Understanding how long to beat a game is crucial before diving into it. It helps you manage your time, set expectations, and choose a game that fits your schedule. Whether you’re planning a weekend session or a long-term journey, knowing the average playtime ensures you’re fully prepared. The keyword “How Long to Beat” is essential for any serious gamer looking to plan their gaming experience.
Main Story vs. Completionist Runs
There’s a massive difference between playing just the main story and doing a completionist run. For instance, the main story of Assassin’s Creed: Shadows takes around 25 hours. However, if you’re aiming for 100% completion, it could take over 60 hours. This gap matters to players with different goals. Casual gamers may prefer the main storyline, while dedicated fans will dive into every mission, collectible, and hidden challenge.
Role-Playing Games (RPGs) Take Time
RPGs are among the longest genres to beat. Titles like Trails Through Zero require deep time investment. A standard playthrough might last 40 hours, but a thorough one can reach 80 hours. Players enjoy exploring character development, side quests, and world-building. These elements make RPGs rich in content, but they are also longer to complete. The keyword “how long to beat Trails Through Zero” is often searched by gamers preparing for these lengthy adventures.
Action Games and Open World Exploration
Open-world games like Ghost of Tsushima or The Witcher 3 encourage exploration. The main story of The Witcher 3 is around 50 hours, but full completion takes up to 170 hours. Similarly, Ghost of Tsushima offers a 25-hour story, extending to 60 hours with extras. These games attract players who enjoy roaming expansive worlds. Searching “how long to beat Ghost of Tsushima” or “how long to beat The Witcher 3” helps set realistic time goals.
Soulslike and Challenging Games
Games like Elden Ring and Bloodborne fall into the Soulslike category. They’re known for their difficulty and extensive gameplay. Beating Elden Ring may take 55 to 130 hours, depending on your skill and goals. Players frequently ask “how long does it take to beat Elden Ring” or “how long to beat Bloodborne” to gauge their readiness. These games demand patience, skill, and exploration, often with high replay value.
Unique Indie and Narrative Titles
Shorter games often come from indie developers. Still Wakes the Deep might take 6 to 8 hours. Narrative-focused games are more about story than challenge. These experiences are perfect for players looking for emotional journeys. Searching “how long to beat Still Wakes the Deep” helps players know they can finish it in a single sitting or over a weekend.
Sci-fi and Futuristic Games
Titles like Metaphor, ReFantazi, and Stellar Blade blend action with storytelling. These games offer medium-length playtimes. Stellar Blade takes around 15 to 20 hours to beat, while Metaphor ReFantazio may reach 40 hours. Players enjoy futuristic themes and unique mechanics. Typing “how long to beat Stellar Blade” or “how long to beat Metaphor ReFantazio” gives insight into their time commitment.
Team-based and Puzzle Titles
Games like Chained Together or Expedition 33 focus on teamwork and puzzles. Chained Together can take 4 to 6 hours, depending on the level of coordination. Expedition 33 might take 10 to 15 hours. These games test collaboration and strategy. Keywords like “how long does it take to beat Chained Together” or “how long to beat Expedition 33” guide players who enjoy short, engaging group experiences.
Combat-Heavy and Mythical Action
Titles like Black Myth Wukong mix mythology with high-stakes action. Players often ask, “How long to beat Black Myth Wukong” to plan their schedule. Early estimates suggest 30 to 40 hours for the story. These games blend story, action, and lore-rich content, offering both challenge and visual spectacle.
How to Estimate Game Length Accurately
Online tools like howlongtobeat.com collect player data for average playtimes. These platforms separate the main story, extras, and completionist timelines. Looking up “How Long to Beat” on such platforms gives real user estimates. This helps players plan better and avoid surprises. It’s beneficial for managing limited free time.
Player Behavior Impacts Completion Time
No two players progress the same way. Some rush the story, others savor every detail. Skill level, experience, and playing style all affect completion time. Even walkthrough usage can change outcomes. Knowing your pace helps set expectations when using “how long to beat” references.
