How Long Does it Take to Beat Atlas Fallen? A Complete Guide
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The burning question for many considering diving into the sand-swept world of Atlas Fallen is: how long will it take to complete the journey? The short answer is that for players focused solely on experiencing the narrative, Atlas Fallen takes approximately 15–20 hours to complete. This timeframe reflects a playthrough where you’re primarily following the main storyline, engaging in crucial combat encounters, and progressing through the world. However, like many open-world adventures, the full experience of Atlas Fallen can stretch far beyond that, depending on your playstyle. Let’s break down what that 15-20 hour mark means and explore other time considerations.
What Influences Your Playtime?
While the 15–20 hour range provides a good baseline, several factors can influence your overall playtime in Atlas Fallen. Here’s a breakdown of common considerations:
- Completionist Tendencies: If you’re the type of player who wants to uncover every secret, complete every side quest, and find every lootable item, you’re looking at significantly more playtime. Expect your hours to increase to 30 or even 40+ hours if you aim for a completionist run.
- Cooperative Play: Atlas Fallen features optional co-op, which allows you to explore the world with friends. Playing in co-op might extend playtime if you’re replaying sections to help others, or it may shorten it if you’re significantly more efficient as a duo.
- Difficulty Spikes: While Atlas Fallen isn’t considered a Soulslike game, it does have moments of challenging combat. These random difficulty spikes can add time to your playthrough if you find yourself repeatedly battling through specific encounters.
- Exploration and Experimentation: The open-world of Atlas Fallen is vast, and players who enjoy exploring every nook and cranny will naturally spend more time in the game. Furthermore, experimenting with different weapon types, armor sets, and Essence Stones can lead to more playtime as you perfect your playstyle.
- End Game Content: Even after finishing the main narrative, Atlas Fallen offers end-game activities. You return to the Black Alms region where you can complete other activities, explore additional challenges, and grind for upgrades or continue with co-op to assist other players. These post-game activities can also significantly extend your playtime.
Beyond the Main Story
The estimated 15-20 hours focus on the core narrative path. However, the game is clearly designed to be something that allows the player to spend a lot longer in the world. As the text of the original article puts it, “As long as you are enjoying the gameplay, there is plenty of replayability to this game.”
The game also features 11 unique armor sets, giving players plenty of options for visual and playstyle customization and therefore more reason to keep playing. The loot system also encourages further exploration.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Atlas Fallen Playtime
To further help you understand what to expect from Atlas Fallen, here’s a list of frequently asked questions, addressing the most common concerns from players:
1. Is Atlas Fallen a short game?
For those who strictly follow the main storyline, Atlas Fallen can be considered a relatively short game, clocking in at 15–20 hours. However, it is not particularly short in comparison to other games of its kind. Many players have noted that it is shorter than expected, especially if aiming for the platinum trophy.
2. Does Atlas Fallen have an endgame?
Yes, Atlas Fallen does have endgame content. Upon finishing the main story, you’ll return to the Black Alms region, where you can complete remaining activities, engage with co-op, and further explore the world.
3. Is Atlas Fallen difficult?
While not a Soulslike game, Atlas Fallen does present some challenges, including random difficulty spikes. It requires players to dodge, counter, and block effectively, and to quickly adapt between land and air combat.
4. Does Atlas Fallen have replayability?
Yes, Atlas Fallen has good replayability. The availability of co-op, customizable builds, different weapon types, exploration, and a vast map all contribute to reasons to return to the game.
5. How big is the Atlas Fallen map?
The Atlas Fallen map is expansive, comprised of 700 unique landmasses across an area of 45,000 square kilometers. It would reportedly take roughly 30 hours to traverse the entire map in a straight line, though you will be mostly utilising fast travel.
6. How many endings does Atlas Fallen have?
Atlas Fallen has only one ending. There are no alternative endings. The story is a linear progression with a singular conclusion.
7. Does Atlas Fallen have character creation?
Yes, Atlas Fallen features character creation, allowing players to fully customize their character’s appearance.
8. Can Atlas Fallen be played offline?
Yes, Atlas Fallen can be played offline as it is designed primarily as a single-player game. Optional co-op mode is available, but not necessary.
9. Does Atlas Fallen use Unreal Engine 5?
No, Atlas Fallen does not use Unreal Engine 5. It is powered by Deck 13’s in-house engine.
10. Are there boss fights in Atlas Fallen?
Yes, Atlas Fallen includes boss fights. They give way to useful loot, armor, and Essence Stones.
11. What weapon types are in Atlas Fallen?
Atlas Fallen features three main weapon types: the Dunecleaver, Sandwhip, and Knuckledust. Players can equip two weapons at any given time, encouraging adaptable combat styles.
12. Is Atlas Fallen like Monster Hunter?
Atlas Fallen shares some similarities with Monster Hunter. It is described as a combo of Dune and Monster Hunter where you collect Essence Stones to customize your combat, and hunt legendary monsters.
13. How does looting work in Atlas Fallen?
Loot in Atlas Fallen is acquired from boss fights, quests, and exploration. This gives you armor and Essence Stones and other items to upgrade your character.
14. Do enemies respawn in Atlas Fallen?
Yes, enemies in Atlas Fallen can respawn. Using the “anvil” checkpoint system will reset nearby enemies, though this may not always be the case.
15. Does Atlas Fallen have DLC?
Yes, Atlas Fallen has DLC, the “Ruin Rising Pack,” which was part of the limited edition release and may be available as a separate purchase.
Final Thoughts
Atlas Fallen offers a solid single-player experience with the option to bring friends in for some co-op fun. While the core story can be completed in around 15–20 hours, players looking for a more comprehensive experience can expect to spend significantly more time exploring the large world, completing side quests, and optimizing their character builds. The game’s replayability, combined with its action-oriented combat and customization options, make it a title that players can easily invest plenty of time in. Whether you’re a speedrunner or a completionist, Atlas Fallen has something to offer.