How Long Does GTA Take to 100%? A Completionist’s Deep Dive
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The burning question on every aspiring completionist’s mind: How long does it really take to 100% Grand Theft Auto (GTA)? The answer, like the game itself, is complex and depends on several factors. However, a reasonable estimate for achieving 100% completion in GTA V is around 80 to 100 hours. This assumes you’re a reasonably skilled player, familiar with open-world games, and not prone to excessive aimless wandering (tempting as it may be in Los Santos). The other GTA games vary wildly.
This isn’t just about finishing the main story. It’s about diving deep into the world, exploring every nook and cranny, completing every side mission, mastering every skill, and becoming a true legend of the streets. Getting there requires dedication, patience, and a healthy dose of criminal ambition. Let’s break down why.
The Components of 100% Completion
What exactly constitutes 100% completion in a GTA game, particularly GTA V? Here’s a general overview of the key elements:
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Story Missions: Completing all the main storyline missions is a large chunk, though often it only accounts for 60% completion. In GTA V, you need to finish all 69 story missions.
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Strangers and Freaks Missions: These are side missions offered by unique characters scattered throughout the game world. GTA V requires you to complete 20 Strangers and Freaks missions.
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Hobbies and Pastimes: These are activities like playing tennis, golf, flying, participating in races, or going to the shooting range. In GTA V, you need to engage in at least 42 hobbies and pastimes.
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Random Events: Spontaneous events that occur as you explore the world. You will have to complete 14 random events
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Collectibles and Miscellaneous Tasks: This category includes finding hidden packages, completing stunt jumps, buying properties, and other various challenges. This includes 16 Miscellaneous tasks
Factors Influencing Completion Time
Several variables impact the time it takes to reach that coveted 100% mark:
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Gaming Skill: Obvious, but worth mentioning. More skilled players will complete missions faster and require fewer retries.
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Prior GTA Experience: Familiarity with the GTA formula (driving mechanics, combat, map navigation) significantly reduces the learning curve.
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Use of Guides and Resources: Using online guides, maps, and videos will drastically speed up the process, especially for finding collectibles and optimal mission strategies.
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Playstyle: Are you methodical and thorough, or do you rush through content? The former will take longer, but the latter might lead to missed opportunities and backtracking.
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Distractions: Open-world games are inherently distracting. How often do you find yourself veering off course to cause mayhem, experiment with the physics, or simply admire the scenery? The more you indulge in these distractions, the longer the completion will take.
Time Investment for Other GTA Games
While GTA V is a good measuring stick, each GTA game has its own challenges and content requirements, and thus its own estimated completion time. The open-world gameplay is not only for entertainment, but also contributes to various research purposes, with many researchers finding value in using gameplay analysis within Games Learning Society.
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Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas: Often cited as one of the longest GTA games, 100% completion can easily take 100+ hours, due to its vast map, numerous missions, and demanding skill progression system.
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Grand Theft Auto IV: With a darker tone and more focused narrative, GTA IV’s 100% completion is typically shorter than San Andreas, averaging around 80 hours.
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Grand Theft Auto: Vice City: A more streamlined experience compared to San Andreas, Vice City’s 100% completion can be achieved in 60-80 hours.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are some frequently asked questions to help you on your journey to 100% completion:
1. Is it necessary to complete every single mission to reach 100% in GTA V?
No, it isn’t. You don’t need to complete every Strangers and Freaks mission, but you need to complete a specific number to contribute to the 100% completion status.
2. Can I still get 100% completion if I choose to kill Trevor in GTA V?
Yes, the choice to kill Trevor or Michael doesn’t prevent you from achieving 100% completion. As long as you complete Trevor’s required missions before the final choice, you’re good to go.
3. What are some of the most time-consuming tasks required for 100% completion in GTA V?
Finding all the collectibles (like spaceship parts and submarine pieces), completing all the stunt jumps, and achieving gold medals in certain missions tend to be the most time-consuming.
4. Do I need to get gold on every mission to reach 100% completion in GTA V?
No, you do not need gold medals on every mission for 100% completion. Gold medals are their own separate challenge.
5. How many properties do I need to purchase for 100% completion in GTA V?
You do not need to purchase all properties. Purchasing at least one property as each character is required for 100% completion.
6. Does GTA Online progress count towards 100% completion in GTA V?
No, GTA Online progress is separate from the single-player campaign. 100% completion refers only to the single-player experience.
7. What’s the fastest way to find all the collectibles in GTA V?
Utilize online maps and guides. There are interactive maps that show the exact location of every collectible, significantly reducing search time.
8. Are there any missable achievements or trophies that can prevent me from getting 100%?
No, there are no missable achievements or trophies that would prevent you from reaching 100% completion. You can always go back and complete any unfinished tasks.
9. Can I use cheats and still get 100% completion?
Using cheats can disable achievements and trophies. Save before using them, and revert back to an earlier save to continue your 100% run without them.
10. What happens when you reach 100% completion in GTA V?
Besides the satisfaction and bragging rights, you unlock some in-game content, including a special t-shirt and a unique cutscene.
11. Is GTA San Andreas harder to 100% than GTA V?
Many players consider GTA San Andreas to be more challenging due to its steeper learning curve and reliance on character stats. This can be a contributing factor to the length of time it takes to achieve 100%.
12. How long does it take to complete the main story of GTA V without going for 100%?
You can complete the main story of GTA V in approximately 30-40 hours.
13. Does the difficulty setting affect the time it takes to 100% complete GTA V?
No, the difficulty setting does not affect the requirements for 100% completion. It only influences the combat difficulty.
14. Is it worth going for 100% completion in GTA V?
That depends on your personal preferences. If you enjoy exploring open worlds, completing challenges, and maximizing your game experience, then yes. If you’re only interested in the main story, then it might not be worth the time investment.
15. What are some good resources for tracking my progress towards 100% completion in GTA V?
The Rockstar Games Social Club website offers a detailed checklist of all the tasks required for 100% completion, allowing you to track your progress and identify what you still need to do.
Final Thoughts
Achieving 100% completion in any GTA game is a significant undertaking. It requires patience, dedication, and a willingness to embrace the game’s open-world sandbox. While the estimated time frame can vary, the journey itself is often rewarding. So, buckle up, grab your favorite vehicle, and prepare for a long and adventurous ride. Good luck, completionists!