Can Elden Ring win Game of the Year?

So, Elden Ring winning GOTY again? Totally possible! The Game Awards rules are pretty clear: DLC, expansions – even remakes and remasters – are all eligible. That means Shadow of the Erdtree, Elden Ring’s upcoming expansion, is absolutely in the running for this year’s award. Remember, the main game already cleaned up in 2025, grabbing numerous GOTY awards. This isn’t unprecedented; we’ve seen DLC significantly impact a game’s overall standing and even push it to further acclaim. Think about something like The Witcher 3: Blood and Wine – it’s frequently cited as one of the best expansions ever, and arguably improved the base game’s overall legacy. So, a strong expansion could easily propel Elden Ring to another GOTY win. It really depends on the quality of the Shadow of the Erdtree expansion and how critics and gamers receive it. Ultimately, the competition will be fierce, but Elden Ring definitely has a shot.

A key factor will be the scope and impact of the Shadow of the Erdtree DLC. If it adds a significant amount of new content – new areas, bosses, storylines – and manages to maintain or even exceed the quality of the base game, it will have a powerful chance. Conversely, a smaller, less impactful expansion might not be enough to secure another GOTY victory.

How many have 100% Elden Ring?

Sixty hours? Nah, that’s just the main story, the bare bones. Think of that as a very rushed playthrough. You’re missing out on a ton of stuff.

To truly experience everything Elden Ring offers – every boss, every area, every weapon, every spell, every single item, and even those hidden little secrets – you’re looking at a significantly longer playtime. My own 100% run clocked in around 134 hours, and that’s with me knowing the game inside and out. And trust me, there are so many hidden paths, optional dungeons, and challenging side bosses that easily add up. Expect to spend many more hours uncovering everything than the average gamer might.

Pro-tip: Don’t get discouraged by the length. Take your time, explore thoroughly, experiment with builds, and enjoy the journey. It’s a game designed for multiple playthroughs; each one revealing something new. Some builds take longer to fully optimize than others, and some secrets are maddeningly difficult to uncover. Many players spend well over 150 hours in total across multiple saves getting all achievements. 134 hours is a good average estimate for a focused 100% playthrough.

Another tip: Make sure to check a comprehensive guide for hidden items and bosses. There are a lot of things that are not intuitive, and easily missed!

What is the most anticipated Game of the Year 2024?

So, the Game Awards 2024, huh? Astro Bot from Team Asobi/SIE taking GOTY was a huge upset, nobody saw that coming. While Balatro cleaned up in the indie categories – deservedly so, that game was a masterpiece of innovative design – it was Grand Theft Auto VI that truly dominated the hype train, securing the “Most Anticipated” award. That’s not surprising; the sheer scale of GTA’s fanbase practically guarantees it. The pre-release buzz was insane, and the early leaks only fueled the fire.

Meanwhile, League of Legends continued its reign in esports. Honestly, it’s less a surprise and more a testament to Riot’s consistent ability to maintain player engagement and deliver a compelling competitive experience year after year. Their ongoing updates and the immense global tournament infrastructure play a huge role. The competition was fierce, of course – Valorant’s explosive growth is undeniable – but LoL remains the heavyweight champion. The final Worlds 2024 was electric, by the way, a real nail-biter.

Astro Bot’s win, though… that’s what everyone’s talking about. A PlayStation exclusive taking GOTY? Shows how powerful a truly innovative and polished title can be, even in a sea of AAA blockbusters. It speaks volumes about Team Asobi’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of the platform. A fantastic reward for a fantastic team.

Is Elden Ring the most awarded game ever?

The claim of “most awarded game ever” is complex and depends on how you define “award.” Elden Ring boasts an impressive number of Game of the Year awards from major gaming publications and ceremonies, making a strong case for the title. However, The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild achieved widespread critical acclaim and topped numerous “best of” lists across various outlets, indicating a potentially different kind of dominance. While Elden Ring’s sheer volume of GOTY awards might be numerically higher, Breath of the Wild’s consistent placement at the top of aggregated “best games ever” lists reflects a broader, perhaps more enduring, critical consensus. The distinction, therefore, hinges on whether you prioritize the quantity of specific awards or the overall weight of critical opinion across diverse sources. It’s not a simple “winner takes all” scenario, but rather a fascinating contrast between two undeniably landmark titles.

