The Longest Video Games To Beat: A Gamer's Guide

Hey gaming fanatics! Ever wondered which video games will keep you glued to your screen the longest? We're diving deep into the world of marathon gaming, exploring titles that demand dedication, stamina, and a whole lot of free time. From epic RPGs to sprawling open-world adventures, get ready to discover the longest video games to beat ever. Let's face it, we've all been there: you start a new game, get hooked, and then realize you're in for a serious time investment. But which games truly test the limits of your gaming endurance? Grab your favorite snacks, settle in, and let's explore the massive worlds and time sinks that make these games legendary. We will see which video game to beat takes up the most time. Are you ready to find out what is the longest video game to beat ever?

Understanding Game Length: Factors to Consider

Before we jump into the list, let's talk about what actually determines the length of a video game. It's not always a straightforward thing, guys. Several factors come into play, and they can vary significantly from one player to another. First up, we have the main story. How long does it take to get from the beginning to the end credits? This is usually the baseline, but often, it's just the tip of the iceberg. Then there's the side content, the quests, optional missions, and exploration that add hours upon hours to your playtime. Many games, especially RPGs and open-world titles, are packed with side quests and activities. Completing these is part of what makes these video games long. Next, we consider completionism. Some gamers, myself included, aim to do everything. That means collecting every item, finding every secret, and achieving 100% completion. This can easily double or triple the time spent on a game. Also, there's playstyle. Are you a speedrunner or a casual explorer? Do you rush through the main story or take your time, savoring every moment? Your playstyle has a huge impact on how long it takes you to beat a game. Finally, there's the difficulty. A challenging game might take longer to beat, as you learn the mechanics and try different strategies. Also, keep in mind that game length estimates can vary. Websites like HowLongToBeat provide average times, but these are just estimates, and your experience might differ. Ultimately, what makes a video game long is subjective, but these factors give us a good idea of what to expect. So, when we talk about the longest video games to beat ever, we're considering all these elements.

Top Contenders: The Longest Video Games to Beat

Alright, let's get to the good stuff! Here are some of the longest video games to beat ever, the ones that will keep you entertained for weeks, even months, on end. Keep in mind that these are approximate times, and your mileage may vary. First on the list is The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim. This game is a modern classic, offering an enormous open world filled with quests, secrets, and things to do. The main story alone takes around 30-40 hours to complete, but if you get side-tracked, which you definitely will, you're looking at a playtime of hundreds of hours. Then we have Grand Theft Auto V. This is another open-world behemoth. The main story takes around 30-35 hours. If you consider everything there is to do in Los Santos, you might spend 100+ hours. These are huge, immersive worlds. Next up, Monster Hunter: World. This action RPG is all about hunting massive monsters. The main story takes around 40-50 hours, but the real time sink comes with post-game content. The grind for gear and the pursuit of the perfect hunt can easily push your playtime to over 200 hours. Another game that deserves a mention is The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt. With its deep story, compelling characters, and vast world, The Witcher 3 offers a rich and rewarding experience. The main story can take around 50-60 hours. If you decide to do all the side quests and explore the world, you're looking at over 150 hours. Another honorable mention is Final Fantasy XV. This is an epic RPG with a beautiful world and a fantastic story. The main story can take around 40-50 hours. And if you want to complete all the side quests and explore everything, you're looking at over 100 hours. Keep in mind that some games that are considered the longest video games to beat may also have paid and free downloadable content, that can add hundreds of hours to the already long gameplay.

RPGs: The Kings of Length

When we talk about the longest video games to beat, we have to acknowledge the role-playing games (RPGs). RPGs are famous for their epic scope, deep stories, and massive amounts of content. They often dominate the lists of the longest games. Let's look at some examples and discuss why RPGs are such time sinks. First up is Persona 5 Royal. This JRPG is a masterpiece, with a gripping story, stylish presentation, and a huge amount of content. The main story alone takes around 80-100 hours to complete. If you want to experience everything the game has to offer, you're looking at well over 150 hours. Next is Divinity: Original Sin 2. This is an incredibly deep and complex RPG. It offers a huge world, intricate quests, and a ton of choices that affect the story. A single playthrough can take over 100 hours. Then we have Path of Exile. This is a free-to-play action RPG that offers a massive amount of content. The main story is just the beginning. The endgame content, with its challenging maps, boss fights, and character builds, can keep you playing for thousands of hours. Also, Final Fantasy XIV is a massively multiplayer online RPG (MMORPG). The amount of content is staggering, with a huge story, tons of quests, and a constantly evolving world. With expansions, you could spend thousands of hours in this game. So, why are RPGs so long? They often have several features that contribute to their length. One of these is the open world. Many RPGs feature vast open worlds that encourage exploration. It's easy to get lost in these worlds, discovering new areas, and completing side quests. Another thing is the character progression. RPGs are all about leveling up, upgrading your gear, and perfecting your character build. This adds a sense of progression and motivates players to keep playing. Then, there's the story and lore. RPGs often have complex, detailed stories with compelling characters and worlds. Players get invested in these stories, and they want to see them through to the end. Also, the side quests and optional content greatly affect the playtime. RPGs are usually full of side quests, optional missions, and challenges. These offer a lot of additional content and keep players engaged. RPGs provide some of the longest video games to beat. They're perfect for those who want a deep, immersive experience that they can lose themselves in for countless hours.

