How Long Does Cyberpunk 2077 Take to Beat the Main Story?
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So, you’re diving into the neon-drenched streets of Night City and want to know just how long it’ll take to unravel the mysteries of Cyberpunk 2077’s main story? The answer, in short, is roughly 24 and a half hours. However, like a finely tuned cybernetic implant, the experience can vary depending on your playstyle. This estimate assumes you’re laser-focused on the main quests, skipping side content, and generally minimizing distractions. If you plan to complete all aspects of the game, prepare to spend around 103 hours to obtain 100% completion.
Understanding the Variable Completion Time
While the 24.5-hour estimate is a good baseline, several factors can influence your playtime:
- Difficulty Level: Playing on Hard will undoubtedly increase your playtime. You’ll need to be more strategic, grind for resources, and potentially replay sections, adding hours to your overall completion time.
- Playstyle: Are you a completionist, or do you prefer to blaze through the storyline? Completionists should expect much higher playtimes compared to players only seeking to complete the main story.
- Skill and Optimization: A skilled gamer who optimizes their build and gameplay can naturally complete the game faster than someone still learning the ropes.
- Interruptions & Exploration: Real-life interruptions or a penchant for exploring Night City’s intricate details will certainly add time to your run.
Cyberpunk 2077: More Than Just the Main Story
It’s important to remember that Cyberpunk 2077 is designed as an immersive, open-world experience. The city itself is a character, and countless side missions and gigs add depth and richness to the narrative. While speedrunning the main story is possible, you’ll be missing out on a significant portion of what makes the game special.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are some of the most frequently asked questions regarding Cyberpunk 2077’s playtime and related aspects:
1. How many main missions are in Cyberpunk 2077?
There are 33 main missions in Cyberpunk 2077, plus an Interlude and a half-mission. Additionally, there are four separate Epilogues that you can unlock depending on your choices throughout the game.
2. Does Cyberpunk 2077 end after the main story?
No, it doesn’t. After beating the main story and the credits roll, you’ll be placed back in Night City before the final mission. Your inventory and experience are retained, allowing you to continue exploring and completing side content. This game design allows you to achieve 100% completion after finishing the main story.
3. How many endings does Cyberpunk 2077 have?
Cyberpunk 2077 has five main endings in the base game, determined by the choices you make throughout the story. The Phantom Liberty DLC adds an additional ending to the story. Each ending offers a different perspective on V’s fate and Night City’s future. This gives the game great replayability, since each ending offers different gameplay options.
4. Is Cyberpunk 2077 worth playing in its current state?
Absolutely! After numerous patches and updates, Cyberpunk 2077 is now a polished and engaging experience. The game is considered to be very good now since the visual improvements, bug fixes, and reworked skill trees have been updated.
5. What is the maximum level in Cyberpunk 2077?
The max level in Cyberpunk 2077 2.0 is now 60, an increase from the original level cap of 50. The additional 10 levels provides additional attribute points to increase player customization.
6. Does Cyberpunk 2077 have multiple starting stories?
Yes! There are three distinct Life Paths you can choose at the beginning of the game: Nomad, Street Kid, or Corpo (Corporate). Each provides a unique introduction to the world and subtly influences certain dialogue options and interactions. This gives the game great replayability.
7. Is it possible to get a “happy ending” in Cyberpunk 2077?
While Cyberpunk 2077 is known for its darker themes, it is possible to achieve the closest thing to a happy ending. These endings usually involve V forging meaningful connections and making choices that prioritize their own well-being.
8. Can I skip Act 1 of Cyberpunk 2077?
While it’s not recommended for a first playthrough, you can fast-forward to the Phantom Liberty content directly from a new save. However, you’ll miss out on the initial story setup and character development. It is a way to experience the new content immediately if you have already completed the game at least once.
9. What is the “point of no return” in Cyberpunk 2077?
The “point of no return” mission is Nocturne OP55N1, where you must meet Hanako at Embers. Once you proceed past this point, you’re locked into the endgame sequence. It is important to complete all side quests and open-world activities before completing this mission.
10. How long do people typically live in the world of Cyberpunk 2077?
The rich can live to well over a century thanks to advanced technology. Saburo Arasaka, for example, is 158 years old at the start of the game.
11. Is it possible for both Johnny and V to survive?
In most endings, either Johnny or V gets the body. Johnny can live forever in Cyberspace, while V faces a shortened lifespan of around six months if they retain their physical form. But, there is one “secret” ending, which unlocks a separate ending that allows you to choose which body gets to survive.
12. What is the rarest ending in Cyberpunk 2077?
The secret ending, also known as the “Don’t Fear the Reaper” ending, is considered the rarest. It involves Johnny Silverhand undertaking a solo mission to assault Arasaka Tower. It’s difficult to unlock and requires specific choices throughout the game.
13. Can I max out all attributes in Cyberpunk 2077?
No, it is impossible to maximize every attribute. You have only 81 attribute points available, while maximizing all attributes (20 x 5) would require 100.
14. Does the chosen difficulty level affect XP gain?
Yes, the difficulty level affects the XP gain from side jobs, gigs, and NCPD missions. Higher difficulties provide more XP, rewarding players for taking on greater challenges.
15. Is Cyberpunk 2077 still buggy?
While Cyberpunk 2077 has received extensive updates, minor bugs can still occur. However, the game is significantly more stable and polished than its initial release.
Immersing Yourself in Night City
While rushing through the main story provides a straightforward experience, Cyberpunk 2077’s true appeal lies in its immersive world and captivating side content. Engaging with these elements will enrich your understanding of the setting, characters, and overall narrative, ultimately leading to a more rewarding and memorable experience. Video games have been proven to increase the quality of learning and retention, which is why many educators use them to teach certain subjects. To learn more about this topic, visit the Games Learning Society at GamesLearningSociety.org.