The Longest Video Game: How Long To Beat?

by Jhon Lennon 42 views

Hey gamers! Ever wondered what the absolute longest video game is? We're diving deep into the world of massive games that can take hundreds, even thousands, of hours to complete. Forget those quick weekend playthroughs; we're talking about games that are a true commitment. So, grab your snacks, settle in, and let's explore the behemoths of the gaming world!

What Makes a Game "Long?"

Before we dive into specific titles, what exactly defines a "long" game? Is it the sheer number of quests? The size of the game world? Or maybe the grindy nature of leveling up? Usually, it's a combination of factors that contribute to an extended playtime. Open-world games, RPGs with tons of side content, and simulation games where you build and manage entire worlds are typically the frontrunners in this category.

  • Main Story Length: The time it takes to complete the primary narrative.
  • Completionist Run: Doing absolutely everything the game has to offer, including all side quests, collectibles, and achievements.
  • Replayability: Games with multiple endings, branching storylines, or procedural generation can offer near-infinite playtime.
  • Grind Factor: Some games intentionally require repetitive tasks to level up or acquire rare items, artificially inflating playtime.

Top Contenders for the Longest Video Game

Alright, let's get to the good stuff! Here are some of the top contenders for the title of the longest video game ever, along with estimates of how long they take to beat. Keep in mind that these are just estimates, and your mileage may vary depending on your play style and completion goals.

1. No Man's Sky

No Man's Sky had a rocky start, but continuous updates have transformed it into a vast, procedurally generated universe with seemingly endless possibilities. The initial story can be completed in around 30-40 hours, but if you're aiming to explore every planet, catalog every creature, and build the ultimate base, you could easily sink hundreds, even thousands, of hours into this game. The sheer scale and emergent gameplay make it a strong contender.

Imagine hopping into your spaceship and warping to a new solar system every few minutes. Each planet is unique, with its own flora, fauna, and resources. You can build bases, trade with alien races, engage in space combat, and unravel the mysteries of the Atlas. With constant updates adding new features and content, No Man's Sky is a game that keeps on giving, making the prospect of truly "finishing" it almost impossible.

2. Elite Dangerous

Speaking of space, Elite Dangerous is another massive space simulator that can consume your life. With a 1:1 scale recreation of the Milky Way galaxy, this game offers unparalleled exploration opportunities. While you can make progress relatively quickly by focusing on specific career paths like trading or combat, truly mastering the game and exploring its vastness can take thousands of hours.

Elite Dangerous excels in its realism and depth. You'll need to manage your ship's systems, navigate complex star charts, and deal with the political and economic realities of the galaxy. Whether you're a humble trader, a daring explorer, or a ruthless pirate, the game offers endless possibilities. The sheer scale of the game is mind-boggling; traveling to every star system would take an unimaginable amount of time.

3. Minecraft

Don't let the simple graphics fool you; Minecraft is a game with limitless potential. While there's technically an "ending" by defeating the Ender Dragon, the real fun lies in building, exploring, and creating your own world. Some players have spent thousands of hours crafting intricate structures, developing complex redstone contraptions, and exploring every corner of their procedurally generated worlds. The game's open-ended nature means there's always something new to discover or build.

The beauty of Minecraft lies in its simplicity and versatility. You start with nothing but your bare hands and gradually gather resources to build tools, structures, and machines. The game encourages creativity and experimentation, allowing you to create anything you can imagine. Whether you're building a humble cottage or a sprawling castle, Minecraft offers endless opportunities for self-expression and exploration.

4. Dwarf Fortress

Dwarf Fortress is legendary for its complexity and depth. This construction and management simulation game tasks you with building and maintaining a fortress for a group of dwarves. However, the game is notoriously difficult, with a steep learning curve and a myriad of factors that can lead to your fortress's demise. Mastering Dwarf Fortress can take hundreds, if not thousands, of hours, and even then, you're likely to face unexpected challenges.

