Longest Video Game Ever: How Long To Beat?

Hey guys! Ever wondered which video game takes the crown for being the longest to complete? Well, you're in the right place! We're diving deep into the world of epic gaming adventures to uncover those titles that demand not just skill, but also a serious time commitment. Whether you're a completionist aiming for 100% or just curious about the sheer scale of some games, get ready for a fascinating journey through gaming's most massive undertakings.

What Makes a Game 'Long'?

Before we reveal the titans of playtime, let's define what we mean by a 'long' game. Is it the main story length? The time it takes to achieve 100% completion? Or the endless replayability offered by sandbox games? For our list, we're considering a mix of these factors. Games that boast sprawling open worlds, intricate storylines, numerous side quests, and a high degree of replayability are all contenders. It's not just about the quantity of content, but also the quality and how engaging the game remains throughout those countless hours. Some games might have shorter main storylines but offer significant depth through optional activities, making them feel incredibly long to those who pursue everything the game has to offer. Other games, particularly in the RPG genre, are designed with inherent replayability in mind, encouraging players to experience different character builds, storylines, and outcomes. Ultimately, a 'long' game is one that provides a sustained and immersive experience, demanding a considerable investment of time and effort from the player. So, keep those factors in mind as we explore the candidates for the longest game ever to complete!

The Contenders for the Longest Game Title

Alright, let's get into the juicy stuff! What games actually make the list when we talk about the longest gaming experiences? Here are some of the top contenders, known for their expansive worlds, intricate stories, and the sheer amount of content they offer. Each of these games can easily provide hundreds of hours of gameplay, especially if you're aiming for complete mastery.

• The Elder Scrolls Series (Morrowind, Oblivion, Skyrim): The Elder Scrolls series are renowned for their vast, open worlds filled with countless quests, characters, and hidden secrets. Morrowind, Oblivion, and Skyrim each offer hundreds of hours of gameplay as players explore the provinces of Tamriel, develop their characters, and delve into deep, lore-rich narratives. The freedom to explore, combined with the sheer volume of content, makes these games incredibly time-consuming to fully complete.
• The Fallout Series (Fallout 3, Fallout 4, Fallout: New Vegas): Similar to The Elder Scrolls, the Fallout games offer sprawling post-apocalyptic worlds with endless opportunities for exploration and questing. Fallout 3, Fallout 4, and Fallout: New Vegas each provide hundreds of hours of gameplay as players navigate the wasteland, make crucial choices, and develop their characters. The emergent storytelling and the freedom to shape the world around you add to the longevity of these games.
• Crusader Kings Series: Crusader Kings is known for its emergent gameplay and dynastic politics. Crusader Kings II can potentially be played infinitely, as the game goes on until your dynasty ends. One player has been recorded playing one campaign for over 800 years, reaching 7833 hours in one save, while the game can be played as different rulers after your first game ends.
• Monster Hunter Series: Monster Hunter games are designed around the concept of repetitive gameplay, focusing on monster hunts and equipment building. It can take hundreds of hours to clear just the base game content, as the game is designed to have a high skill ceiling and grinding gameplay. With the added DLC, it can take thousands of hours to clear the entire game.
• Assassin’s Creed Series: Assassin's Creed is filled with massive game worlds and a giant list of collectibles, the game can take a long time to complete, especially with the DLC. The game is also known for its long and repetitive gameplay.
• Red Dead Redemption 2: This game is known for its massive open world. The main story can take around 50 hours, but 100% completion can take around 150-200 hours.

The Champion of Long Games

So, which game reigns supreme as the longest to complete? The answer isn't straightforward, as it depends on individual playstyles and completion goals. However, there's one title that consistently stands out for its sheer scale and endless possibilities: Crusader Kings. With it's dynasty style of gameplay, there's virtually no end to the game.

Why Do We Love Long Games?

What's the appeal of these massive, time-consuming games? Why do players dedicate hundreds, even thousands, of hours to exploring virtual worlds? There are several reasons why long games hold such a special place in our hearts.

• Immersion and Escapism: Long games offer a deep sense of immersion, allowing players to fully escape into another world and lose themselves in captivating stories and characters. The more time you spend in a game world, the more connected you become to it, forming lasting memories and experiences.
• Sense of Accomplishment: Completing a long game, especially achieving 100% completion, provides a tremendous sense of accomplishment. It's a testament to your dedication, perseverance, and skill as a gamer. Overcoming challenging obstacles and mastering complex systems can be incredibly rewarding.
• Exploration and Discovery: Long games often feature vast, open worlds filled with hidden secrets, challenging dungeons, and compelling characters. The joy of exploration and discovery is a major draw for many players, who relish the opportunity to uncover every corner of the game world.
• Community and Social Connection: Many long games have thriving online communities where players can share their experiences, strategies, and creations. These communities provide a sense of belonging and social connection, as players come together to celebrate their shared passion for the game.

Tips for Tackling a Long Game

Ready to embark on your own epic gaming journey? Here are a few tips to help you tackle a long game without burning out.

1. Set Realistic Goals: Don't feel pressured to complete everything in one go. Break the game down into smaller, manageable goals. Focus on completing one questline, exploring one region, or leveling up one skill at a time.
2. Pace Yourself: Avoid playing for excessive amounts of time. Take regular breaks to stretch, relax, and recharge. Overplaying can lead to fatigue and burnout, diminishing your enjoyment of the game.
3. Experiment and Explore: Don't be afraid to deviate from the main storyline and explore the game world. Discovering hidden secrets and completing optional quests can add variety and excitement to your experience.
4. Join a Community: Connect with other players online to share tips, strategies, and experiences. Joining a community can provide support, encouragement, and a sense of camaraderie.
5. Remember to Have Fun: Most importantly, remember to have fun! Gaming should be an enjoyable experience, not a chore. If you're not enjoying the game, don't be afraid to take a break or move on to something else.

Conclusion: The Endless Adventure

So, what's the longest game ever to complete? While the answer may vary depending on your definition and playstyle, one thing is certain: there are plenty of games out there that offer endless hours of adventure, challenge, and excitement. Whether you're a seasoned completionist or a casual gamer looking for a deep and immersive experience, there's a long game out there waiting to be discovered. So grab your controller, settle in, and prepare for an epic journey that will test your skills, your patience, and your love of gaming!