Longest Video Game: How Long To Beat?
Hey guys, ever wondered what the absolute longest video game out there is? I mean, we're talking about games that could potentially take hundreds, even thousands, of hours to complete. It's a wild concept, right? In this article, we're diving deep into the world of sprawling narratives, endless side quests, and games that just seem to go on forever. Whether you're a completionist looking for your next big challenge or just curious about the outer limits of gaming commitment, you're in the right place. We'll explore some of the most notorious time-sink games and discuss what makes them so incredibly lengthy. So, grab your snacks, settle in, and let's embark on this epic journey to uncover the longest video game experiences ever created!
When we talk about the "longest video game," what exactly do we mean? Are we referring to the game with the most content, the one with the most expansive open world, or simply the game that takes the most real-world hours to finish? Usually, it’s a combination of all these factors. Games like Minecraft and Elder Scrolls have essentially endless possibilities due to their sandbox nature and modding capabilities. Others, like certain MMORPGs (Massively Multiplayer Online Role-Playing Games), are designed to be played for years, with constant updates and new content. Then there are the games that require an insane amount of grinding to achieve 100% completion. Games like Persona 5 Royal or Red Dead Redemption 2 are notorious for their depth and detail, making the completion time stretch into the hundreds of hours. We'll break down different categories and give you some standout examples. We'll consider games that can be finished in a "reasonable" timeframe, even if it’s a long one, as well as games that are potentially infinite. So get ready; it’s going to be a long ride!
Games with Main Story Focus
Okay, let’s kick things off with games where the primary focus is on the main storyline. These games aren't necessarily endless, but they offer incredibly lengthy narratives that can take a significant chunk of your life to complete. One prominent example is The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt. On average, completing the main story of The Witcher 3 takes around 50-60 hours. But here’s the kicker: that's just the main story! If you decide to explore the side quests, hunt down every monster contract, and dive into the expansions like "Hearts of Stone" and "Blood and Wine," you’re easily looking at 150+ hours of gameplay. The world is rich, the characters are compelling, and there's always something new to discover. It’s a game that truly respects your time, offering a deep and rewarding experience at every turn. Another title that fits into this category is Persona 5 Royal. While it’s a JRPG (Japanese Role-Playing Game), it's packed with content. Completing the main story will take you around 100 hours, but a completionist run can easily exceed 150 hours. The game combines turn-based combat with social simulation elements, making each playthrough unique and engaging.
Another example is Red Dead Redemption 2. This game is known for its immersive open world and detailed story. While the main story can be completed in around 50-60 hours, achieving 100% completion can take upwards of 150-200 hours. The sheer amount of detail in the game, from hunting legendary animals to completing challenges, ensures that players have plenty to do. And let’s not forget the Assassin’s Creed series. Games like Assassin's Creed Valhalla offer massive open worlds and sprawling storylines. Completing the main story and some side content can take around 80-100 hours, but a full completionist run can easily exceed 150 hours. The game combines action-adventure gameplay with RPG elements, allowing players to customize their character and explore a vast historical setting. So, if you're looking for a game with a substantial main story and plenty of side content to keep you engaged, these titles are definitely worth checking out.
Open World Games with Endless Possibilities
Alright, let’s talk about open-world games – the ones that offer endless possibilities and seemingly limitless gameplay. These games aren’t just about completing the main story; they’re about creating your own adventure. Leading the pack is, without a doubt, Minecraft. This sandbox game is all about creativity and exploration. There’s no real end goal, so you can literally play forever. Whether you’re building elaborate structures, exploring vast landscapes, or battling monsters, Minecraft offers a constantly evolving experience. The possibilities are truly endless, especially with the vast array of mods available that can add new features, items, and challenges. Similarly, Terraria offers a 2D sandbox experience with a heavy emphasis on exploration and combat. Like Minecraft, there’s no definitive end, and players can spend countless hours building, crafting, and battling bosses. The game’s depth and variety ensure that there’s always something new to discover. Then we have the Elder Scrolls series, particularly Skyrim and Oblivion. These games offer massive open worlds filled with quests, dungeons, and characters to interact with. While the main storylines can be completed in a reasonable amount of time, the sheer amount of side content and exploration opportunities means that you can easily sink hundreds of hours into each game.
Another notable mention is No Man's Sky. Initially criticized for its lack of content, the game has evolved significantly over the years, adding new features, planets, and gameplay mechanics. Now, it offers a vast, procedurally generated universe to explore, with endless possibilities for discovery and adventure. Players can trade, build bases, and engage in combat, making it a game that can be played for hundreds of hours without getting repetitive. And who could forget Grand Theft Auto V? While the main story is engaging, the real fun comes from exploring the open world of Los Santos and engaging in various activities, from completing side missions to causing chaos with friends online. The game’s depth and variety ensure that there’s always something to do, making it a game that can be played for years. These open-world games offer a truly limitless experience, allowing players to create their own stories and adventures. Whether you’re a builder, an explorer, or a fighter, there’s something for everyone in these vast and engaging worlds.
