The Ultimate Marathon: Longest Video Games To Beat

by Jhon Lennon 51 views

Hey gaming fanatics! Ever wondered what the ultimate test of endurance is in the video game world? We're diving deep into the realm of epic quests and time-consuming adventures to uncover the longest video games to beat. Get ready to clear your schedules, because we're talking about titles that could take you weeks, months, or even years to conquer! Buckle up, and let's explore the games that truly test the limits of your dedication. These are not just games; they're commitments. Let's see who holds the crown for the most time-consuming gaming experience!

The Titans of Time: Defining 'Longest' in Gaming

Before we jump into the games themselves, let's nail down what we mean by 'longest.' This can get a bit tricky, because it depends on how you play, your personal skill level, and whether you're a completionist. For our purposes, we're considering the main story length alongside the total playtime if you're trying to achieve everything the game has to offer. Some games are designed to be played for hundreds of hours, while others can be “completed” faster if you just stick to the main story. We’re also factoring in any post-game content, side quests, and optional activities that can significantly extend your playtime. Think about it: are you the kind of player who rushes through the main story, or do you like to explore every nook and cranny, complete every side quest, and get every achievement? The games we are highlighting cater to all styles of play, making them the ultimate tests of patience and gaming prowess. This ensures we capture the true essence of each game’s dedication required.

Now, how do we measure this? There are several resources available online that aggregate player data on game completion times. Websites such as HowLongToBeat (HLTB) provide average completion times, accounting for different playstyles. They’re a great resource for seeing how much time you might invest in a game. When considering the 'longest' titles, we're looking at games that consistently clock in with hundreds, sometimes even thousands, of hours of gameplay to fully experience. We're talking about games that have vast open worlds filled with content, deep RPG systems, or endless replayability. These games are not meant to be conquered in a weekend; they are designed to be part of your ongoing gaming life. So, whether you are someone who likes to experience the story first or someone who is going for a full completion, these are the games that will test your will and commitment.

RPG Giants: Where Time Flies and Worlds Expand

  • The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim: Alright, guys, let's kick things off with a classic. Skyrim, with its massive open world and countless quests, is a mainstay on many 'longest games' lists. Seriously, you can get lost for hundreds of hours wandering through its snowy landscapes. The main story alone will take you a good chunk of time, but throw in the side quests, crafting, building a home, and just exploring, and you are looking at an epic adventure. It is a game where you can choose to be a hero, a villain, or a humble farmer. It is a game that truly caters to all types of gamers. The replay value is also super high due to the various character builds and factions you can join. You can easily sink hundreds of hours into this game and still find new things to do. Even after all this time, the game continues to be played by players, and with modding, it is almost a whole new experience every time you play.

  • Final Fantasy Series: Now, this is a tricky one because the Final Fantasy series has many entries. However, many games in this series are major time investments, especially if you're aiming for full completion. Final Fantasy VII and X are often cited as incredibly long, with the original FFVII and its remake being the most popular. They each boast gripping storylines, complex characters, and a ton of side content. Then, there is Final Fantasy XIV, the MMORPG, which, if you are a player of this game, can swallow months, maybe even years, of your time. This game is always growing, with new expansions and content being added regularly, making it a never-ending journey for those who love it. From leveling up different classes to completing challenging raids and dungeons, Final Fantasy games offer a ton of content that will keep you engaged for a long time. Just remember, the amount of time you will spend playing depends on how invested you are in the world and its characters.

  • Monster Hunter: World: This game is all about the hunt! It has a huge amount of monsters to hunt and gear to craft. You'll spend hours mastering weapons and learning the behaviors of various monsters. Then, you can group up with friends and take down monsters together! There's a ton of post-launch content, too, which has extended the life of the game even further. And if you're a completionist, you can bet you will invest a lot of time. This is because there are so many challenges and achievements to chase down, and the game always has a new monster to fight or gear to obtain. It is a time sink, but a rewarding one. The game's success is not only attributed to its addictive gameplay but also its constantly evolving nature. Capcom frequently releases updates, new quests, and collaborations with other franchises, ensuring that players always have something new to experience.

Open-World Adventures: Worlds Without End

  • Grand Theft Auto V: Guys, Grand Theft Auto V offers a sprawling open world and a ridiculous amount of things to do. The main story is lengthy, but the side missions, online mode, and the freedom to just mess around for hours on end, all contribute to some serious playtime. You can easily spend hundreds of hours just exploring Los Santos. If you like to experience the full content of the game, like participating in heists or simply cruising around the city, this game will never stop giving. The online mode alone offers a vast world to explore with friends or random players. GTA V is more than just a game; it's a social experience.

  • Red Dead Redemption 2: If you're looking for an immersive, detailed open world, Red Dead Redemption 2 is your game. This is a game where every detail matters. The single-player story is already massive, but the world is so alive that you can spend hours just living in it, hunting, fishing, or helping strangers. It's a true masterpiece in world-building. Just playing the story alone will take a good chunk of time, but to truly get the most out of the experience, you have to embrace the slow burn. The world reacts to your every action, and every interaction matters. When you combine this with a multiplayer mode, you are looking at a game that can take you a while to beat. The sheer density of content and depth of the world make it a truly remarkable experience for players.

