Longest Video Game: How Much Time To Finish?

Hey there, fellow gamers! Ever wondered which video game would keep you glued to your screen for the longest time? I mean, we all love a good, immersive gaming experience, but some games just take the concept of “long” to a whole new level. So, let's dive into the fascinating world of the longest video games and explore just how much time you'd need to invest to see the end credits roll. Get ready to clear your schedules, folks!

What Qualifies a Game as “Long”?

Before we get into specific titles, let's quickly define what makes a game qualify as “long.” Is it just about the main story? Or do we consider completionists who aim to see and do everything a game has to offer? Generally, when we talk about long games, we're looking at titles that require dozens, if not hundreds, of hours to complete fully. This often includes:

• Main Story Length: The time it takes to complete the primary storyline.
• Side Quests and Activities: Optional missions and activities that add depth to the game world.
• Collectibles: Items scattered throughout the game that completionists love to hunt down.
• Grinding: Repetitive tasks required to level up or acquire specific items.
• Exploration: Discovering hidden areas and secrets within the game world.

All of these factors contribute to the overall length of a game, and some games excel in one or more of these areas. So, buckle up, because we're about to explore some truly massive gaming experiences!

The Usual Suspects: Long Games You Might Already Know

Okay, let's start with some of the most popular and well-known long games out there. These are titles that have garnered a reputation for their expansive worlds and seemingly endless content. You might have heard of them, or maybe you’ve already sunk countless hours into them. Either way, they deserve a mention.

The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim

Ah, Skyrim, the land of dragons, magic, and endless possibilities. Even just sticking to the main questline will take you a decent chunk of time, but the real meat of Skyrim lies in its side quests and exploration. There are guilds to join, cities to explore, and dungeons to conquer. Completionists can easily spend hundreds of hours discovering every secret and mastering every skill. I'm talking about over 200 hours for a completionist run! The open-world design encourages players to wander off the beaten path, leading to countless unexpected adventures. Plus, with the modding community still active, the possibilities for extending your playtime are virtually limitless. Who here hasn't gotten lost for hours just wandering around, discovering new locations and taking on random quests? Skyrim is a true time sink in the best possible way.

The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt

The Witcher 3 isn't just a long game; it's a masterpiece. With its compelling story, memorable characters, and stunning open world, it's easy to get lost in the Northern Kingdoms. The main story alone can take upwards of 50 hours, but the side quests are so well-written and engaging that you'll want to complete them all. And let’s not forget the Blood and Wine and Hearts of Stone expansions, which add even more content to an already massive game. The Witcher 3 is a game that rewards your time investment with a rich and unforgettable experience. Seriously, guys, if you haven't played this one yet, you're missing out. It's a benchmark for open-world RPGs and a testament to the power of storytelling in video games.

Red Dead Redemption 2

Rockstar Games are known for their expansive open worlds, and Red Dead Redemption 2 is no exception. Playing as Arthur Morgan in the twilight years of the Wild West, you'll get caught up in a sprawling story filled with memorable characters, intense shootouts, and breathtaking landscapes. Red Dead Redemption 2 offers a meticulously detailed world that begs to be explored. From hunting legendary animals to robbing trains, there's always something to do. If you aim for 100% completion, prepare to invest well over 100 hours. And honestly, just riding around on your horse, soaking in the atmosphere, is an experience in itself. Red Dead Redemption 2 is a slow-burn masterpiece that will stay with you long after the credits roll.

The Titans: Games That Demand Serious Dedication

Now, let’s move on to the real behemoths – the games that require an unbelievable amount of time to complete. These are the titles that separate the casual gamers from the hardcore completionists. If you're looking for a gaming experience that will last for months (or even years), these are the games for you.

