Longest Video Game Ever: How Long Does It Take?

by Jhon Lennon 48 views

Hey guys! Ever wondered what the absolute longest video game is that you could possibly sink your teeth into? You know, the kind of game that could take over your life, become a second job, and give you bragging rights for years to come? Well, buckle up, because we're diving deep into the world of massive, endless, and ridiculously long video games. We’re not just talking about games with expansive open worlds; we're talking about the ones that require serious dedication, strategic planning, and maybe even a few energy drinks along the way. So, let's get started and explore the titans of playtime!

What Qualifies a Game as "Long"?

Before we start throwing around titles, let's define what makes a game truly "long." Is it just the main story? The completionist run where you collect every shiny thing and unlock every achievement? Or perhaps it's the emergent gameplay, where the possibilities are virtually limitless? Generally, we consider a game "long" based on a few key factors:

  • Main Story Length: How many hours does it take to complete the core narrative?
  • Completionist Length: How many hours does it take to do everything? (And we mean everything!)
  • Emergent Gameplay: Does the game offer endless replayability through procedural generation, dynamic stories, or player-driven content?
  • Grindy Elements: Are there repetitive tasks or challenges that significantly extend playtime?
  • Multiplayer Engagement: Does the game have a thriving multiplayer component that keeps players hooked for hundreds or even thousands of hours?

These elements combined determine how long a game can potentially hold your attention, and subsequently, earn its place on the list of the longest games ever.

The Usual Suspects: Well-Known Time Sinks

Okay, let's start with some of the usual suspects – the games that most people think of when they consider long playtime. These are the games that are notorious for their sprawling worlds, intricate stories, and addictive gameplay loops.

The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim

Ah, Skyrim. It had to be mentioned, right? Skyrim is legendary for its sprawling open world, brimming with quests, dungeons, and dragons. The main story alone can take around 30-40 hours to complete, but that's just scratching the surface. A completionist run, including all side quests, DLCs, and achievements, can easily push you into the 200-300 hour range. And that's before you even consider modding, which can add infinite replayability. The beauty of Skyrim is that you can create your own adventure, making it a game you can keep coming back to for years.

The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt

The Witcher 3 is another prime example of a game that respects your time while still offering an enormous amount of content. The main story is a gripping tale filled with moral dilemmas and memorable characters, taking around 50-60 hours to complete. But the real magic lies in the side quests and exploration. The world feels alive, and every corner has something interesting to discover. A completionist run of The Witcher 3, including the Hearts of Stone and Blood and Wine expansions, can easily clock in at 150-200 hours, making it a truly epic experience.

Red Dead Redemption 2

Rockstar Games are notorious for creating incredibly detailed and immersive open-world experiences, and Red Dead Redemption 2 is no exception. The main story is a slow-burn epic that can take around 50-60 hours to complete. But Red Dead Redemption 2 is more than just a story; it's an experience. The world is rich with detail, and there's always something to do, whether it's hunting, fishing, or just exploring the vast landscapes. A completionist run can easily take 150-200 hours, and that's not even counting the online component, which can keep you hooked for even longer.

The Longest of the Long: The Real Giants

Now, let's get to the real giants – the games that are known for their insane playtime requirements. These are the games that can take hundreds, even thousands, of hours to fully complete. Prepare yourselves, because these are not for the faint of heart.

Monster Hunter: World

Monster Hunter: World is an action RPG where you hunt increasingly challenging monsters, craft new gear, and repeat. The core loop is addictive, but the real draw is the sheer amount of content. Completing the main story and reaching the endgame can take around 50-60 hours, but that's just the beginning. To truly master the game, you'll need to hunt every monster, craft every weapon and armor set, and complete every challenge. This can easily push your playtime into the 300-400 hour range, and with regular updates adding new monsters and challenges, Monster Hunter: World can keep you busy for a very, very long time.

Assassin's Creed Valhalla

Ubisoft's Assassin's Creed series has always been known for its large open worlds, but Assassin's Creed Valhalla takes things to a whole new level. The main story is a sprawling saga that can take around 60-80 hours to complete. But Valhalla is packed with side quests, world events, and collectibles that can easily add another 50-100 hours to your playtime. A completionist run, including all the DLCs, can take well over 150 hours, making it one of the longest Assassin's Creed games to date.

Persona 5 Royal

Persona 5 Royal is a JRPG that combines turn-based combat with social simulation elements. The story is complex and engaging, and the characters are incredibly well-developed. The main story can take around 100 hours to complete, but Persona 5 Royal is designed to be played multiple times. There are multiple endings, social links to max out, and a New Game Plus mode that adds even more content. A completionist run can easily take 150-200 hours, making it a truly immersive and rewarding experience.

The Unfathomable Depths: Games with "Infinite" Playtime

Now we're entering territory where playtime becomes almost meaningless. These are the games that offer near-infinite replayability through procedural generation, emergent gameplay, or thriving multiplayer communities. You could potentially spend thousands of hours on these games and still not see everything they have to offer.

Minecraft

Minecraft is the ultimate sandbox game. With its procedurally generated worlds, the possibilities are virtually limitless. You can build anything you can imagine, explore vast landscapes, and battle hordes of monsters. There's no real "end" to Minecraft; it's all about creating your own adventure. Some players have spent thousands of hours building elaborate structures, exploring every corner of the world, and mastering the game's intricate crafting system. Minecraft is a game that can truly last a lifetime.

EVE Online

EVE Online is a massively multiplayer online role-playing game (MMORPG) set in a vast, player-driven universe. The game is known for its complex economy, intricate politics, and large-scale battles. There's no real "endgame" in EVE Online; it's all about creating your own destiny. You can become a trader, a miner, a pirate, or a corporate CEO. Some players have spent over 10,000 hours in EVE Online, building empires, forging alliances, and participating in epic conflicts. EVE Online is a game that can consume your life, but for those who are willing to dive in, it's an experience like no other.

World of Warcraft

World of Warcraft (WoW) is the king of MMORPGs, and for good reason. With its ever-expanding world, engaging storylines, and a massive player base, WoW has been captivating players for over a decade. Leveling a single character to the current level cap can take hundreds of hours, and that's before you even start raiding, doing dungeons, or participating in PvP. Many players have multiple characters, each with their own unique gear and achievements. It's not uncommon for dedicated WoW players to have thousands of hours invested in the game, making it a true time sink.

No Man's Sky

No Man's Sky had a rocky start, but after numerous updates and improvements, it has become one of the most compelling space exploration games on the market. With its procedurally generated universe, there are literally billions of planets to explore. You can mine resources, build bases, trade with aliens, and engage in space combat. There's no real "end" to No Man's Sky; it's all about discovering new worlds and experiencing the wonders of the universe. Some players have spent thousands of hours exploring the cosmos, and with new content being added regularly, No Man's Sky continues to evolve and captivate players.

So, What IS the Longest Game?

Determining the absolute longest game is tricky because it depends on how you define "long." If you're looking for a game with a finite story that takes the longest to complete, then something like Assassin's Creed Valhalla or Persona 5 Royal might be your best bet. However, if you're looking for a game with near-infinite replayability, then Minecraft, EVE Online, or No Man's Sky are the clear winners. Ultimately, the longest game is the one that you enjoy playing the most, regardless of how many hours it takes to complete.

Final Thoughts

Whether you're a completionist, a casual player, or somewhere in between, there's a long game out there for you. So grab your controller, clear your schedule, and prepare to embark on an epic adventure that could last for hundreds, or even thousands, of hours. Happy gaming!