What is the saddest NPC death in Elden Ring?

Blaidd’s demise stands out as arguably the most poignant NPC death in Elden Ring, not simply for its tragic circumstances but for its masterful execution within the game’s narrative structure. His loyalty to Ranni, unwavering throughout the questline, is powerfully contrasted with the inescapable influence of the Greater Will. This isn’t a simple betrayal; it’s a heartbreaking demonstration of the cosmic forces at play, forcing a noble character into a horrific conflict of duty.

The mechanics of his death within the Evergaol further enhance the emotional impact. The player is actively involved in the process, yet powerless to prevent it. This forced participation, rather than merely witnessing a distant event, fosters a stronger emotional connection. The player’s understanding of Blaidd’s character and his relationship with Ranni makes his demise particularly devastating; it’s a sacrifice necessitated by the very success of the questline they actively pursue.

Furthermore, the ambiguity surrounding Blaidd’s final moments adds layers of complexity. The player is left to ponder the nature of his obedience to the Greater Will; was it a complete loss of self, or a tragic attempt to fulfil a predetermined destiny? This uncertainty, unlike many clear-cut deaths, leaves a lingering sense of loss and contemplation long after the encounter concludes.

Finally, the narrative payoff of Blaidd’s death directly impacts the player’s emotional investment in Ranni’s ultimate goal. His sacrifice reinforces the weight of her rebellion against the Greater Will, highlighting the immense personal cost of defying the established order.

Did Elden Ring lose popularity?

While Elden Ring’s initial player count was astronomical, a post-DLC drop to around 50,000 concurrent Steam players isn’t entirely unexpected. This is a common pattern for open-world games, especially those with challenging gameplay. The initial hype fades, leaving a dedicated core audience.

Factors contributing to this drop:

Completion of initial playthroughs: Many players beat the game and moved on to other titles.
DLC completion: The excitement surrounding the DLC subsided after completion.
Difficulty: Elden Ring’s notoriously high difficulty filters out a significant portion of players.
Seasonal shifts in gaming trends: Other big releases naturally divert attention.

Doesn’t necessarily reflect overall popularity: Steam concurrent player counts don’t reflect the broader player base across all platforms (PS5, Xbox). Many continue to enjoy Elden Ring offline or through other avenues.

Long-term perspective: Even with the drop, Elden Ring retains a substantial and active community. Its high initial sales and awards show lasting popularity. The game’s legacy will continue through future DLC releases, speedruns and community content. Expect player numbers to fluctuate with future content updates.

How many players quit Elden Ring?

While precise numbers on Elden Ring’s dropout rate are elusive, we can glean some fascinating insights from community data. HowLongToBeat.com, a reputable source for completion times, paints a compelling picture. Contrary to popular belief about its difficulty, it reveals Elden Ring as the most completed game of 2025, with nearly 6,000 users reporting completion. This suggests a significant portion of players persevered, mastering its brutal challenges.

However, the “retirement” statistic is equally telling. Approximately 261 players on HowLongToBeat.com reported abandoning their journey. This seemingly small number, when viewed against the backdrop of millions of players, might initially seem insignificant. Yet, understanding *why* these Tarnished fell is crucial.

Let’s explore potential contributing factors:

Early-game Frustration: The notoriously difficult opening areas often weed out players unfamiliar with FromSoftware’s design philosophy. The lack of hand-holding requires a different approach to gaming.
Specific Boss Barriers: Certain bosses possess notoriously high difficulty spikes. Malenia, Blade of Miquella, and Radagon are prime examples, forcing many to reconsider their approach or simply give up.
Burnout: Elden Ring’s sprawling world and open-ended nature can lead to player burnout. The sheer volume of content can be overwhelming, causing players to lose motivation.
Lack of Patience/Incorrect Build: Players who lack the patience to learn enemy attack patterns, or who create builds fundamentally unsuited for the game’s challenges, are more likely to give up.

