The Ultimate Speedrun Showdown: Games That Take Forever

Hey gaming fanatics! Ever wondered what game takes the absolute longest to speedrun? We're diving deep into the world of speedrunning to uncover the titans of time – the games that demand patience, skill, and a whole lot of dedication. Speedrunning, for those not in the know, is the art of completing a game as quickly as humanly possible. This often involves exploiting glitches, mastering complex techniques, and, of course, a deep understanding of the game's mechanics. Some speedruns are over in a flash, but others... well, they're marathons.

The Champions of Endurance: Longest Speedruns

When we talk about the longest speedruns, we're not just talking about games that take a while to beat normally. We're talking about dedicated runs that push the limits of what's possible, and the time it takes to complete these can be absolutely mind-boggling. These games often involve multiple playthroughs, intricate strategies, and a community of dedicated runners who are constantly refining their techniques. It's an entire universe of gaming, and the time commitment can be truly staggering.

Let's get into some of the frontrunners. Please note that the times listed below are approximate and can vary based on the specific category of speedrun (e.g., any%, 100%, etc.) and the version of the game.

1. Final Fantasy VII (Over 40 hours)

Alright, Final Fantasy VII takes the crown. Final Fantasy VII, a JRPG that already takes a hefty amount of time to complete casually, becomes a monumental undertaking when speedrun. This is generally accepted as the longest, clocking in at an insane 40+ hours! This involves a 100% completion run, which means the speedrunner has to do every quest and side quest available, collect every item, and level up their characters to the maximum possible level. It's a huge commitment, but it's impressive to watch someone do it. The game itself already takes a substantial amount of time to get through. The speedrunners have to use specific glitches to skip sections and get the best gear. It's a testament to the community's dedication that the world record keeps being pushed further. It’s a true test of endurance, both for the runner and the audience. And, let's be honest, seeing Cloud and the gang in action for that long is still a lot of fun. Seriously, guys, that's a whole lot of game time. Not for the faint of heart, but definitely a show of commitment. Imagine the level of detail, the recall of maps, every quest, every item, every enemy type. The runners must memorize it all. That is true dedication to the craft.

2. Pokemon Series (20-30 hours)

Oh boy, here comes another marathon: Pokémon games. Depending on the version and the specific goals of the speedrun (e.g., catching every Pokémon, completing the Pokédex, etc.), the time can be in the range of 20-30 hours. Pokémon games present a unique challenge due to their RPG mechanics, grinding, and the sheer number of Pokémon to catch. Speedrunners have to optimize every move, exploit the game's systems to their advantage, and pray to the RNG gods for good luck when catching Pokémon. Completing a speedrun of a Pokémon game is an enormous achievement. It's all about strategic team building, item management, and understanding the ins and outs of the game mechanics. This is a battle of attrition! It's an epic tale of adventure, friendship, and the relentless pursuit of speed. These speedruns take a long time because the goal is not just to beat the Elite Four. You have to capture them all! That includes all the legendary Pokemon and the ones that are hard to find. What a task! And the best part is the speedrunners are often just as passionate about the game as the viewers. The commentary is always full of excitement and energy.

3. The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim (15-25 hours)

Another heavy hitter! Skyrim is known for its sprawling open world and massive amount of content. The 100% completion speedruns of Skyrim are truly awe-inspiring, often taking upwards of 15 to 25 hours. The speedrunners have to complete every quest, explore every location, and collect every item. This is like, a full-time job. Skyrim’s speedruns involve a combination of glitch exploitation, optimization of quests, and a deep understanding of the game's systems. It requires a lot of preparation. The dedication shown by Skyrim speedrunners is truly something to behold. They navigate the world with incredible precision and efficiency. The Elder Scrolls series has always offered players a wealth of possibilities and this is also true when it comes to speedrunning. It is no wonder that the speedrunning community has embraced Skyrim with such enthusiasm, and it’s no wonder their runs take so long. The amount of content in the game requires the utmost skill and efficiency.

4. Animal Crossing: New Horizons (Variable)

Animal Crossing: New Horizons is a special case because it's a game that evolves in real-time. Speedruns can vary wildly based on the objectives, but if you're aiming for a comprehensive run, you're looking at a significant investment of time, with some runs easily exceeding 10 hours. It is such a delightful game, and speedrunning it is a whole different ballgame. It is less about reflexes and more about efficient resource management, clever use of in-game systems, and an understanding of the game’s ever-changing environment. This is not the type of game you can complete in one sitting. It requires patience and persistence. Some of the most impressive Animal Crossing runs involve completing certain in-game goals, such as building specific structures or collecting rare items. These runs involve a constant juggling act of resource gathering, island management, and social interaction. It’s pretty unique, guys!

Factors Affecting Speedrun Length

Several factors play a crucial role in determining how long a speedrun takes. Understanding these factors can help you appreciate the incredible feats of these speedrunners:

• Game Genre: RPGs and open-world games naturally lend themselves to longer speedruns due to the expansive content and complex mechanics.
• Run Category: Whether a runner aims for 100% completion, any%, or other specific objectives significantly impacts the time required.
• Glitches and Exploits: The availability and use of glitches can drastically reduce the time needed to complete a run. However, finding and mastering these glitches takes time and skill.
• Optimization: Speedrunners constantly refine their strategies to optimize their routes and techniques, thereby reducing run times.
• Version of the Game: Different versions of the game can have various glitches, patches, and balance changes, which can impact the speedrun.

Why These Speedruns Are So Engaging

Watching these long speedruns isn't just about witnessing speed; it's about seeing the dedication and knowledge these players have. These runs are a testament to the skill, patience, and love for the game itself. It's fascinating to see how the runners use every trick in the book to shave off time, often while interacting with their audience, explaining their strategies, and keeping the energy high. These speedruns are great for entertainment! Seeing players accomplish these amazing feats is the ultimate in spectator gaming. It's one thing to play a game, but to witness someone master it is amazing.

Conclusion: The Long and Winding Road of Speedrunning

So, what game takes the longest to speedrun? It depends on what you are looking for. It also depends on your definition of “longest”. Final Fantasy VII, the Pokemon games, Skyrim, and even Animal Crossing: New Horizons, are some of the frontrunners. These games are a huge test of endurance. These dedicated runners are not just playing; they're pushing the boundaries of what's possible in gaming. So next time you're looking for a good time, why not check out some of these incredible speedruns? You'll be amazed at the level of skill and dedication on display. Happy watching, and happy gaming!

Disclaimer: Speedrun times are constantly evolving. The times mentioned in this article are approximate and may vary depending on the specific run category, game version, and individual runner.