What sets Dwarf Fortress apart is its incredible level of detail. Every dwarf has their own personality, skills, and preferences. The game simulates everything from the flow of water to the spread of disease. Managing your fortress requires careful planning and attention to detail. You'll need to provide your dwarves with food, shelter, and entertainment while also defending them from threats like goblins and wild animals. The game's complexity is both its greatest strength and its greatest weakness, but for those who persevere, it offers a truly rewarding experience.

5. The Elder Scrolls Online

The Elder Scrolls Online is a massively multiplayer online role-playing game (MMORPG) set in the Elder Scrolls universe. With a vast world to explore, countless quests to complete, and a thriving player community, ESO can keep you busy for a very long time. Completing all the content in the game, including all the expansions and DLC, could easily take hundreds, if not thousands, of hours.

The Elder Scrolls Online offers a rich and immersive experience. You can create your own character, choose your class and skills, and embark on epic adventures. The game features a compelling storyline, engaging quests, and challenging dungeons. You can team up with other players to tackle difficult content or compete against them in player-versus-player combat. With regular updates adding new content and features, ESO is a game that continues to evolve and expand.

6. Final Fantasy XIV

Another MMORPG contender is Final Fantasy XIV. With its engaging storyline, extensive end-game content, and constant updates, FFXIV can easily consume hundreds of hours. Leveling up multiple classes, crafting, and participating in raids are just some of the activities that can keep you hooked. The game's developers are committed to adding new content regularly, ensuring there's always something new to do.

Final Fantasy XIV stands out for its compelling narrative and well-developed characters. The game's story is intricate and engaging, drawing you into the world of Eorzea. The game also features a robust crafting system, allowing you to create your own gear and items. Raids and dungeons offer challenging content for groups of players. Whether you're a seasoned MMO veteran or a newcomer to the genre, FFXIV offers a rewarding and enjoyable experience.

7. Kingdom Come: Deliverance

Kingdom Come: Deliverance is a realistic open-world RPG set in medieval Bohemia. What makes it potentially very long is its commitment to realism. Learning skills takes time and practice, and the world is unforgiving. A full completionist run, mastering all skills and exploring every corner of the map, can take well over 100 hours, possibly stretching much longer depending on your approach.

Kingdom Come: Deliverance sets itself apart with its dedication to historical accuracy and realism. The game's combat system is challenging and unforgiving, requiring you to master timing and technique. The game also features a deep and intricate story, drawing you into the political intrigue and social complexities of medieval Bohemia. Whether you're exploring the countryside, participating in tournaments, or investigating conspiracies, Kingdom Come: Deliverance offers a unique and immersive experience.

Honorable Mentions

Of course, there are plenty of other games that could be considered incredibly long, depending on your definition and play style. Here are a few honorable mentions:

  • Crusader Kings Series: Grand strategy games where you manage a dynasty over centuries.
  • Football Manager Series: In-depth sports management simulations that can be played indefinitely.
  • Civilization Series: Turn-based strategy games where you build and lead a civilization from the Stone Age to the Space Age.
  • Path of Exile: A complex action RPG with a vast skill tree and endless customization options.

The Never-Ending Game?

So, what is the absolute longest video game in the world? It's tough to say definitively. Games like No Man's Sky, Elite Dangerous, and Minecraft offer near-infinite possibilities due to their procedural generation and open-ended nature. Ultimately, the "longest" game is the one that you find yourself most invested in, the one that keeps you coming back for more, even after hundreds or thousands of hours.

Final Thoughts

These massive games offer incredible value for their price, providing countless hours of entertainment and exploration. If you're looking for a game to truly sink your teeth into, one that will keep you occupied for months or even years, then any of the games on this list would be a great choice. Just be prepared to say goodbye to your free time!

So, what do you guys think? What's the longest game you've ever played? Let us know in the comments below! Happy gaming!