Despite the relatively low number of reported retirements, analyzing these reasons provides valuable lessons for both future players and game developers. Understanding these challenges allows for better preparation and a more fulfilling experience. The key takeaway is that persistence, strategic planning, and a willingness to adapt are essential for conquering the Lands Between.

Furthermore, consider this: HowLongToBeat.com only captures a fraction of the overall player base. The actual number of players who quit Elden Ring is undoubtedly far greater. However, the disproportionately high completion rate still highlights the game’s rewarding nature for those who dedicate themselves to its demanding systems. The reported “retirements” become individual stories of challenge, resilience, and ultimately, a unique experience in the world of FromSoftware games.

Has anyone ever beaten Elden Ring?

Elden Ring’s speedrunning scene has exploded, with Distortion2 emerging as a dominant force. Their multiple sub-50-minute completions, culminating in a groundbreaking sub-40-minute run, represent a significant milestone. This showcases not only exceptional skill but also a deep understanding of the game’s mechanics and exploits.

Key Aspects of Distortion2’s Success:

Route Optimization: Distortion2’s runs highlight meticulously optimized routes, minimizing traversal time and maximizing efficiency in boss encounters.
Advanced Techniques: The sub-40 minute run likely incorporates advanced techniques like precise damage calculations, glitch exploitation, and highly optimized item usage. Specifics remain to be analyzed and potentially replicated by other runners.
Consistent Execution: Successfully completing multiple sub-50-minute runs demonstrates exceptional consistency and reliability in executing a complex strategy under immense pressure.

Implications for the Speedrunning Community:

New Benchmark: The sub-40-minute time sets a new, aggressive benchmark for Elden Ring speedrunners, pushing the boundaries of what’s considered possible.
Further Innovation: Distortion2’s achievements will likely inspire further innovation and the discovery of new strategies and glitches within the Elden Ring speedrunning community.
Community Growth: The success of high-profile runners like Distortion2 contributes to the growth and visibility of the Elden Ring speedrunning community.

Future Prospects: While a sub-30-minute run may seem ambitious, Distortion2’s achievements suggest that even more significant reductions in completion times are within the realm of possibility with ongoing refinement and discovery.

Why is everyone playing Elden Ring in 2024?

Elden Ring’s continued popularity in 2024 isn’t solely down to hype; it’s sustained by its genuinely exceptional qualities. The initial perception of overwhelming difficulty is valid, but that’s precisely what makes it so rewarding. Mastering its intricate combat system, understanding its cryptic lore, and exploring its breathtakingly vast open world provides a unique sense of accomplishment rarely found in other games.

Its difficulty isn’t arbitrary; it’s carefully designed to encourage exploration and experimentation. Failure isn’t punitive; it’s a learning experience, pushing players to adapt their strategies and build their characters effectively. This iterative process of trial and error fosters a deep connection with the game world and your character, making every victory feel truly earned.

Beyond the challenging gameplay, Elden Ring boasts a rich and captivating narrative delivered through environmental storytelling and item descriptions, rewarding careful observation. The world itself, the Lands Between, is a masterclass in level design, brimming with hidden secrets, challenging optional bosses, and stunning visuals. The sheer scale and scope are unparalleled, offering countless hours of gameplay for players of all skill levels.

Furthermore, the depth of character customization allows for countless playstyles, ensuring high replayability. Whether you prefer a spell-slinging mage, a heavily armored knight, or a nimble rogue, Elden Ring offers the tools to craft your ideal build and approach the game in your preferred manner. This freedom, coupled with the satisfying combat, creates a compelling and enduring experience that continues to resonate with players long after its release.

What percentage of players have beaten Elden Ring?