  • The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt: The Witcher 3 has a big world with tons of quests, monsters to hunt, and characters to meet. The main story will give you a good time, but add in the expansions, side quests, and exploring the world, and you are in for a long adventure. The rich storytelling and beautiful world keep you hooked, and the combat system is fun too. You might spend a lot of time just traveling between quests or taking on contracts. The game offers two large expansions that add a significant amount of playtime and new content to explore. The Witcher 3's open world is known for its incredible detail, memorable characters, and engaging storylines. Each quest has its unique character and provides its own reward.

MMORPGs: The Ultimate Time Sinks

  • World of Warcraft: When it comes to the longest games, MMORPGs, or massively multiplayer online role-playing games, are the kings of time investment. World of Warcraft has been around for ages, and with expansions and constant updates, there's always something new to do. Leveling characters, raiding, PvP, and just hanging out with friends, can all add up to thousands of hours of gameplay. This game allows you to constantly grow with new content and challenges. The game's longevity is a testament to its compelling gameplay and social aspects, as players often create lasting friendships within the game. The endless content, coupled with the social aspect, makes World of Warcraft one of the ultimate time sinks.

  • Final Fantasy XIV: We've already mentioned this game in the RPG section, but it is worth bringing up here. Final Fantasy XIV is one of the biggest MMORPGs, with a huge world, an epic story, and tons of content. From leveling multiple classes to tackling challenging raids and crafting unique items, the game always provides something new to do. With regular updates and expansions, the game consistently evolves, ensuring that players are always engaged. The game's story is highly praised, and players form deep connections with its characters and world. It's a game that is constantly updated with new content, ensuring that players always have something new to do.

  • Guild Wars 2: Guild Wars 2 is another MMORPG that will keep you busy for a long time. The game has a huge open world to explore, with dynamic events, engaging storylines, and a variety of classes to master. Guild Wars 2 is unique because it features a dynamic event system, where players participate in events happening in the game. You'll spend hours exploring its vast landscapes, completing quests, and participating in dynamic events. The game has a free-to-play base game. This attracts players. Plus, you have the option to buy expansions to enjoy even more content.

Strategy and Simulation Games: Mastering the Long Game

  • Civilization VI: This is not your typical game, but it has a very long playtime. Civilization VI is a turn-based strategy game where you guide a civilization from its early days to the modern era. Each game can last for hours, and with multiple civilizations to play as, and different victory conditions to aim for, you can easily sink hundreds of hours into this game. It's a game that demands your focus and strategic thinking. But, there is always something new to learn and something to master. Plus, with expansions adding new civilizations, leaders, and gameplay elements, the game stays fresh. When you combine this with the sheer number of strategies you can try, you have a game that is a truly engaging experience for every player.

  • Crusader Kings III: Are you interested in ruling a medieval dynasty? Crusader Kings III is a grand strategy game where you manage a dynasty across generations. This means you will spend a lot of time dealing with politics, marriages, wars, and scheming. The depth of the game makes each playthrough unique, and with countless choices to make, you will find yourself playing for hundreds of hours. This game is not just about conquering territory; it's about managing your family, forging alliances, and ensuring your legacy. Each game is a unique story with unexpected twists and turns. The game's complexity and depth make it a truly engaging experience for all players.

  • Football Manager: Do you like to manage football teams? Football Manager is a management simulation game where you get to manage a football team. Each season is full of transfers, tactics, and team management, and this adds up to hours of playtime. The game is known for its depth and realistic simulation. This ensures that you will always be trying to improve your team and win matches. The game's level of detail and realism ensures that players are always engaged, making it a truly immersive experience. From scouting players to developing youth academies, every aspect of football management is covered in exquisite detail.

Tips for Tackling Long Games

  • Set Realistic Goals: Don't try to beat everything at once. Break the game down into manageable chunks to avoid burnout. Decide what you want to achieve each play session.

  • Take Breaks: Remember to take breaks, guys. Long gaming sessions can lead to fatigue. Step away, stretch, and give your eyes a rest.

  • Focus on What You Enjoy: Don't feel pressured to complete everything. Play the game the way you want to play it, and focus on the aspects you enjoy most. Focus on what you like, and don't worry about the rest.

  • Join the Community: Join online communities and forums for the games you are playing. This is a great way to get tips, share experiences, and stay motivated.

  • Pace Yourself: Enjoy the journey. These games are a marathon, not a sprint. Take your time, explore the world, and savor the experience.

Conclusion: Embrace the Endurance

So, there you have it, folks! The gaming world is filled with epic adventures. These games are not only about beating a game; they are about embracing the journey and making memories. Remember, the true reward in these games is the experience itself. So, gear up, dive in, and enjoy the ride. Happy gaming, and may your adventures be long, exciting, and filled with fun! What do you guys think? What's the longest game you've ever beaten or come close to beating? Let us know in the comments!