Lords of the Fallen, a third-person action RPG released in 2014, has cemented itself as a challenging and immersive experience, drawing inspiration from the Souls series. While a straightforward playthrough can offer a satisfying 20-30 hours of gameplay, dedicated completionists find a whole new world of satisfaction in pushing the boundaries to achieve the elusive 100% completion. In this article, we delve into the intricacies of what makes this grind worthwhile and how players can extract maximum enjoyment from the core of Lords of the Fallen.

The Quest for Every Item: A Hunter's Odyssey

The road to 100% completion in Lords of the Fallen involves a meticulous hunt for over 150 items scattered throughout its expansive world. From weapons and armor sets to rare crafting materials, the game demands players to explore every nook and cranny, referencing community-made spreadsheets and websites to ensure no item goes unnoticed. The challenge lies not only in the quantity but also in the rarity and difficulty of obtaining certain items, often requiring multiple playthroughs and strategic farming.

Forging the Perfect Arsenal: An Artisan's Endeavor

Maxing out equipment adds another layer to the completionist journey, urging players to upgrade every weapon, armor piece, and accessory to their full potential. This entails a grind for top-tier upgrade components, with blacksmiths scattered sparingly throughout the game. The pursuit of divine and ethereal variants of equipment elevates the challenge, pushing players through New Game Plus cycles to find these elusive treasures. While the grind is real, the satisfaction of wielding a fully upgraded arsenal is unparalleled.

Conquering Challenges: The True Test of a Champion

Achieving 100% completion isn't just about collecting items; it's about conquering every challenge the game throws at you. From fully exploring each zone to defeating every boss and mini-boss, the journey demands skill, strategy, and perseverance. Some boss battles, even after optimized builds, provide legitimately difficult tests, with additional conditions like no-hit challenges amplifying the difficulty. The sense of accomplishment comes not just from overcoming enemies but also from fully unraveling the game's story through completing all side quests.

The Meta-Quest: Earning Digital Merit Badges

For completionists, the ultimate goal is not just in-game achievements but also the tangible proof of trophies and achievements on their respective platforms. Some of these trophies require extreme dedication, pushing players to achieve rare feats like gold medals on all slayer contracts or finishing New Game Plus cycles on the hardest settings. The meta-rewards add an extra layer of challenge, creating a badge of honor for those who can overcome these virtual obstacles.

Navigating the Grind: Tips for Enjoyable Pursuit

The journey to 100% completion in Lords of the Fallen is undeniably a grind, testing the patience and perseverance of players. To navigate the challenges and maintain enjoyment throughout, it's crucial to adopt a strategic approach. Tackling multiple objectives simultaneously, mixing in casual sessions, and engaging with the community can help alleviate the monotony. Breaks, both short and long, are essential to prevent burnout, ensuring that the pursuit remains enjoyable rather than becoming a chore.

Is the Journey Worth It?

The question of whether achieving 100% completion in Lords of the Fallen is worth the monumental time investment is subjective. While the core game offers a robust experience on its own, true completionists find immense satisfaction in leaving no stone unturned. The journey to 100% completion extends the playtime well beyond the initial 20-30 hours, offering continued gameplay, challenge runs, and strategic optimizations. It's a grind, no doubt, but for those who can stick it out, the rewards are more than pixels on a screen – they are a testament to dedication, skill, and a true love for the game.