How Long To Beat The Longest Games? A Deep Dive

by Jhon Lennon 48 views

Hey there, gamers! Ever wondered just how much time you've sunk into your favorite games? Or maybe you're planning your next epic adventure and want to know exactly how much time you need to set aside? Well, you're in the right place! Today, we're diving deep into the world of long games, exploring titles that demand serious dedication. We'll be using HowLongToBeat (HLTB) as our primary source. This awesome website is the go-to resource for estimating game completion times, providing average playtimes for main stories, side quests, and everything in between. So, grab your snacks, settle in, and let's find out which games will truly test the limits of your gaming stamina!

Understanding 'How Long to Beat' (HLTB) and Its Impact

Alright, before we get into the nitty-gritty of the longest games, let's talk about HowLongToBeat (HLTB). For those unfamiliar, HLTB is a community-driven website that collects and averages completion times for video games. It's an invaluable tool for any gamer looking to plan their playthroughs, manage their backlog, or simply get a sense of the time commitment involved. HLTB offers different playtime estimates, catering to various playstyles:

  • Main Story: This estimates the time it takes to complete the core narrative of the game. It's perfect if you're primarily interested in experiencing the story.
  • Main + Extras: This includes the main story plus some additional content, like side quests and optional objectives.
  • Completionist: This is the big one! It estimates the time needed to complete absolutely everything in the game – every quest, every collectible, every achievement. This is what we're really interested in today!
  • Combined: HLTB also provides a combined estimate, taking into account all the different playstyles.

The beauty of HLTB lies in its community aspect. Playtimes are submitted by real players, providing a more accurate and relatable estimate than those provided by developers or reviewers. This crowdsourced approach also means that the data is constantly evolving and becoming more accurate as more people submit their completion times. Plus, it is super easy to use, you can search for a game and immediately see how long it takes to beat.

HLTB is important because it is a very good resource for all gamers. It has created a common language and understanding among gamers about playtime. It helps inform your purchasing decisions, allowing you to gauge whether a game's content justifies its price. Are you someone who enjoys a quick gaming fix or someone that likes to sink hundreds of hours into a single game? HLTB helps you identify those experiences that are the best fit for your time and playstyle. It is super important when trying to beat the longest games, because it can help you get a clear expectation of how long the game will last.

The Titans of Time: Games That Demand Dedication

Now, let's get to the main event: the games that will eat up your free time like a hungry Pac-Man! We're talking about games that require hundreds, even thousands, of hours to fully complete. These are the games where you'll be saying goodbye to your social life and hello to endless exploration, questing, and grinding. Keep in mind that playtime varies greatly depending on your playstyle, skill level, and how much you enjoy exploring every nook and cranny. These estimates are based on the completionist times reported on HLTB.

Open-World Giants

Open-world games are notorious for their massive scope and endless content. They often boast sprawling maps, a multitude of side quests, and a wealth of activities to keep you busy for hundreds of hours. Some of the most time-consuming open-world titles include:

  • Grand Theft Auto V: With its vast world, intricate story, and countless side activities, fully completing GTA V can take a truly astonishing amount of time. You'll need to work your way through the main story, all the side missions, collect everything, and generally wreak havoc across Los Santos. Expect to spend well over 100 hours, maybe even approaching 200, if you're a completionist.
  • The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim: Ah, Skyrim. A game that has captivated players for over a decade. The sheer amount of content in Skyrim is staggering. With multiple factions to join, countless dungeons to explore, and a seemingly endless stream of quests, fully experiencing Skyrim will take a serious chunk of your life. Players have reported completionist times exceeding 200 hours. The game is so good that you may even want to start a new game after finishing the original.
  • Red Dead Redemption 2: Rockstar Games is a master of creating expansive worlds, and Red Dead Redemption 2 is no exception. This game is a beautiful and immersive experience. You'll spend hours traversing the detailed landscapes, completing story missions, hunting, fishing, and interacting with the game's rich cast of characters. The completionist time for Red Dead Redemption 2 is insane, easily surpassing 200 hours. You're going to want to take your time with this one.
  • The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt: The Witcher 3 is another titan of the open-world genre. Its detailed world, deep story, and wealth of side quests and contracts will keep you busy for a very long time. Completing everything in The Witcher 3 can easily take 150+ hours. The game's expansions also add even more hours to your playtime, making it a truly massive undertaking. Seriously, just think about all the monsters you will have to slay!