Steam achievement data paints a clear picture: Elden Ring’s completion rate remains stubbornly low. Bandai Namco’s June 12th nudge regarding Mohg, a significant boss, revealed only 37.8% had conquered the Lands Between. The recent DLC drop, June 21st, barely bumped that figure to 39.6%. This low percentage reflects the game’s brutal difficulty, demanding high skill and significant time investment. Consider the implications: a large portion of players are likely getting stuck in later game areas, especially those featuring challenging bosses and intricate level design. This isn’t just about raw skill; effective build crafting and resource management heavily influence success. The low completion rate doesn’t necessarily reflect poor game design, but rather highlights the unforgiving nature of a Soulslike experience, a deliberate design choice embraced by FromSoftware. We’re seeing a very distinct separation between casual and hardcore players here, with the DLC likely attracting more of the latter group and adding to the challenge.

Has anyone played Elden Ring without dying?

Yo, what’s up, legends! So, you know how everyone’s hyped for Shadow of the Erdtree? Well, hold onto your hats, because some absolute madman just obliterated the challenge. Eight playthroughs of Elden Ring. Eight. No deaths. No leveling up. Absolutely bonkers.

Think about that for a second: That’s not just skill; it’s mastery. This person clearly understands every enemy attack pattern, every item interaction, every single nook and cranny of the Lands Between. They’ve probably memorized the game’s entire memory map.

Here’s what makes this even crazier:

No Leveling: This means they relied entirely on perfectly optimized builds and item management. No stat boosts to help them out of sticky situations. This requires insane precision and foresight.
Eight Playthroughs: The sheer dedication to replay the entire game, *perfectly*, eight times? It’s mind-blowing. The mental fortitude required is unreal. This person lives, breathes, and *is* Elden Ring.
No Deaths: Even the slightest mistake could have ended the run. We’re talking about flawlessly dodging Malenia’s Waterfowl Dance, consistently landing critical hits on Radagon, and managing resources with pinpoint accuracy for every single encounter.

This isn’t just a “beat the game” accomplishment; it’s a testament to the incredible depth and replayability of Elden Ring. This dude practically wrote the Elden Ring speedrun bible with this feat. He didn’t just conquer the game; he *deconstructed* it. Props to this absolute beast!

How long does it take the average person to finish Elden Ring?

Completion time in Elden Ring is highly dependent on player skill, build, and exploration habits. The frequently cited 50-70 hour estimate is a broad generalization, largely reflecting a “main story” completion. This ignores significant elements influencing playtime.

Factors Impacting Playtime:

Exploration: The Lands Between are vast. Thorough exploration, including uncovering hidden areas and optional bosses, drastically increases playtime. Expect significantly longer completion times for those who prioritize 100% completion.
Build Optimization: Certain builds are inherently more efficient in combat, reducing time spent on difficult encounters. A highly optimized meta build can shave hours off completion time compared to a less refined approach. This is especially relevant in PvP.
Difficulty Selection: While not explicitly timed, difficulty settings significantly alter encounter length and overall challenge. A player on a higher difficulty setting will naturally spend more time on each boss fight and area.
Death Count: Elden Ring is notoriously unforgiving. Frequent deaths, particularly during challenging boss encounters, add considerable time to the overall playtime.
PvP Engagement: Extensive participation in PvP dramatically increases the total time invested in the game, as battles are often lengthy and require strategic preparation.

Competitive Perspective: Speedrunners consistently demonstrate sub-3-hour completions, showcasing mastery of game mechanics and route optimization. These runs, however, focus solely on completing the game as quickly as possible, completely ignoring the exploration and richness of the core experience.

Realistic Time Estimates:

Main Story Completion: 50-70 hours (general estimate)
Completion with Moderate Exploration: 80-120 hours
Near 100% Completion: 150+ hours

These estimates offer a more nuanced understanding than simple averages. The actual playtime remains significantly variable, reflecting the unique experience each player crafts.

Has anyone beaten Elden Ring with 0 deaths?

