Longest Video Game Ever: How Long To Beat?
Hey gamers! Ever wondered which video game would take you the longest to complete? With so many epic adventures and sprawling worlds out there, it's a question that sparks a lot of debate. So, let's dive into the fascinating world of massive games and explore which titles truly stand out in terms of playtime.
Defining "Longest": It's More Than Just Main Story
Okay, so what do we really mean by "longest"? Are we talking about just blasting through the main storyline? Or are we factoring in all the side quests, hidden secrets, and completionist goals? For most gamers, the true length of a game includes a healthy dose of optional content. Think about it: exploring every nook and cranny, mastering every skill, and collecting every item – that's where the real time sink is! And let's be real, some of us (myself included!) get easily sidetracked by shiny things and intriguing side quests. So, when we talk about the longest games, we're usually considering the total time it takes to experience everything the game has to offer. This means not just the critical path, but also those delightful distractions that make a game world feel truly alive. It’s about those moments where you stumble upon a hidden village, uncover a secret dungeon, or spend hours perfecting your character's build. These are the experiences that add to the overall playtime and make a game feel incredibly vast. Plus, different playstyles can drastically affect playtime. A completionist who meticulously explores every corner of the map will naturally spend far more time with a game than someone who primarily focuses on the main objectives. And let's not forget the replayability factor! Some games offer multiple endings, different character classes, or branching storylines, encouraging players to dive back in for another playthrough and experience the world from a fresh perspective. Ultimately, the perceived length of a game is a highly subjective thing, influenced by individual preferences, playstyles, and completionist tendencies. But that's what makes this topic so interesting! So, let's keep exploring those massive game worlds and uncovering those hidden gems. And while we're at it, let's share our own experiences and playtime stories in the comments below! I'm always curious to hear about the games that have consumed your lives and left you feeling like you've truly embarked on an epic journey. What are some of your picks for the longest video games ever?
The Contenders: Games That Eat Your Time
Alright, guys, let's get down to the nitty-gritty! Here are some of the top contenders for the title of "Longest Video Game Ever," considering both main story completion and full completion:
1. The Elder Scrolls Series (Especially Skyrim and Oblivion)
These games are notorious for their massive, open worlds and endless quests. You could easily sink hundreds, even thousands, of hours into exploring every dungeon, mastering every skill, and becoming the Dragonborn (or the Hero of Kvatch!). The Elder Scrolls series stands out as a prime example of games that offer near-limitless possibilities and player freedom. Whether you're exploring ancient ruins, battling fearsome dragons, or simply wandering through the picturesque landscapes, there's always something new to discover. The sheer scale of the game world is staggering, with each province offering unique environments, cultures, and challenges. From the snow-capped peaks of Skyrim to the lush forests of Cyrodiil, the Elder Scrolls games provide a rich and immersive experience that can keep players engaged for countless hours. But it's not just the size of the world that makes these games so long. It's also the sheer amount of content packed into every corner. There are hundreds of quests to complete, each with its own unique story and rewards. You can join guilds, become a master craftsman, or even dabble in the arcane arts. The possibilities are truly endless, and it's easy to get lost in the game for hours without even realizing it. And let's not forget the mods! The Elder Scrolls community is incredibly active, creating countless mods that add new content, improve graphics, and even completely overhaul the gameplay experience. With mods, you can essentially create a new game within the game, extending the playtime even further. For completionists, the Elder Scrolls games offer an unparalleled challenge. Mastering every skill, collecting every item, and completing every quest can take hundreds, if not thousands, of hours. But for many players, the journey is just as rewarding as the destination. The Elder Scrolls games are a testament to the power of open-world design and player agency, offering an experience that is truly unique and unforgettable. So, if you're looking for a game that will keep you entertained for a long, long time, look no further than the Elder Scrolls series.
2. Fallout Series (Especially Fallout 4 and New Vegas)
Similar to The Elder Scrolls, the Fallout games offer a vast, post-apocalyptic world to explore. Building settlements, completing quests, and uncovering the secrets of the wasteland can take a significant amount of time. The Fallout series immerses players in a rich and detailed post-nuclear world, where survival is a constant struggle. From the radioactive wasteland of Fallout 4 to the desolate Mojave Desert of New Vegas, each game offers a unique and compelling setting to explore. The Fallout games are known for their engaging storylines, memorable characters, and challenging gameplay. Players must scavenge for resources, craft weapons and armor, and fight off hordes of mutated creatures to survive. But it's not just about survival. The Fallout games also offer a deep and complex narrative that explores themes of morality, justice, and the consequences of war. Players must make difficult choices that can have a significant impact on the world around them. The Fallout games also feature a robust settlement-building system that allows players to create their own thriving communities in the wasteland. Building and managing settlements can be a time-consuming but rewarding endeavor, as players must gather resources, construct buildings, and defend their settlements from raiders and other threats. The Fallout games are also known for their humorous and quirky tone, which adds a touch of levity to the otherwise grim and serious setting. From encountering eccentric characters to discovering bizarre and unexpected events, the Fallout games are full of surprises that keep players engaged and entertained. For completionists, the Fallout games offer a challenging and rewarding experience. Exploring every corner of the wasteland, completing every quest, and building the perfect settlement can take hundreds of hours. But for many players, the journey is just as enjoyable as the destination. The Fallout series is a testament to the power of open-world design and player agency, offering an experience that is both immersive and unforgettable. So, if you're looking for a game that will keep you entertained for a long, long time, look no further than the Fallout series.