The Role of Open Worlds

Open-world games are another category that dominates the conversation about the longest video games to beat. These games offer vast, explorable environments, filled with activities and opportunities. Let's delve into why open-world games are so long and some of the best examples of the genre. Open-world games are designed to be explored. This means a huge map, filled with diverse environments, from sprawling cities to lush forests and desolate deserts. This sense of freedom encourages exploration, as you can go anywhere and do almost anything. Consider The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild. The main story might take 50-60 hours, but the world is so vast and full of secrets that it's easy to spend over 100 hours exploring. The same goes for Red Dead Redemption 2. The main story is around 50 hours, but exploring the open world and completing side activities can easily double or triple that time. These games also offer a variety of activities to keep you busy. This includes quests, missions, collectibles, and mini-games. For example, in Grand Theft Auto V, you can race cars, rob banks, and even play golf. In Assassin's Creed Valhalla, you can raid settlements, participate in festivals, and fish. All these activities extend the playtime and make the game more enjoyable. Open-world games allow players to play at their own pace. You can focus on the main story, complete side quests, or simply explore the world. This flexibility is a key factor in the length of these games. Open-world games are also known for their immersive environments and detailed worlds. Developers put a lot of effort into creating believable and engaging worlds. They pay attention to detail, from the landscapes to the characters and the lore. These details draw the player in and make them want to spend more time in the game world. Ultimately, open-world games like Red Dead Redemption 2 and The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild offer a huge amount of content. Their open-ended nature and focus on exploration make them some of the longest video games to beat.

Beyond Beating: Post-Game Content and Replayability

When we talk about the longest video games to beat, we must consider the post-game content and replayability. These aspects extend the lifespan of a game way beyond the initial playthrough. The post-game content is a wide variety of activities, from completing new challenges and battling super bosses to exploring new areas and unlocking secrets. It allows players to continue enjoying the game even after finishing the main story. Games like Monster Hunter: World are great examples, with a post-game grind for better gear and a series of challenging hunts. Replayability is another factor that extends the lifespan of a game. Some games are designed to be played multiple times, with different choices affecting the outcome. RPGs are the best examples, as the story unfolds differently depending on your decisions. Consider Divinity: Original Sin 2. With its complex systems and character builds, you can play it multiple times, trying out different classes, making different choices, and exploring new areas. This adds a lot of value and makes the game feel fresh even after many hours of gameplay. Also, some games offer new game plus mode, where you can restart the game with your existing character and gear, which allows you to experience the story with a stronger character. Some games have procedurally generated content, which means that the game creates new content each time you play. This can include dungeons, maps, or even entire game worlds. This ensures that the experience is always fresh and exciting. And then there are online multiplayer modes. Many games have online multiplayer modes that can extend the playtime. Games like Destiny 2 offer a shared world where players can team up to complete missions, participate in raids, and compete against each other in PvP modes. This social aspect adds a lot of replayability and can keep you entertained for hundreds of hours. If you're looking for the longest video games to beat ever, you should also consider the post-game content and the replayability. These elements add depth and make the experience last longer. They make the games a great value for the time and money spent.

Conclusion: Your Ultimate Gaming Marathon

So, there you have it, guys! We've journeyed through the worlds of the longest video games to beat ever, exploring the titles that demand dedication, time, and a serious love for gaming. From the epic scope of RPGs to the sprawling freedom of open-world adventures, these games offer experiences that can last for months, even years. Remember, what makes a game long is subjective, but the titles on this list provide ample opportunities to lose yourself in their worlds. Whether you're a completionist aiming for 100% or someone who savors every moment, these games will test your endurance. The next time you're looking for a new gaming adventure, consider these titles and prepare for the long haul. Remember to pace yourself, enjoy the journey, and most of all, have fun! Happy gaming!