Longest Video Game To Beat: How Much Time Do You Need?

Hey guys! Ever wondered which video game would swallow your entire life? Which one would have you glued to your screen for weeks, maybe even months? Well, buckle up, because we're diving deep into the realm of the longest video games to beat. We're not just talking about games with tons of content; we're talking about the absolute behemoths that demand dedication, patience, and maybe a few energy drinks.

Why Length Matters (or Does It?)

Now, before we get into the nitty-gritty of specific titles, let's quickly touch on why game length is even a thing. Some gamers adore the idea of a sprawling, never-ending adventure. They relish the feeling of truly investing in a world, getting to know its characters, and mastering its mechanics. For them, a long game is a badge of honor, a testament to their commitment and skill. Think of it like reading a massive, epic fantasy novel – the sheer scale of the thing is part of the appeal.

On the other hand, some players prefer a more concise experience. They might not have the time (or the attention span) to dedicate hundreds of hours to a single game. They're looking for a tightly paced narrative, memorable moments, and a satisfying conclusion without the endless grind. And that's totally cool too! There's no right or wrong answer here – it all comes down to personal preference. But understanding the different types of long video games can help you decide what is best for you.

It's also important to distinguish between "main story length" and "completionist length." A game might have a relatively short central narrative but be packed with side quests, collectibles, and optional challenges that can significantly extend the playtime. We'll be looking at both categories in this article.

The Contenders: Games That Will Steal Your Soul (and Your Time)

Alright, let's get to the good stuff! Here are some of the most notoriously long video games out there, along with estimates of how much time you'll need to invest to see them through. Keep in mind that these are just estimates, and your mileage may vary depending on your playstyle, difficulty setting, and how easily you get distracted by shiny things in the game world.

1. Elite Dangerous

Elite Dangerous is a massively multiplayer online space simulator developed and published by Frontier Developments. The game places players in control of a spaceship and allows them to explore a realistic Milky Way galaxy. It is renowned for its enormous scale, realistic physics, and the freedom it offers players to pursue various careers and activities. This is one of the longest video game due to the nature of open-ended gameplay. Players aren't guided down a specific story path, but rather they are free to choose how they interact with the game world. This can involve trading, mining, bounty hunting, piracy, exploration, combat, and more.

Estimated Completionist Time: Potentially infinite. Seriously, you could spend years exploring the galaxy, upgrading your ships, and engaging in the game's various activities. There's no real "end" to Elite Dangerous; it's more about the journey than the destination.

2. The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim

Skyrim, the fifth installment in The Elder Scrolls series, is an open-world action role-playing game developed by Bethesda Game Studios. Set in the province of Skyrim, the game allows players to freely roam a vast landscape, completing quests, exploring dungeons, battling dragons, and developing their character's skills and abilities. Skyrim is an iconic long video game due to the sheer amount of content it offers. The main questline itself can take a considerable amount of time to complete, but the real depth lies in the numerous side quests, factions, guilds, and exploration opportunities scattered throughout the world. Players can easily get sidetracked for hours exploring caves, clearing bandit camps, crafting items, and interacting with the game's many characters.

Estimated Completionist Time: 100+ hours. Even if you focus on the main story, you're looking at a significant time investment. And if you want to see everything Skyrim has to offer, prepare to clear your schedule for the next few months.

3. Fallout 4

Another Bethesda title, Fallout 4, is an open-world action RPG set in a post-apocalyptic Boston. Like Skyrim, it features a sprawling world to explore, a main questline with multiple branching paths, and a plethora of side quests and activities to keep you occupied. The base game of Fallout 4 has a great deal of content. However, much of the replayability and extended playtime comes from the various DLC packs that add new areas, quests, and gameplay mechanics. Players can spend countless hours building settlements, crafting weapons and armor, and exploring the irradiated wasteland.

Estimated Completionist Time: 80-100+ hours. Fallout 4 is slightly shorter than Skyrim, but it still offers a massive amount of content, especially if you factor in the DLC expansions.

4. Red Dead Redemption 2

Rockstar Games' Red Dead Redemption 2 is an open-world action-adventure game set in a fictionalized version of the American West in 1899. Players control outlaw Arthur Morgan as he navigates a life of crime, loyalty, and survival in a rapidly changing world. Red Dead Redemption 2 is known for its meticulous attention to detail, immersive world, and a compelling story. The game world is vast and filled with things to discover, from small towns and bustling cities to dense forests and towering mountains. Players can engage in various activities, such as hunting, fishing, gambling, and bounty hunting, in addition to the main story missions and side quests. The sheer scope of the game, combined with its slow and deliberate pacing, contributes to its lengthy playtime.

Estimated Completionist Time: 175+ hours. Between the main story, the side quests, the hunting, and the exploring, Red Dead Redemption 2 is a serious time commitment. But most players agree that it's well worth the investment.

5. Assassin's Creed Valhalla

Assassin's Creed Valhalla is an open-world action role-playing game developed by Ubisoft. Set during the Viking Age, the game puts players in the role of Eivor, a Viking raider leading their clan to establish a new settlement in England. Valhalla continues the series' trend towards larger and more expansive open worlds. England is a vast and diverse land, filled with historical landmarks, fortified cities, and sprawling countryside. The game features a main story centered around Eivor's quest to conquer England, but it also offers a wealth of side quests, world events, and activities to engage with. Building and managing your settlement is a key part of the game, as is forming alliances with other Viking clans.

Estimated Completionist Time: 140+ hours. Assassin's Creed Valhalla is one of the longest games in the series, with a huge map to explore and countless activities to complete.

Tips for Tackling a Mega-Game

So, you've decided to take on one of these time-sink games? Here are a few tips to help you survive the journey:

• Pace Yourself: Don't try to do everything at once. Break the game down into smaller chunks and focus on completing one task at a time.
• Don't Be Afraid to Take Breaks: Gaming burnout is a real thing. If you're starting to feel overwhelmed or bored, step away from the game for a while and do something else.
• Use a Guide (If You Want): There's no shame in using a walkthrough or guide to help you find collectibles or complete challenging quests. But try to avoid spoilers if you want to experience the story for yourself.
• Most Importantly: Have Fun!: Remember, gaming is supposed to be enjoyable. If you're not having fun, it's okay to stop playing.

The Takeaway

The longest video game to beat can offer incredibly rewarding experiences. They allow us to immerse ourselves in rich worlds, connect with compelling characters, and test our skills in challenging gameplay scenarios. However, they also require a significant time commitment. Before embarking on a journey into one of these gaming behemoths, consider your own preferences and schedule. Do you have the time and patience to dedicate hundreds of hours to a single game? If so, then prepare for an unforgettable adventure. If not, there are plenty of shorter, equally enjoyable games out there to choose from. Happy gaming, guys! Hope this helps you decide what the next longest video game you will play.