How Long to Beat Final Fantasy 7? – A Comprehensive Guide
Final Fantasy VII, one of the most iconic and critically acclaimed games of all time, released in 1997 and has since became a classic. The game’s journey is long and engaging, with complex storylines, memorable characters, and fast-paced combat. But how long do players need to dedicate to beat the game, and what can they expect from its duration?
Main Story/Single-Player Experience
The most straightforward way to answer this question is by looking at the main story/chapter progression. The longest way to beat Final Fantasy VII is by completing the storyline, which takes around 30 hours to finish. The player must progress through the game by completing the main quests, defeating the main opponents, and saving the world from the omniscient villain, Jenova.
Side Quests and Optional Content
However, things get more interesting when considering all the side quests, optional content, and secrets hidden throughout the game world. The total playthrough time can increase significantly, hovering around 50-60 hours, dependent on the player’s level of exploration.
Here’s a breakdown of the estimated content completion time:
| Content/Activity | Estimated Time |
|---|---|
| Main Story | 30 hours |
| Side Quests | 10 hours (average) |
| Optional Secrets | 5 hours (average) |
| Exploration | 2 hours (average) |
| Estimated Total Time | 50-60 hours |
Difficulty Level and Replay Factor
The difficulty level of Final Fantasy VII is another crucial factor to consider. Playthroughs on higher difficulty modes, such as Hard Mode or Mega Hard Mode, can significantly stretch the playtime to 80+ hours. Additionally, replay value is high, as players can continue to explore the world, try different battles, and experiment with different character builds.
Tips for Efficient Content Completion
Some tips to help players complete their quests and secrets more efficiently:
- Complete side quests in batches between Acts
- Focus on finishing main story quests before exploring optional towns
- Use the game’s character swap feature to quickly replace party members
- Experiment with different battle strategies and party compositions early on
FAQs and Questions
Here are some frequently asked questions surrounding the playtime of Final Fantasy VII:
Q: Can I speed up the game?
A: Yes! You can speed up the character movement by pressing the Turbo button (default: L-trigger on PlayStation) to increase running speed.
Q: How many unique characters are there?
A: There are 7 playable characters – Cloud, Barret, Tifa, Aerith, Red XIII (Fabian), Cait Sith (Nibel), and Cid.
Cid is not a "true" playable character, but only a temporary ally.
Q: What is the maximum level cap in the game?
A: The current maximum level cap is 99 for most characters. However, unique characters like Red XIII and Cait Sith have different level caps.
Q: Should I prioritize leveling up or exploring as I progress?
A: Split your time evenly between battles and exploration. Leveling up will help significantly in the late game, while character development and exploration can reveal rich storylines and secrets.
Conclusion
Final Fantasy VII provides an immersive experience with a rich storyline and detailed world. While the main story offers a 30-hour journey, the comprehensive playthrough time can go up to 50-60 hours or beyond, depending on the player’s level of side quest completion and exploration. With effective time management and a willingness to go the extra mile, players can fully harness the game’s replay value and experience more of what makes Final Fantasy VII a timeless classic.
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