Dark Souls 3 invites players into a haunting world where every corridor and cliff feels heavy with history. Understanding how long it takes to complete the game helps you plan your time and expectations.
This guide breaks down main story, side content, and speedrun benchmarks so you can estimate your journey through Lothric and beyond. The following sections clarify what influences completion time and how different playstyles affect the total hours.
| Playstyle | Main Story Only | 100% Completion | Speedrun Category |
|---|---|---|---|
| Focused Story Run | 20–25 hours | 50–70 hours | Any% |
| Exploration Focused | 25–35 hours | 80–120 hours | 100% |
| Speedrunning Veteran | Under 15 hours | Varies by route | Glitchless Any% |
| First-Time Casual | 30–40 hours | 100+ hours | Story Only |
Navigating the Main Story Route
Core Quest Progression
The main story of Dark Souls 3 typically takes 20 to 25 hours for a focused player who follows the primary questline without extensive detours. Your path through High Wall of Lothric, Irithyll of the Boreal Valley, and the Demon Ruins shapes most of this time.
Boss Fight Investment
Each major boss in the main story demands practice, pattern recognition, and gear investment. Allocating time to learn fights like Aldrich, Champion Gundyr, and the final confrontation influences how quickly you can finish the core narrative.
Exploring the Open World Fully
Secrets, Side Quests, and Collectibles
When you pursue 100% completion, you unlock hidden areas, side quests, and powerful weapons. This approach can extend playtime to 50–70 hours or more, depending on how thoroughly you search every corner of the map.
Memory Coordination and Backtracking
Later areas require items and memories that open shortcuts, reducing backtracking time. Efficient navigation and strategic leveling help you revisit earlier zones without unnecessary repetition, improving overall pacing.
Refining Your Playstyle for Speed
Route Optimization and Skip Strategies
Speedrunners often skip major bosses and entire zones using sequence breaks or glitches. Techniques such as early access to the Dreg Heap and optimized leveling routes dramatically cut the total hours required to beat the game.
Execution Consistency and Tool Assistance
Consistent execution of complex maneuvers, including dodges, parries, and weapon combos, keeps run times low. Tool assistance like emulators, research guides, and community resources further streamline speed attempts.
Planning Your First Playthrough
Class Choice and Starting Build
Your starting class and equipment build shape early difficulty and pacing. A sturdy weapon, reliable shields, and balanced stats reduce time spent dying and retrying encounters during initial exploration.
Leveling and Resource Management
Efficient leveling, thoughtful equip loadouts, and careful use of Estus shards prevent wasted trips to bonfires. Managing humanity, repair kits, and spell resources helps you push through challenging segments without unnecessary delays.
Key Takeaways for Managing Your Time
- Estimate 20–25 hours for a focused main story run, 50–70 hours for full completion.
- Plan extra time for boss practice, backtracking, and learning enemy patterns.
- Use shortcuts and memory coordination to reduce repetitive travel across zones.
- Leverize community resources and route guides for speedruns or efficient playthroughs.
- Balance exploration with discipline to avoid burnout while preserving immersion.
FAQ
Reader questions
How long does a first playthrough to defeat the final boss usually take?
Expect 25 to 35 hours depending on how many optional fights you tackle and how often you explore off the main path.
Can I finish the story in under 20 hours if I avoid side content?
Yes, skipping almost all side quests and focusing strictly on the main story can bring completion time down to roughly 18 to 22 hours for experienced players.
What is a reasonable target time for 100% completion on a new playthrough?
A thorough 100% run typically requires 90 to 120 hours, including quests, item collections, and preparatory runs for challenging encounters.
Does New Game Plus significantly add to total playtime?
Each New Game Plus cycle adds 15 to 30 hours if you chase new weapons, alternate endings, and higher NG+ levels that demand refined builds and strategies.