How Long Does GTA 5 Take to Complete?

The burning question on every gamer’s mind when diving into the sprawling world of Grand Theft Auto V (GTA 5) is: “How long will this epic journey take?” The answer, as with most things in life, is it depends. A straight shot through the main story will clock in around 31 ½ hours. However, if you’re the type who needs to see and do everything Los Santos has to offer, prepare for a much longer commitment. Aiming for 100% completion will likely require around 82 ½ hours of playtime. This doesn’t even factor in the seemingly endless possibilities within GTA Online. So, strap in, because you’re in for a ride!

Delving Deeper: Factors Affecting Playtime

Several factors influence the time it takes to complete GTA 5. Your play style, skill level, and even your desire to explore all nooks and crannies of the map will dramatically impact your playtime.

Main Story vs. 100% Completion

As mentioned, the biggest differentiator is whether you’re just focused on the main narrative or striving for that coveted 100% completion. The main story involves completing all 69 main missions, following the intertwined lives of Michael, Franklin, and Trevor.

100% completion, however, is a whole different beast. It demands far more, including:

Completing all main story missions
Completing all Strangers and Freaks missions
Collecting all collectibles (spaceship parts, letter scraps, etc.)
Participating in various activities (races, shooting ranges, flying school, etc.)
Achieving specific milestones (e.g., buying all properties)

The Allure of GTA Online

It’s impossible to talk about GTA 5’s longevity without mentioning GTA Online. This online multiplayer component offers a virtually limitless experience, with new content added regularly. While not required for GTA 5’s single-player completion, many players find themselves sinking countless hours into heists, races, and free-roaming chaos. GTA Online adds a dimension to the game that makes the time needed to play it never-ending.

Skill and Experience

Your experience with previous Grand Theft Auto games will undoubtedly affect your completion time. Familiarity with the controls, driving mechanics, and mission structures will give you a head start. Similarly, your general gaming skill will play a role. Players who are adept at driving, shooting, and problem-solving will likely progress through missions more quickly.

Maximizing Your Playtime

If you’re looking to optimize your playtime, consider these tips:

Focus on the main story first: This will give you a solid understanding of the world and its characters.
Use guides and walkthroughs: Especially for finding collectibles and completing complex missions.
Prioritize tasks: Decide which side activities are most appealing and focus on those.
Take advantage of fast travel: This can save you a significant amount of time, particularly in the later stages of the game.
Consider co-op play in GTA Online: Teaming up with friends can make heists and other activities more efficient.

A Game That Keeps on Giving

Regardless of how you choose to play, GTA 5 offers an unparalleled gaming experience. Its rich world, compelling characters, and endless possibilities ensure that you’ll never be bored. Whether you’re a completionist aiming for 100% or simply looking to enjoy the story, GTA 5 provides a fantastic experience. And for those interested in the educational aspects of gaming, organizations like the Games Learning Society (GamesLearningSociety.org) explore the learning potential embedded within games like GTA 5. They delve into how these complex virtual worlds can foster problem-solving, strategic thinking, and collaboration skills.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are some frequently asked questions regarding GTA 5’s completion time and related aspects:

1. What is the longest GTA game to complete 100%?

While GTA 5 requires substantial time for 100% completion, Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas is widely considered the longest GTA game to fully complete due to its expansive map, numerous side activities, and demanding completion requirements.

2. How long is a full day in GTA 5?

A full day in GTA 5 lasts 48 minutes in real-time. This means that each in-game hour is equivalent to 2 real-life minutes.

3. How many main missions are there in GTA 5?

There are a total of 69 main missions in Grand Theft Auto V.

4. How long will GTA 6 be?

While unconfirmed, rumors suggest that GTA 6 could offer up to 400 hours of gameplay, although this is based on speculation.

5. Will GTA 6 be more realistic?

Yes, Grand Theft Auto 6 is expected to feature significant upgrades to the RAGE Engine, including improved physics and weather, contributing to a more realistic and immersive gaming experience.

6. Is GTA 5 an endless game?

Yes, GTA 5 can be considered an endless game due to its vast open-world and the freedom it offers players. Even after completing all missions and side activities, players can continue exploring, experimenting, and creating their own experiences.

7. What can I do in GTA 5 after finishing the story mode?

After completing the story mode in GTA 5, you can explore GTA Online, participate in heists, races, and other activities, or replay missions and side activities to achieve 100% completion.

8. How can I make money in GTA 5?

In GTA 5, you can earn money through robberies, heists, assassinations, investing in stocks, races, and purchasing businesses.

9. How long is one hour in GTA 5?

One hour in GTA 5 equates to 2 minutes in real-time.

10. How long does Michael sleep for in GTA V?

When saving the game, Michael sleeps for 6 hours in game.

11. Which is the shortest GTA game?

Based on average completion times, Grand Theft Auto: Vice City and Grand Theft Auto: Episodes from Liberty City are among the shortest GTA games, with main story completion taking approximately 19 ½ hours.

12. How old is GTA 5?

Grand Theft Auto V was initially released in September 2013 for the PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360.

13. How long is a year in GTA 5?

One year in GTA V is 17,520 minutes, or 292 hours, or a little over 12 days.

14. How long is 12 hours in GTA 5?

12 hours in GTA 5 is 24 minutes in real-time.

15. Why is GTA 6 taking so long to be released?

Several factors contribute to the long development time of GTA 6, including the desire to create a truly innovative and immersive experience, the complexity of modern game development, and the challenge of satirizing contemporary society.

GTA 5 is more than just a game, it is a world. Have fun.

How long does GTA 5 take to complete?