Monster Hunter Series

The Monster Hunter series, especially games like Monster Hunter: World and Monster Hunter Rise, are notorious for their grindy gameplay loops and sheer amount of content. While the main story can be completed in a reasonable amount of time, the real challenge lies in mastering each weapon, crafting every armor set, and defeating every monster variant. Completionists can easily spend hundreds, if not thousands, of hours mastering everything the game has to offer. The Monster Hunter games are all about the grind, but it's a satisfying grind. The combat is challenging and rewarding, and the sense of progression is constant. Plus, the community is incredibly active and helpful, so you'll never feel alone in your quest to become the ultimate monster hunter.

Crusader Kings III

Crusader Kings III is a grand strategy game that allows you to lead a medieval dynasty through centuries of political intrigue, warfare, and backstabbing. With its complex systems and emergent gameplay, no two playthroughs are ever the same. Completing a single campaign can take dozens of hours, but the game's replayability is virtually endless. You could easily sink thousands of hours into Crusader Kings III and still discover new strategies and storylines. The sheer depth and complexity of Crusader Kings III can be overwhelming at first, but once you get the hang of it, it's incredibly addictive. You'll find yourself constantly plotting, scheming, and maneuvering to secure your dynasty's future. It's a game that rewards patience, strategic thinking, and a willingness to learn from your mistakes.

Path of Exile

Path of Exile is a free-to-play action RPG that's known for its insane level of customization and depth. With its massive skill tree, intricate crafting system, and constantly evolving endgame content, Path of Exile offers virtually endless possibilities for character builds and progression. Completing the main story is just the beginning. The real game starts when you reach the endgame, where you'll be grinding maps, crafting gear, and optimizing your build to tackle increasingly challenging content. Completionists can easily spend thousands of hours mastering every aspect of Path of Exile. The game is constantly updated with new content and features, so there's always something new to discover. If you're looking for a game that will keep you engaged for years to come, Path of Exile is definitely worth checking out.

The Ultimate Time Sink: Games That Never Truly End

Finally, let's talk about the games that are designed to be played forever. These are the massively multiplayer online games (MMOs) that offer a persistent world, endless progression, and a constant stream of new content. These games aren't about reaching an ending; they're about the journey and the community you build along the way.

EVE Online

EVE Online is a space-based MMO that's known for its complex economy, player-driven politics, and epic-scale battles. In EVE Online, players can participate in a wide range of activities, from mining and trading to piracy and warfare. There's no real “endgame” in EVE Online. The game is all about creating your own goals and forging your own path in the vast and unforgiving universe. EVE Online is notorious for its steep learning curve, but the rewards are immense. The game offers a level of freedom and player agency that's unmatched by any other MMO. If you're looking for a game where your actions truly matter, EVE Online is the place to be.

World of Warcraft

World of Warcraft is a fantasy MMO that has been around for over a decade and a half, and it's still going strong. With its rich lore, engaging gameplay, and constant stream of new content, World of Warcraft has captivated millions of players around the world. In World of Warcraft, players can explore a vast and diverse world, complete quests, run dungeons, and raid challenging bosses. Like EVE Online, World of Warcraft doesn't have an ending. The game is constantly evolving with new expansions, storylines, and features. World of Warcraft is a social game at its core. It's about forming friendships, joining guilds, and working together to overcome challenges. If you're looking for a game where you can connect with other players and build lasting relationships, World of Warcraft is a great choice.

So, How Long Does it Take to Beat the Longest Game?

Well, as you can see, the answer to this question is complicated. It depends on what you consider “beating” a game. Are you just looking to complete the main story? Or do you want to see and do everything the game has to offer? For some games, like Skyrim or The Witcher 3, completing the main story might take 50-100 hours. But for completionists, the playtime can easily stretch into the hundreds. And for games like EVE Online or World of Warcraft, the playtime is virtually limitless.

Ultimately, the longest game is the one that you enjoy the most. It's the game that keeps you coming back for more, the game that you can lose yourself in for hours on end. So, don't worry too much about how long it takes to beat a game. Just focus on having fun and enjoying the experience. Happy gaming, folks!