MMORPGs: The Forever Games
Now, let’s dive into the realm of MMORPGs (Massively Multiplayer Online Role-Playing Games). These games are specifically designed to be played for the long haul, often for years, with constant updates and new content to keep players engaged. At the forefront is World of Warcraft (WoW). This game has been around for over a decade and a half, and it’s still going strong. With multiple expansions, each adding new zones, quests, and gameplay mechanics, WoW offers a constantly evolving experience. Players can level up multiple characters, complete raids, and engage in PvP combat, making it a game that can be played indefinitely. Similarly, Final Fantasy XIV has become a powerhouse in the MMORPG genre. After a rocky start, the game was completely revamped and has since become one of the most popular and critically acclaimed MMORPGs on the market. With a compelling storyline, engaging gameplay, and a strong community, Final Fantasy XIV offers a deep and rewarding experience that can be enjoyed for years.
Another notable mention is Elder Scrolls Online (ESO). Set in the vast world of Tamriel, ESO allows players to explore familiar locations and embark on new adventures. With regular updates and expansions, the game offers a constantly evolving experience. Players can complete quests, explore dungeons, and engage in PvP combat, making it a game that can be played for hundreds, if not thousands, of hours. Then there’s Guild Wars 2. This game is known for its dynamic events and open-world gameplay. With a strong emphasis on exploration and community, Guild Wars 2 offers a unique MMORPG experience. Players can complete quests, participate in events, and explore the vast world of Tyria, making it a game that can be played for years. And let’s not forget Black Desert Online. This game is known for its stunning graphics and deep character customization. With a vast open world to explore and a wide range of activities to engage in, Black Desert Online offers a unique MMORPG experience. Players can complete quests, engage in PvP combat, and participate in various life skills, making it a game that can be played for hundreds of hours. These MMORPGs offer a truly endless experience, allowing players to immerse themselves in vast worlds and create their own stories with friends and fellow gamers.
The Grindiest Games for Completionists
Okay, let’s switch gears and talk about the grindiest games out there – the ones that require an insane amount of dedication and repetition to achieve 100% completion. These games aren't necessarily the longest in terms of story or content, but they demand a significant time investment to fully complete. One of the most notorious examples is Disgaea series. These strategy RPGs are known for their complex gameplay mechanics and insane level caps. To fully complete a Disgaea game, you'll need to spend hundreds of hours leveling up characters, mastering skills, and optimizing your party. It’s a grind that only the most dedicated players can endure. Similarly, the Monster Hunter series is known for its challenging gameplay and extensive crafting system. To fully complete a Monster Hunter game, you’ll need to hunt every monster, craft every weapon and armor set, and complete every quest. This can take hundreds of hours, as you’ll need to master each weapon and learn the attack patterns of every monster.
Another example is Path of Exile. This action RPG is known for its deep character customization and complex skill tree. To fully complete Path of Exile, you'll need to experiment with different builds, farm for rare items, and complete challenging endgame content. It's a grind that can take hundreds, if not thousands, of hours. Then there’s RuneScape. This classic MMORPG is known for its extensive skill system and open-world gameplay. To fully complete RuneScape, you’ll need to level up every skill to 99, complete every quest, and unlock every achievement. This can take years, as some skills require hundreds of hours of training. And let’s not forget Animal Crossing: New Horizons. While it may seem like a casual game, achieving 100% completion in Animal Crossing requires a significant time investment. You’ll need to collect every item, catch every bug and fish, and fill up your museum. This can take months, as some items are only available during certain seasons or events. These grindiest games offer a unique challenge for completionists, requiring dedication, patience, and a willingness to put in the hours. While they may not be for everyone, they offer a rewarding sense of accomplishment for those who are willing to stick with them.
So, What's the Absolute Longest?!
After all this, it's tough to pinpoint a single game as the absolute longest, right? It really depends on what you're looking for in a game. If you want a game with an endless open world and endless possibilities, Minecraft or No Man's Sky are great choices. If you want a game that can be played for years with constant updates, an MMORPG like World of Warcraft or Final Fantasy XIV is the way to go. And if you want a game that will challenge you to your limits and reward you with a sense of accomplishment, a grindy game like Disgaea or Monster Hunter might be perfect.
Ultimately, the "longest video game" is the one that keeps you engaged and entertained for the longest amount of time. It's the game that you keep coming back to, even after you've completed the main story or achieved 100% completion. So, whether you're a completionist, an explorer, or a social gamer, there's a long video game out there for you. Happy gaming, folks!
