Top Longest Video Games To Immerse Yourself In

Hey guys! Ever wondered which video games take the longest to beat? If you're looking for a gaming experience that truly immerses you for hundreds of hours, you've come to the right place. We're diving deep into the world of expansive, time-consuming games that offer incredible value for your money. So, grab your controllers, and let's get started!

What Makes a Game "Long"?

Before we dive into the list, let's clarify what we mean by a "long" game. Are we talking about the main story alone, or are we factoring in side quests, exploration, and completionist goals? For this article, we're considering the average time it takes to experience the core content, as well as a significant portion of the side content. This means you won't just beeline through the story; you'll actually get to explore the world, engage with the characters, and complete a good chunk of the optional activities. Games that offer endless replayability through procedural generation or emergent gameplay will also be highlighted.

When we talk about the longest video game to beat, we're often referring to titles that go beyond the typical 20-30 hour experience. These are games that demand dedication, offer sprawling worlds, and provide dozens, if not hundreds, of hours of gameplay. It's not just about the quantity of content, but also the quality. A truly long game should keep you engaged and entertained throughout your entire playthrough, offering a satisfying sense of progression and discovery. Whether it's exploring a vast open-world, mastering intricate gameplay mechanics, or unraveling a complex narrative, the best long games reward your investment of time with unforgettable experiences.

Many of these games also benefit from active modding communities that extend their lifespan even further. Mods can introduce new quests, characters, items, and even entire storylines, offering fresh content long after you've completed the original game. This adds another layer of value and replayability, making these games a truly worthwhile investment for gamers seeking a long-lasting and immersive experience. Also, these titles provide great value for your money, giving you more bang for your buck compared to shorter, more linear games. If you are a completionist looking to immerse yourself into a video game world, look no further than these titles.

Top Longest Video Games

1. The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim

Alright, let's kick things off with a classic. Skyrim isn't just a game; it's a cultural phenomenon. The sheer breadth of content available in this open-world RPG is staggering. The main quest can take you around 30-40 hours, but if you want to experience everything Skyrim has to offer, you're looking at hundreds of hours. From joining the Dark Brotherhood to becoming the Archmage of the College of Winterhold, there's always something new to discover. The world is richly detailed, the lore is deep, and the modding community is incredibly active, ensuring that Skyrim remains a relevant and replayable experience for years to come. You will be playing this game for a long time, with the hours adding up to hundreds.

Skyrim's appeal lies not only in its vastness but also in its freedom. You're not forced to follow a linear path; you can forge your own destiny, choosing your skills, your allegiances, and your moral compass. Whether you want to be a stealthy assassin, a powerful mage, or a noble warrior, Skyrim offers the tools and the world to make your fantasies a reality. The game's open-ended nature also encourages experimentation and exploration, rewarding players who venture off the beaten path with hidden treasures, challenging dungeons, and unforgettable encounters.

Moreover, Skyrim's replayability is virtually endless thanks to its extensive modding support. Players can enhance the game's graphics, add new quests and storylines, introduce new characters and creatures, and even completely overhaul the gameplay mechanics. This means that you can tailor the game to your own preferences, creating a unique and personalized experience that keeps you coming back for more. The modding community is constantly creating new content, ensuring that Skyrim remains fresh and exciting even after hundreds of hours of gameplay. With its vast open world, deep lore, and active modding community, Skyrim is a game that can truly last a lifetime.

2. The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt

Next up is The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt, a game that sets the gold standard for open-world RPGs. While the main story is compelling on its own, the side quests are where the game truly shines. Each side quest is carefully crafted, with meaningful choices and consequences that impact the world around you. The world is gorgeous and immersive, and the characters are complex and memorable. If you want to complete everything The Witcher 3 has to offer, including the DLC expansions, you're looking at well over 100 hours of gameplay. The Witcher 3 isn't just a long game; it's a masterpiece of storytelling and world-building.

The Witcher 3's strength lies in its ability to blend engaging storytelling with compelling gameplay. The world feels alive and reactive, with characters that have their own motivations and desires. Your choices matter, and they can have a significant impact on the outcome of the story. The game also features a deep and rewarding combat system, allowing you to master different fighting styles, use magical signs, and craft powerful potions and oils. Whether you're battling fearsome monsters, unraveling intricate mysteries, or navigating complex political alliances, The Witcher 3 offers a rich and satisfying experience that keeps you hooked from beginning to end.

Furthermore, The Witcher 3's DLC expansions, Hearts of Stone and Blood and Wine, add even more content to the game, offering new storylines, characters, and regions to explore. These expansions are not just tacked-on additions; they're full-fledged adventures that rival the main game in terms of quality and scope. Hearts of Stone tells a dark and twisted tale of love and loss, while Blood and Wine takes you to the vibrant and picturesque region of Toussaint. Both expansions offer dozens of hours of additional gameplay and further enrich the world of The Witcher 3. It's a title that keeps on giving, offering a truly immersive and unforgettable experience for gamers seeking a long-lasting and rewarding adventure.

