Longest Video Game Ever: How Long To Beat?

by Jhon Lennon 43 views

Hey guys! Ever wondered what the absolute longest video game of all time is? I mean, we're talking about those games that just seem to go on forever, the ones you could sink hundreds, even thousands, of hours into and still not see the end. Well, buckle up, because we're diving deep into the world of epic gaming experiences to uncover just that.

When we talk about the longest video game, we need to clarify what "long" really means. Are we talking about a single playthrough of the main story? Or are we considering completionist runs, where you do every single thing the game has to offer? Maybe it's games with endless replayability, like MMOs or sandbox titles, that keep you hooked for years. Each of these categories has its contenders, and the answer might surprise you!

Defining "Longest Game"

Okay, so let's break down what we mean by the "longest game." It's not as simple as looking at the game with the most levels or the highest number of quests. Here are a few factors we should consider:

  • Main Story Length: How long does it take to complete the primary storyline, ignoring side quests and optional content?
  • Completionist Run: How many hours will you need to invest to achieve 100% completion, finding every collectible, completing every quest, and unlocking every achievement?
  • Endless/Replayable Content: Does the game offer content that can be repeated indefinitely, such as procedurally generated quests, online multiplayer, or sandbox elements that allow for limitless creativity?
  • Learning Curve and Mastery: Some games might not be inherently long in terms of content, but the time required to truly master the game mechanics and strategies can be immense.

Considering all these factors helps us get a clearer picture of what makes a game truly long and whether that length translates into a worthwhile gaming experience.

Contenders for the Crown

So, who are the main contenders vying for the title of the "Longest Video Game of All Time?" Let's look at a few games that consistently top the lists and discuss why they take so long to complete:

Elite Dangerous

Elite Dangerous is a massively multiplayer online space simulator that boasts a staggering level of depth and scale. Players can explore a 1:1 recreation of the Milky Way galaxy, complete with billions of star systems, planets, and moons. You can trade, mine, bounty hunt, explore, and engage in epic space battles. The sheer scope of the game is mind-boggling.

  • Why it's so long: The endless possibilities for exploration and progression mean there's always something new to discover. The game doesn't really have an "ending" – it's more about creating your own story in a vast, dynamic universe. To see everything Elite Dangerous has to offer, you could easily spend thousands of hours.

No Man's Sky

Another space exploration game, No Man's Sky, had a rough launch but has since been transformed into an amazing and expansive experience. Like Elite Dangerous, it features a procedurally generated universe with countless planets to explore, each with unique flora, fauna, and resources. You can build bases, trade, fight pirates, and unravel the mysteries of the universe.

  • Why it's so long: No Man's Sky is designed to be an endless journey. The sheer number of planets and the constant stream of updates and new features mean there's always something new to do. While the main story can be completed in a reasonable amount of time, the real draw is the freedom to explore and create your own adventures, making it virtually endless.

The Elder Scrolls Series (Especially Morrowind and Skyrim)

The Elder Scrolls games, particularly Morrowind and Skyrim, are known for their massive open worlds and sprawling storylines. These games offer hundreds of hours of content, with countless quests, dungeons, and characters to interact with. The freedom to explore and create your own character builds adds to the replayability.

  • Why they're so long: The sheer amount of content is staggering. Even focusing on the main story can take dozens of hours, but the real time sink comes from exploring the world, completing side quests, and experimenting with different character builds. A completionist run of Skyrim, for example, can easily take over 200 hours.

Fallout Series (Especially Fallout 4 and Fallout: New Vegas)

Similar to The Elder Scrolls, the Fallout games offer vast open worlds to explore, filled with interesting characters, compelling quests, and a dark, post-apocalyptic atmosphere. The choices you make in these games can have a significant impact on the story, adding to the replayability.

  • Why they're so long: Like The Elder Scrolls, the Fallout games are packed with content*. The main stories are substantial, but the real draw is exploring the world, completing side quests, and making meaningful choices that shape the narrative. A completionist run can easily take over 100 hours.

Minecraft

Minecraft is a sandbox game that allows players to build anything they can imagine. The game has no real ending – it's all about creativity and exploration. You can build houses, farms, cities, and even entire worlds. The only limit is your imagination.

  • Why it's so long: Minecraft is virtually endless. There's no real goal or objective, so you can play for as long as you like. The game's endless replayability and the constant stream of updates and new features mean there's always something new to discover.

MMORPGs (Like World of Warcraft, Final Fantasy XIV, and EVE Online)

Massively Multiplayer Online Role-Playing Games (MMORPGs) are designed to be played for years. These games offer persistent worlds, character progression, and social interaction with other players. The constant stream of new content and the endless grind for better gear can keep players hooked for thousands of hours.

  • Why they're so long: MMORPGs are designed to be addictive. The constant sense of progression, the social interaction with other players, and the endless stream of new content can keep you playing for years. To reach the endgame in an MMORPG and stay competitive, you'll need to invest a significant amount of time.

Dwarf Fortress

Dwarf Fortress is a unique and incredibly complex construction and management simulation roguelike video game. Players control a group of dwarves and attempt to build a successful and thriving fortress. The game is known for its extreme depth and complexity, with a simulation that includes detailed physics, geology, ecology, and more.

  • Why it's so long: Dwarf Fortress is notoriously difficult to learn, and even experienced players can struggle to keep their fortresses from collapsing due to a variety of disasters. The game has no real ending, and the possibilities for what can happen are virtually endless, making it a game that can be played for years without ever experiencing everything it has to offer.

The Verdict: So, What IS the Longest Video Game?

Okay, so after looking at all these contenders, what's the final verdict? It's tough to give a definitive answer, as it really depends on how you define "long." However, if we're talking about games that offer virtually endless replayability and content, then MMORPGs like World of Warcraft, Final Fantasy XIV, and especially EVE Online probably take the crown. These games are designed to be played for years, and the constant stream of new content and the social interaction with other players can keep you hooked for a very long time.

For single-player games, titles like Elite Dangerous, No Man's Sky, and Dwarf Fortress offer a staggering amount of content and the freedom to explore and create your own adventures. These games don't really have an ending, so you can play them for as long as you like.

Ultimately, the "longest video game" is the one that captures your imagination and keeps you coming back for more. Whether it's an epic MMORPG, a sprawling open-world adventure, or a complex simulation game, the important thing is to find a game that you enjoy and that provides you with a rewarding experience.

Honorable Mentions:

  • Crusader Kings Series: This is a grand strategy game series known for its complex dynastic politics, character-driven narratives, and emergent storytelling.
  • Football Manager Series: A sports management simulation game where you take control of a football team and manage every aspect of its operations.
  • Animal Crossing Series: A social simulation game where you live in a village populated by anthropomorphic animals and engage in various activities.

So, there you have it, guys! A deep dive into the longest video games of all time. Now, go forth and conquer those epic gaming experiences. Happy gaming!