Longest Story Game: How Much Time To Complete?

Hey guys! Ever wondered which story-driven game takes the crown for being the longest? Well, you're in the right place. We're diving deep into the world of narrative-rich games to find out which one will keep you glued to your screen for the longest time. So, grab your snacks, settle in, and let's get started!

Defining a "Story Game"

Before we get into the nitty-gritty, let's clarify what we mean by a "story game." We're talking about games where the narrative is a central and driving force. These aren't just games with a tacked-on plot; they're experiences where the story, characters, and world-building are the main attractions. Think RPGs, adventure games, visual novels, and even some open-world titles where the main questline is particularly compelling.

Now, it's tricky to define "longest" because playtimes can vary wildly based on your playstyle. Do you rush through the main story? Do you explore every nook and cranny, complete every side quest, and talk to every NPC? All of these things can drastically affect how long it takes to finish a game. So, when we talk about the longest story game, we're generally considering the completionist run – the maximum amount of time you could potentially spend in the game's world.

Factors Influencing Game Length

Several elements contribute to the length of a story game. Open-world games, for instance, often have a significant advantage due to their sheer size and the number of optional activities they offer. Games with branching narratives and multiple endings can also extend playtime, as you might want to experience all possible outcomes. Then there are RPGs with extensive character customization, skill trees, and crafting systems that can keep you busy for hours on end. Moreover, the developers' design philosophy plays a crucial role; some games are deliberately designed to be sprawling epics, while others prioritize a more focused and streamlined experience. Ultimately, the perfect game length is subjective and depends on what you're looking for as a player. Do you want a marathon gaming session or a shorter, more digestible experience?

Contenders for the Longest Story Game Title

Alright, let's get to the juicy part! Here are some of the top contenders for the title of the longest story game, along with estimates of their completionist playtime:

The Elder Scrolls Series

The Elder Scrolls series, particularly The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim, is a major player in this discussion. Skyrim's main questline alone can take around 30-40 hours, but if you're aiming for 100% completion, including all side quests, DLCs, and exploration, you're looking at easily 200+ hours. That's a serious time investment! What makes Skyrim so long? Well, it's a combination of factors. The game world is massive, filled with dungeons, caves, and towns to explore. There are countless side quests, many of which are surprisingly well-written and engaging. The character customization is deep, allowing you to create a unique character and playstyle. And, of course, there's the endless fun of just wandering around, discovering new locations, and getting into random encounters. Skyrim truly offers a seemingly limitless amount of content.

The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt

The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt is another strong contender. The main story can take around 50-60 hours, but a completionist run, including all side quests, contracts, and the excellent DLC expansions (Hearts of Stone and Blood and Wine), can easily push you past the 200-hour mark. What makes The Witcher 3 so captivating? The story is incredibly well-written, with complex characters, moral dilemmas, and meaningful choices. The world is richly detailed and immersive, filled with interesting locations and memorable encounters. And the gameplay is a perfect blend of action, exploration, and RPG elements. The Witcher 3 is a game that truly respects your time and rewards your investment with a compelling and unforgettable experience.

Persona 5 Royal

Persona 5 Royal stands out as a unique entry in this list. Unlike open-world epics, Persona 5 Royal is a JRPG with a strong emphasis on character development, social simulation, and turn-based combat. The main story is already lengthy, clocking in at around 100 hours, but a completionist run, including maxing out all social links, completing all side quests, and exploring every dungeon, can take upwards of 150 hours. What makes Persona 5 Royal so addictive? The characters are incredibly likable and relatable, and the social link system allows you to forge meaningful bonds with them. The story is stylish, engaging, and full of twists and turns. And the gameplay is a perfect blend of strategic combat and everyday life simulation. Persona 5 Royal is a game that will stay with you long after the credits roll.

Assassin's Creed Series

While not always praised solely for their stories, newer Assassin's Creed games like Assassin's Creed Odyssey and Assassin's Creed Valhalla are massive open-world experiences with sprawling narratives. A completionist run in either of these games can easily exceed 100 hours, thanks to the sheer number of side quests, collectibles, and world events. Assassin's Creed games have evolved into sprawling open-world RPGs with massive maps to explore, numerous side quests to complete, and a wealth of collectibles to find. While the main storylines can be engaging, it's the sheer volume of content that contributes to their length.

Other Notable Mentions

Of course, there are plenty of other games that could be considered among the longest story games. The Final Fantasy series, particularly Final Fantasy XIV (if you consider the ongoing story updates), can provide hundreds of hours of content. Similarly, games like Divinity: Original Sin 2 and Pathfinder: Kingmaker are deep and complex RPGs that can take a significant amount of time to complete. Even visual novels, like the Ace Attorney series, can be surprisingly lengthy if you aim to unlock all endings and secrets.

So, What's the Absolute Longest?

It's tough to declare an absolute winner, as playtimes are subjective and depend on individual playstyles. However, based on general estimates and community experiences, games like The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim, The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt, and Assassin's Creed Valhalla are definitely among the longest story games available. These games offer massive worlds to explore, countless side quests to complete, and compelling narratives that can keep you engaged for hundreds of hours.

Ultimately, the best way to find the longest story game for you is to try out different genres and titles and see which ones resonate with you the most. Don't be afraid to dive into a sprawling open-world RPG or get lost in a complex JRPG. The world of story-driven games is vast and diverse, and there's something out there for everyone. Happy gaming, folks!