RPGs: Where Time Flies

Role-playing games (RPGs) are known for their deep narratives, character customization, and extensive gameplay. These games often involve a significant time investment, with some titles requiring hundreds of hours to fully experience. Some of the most time-consuming RPGs include:

  • Persona 5 Royal: Persona 5 Royal is an excellent JRPG. It's a game that blends social simulation with dungeon crawling and combat. The story is long and the world is expansive, with a lot of activities to partake in. You are going to be spending a lot of time in this one, with completion times often exceeding 150 hours. The combat is addicting, the story is great, and you will fall in love with the characters in the game.
  • Final Fantasy XV: Final Fantasy XV is the game that is going to take up all your time. A beautiful game with an even more beautiful story. The game has a big focus on exploration and side quests, which make it even more time consuming. You can easily spend over 100 hours in this one, with many players logging even more. Final Fantasy XV is a game that is worth every single hour.
  • Divinity: Original Sin 2: For fans of deep tactical combat and extensive role-playing, Divinity: Original Sin 2 is a must-play. This game boasts a massive world, tons of quests, and a complex combat system that will keep you engaged for hours on end. Completionist times often exceed 150 hours. The game is well regarded and well worth your time.

Other Notable Time Sinks

Beyond open-world games and RPGs, several other genres can also provide lengthy gaming experiences:

  • MMORPGs: Massively Multiplayer Online Role-Playing Games (MMORPGs) are designed to keep you engaged for years, not just months. Games like World of Warcraft and Final Fantasy XIV offer a constant stream of new content, quests, and challenges, making it difficult to ever truly 'finish' them.
  • Strategy Games: Games like Civilization VI and Crusader Kings III can easily consume hundreds of hours. These strategy games are often very replayable. You can also explore different strategies and world-building options, leading to endless possibilities.

Maximizing Your Time Investment: Tips and Tricks

So, you've decided to tackle one of these behemoths? Awesome! Here are some tips to make the most of your time investment:

  • Plan Your Playthrough: Before diving in, take some time to research the game and plan your approach. Decide whether you want to focus on the main story, complete side quests, or go for a full completionist run. This will help you manage your time and avoid getting overwhelmed.
  • Prioritize Your Time: Set aside dedicated gaming sessions to avoid feeling rushed or pressured. These games demand your full attention and it can be difficult to make progress in smaller bursts.
  • Embrace the Journey: The key to enjoying these long games is to embrace the journey. Don't feel pressured to rush through the content. Take your time, explore the world, and savor the experience.
  • Take Breaks: Gaming marathons can be exhausting, so be sure to take breaks to avoid burnout. Step away from the screen, stretch your legs, and recharge your batteries.
  • Use Guides and Resources: Don't be afraid to use guides, walkthroughs, and online resources to help you along the way. These resources can save you time, especially when dealing with complex quests or challenging objectives.

The Psychology of Long Games

What makes us drawn to games that require so much time? The answer is complex, but here are a few things that come to mind:

  • Immersion: Long games often excel at creating immersive worlds that draw players in. The more time you spend in a game, the more connected you become to its world and characters.
  • Sense of Accomplishment: Completing a long game provides a significant sense of accomplishment. You've conquered a monumental task, and you can take pride in your dedication and perseverance.
  • Escapism: Long games offer an excellent form of escapism. They allow you to step away from the stresses of daily life and immerse yourself in a different world.
  • Community: Many long games, especially MMORPGs, foster strong communities. You'll meet other players, form friendships, and share experiences. These connections can add another layer of enjoyment to the game.

Conclusion: The Ultimate Test of Gaming Endurance

So, there you have it, folks! A glimpse into the world of the longest games, the titans of time that will truly test your gaming endurance. These games are not for the faint of heart, but they offer some of the most rewarding and memorable experiences in gaming. Whether you're a seasoned veteran or a curious newcomer, there's a long game out there waiting for you. Just remember to plan your time wisely, embrace the journey, and enjoy the ride!

Remember to use HowLongToBeat to get a better estimate on your games. Happy gaming! And remember to always be having fun. Gaming is meant to be enjoyable, so do not let any game get you down. The most important thing is that you are enjoying your free time!