How Long Should You Play Beat Saber? A Comprehensive Guide
The burning question on many a VR enthusiast’s mind: how long should you actually play Beat Saber? The answer isn’t a simple, one-size-fits-all number. It depends on your goals, fitness level, and how much time you have to dedicate to slicing those digital blocks. However, let’s break down some reasonable guidelines.
For a casual gaming session, a good starting point is 20-30 minutes. This duration allows you to experience the game’s addictive rhythm and get a decent cardio workout without risking overexertion, especially if you’re new to VR or not used to physical activity. If you’re looking to burn calories and improve your fitness, you might aim for sessions of 45 minutes to an hour. Remember, intensity matters here. Playing on higher difficulty levels, like Expert and Expert+, will make those minutes more impactful, demanding more movement and physical effort. Ultimately, you should listen to your body; if you feel fatigued or any pain, stop and take a break. It is important to remember that consistent short bursts of gameplay are always superior to one longer exhausting session.
Factors Influencing Your Beat Saber Playtime
Several factors will influence your optimal Beat Saber playtime:
Fitness Goals
Are you playing to casually enjoy the music or are you using Beat Saber as a workout regime? If your goal is weight loss, you’ll likely need to commit more time and effort than if you’re simply looking for a fun gaming experience. Aim for at least 30 minutes of active play most days and incorporate other workouts for maximum results.
Skill Level
Beginners might find that even short 15-20 minute sessions leave them feeling fatigued. If you’re new to Beat Saber, it’s wise to start with shorter durations and then gradually increase the length of your sessions as your fitness and skills improve. More experienced players accustomed to the game’s demands can often play for longer durations without overdoing it.
Difficulty Setting
The higher the difficulty level, the more intense the workout. A 30-minute session on Expert+ can be significantly more taxing than a 30-minute session on Easy or Normal. You will likely want to shorten your game time on these levels or increase your game time as your experience increases.
Physical Condition
Your current physical fitness level plays a vital role. If you’re not physically active, you’ll need to increase your playtime more gradually than someone who regularly exercises. It’s also wise to consider any pre-existing conditions you might have. If you’re not sure about the strain you can exert, speak to a medical professional prior to playing.
Time Constraints
Of course, your available time will always influence the length of your Beat Saber sessions. It’s important to incorporate it into your daily routine. Even if you can only spare 15-20 minutes, doing so consistently is far better than doing one long session once every week.
Enjoyment and Motivation
It is important to enjoy the game while playing it, especially when using it as part of your fitness routine. Make sure you are playing the songs you enjoy most, as this will help keep you motivated. Remember it is always easier to stick to any routine that you enjoy doing!
FAQs About Beat Saber Playtime, Fitness, and More
1. How long does it take to beat Beat Saber?
Focusing on the main objectives, a playthrough will take roughly 6½ hours. However, to achieve 100% completion, expect to spend around 55½ hours. This includes mastering all difficulty levels and completing all challenges.
2. Is Beat Saber enough exercise?
Beat Saber is a good VR game for working out, but it can be limiting. It provides a good cardio workout and some arm and shoulder engagement. It doesn’t provide a full-body workout. It is important to include other activities to ensure you get a balanced workout regime.
3. Is Beat Saber good for your brain?
Yes! Beat Saber enhances brain function by testing your ability to react, memorize, and recall at high speeds. This gives your brain a great workout that requires continuous practice and strengthening.
4. Is Beat Saber addictive?
Many players find Beat Saber highly addictive due to its engaging gameplay and the feeling of accomplishment it provides. Its similarities to rhythm games, such as League of Legends without the negativity, makes the game especially addictive.
5. What is the longest song in Beat Saber?
The longest official song in Beat Saber is “Free Bird,” which clocks in at nearly nine minutes and features over 3,000 notes.
6. What are some of the hardest songs in Beat Saber?
Some of the hardest songs include “Party Rock Anthem,” “Burning Sands,” “Shiawase,” “Oxytocin,” and “It’s Time.” These songs require precision, speed, and endurance.
7. How many calories can you burn playing Beat Saber?
Playing Beat Saber can burn between 8.57 and 9.86 calories per minute, which is similar to playing tennis. A 30-minute session can burn up to 200-250 calories, depending on the intensity.
8. Is Beat Saber bad for your wrists?
Beat Saber can be physically demanding, so it’s essential to treat it like a workout. Always stretch and warm up before each session to avoid injuries to the wrists, shoulders, and other body parts.
9. Is Beat Saber good for your arms?
Yes, especially when playing on higher difficulty levels, which require faster and more precise swings. This provides a decent workout for your arms, shoulders, and forearms.
10. Does VR count as exercise?
Yes, virtual reality workouts can burn just as many calories as traditional workouts. Some games, like Beat Saber, can make you forget you’re even exercising.
11. Can you lose weight by playing Beat Saber?
Yes, combined with a healthy diet and consistent play, you can lose weight. A daily 30-minute Beat Saber session can contribute to a weight loss of about 1 pound in 14 days. Playing 8 hours straight could lead to a 100g loss a day.
12. Is Beat Saber considered cardio?
Yes, Beat Saber is a good cardio workout. Its constant movement is good for cardiovascular health and helps improve endurance.
13. How do you get better at Beat Saber?
To improve at Beat Saber, start slow, turn on “Auto Restart on Fail” mode, focus on reacting rather than memorizing, use headphones, and practice on songs you enjoy.
14. Does Beat Saber make you motion sick?
While most people adapt well, about 14% may experience motion sickness after prolonged play (approximately 50 minutes). Take breaks if you feel unwell.
15. Are all the songs in Beat Saber free?
No, not all songs are free. The game includes several free songs within the base game. Other songs are available as downloadable content (DLC) packs.
Conclusion
So, how long should you play Beat Saber? The answer really depends on what you hope to achieve, your current physical fitness level, and the time you can spare. Whether you’re looking for a quick and fun gaming session or using it as an exercise regime, it’s important to listen to your body, stay hydrated, and stretch those muscles! Remember that it is important to treat it like any other exercise, and so remember to warm up and cool down before and after each session. Happy slashing!