3. Minecraft
Minecraft is a sandbox game with virtually endless possibilities. There's no real end, and players can spend countless hours building, exploring, and creating their own worlds. Minecraft is a unique and innovative game that has captured the hearts of millions of players around the world. With its simple yet engaging gameplay, Minecraft allows players to unleash their creativity and build anything they can imagine. From simple houses to complex cities, the possibilities are endless. Minecraft is also a game that encourages exploration and discovery. The world is vast and diverse, with a variety of biomes to explore, from lush forests to barren deserts. Players can also venture into the depths of the earth to mine for resources and battle dangerous creatures. Minecraft is a game that can be enjoyed by players of all ages and skill levels. Whether you're a casual player who enjoys building and exploring, or a hardcore player who likes to challenge yourself with difficult projects, Minecraft has something to offer everyone. Minecraft is also a game that is constantly evolving. The developers are always adding new features and content, which keeps the game fresh and exciting. There are also a huge number of mods available that can significantly change the gameplay experience. For completionists, Minecraft offers a unique challenge. There's no real end to the game, but there are many achievements to unlock and challenges to complete. Building a massive structure, exploring every biome, and defeating every boss can take hundreds of hours. But for many players, the journey is just as rewarding as the destination. Minecraft is a testament to the power of sandbox games and player agency, offering an experience that is both creative and unforgettable. So, if you're looking for a game that will keep you entertained for a long, long time, look no further than Minecraft. It is definitely one of the longest video game ever.
4. Elite Dangerous
This space simulation game boasts a massive galaxy to explore. With countless star systems, planets, and missions, Elite Dangerous can keep players occupied for years. Elite Dangerous is a vast and immersive space simulation game that puts players in the cockpit of their own spacecraft. With a realistic physics engine and a stunningly detailed galaxy to explore, Elite Dangerous offers a unique and unforgettable gaming experience. Players can choose from a variety of roles, from traders and explorers to bounty hunters and pirates. Each role offers its own unique challenges and rewards. Elite Dangerous is a game that rewards patience and dedication. It takes time to learn the ropes and master the controls, but the rewards are well worth the effort. Exploring the galaxy, discovering new planets, and engaging in epic space battles is an experience that is both thrilling and rewarding. Elite Dangerous is also a game that is constantly evolving. The developers are always adding new features and content, which keeps the game fresh and exciting. There are also a huge number of community-created mods available that can significantly change the gameplay experience. For completionists, Elite Dangerous offers a unique challenge. There's no real end to the game, but there are many achievements to unlock and challenges to complete. Exploring every star system, mastering every ship, and becoming a legendary pilot can take years. But for many players, the journey is just as rewarding as the destination. Elite Dangerous is a testament to the power of space simulation games and player agency, offering an experience that is both immersive and unforgettable. So, if you're looking for a game that will keep you entertained for a long, long time, look no further than Elite Dangerous. Prepare for lift off!
5. Path of Exile
If you're into action RPGs, Path of Exile is a deep and complex game with endless character customization options and a constant stream of new content. Getting to the endgame and mastering all the classes can take a very long time. Path of Exile is a dark and gritty action RPG that offers a deep and complex gameplay experience. With its vast skill tree, endless character customization options, and challenging endgame content, Path of Exile is a game that can keep players engaged for hundreds of hours. Players can choose from a variety of classes, each with its own unique playstyle and abilities. Mastering each class and building the perfect character can take a significant amount of time and effort. Path of Exile is also a game that is constantly evolving. The developers are always adding new content, including new leagues, skills, and items. This keeps the game fresh and exciting for both new and veteran players. For completionists, Path of Exile offers a unique challenge. Reaching the endgame, mastering every class, and completing every challenge can take hundreds of hours. But for many players, the journey is just as rewarding as the destination. Path of Exile is a testament to the power of action RPGs and player agency, offering an experience that is both challenging and unforgettable. So, if you're looking for a game that will keep you entertained for a long, long time, look no further than Path of Exile. Good luck, exile!
Honorable Mentions
- MMORPGs (Like World of Warcraft, Final Fantasy XIV, and Elder Scrolls Online): These games are designed to be played indefinitely, with constant updates and new content.
- Crusader Kings III: A grand strategy game where a campaign can last hundreds of hours, and even then you will probably not see the end.
So, What's Really the Longest?
Honestly, there's no definitive answer. It really depends on your playstyle and what you consider "complete." But hopefully, this list gives you a good starting point for your next epic gaming adventure!
What do you guys think? Are there any other games that deserve to be on this list? Let me know in the comments below!
