How's the replayability?

[对不起我只会说英语]

I got Elden Ring before and finished it and loved it. That game is generally replayable given that there were multiple builds to try, but my issue with ER is mostly how large it is (it's a double edge sword).

I loved it, but each playthrough took too long. My 1st playthrough took me 100+ hours to complete in fact and completing a build was tedious in a way. I was wondering if DS3 could scratch that itch of Elden Ring gameplay (well technically, it's Souls 3 gameplay with jump I heard), with good variety of builds to try but shorter completion time?

TLDR: Was wondering if DS3 has rich builds like in ER but with shorter playthroughs for more replayability.

[Hydef]

INT and FTH builds are a bit harder to get going, but yes, lots of replayability, and builds come together quicker then ER.

[Reaper415]

I've got close to 1600 hours combined across the Dark Souls trilogy on steam and xbox, with over a dozen playthroughs on each game. So yes, I'd say the replayability is amazing. Be it starting fresh or going to a new NG cycle, both are fun.

[iriyap]

Yeah, you have the right idea, Dark Souls 3 is incredibly similar to Elden Ring, it's virtually the same combat system, all the same animations, a lot of the same weapons and gear, the bosses are likewise fast paced multi-stage fights, etc etc. There's just no jump, no horse, and no open world obviously. Well, you can jump forward when sprinting but it's strictly for platforming challenges and has no use in combat.

As for replayability, the game can be completed rather quickly, especially when you're familiar with it, so most people will replay it at least once. I've done like 6 runs myself + a lot of PvP. The most popular builds are probably full STR, full DEX and Dark (30/30 INT/FTH). You could also go Quality (27/40 STR/DEX) or Pyro (40/40 INT/FTH) or Sorcery (60 INT), there are lots of options. Worth noting, respeccing is completely free and unlimited (due to a well known exploit that will never get patched at this point). The upgrade materials are limited though, you can get up to 15 titanite slabs (same thing as ancient dragon stones in ER) per playthrough (including DLC).

Pick the Knight, it's the Samurai of Dark Souls 3, aka the most optimal class for melee builds and it starts with great gear, just like the Samurai.

[Reaper415]

Originally posted by iriyap:

Pick the Knight, it's the Samurai of Dark Souls 3, aka the most optimal class for melee builds and it starts with great gear, just like the Samurai.

Mercenary starts with the Sellsword tWINblades. Those weapons hard carry you to the endgame with a sharp infusion easy. So given how most of the bosses are fast paced, DEX is much better than an STR build imo but it's a personal playstyle preference.

For STR though, Greatsword with Darkmoon Blade SLAPS.

[Kolonel Kobb]

It's pretty great, and yes there are rich builds in Ds3 but in my opinion require more thought put into them to get the most out of them, I have a Int/dex character, a Fth/str, and a pyro, all I finished up fairly quickly, pvp is much better in the souls games in my opinion.

[对不起我只会说英语]

Alright! I see I see. Thanks a lot for the response! I don't now which answer to pin, but you were all incredibly helpful.. 😀 rarely does this game go on sale so I'll try to grab it before the sale ends.