3. Red Dead Redemption 2

Howdy, partners! Red Dead Redemption 2 is an epic Western adventure that offers a sprawling open world, a gripping story, and countless activities to keep you busy. The main story alone can take around 50-60 hours, but if you want to explore the world, hunt legendary animals, complete side quests, and engage in all sorts of cowboy shenanigans, you're looking at well over 100 hours. Red Dead Redemption 2 is a visual masterpiece, with a level of detail and realism that is simply breathtaking. It's also a character-driven story that explores themes of loyalty, betrayal, and the changing face of the American West.

Red Dead Redemption 2 isn's just about the main story; it's about the journey. The game encourages you to slow down, soak in the atmosphere, and immerse yourself in the world. You can spend hours simply riding your horse through the countryside, hunting animals, fishing in rivers, or camping under the stars. The game also features a deep and engaging survival system, requiring you to manage your hunger, fatigue, and the condition of your gear. This adds another layer of realism and immersion, making you feel like you're truly living the life of an outlaw in the Wild West.

Moreover, Red Dead Redemption 2 offers a rich and dynamic online multiplayer mode, Red Dead Online, which allows you to create your own character and explore the world with friends. You can participate in cooperative missions, compete in competitive game modes, and even build your own camp. Red Dead Online adds even more value to the game, offering endless possibilities for adventure and social interaction. With its sprawling open world, gripping story, and dynamic online mode, Red Dead Redemption 2 is a game that can keep you entertained for hundreds of hours.

4. Persona 5 Royal

For you JRPG fans, Persona 5 Royal is a stylish and engaging adventure that combines turn-based combat with social simulation. The main story can take around 100 hours, but if you want to max out all your social links, complete all the optional content, and see all the different endings, you're looking at well over 150 hours. Persona 5 Royal is a visually stunning game with a killer soundtrack and a memorable cast of characters. It's also a thought-provoking story that explores themes of justice, rebellion, and the power of friendship.

Persona 5 Royal distinguishes itself from other JRPGs through its unique blend of gameplay elements. During the day, you attend school, hang out with friends, and build social links, which enhance your combat abilities. At night, you explore dungeons, battle shadows, and uncover the mysteries of the Metaverse. This dual-life system creates a compelling sense of progression, as your actions in the real world directly impact your performance in the Metaverse. The game also features a stylish and intuitive combat system, allowing you to exploit enemy weaknesses, perform devastating team attacks, and unleash powerful Personas.

Furthermore, Persona 5 Royal adds even more content to the original Persona 5, including a new playable character, new confidants, new areas to explore, and new story elements. These additions enhance the overall experience, making Persona 5 Royal the definitive version of the game. With its stylish visuals, killer soundtrack, and engaging gameplay, Persona 5 Royal is a JRPG that will keep you hooked for hours on end.

5. Assassin's Creed Valhalla

Assassin's Creed Valhalla takes you on a Viking saga through ninth-century England. The main story is already quite lengthy, but with all the world events, collectables, and territory control, you can easily sink 80-100 hours into this game. If you are a completionist, you are looking at a lot more hours. The world is beautiful and expansive, and the combat is brutal and satisfying. You will be playing as Eivor, a Viking raider leading their clan to settle in England. You'll raid monasteries, forge alliances, and build your settlement as you carve your place in history.

Assassin's Creed Valhalla emphasizes player choice and customization. You can choose Eivor's gender, customize their appearance, and develop their skills and abilities to suit your playstyle. The game also features a robust settlement system, allowing you to build and upgrade your Viking village, recruit new members, and forge relationships with other settlements. This adds a layer of strategic depth to the game, as you must manage your resources, defend your territory, and build alliances to ensure the survival of your clan.

Moreover, Assassin's Creed Valhalla features a vast and diverse open world to explore, filled with hidden treasures, challenging enemies, and intriguing mysteries. You can sail your longship down rivers, raid coastal villages, and explore ancient ruins as you uncover the secrets of ninth-century England. The game also features a dynamic weather system and a day-night cycle, which add to the immersion and realism of the world. It's a title that offers a truly epic Viking adventure, with a vast open world, engaging story, and deep customization options that will keep you hooked for hours on end.

Conclusion

So, there you have it, folks! These are just a few of the longest video games out there that can provide you with hundreds of hours of entertainment. Whether you're into open-world RPGs, epic Western adventures, or stylish JRPGs, there's something on this list for everyone. So, grab your controller, clear your schedule, and prepare to embark on an unforgettable gaming journey! Happy gaming, guys!