That’s incredible! A player has achieved the seemingly impossible: eight consecutive Elden Ring playthroughs, up to NG+7, without a single death or level-up. This showcases an exceptional understanding of the game’s mechanics, enemy AI, and boss patterns. It’s not just about skill; it requires meticulous planning and flawless execution. The fact they didn’t level up highlights their mastery of item utilization and strategic combat. This achievement surpasses typical speedruns, demanding perfect knowledge of every area, including hidden paths and optimal item acquisition for maximum efficiency. Think about the insane amount of time and precision needed – each death would invalidate the entire run. This underlines the depth and replayability of Elden Ring, pushing players to achieve truly remarkable feats. The strategy involved would likely involve highly specific builds and intricate knowledge of weapon arts and timings. The sheer dedication involved serves as inspiration; a testament to what’s achievable through unwavering perseverance and complete mastery of a complex game. It shatters previous notions of what is even possible within Elden Ring.

Has anyone finished Elden Ring without dying?

The question of whether anyone has completed Elden Ring without dying is a fascinating one, often debated amongst the Tarnished. While a completely flawless run remains elusive, a truly remarkable feat has been achieved. A dedicated player, a veritable veteran of FromSoftware titles, has conquered the Lands Between eight times without ever perishing or increasing their level. This showcases an unparalleled mastery of the game’s intricate combat systems and knowledge of enemy attack patterns.

This accomplishment highlights several key strategies potentially employed:

Deep Understanding of Enemy AI: Precise knowledge of enemy attack animations, tells, and attack windows is paramount. This allows for perfectly timed dodges and parries, negating almost all damage.
Optimal Build & Weapon Selection: Choosing the right starting class and weapons significantly impacts survivability. Certain weapons offer superior reach or stagger capabilities, crucial for controlling engagements.
Mastering Spirit Ashes & Summoning: Even without leveling up, strategically using Spirit Ashes can significantly reduce the burden of combat. Timing their deployment correctly is critical for success.
Thorough Exploration & Item Management: Finding and utilizing all available items and resources is vital. Rare consumables, such as Flasks and other buffs, can be the difference between life and death.

Such a feat demands not only exceptional skill but also countless hours of practice and meticulous planning. The implications are significant for those seeking to perfect their Elden Ring gameplay. This achievement serves as a testament to the depth and challenge the game offers, pushing players to their absolute limits and highlighting the immense potential for mastery within its unforgiving world. The methods employed likely involved extensive preparation, repeated practice runs focused on specific boss encounters, and a profound understanding of the game’s mechanics.

Phase-Based Learning: Breaking down each boss fight into manageable phases allows for focused practice on individual attack patterns.
Run Optimization: Minimizing unnecessary risks and optimizing routes to conserve resources and minimize encounter frequency is critical.
Adaptive Strategy: The ability to adjust strategies on the fly based on the current situation is essential.

How long is Elden Ring without dying?

The question of how long Elden Ring takes without dying is, frankly, a fool’s errand. Death is inherent to the Tarnished’s journey; embracing it is key to understanding the Lands Between. Focusing solely on the main story, achieving Elden Lordhood will take approximately 60 hours. This is a streamlined experience, neglecting the rich tapestry of lore, challenging optional bosses, and hidden areas brimming with secrets.

However, for the dedicated scholar of the Lands Between, a true completionist run demands a far greater temporal investment. To uncover every inch of this fractured world, to delve into each hidden catacomb and crumbling legacy dungeon, to master every weapon art and spell, to understand the interwoven narratives of Marika, Radagon, and the Greater Will – this endeavor stretches into the realm of 134 hours, potentially even exceeding it. This includes uncovering all Legendary Talismans, acquiring every Spirit Ashes, and, of course, engaging with every single optional boss fight. Consider the implications of discovering all the hidden locations, deciphering the cryptic messages inscribed on crumbling stones, and piecing together the fragments of a shattered history. It’s not merely about time; it’s about dedicated exploration and a commitment to fully understanding the Elden Ring’s rich and intricate narrative.