Longest Video Game: How Long To Beat?

by Jhon Lennon 38 views

Hey guys! Ever wondered what the absolute longest video game in the world is? You know, the kind that takes days, weeks, or even months to complete? Well, you're in the right place! We're diving deep into the world of gaming to uncover those massive titles that require a serious commitment. Whether you're a completionist seeking the ultimate challenge or just curious about the sheer scale of some games, get ready for an epic journey through some of the most expansive virtual worlds ever created.

Understanding Game Length

Before we dive into specific titles, let's quickly break down what we mean by "longest game." There are a few different ways to measure this:

  • Main Story: How long it takes to complete the core narrative.
  • Main + Extras: Completing the main story plus some side quests and additional content.
  • Completionist: Doing everything the game has to offer – every quest, every achievement, every hidden secret. This is where things can get really crazy!

Keep these categories in mind as we explore some of the longest games out there. The playtimes we mention can vary wildly depending on your play style, skill level, and how much you get sidetracked by exploring. Some of you might race through the main story, while others will spend hours just wandering around, soaking in the atmosphere. No matter your style, the games we will be discussing will take up a lot of your time.

The Usual Suspects: Open-World Giants

When it comes to long games, open-world titles definitely dominate the scene. These games give you massive worlds to explore, filled with quests, activities, and distractions. Here are a few of the usual suspects:

  • The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim: Skyrim is legendary for its endless replayability. The main story can take around 30-40 hours, but if you're aiming for full completion, prepare to sink in hundreds of hours. Seriously, you could get lost in the side quests, the dungeons, the crafting, the role-playing. There are so many different character builds to try and factions to join. Even after finishing the main quest, you'll still find new things to do. I know a lot of friends who will sink hours and hours into the game, and still not finish it.
  • The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt: Geralt's adventure is massive, with a rich main story and tons of side content. Expect to spend 50+ hours on the main story and closer to 100 hours if you want to see most of what the game has to offer. For completionists, we're talking well over 150 hours. The world of The Witcher 3 is so detailed, with interesting characters and engaging side stories. You could spend hours just exploring the different regions, from the bustling city of Novigrad to the swamps of Velen.
  • Red Dead Redemption 2: Rockstar's epic Western is known for its slow burn and incredible detail. The main story alone can take 50-60 hours, but with side quests and exploration, you're easily looking at 100+ hours. Completionists can spend hundreds of hours hunting, fishing, and uncovering every secret in the vast open world. What makes Red Dead Redemption 2 so engaging is its attention to detail. You can literally spend hours just watching the wildlife, interacting with the characters, and experiencing the world.
  • Assassin's Creed Odyssey/Valhalla: These massive games in the Assassin's Creed franchise can take well over 100 hours to complete, especially if you're aiming for full synchronization. There are so many locations to see, quests to complete and historical figures to meet. Odyssey takes you to ancient Greece, while Valhalla takes you to the Viking age. Both games have their own unique appeal, but are guaranteed to take up a lot of your time.

The Ultra-Long: Games That Never Seem to End

Okay, now let's get into the games that are notorious for their insane length. These are the games that can take hundreds or even thousands of hours to fully complete:

  • Crusader Kings III: Crusader Kings III is a grand strategy game where you control a medieval dynasty. The game is not about "beating" it, but more about seeing how long your dynasty can survive and thrive. A single campaign can easily last for hundreds of hours, and there's practically infinite replayability. You can play as different rulers, forge different alliances, and experience different historical events. The possibilities are endless.
  • Football Manager Series: These games are infamous for their time-consuming nature. You can literally spend years of in-game time managing your favorite football club. A single season can take dozens of hours, and many players keep their saves going for decades. The beauty of Football Manager is that every game is different. You never know what kind of challenges and opportunities you will face. One season you might be fighting for the title, and the next you might be battling relegation.
  • Old School RuneScape: This MMORPG is known for its grindy gameplay and massive world. Achieving max level in all skills can take thousands of hours. The game is constantly updated with new content, so there is always something to do. Old School RuneScape has a dedicated community of players who have been playing for years. The game has a nostalgic feel, reminiscent of the early days of MMORPGs.
  • Second Life: Second Life isn't really a game in the traditional sense, but more of a virtual world where you can create your own avatar, build things, and interact with other players. There's no real "end" to the game, and people have spent years living virtual lives in Second Life. You can attend virtual events, start your own business, or simply hang out with friends. The possibilities are endless.

The Longest of Them All? An Eternal Commitment

So, which game truly takes the crown for being the longest? It's tough to say definitively, as it depends on what you consider "complete." However, there's one game that consistently comes up in this discussion:

  • Minecraft: Sounds surprising right? Minecraft seems simple on the surface, but its endless sandbox nature means there's no limit to how much time you can spend in the game. While you can technically "beat" the Ender Dragon, the real fun of Minecraft is building, exploring, and creating your own world. Some players have spent tens of thousands of hours on a single world, building massive structures, creating intricate redstone contraptions, and exploring every corner of the map. With mods, the possibilities are endless. You can transform Minecraft into almost any kind of game you want, from a survival simulator to a fantasy RPG. It's crazy how addicting it can be to just sit and build in your world. It is also popular among streamers and content creators. It's not only popular with gamers, but with non-gamers as well. The possibilities are endless and will continue to grow as the game is updated.

Honorable Mentions

Before we wrap up, here are a few other games that deserve a mention for their impressive length:

  • Elite Dangerous: A space simulation game where you can explore a massive galaxy. The possibilities are endless, and you can spend countless hours trading, fighting, and exploring.
  • Eve Online: Another space-based MMORPG known for its complex gameplay and player-driven economy. Building your empire can take years of dedication.
  • Path of Exile: A deep and complex action RPG with endless character customization and a massive amount of content. Getting your character to end game can take a long time. There are so many different builds that you can try.

Final Thoughts

So, there you have it – a look at some of the longest video games in the world! Whether you're into open-world adventures, strategy games, or virtual worlds, there's a game out there that can keep you occupied for hundreds or even thousands of hours. So grab your controller, settle in, and get ready for a long and epic journey!

Remember, the "longest" game is subjective and depends on how you play. But hopefully, this guide has given you some ideas for your next time-consuming adventure. Happy gaming, everyone!