Time Management for Busy Players
Suppose you have a job, school, or family; shorter games or chunked gameplay work better. Using guides and walkthroughs reduces wandering time. Players with limited hours should check how long it takes to beat before starting. Planning 1–2 hour sessions can lead to slow but satisfying progress.
Replayability and Extra Modes
Some games offer New Game Plus, multiplayer, or extra endings. This adds to the total time. For example, Bloodborne and Elden Ring encourage multiple runs. Players seeking value often consider replayability. Time to beat varies widely if you replay or explore every option.
Platform Affects Game Duration
Load times and performance vary across platforms. Console and PC experiences might differ in the time needed. Some platforms have faster load speeds, improving overall flow. When estimating how long to beat a game, factor in system performance.
Game Updates and DLCs Change Length
Post-launch content, such as DLCs, extends a game’s playtime. The Witcher 3’s expansions add 20–30 hours alone. A game that initially took 40 hours to complete may now require 60. Always check if you’re including DLC or updates in your estimates.
Multiplayer Games Take Longer
Games with co-op or multiplayer modes often have infinite or extended durations. These include PvP or seasonal content. While you can finish the story, online play keeps players coming back. Estimate main content separately from ongoing play.
Popular Games and Their Average Durations
For convenience, here are some estimates: Elden Ring – 55–130 hours, The Witcher 3 – 50–170 hours, Bloodborne – 35–75 hours, Stellar Blade – 20 hours, Assassin’s Creed Shadows – 25–60 hours, Ghost of Tsushima – 25–60 hours, Black Myth Wukong – 30–40 hours. All are based on average reports from players.
Final Thoughts:
Knowing how long to beat a game helps you plan better and enjoy more. Whether you’re into long epics like Elden Ring or short bursts like Chained Together, understanding playtime is essential. This guides your gaming schedule, reduces burnout, and helps you pick the right title for your mood and time. Always check platforms like HowLongToBeat before starting your next adventure.
(FAQ)
Q1: What is How Long to Beat used for?
How Long to Beat helps players determine how long a game might take to finish. It shows hours needed for the main story, full completion, or a mix of both. This is great for people with limited time or those who plan their gaming sessions.
Q2: Can I trust the game times on How Long to Beat?
Yes, the site collects real-time data from players worldwide. It uses averages to show realistic game lengths. While personal play speed matters, the info is usually close to what most players experience.
Q3: Does it show the time for all types of games?
Absolutely. From massive titles like “The site: How long to beat Elden Ring” to niche games like “Trails through zero, how long to beat it, ” it covers thousands of titles across all genres and platforms.
Q4: Is it useful for 100% completionists?
Definitely. How Long to Beat shows separate stats for story, extras, and full completion. If you’re wondering how long to beat Witcher 3 with every side quest and collectible, the site breaks it all down.
Q5: Does the site update times as games change?
Yes, players update the data over time. For example, as patches roll out or new expansions launch—like for how long to beat Ghost of Tsushima or how long to beat Bloodborne—the time estimates evolve.
Q6: Can I add my game time data?
Yes, once you create a free account, you can log in and share how long a game took you. This helps keep the site’s data accurate and fresh for others.
Q7: Why does my game time differ from what’s listed?
Not every player moves at the same pace. Factors such as exploration, skill level, and skipping cutscenes all affect the total time. Games like “How Long to Beat Metaphor ReFantazio” or “How Long to Beat Still Wakes the Deep” may vary significantly between users.
Q8: Does the platform support mobile or indie games?
It does. Whether you’re looking for tips on beating Stellar Blade or a small indie puzzle game, the database is wide-ranging and includes lesser-known titles too.
Q9: How can it help with backlog planning?
It’s an excellent tool for setting goals. If you’re tackling a big list, knowing if a title like “How Long to Beat Expedition 33” takes 10 or 60 hours helps you manage your time and expectations.
Q10: Is How Long to Beat free to use?
Yes, all core features are free. You can search game titles, view times, log progress, and track your playthroughs without paying.
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