosses, unlocking achievements, and completing all downloadable content. The optional Painted World area adds a layer of depth to the narrative and presents additional challenges beyond the main campaign. The Artorias of the Abyss DLC introduces new locations and challenging bosses, enhancing the gameplay experience. With a remastered version available, players can revisit the origins of Dark Souls with enhanced visuals on modern platforms.
Dark Souls 2
Main Story: 44 Hours
Dark Souls 2, the only installment not helmed by series creator Hidetaka Miyazaki, brought fresh perspectives under directors Tomohiro Shibuya and Yui Tanimura. The game introduced a hub-based world design that responds to player actions and incorporated mechanics like health reduction upon death, a feature reversible within the game. Despite mixed reviews from some fans, Dark Souls 2 maintains a dedicated following, though it is often viewed as the series' outlier.
While the main story completion time of Dark Souls 2 is slightly longer than its predecessor, fully exploring the game and its three DLC packs demands additional hours. The DLC expansions - Crown of the Ivory King, Crown of the Old Iron King, and Crown of the Sunken King - contribute hours of content. Completing both Dark Souls and its sequel requires over 80 hours of gameplay, with full completion exceeding 200 hours.
Dark Souls 2: Scholar Of The First Sin
Main Story: 37 Hours
Scholar of the First Sin offers a revamped experience compared to the original Dark Souls 2, featuring altered enemy placements, new characters, and enhanced mechanics. While sharing similarities with its predecessor, this version introduces enough changes to warrant a fresh playthrough for DS2 enthusiasts.
The completion time for Scholar of the First Sin is slightly shorter than the original game, possibly influenced by the familiarity of returning players. Known for its increased difficulty level and bundled expansions, the game provides a challenging yet rewarding experience for players.
Dark Souls 3
Main Story: 44 Hours
Dark Souls 3 boasts the shortest average playtime in the series but retains a dedicated player base due to its active multiplayer community. With Hidetaka Miyazaki back at the helm, the game expanded the Dark Souls universe, introducing memorable bosses and diverse weaponry. The increased combat speed, inspired by the success of Bloodborne, offers fresh approaches to battles and encounters.
The shorter playtime of Dark Souls 3 encourages multiple playthroughs to experiment with different playstyles and uncover hidden secrets. Fans of the series find themselves engrossed in the game, extending their gameplay well beyond the average completion times. With approximately 120 hours needed to complete all three Dark Souls titles and over 300 hours for a comprehensive experience, the series remains a substantial commitment for players.