How Many Hours Does It Take to Beat Shadow of the Colossus?
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The time it takes to beat Shadow of the Colossus varies depending on your play style, difficulty setting, and completionist tendencies. On average, a playthrough focused solely on defeating the 16 colossi will take around 8 to 12 hours. However, dedicated completionists seeking every trophy, secret, and challenge can expect to spend upwards of 20 to 30 hours immersed in this hauntingly beautiful world.
Factors Influencing Playtime
Several factors contribute to the variability in playtime for Shadow of the Colossus. Understanding these can help you estimate how long your experience might last.
Difficulty Level
The game offers different difficulty settings, affecting the colossi’s health, aggression, and the damage they inflict. Playing on Normal difficulty provides a balanced experience, while Hard difficulty significantly increases the challenge and playtime. On Easy mode, you may find that you can beat the game faster than the average player, although that is a rarity.
Exploration and Side Content
While the core gameplay loop revolves around battling the colossi, the Forbidden Lands are ripe for exploration. Discovering hidden areas, collecting fruit to increase health, and lizard tails to boost stamina can add considerable time to your playthrough.
Play Style and Skill Level
Experienced gamers familiar with action-adventure titles may find the colossus encounters easier and more quickly conquer them. Players who meticulously plan their attacks, utilize every advantage, and efficiently navigate the environment will naturally progress faster. Impatient players will find themselves having to repeat their fights, which increases play time.
Version of the Game
It’s worth noting the different versions of Shadow of the Colossus can affect playtime marginally. The original PlayStation 2 version, the PlayStation 3 remaster, and the PlayStation 4 remake each present subtle gameplay and visual differences that can influence how long it takes to beat the game. But ultimately, the total game time will remain within the original average of 8-12 hours.
Speedrunning Shadow of the Colossus
For those seeking the ultimate challenge, speedrunning Shadow of the Colossus is a popular pursuit. Skilled speedrunners have mastered the art of efficient traversal, precise attacks, and glitch exploitation, achieving completion times as low as one and a half to two hours. These runs often involve intricate strategies and a deep understanding of the game’s mechanics.
Aiming for 100% Completion
Truly dedicated players aiming for 100% completion will face a considerably longer journey. This entails not only defeating all 16 colossi but also unlocking all trophies/achievements, discovering every secret, mastering Time Attack challenges, and maximizing Wander’s stats. This can easily add 10-20 hours to your overall playtime, resulting in a total time of 20-30 hours.
Challenges and Trophies
Many trophies require completing specific tasks, such as defeating colossi without using Agro or completing the game on Hard difficulty. These challenges often demand skillful play and can significantly extend the game’s longevity.
Collecting Items
Collecting all the white-tailed lizard tails increases your stamina and all of the fruit from the trees across the map to increase your health is tedious, but adds to the overall completion of the game. It can also assist you on your subsequent play throughs of the game.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are some frequently asked questions related to the playtime of Shadow of the Colossus:
1. Is Shadow of the Colossus a long game?
Compared to many modern open-world games, Shadow of the Colossus is relatively short. An average playthrough focusing on the main story takes around 8-12 hours.
2. Can I beat Shadow of the Colossus in one sitting?
Yes, it’s entirely possible to beat Shadow of the Colossus in one sitting, especially if you’re experienced with the game and play on Normal or Easy difficulty.
3. What affects the length of my Shadow of the Colossus playthrough?
Factors such as difficulty level, exploration habits, skill level, and the desire for 100% completion significantly influence playtime.
4. How long does it take to beat Shadow of the Colossus on Hard difficulty?
Playing on Hard difficulty can add several hours to your playthrough, potentially increasing the completion time to 12-15 hours.
5. Is it worth exploring the Forbidden Lands in Shadow of the Colossus?
Absolutely. Exploring the Forbidden Lands reveals hidden areas, enhances Wander’s stats, and enriches the overall experience.
6. How much longer does 100% completion take in Shadow of the Colossus?
Achieving 100% completion, including all trophies and secrets, can add 10-20 hours to your playthrough, bringing the total time to 20-30 hours.
7. What is the fastest speedrun time for Shadow of the Colossus?
Skilled speedrunners have achieved completion times as low as 1.5 to 2 hours, utilizing intricate strategies and glitch exploitation.
8. Does the PS2 version of Shadow of the Colossus take longer to beat?
The PlayStation 2 version and the updated versions of Shadow of the Colossus generally offer a similar gameplay experience, but the slightly cumbersome controls of the original could add an hour or two of playtime.
9. How long does it take to beat Shadow of the Colossus if I’m a beginner?
Beginners may take longer to learn the combat mechanics and navigate the environment. Expect a first playthrough to last 12-15 hours.
10. Are there missable items or secrets that can prolong my playthrough?
While there are no truly “missable” items that permanently lock you out of completion, it’s recommended to explore thoroughly during your initial playthrough to minimize backtracking and maximize efficiency.
11. What is Time Attack mode, and how does it affect playtime?
Time Attack mode challenges players to defeat each colossus within a set time limit. Mastering Time Attack unlocks valuable items and can add several hours to your playtime.
12. Does the PlayStation 4 remake affect the game’s length?
The PlayStation 4 remake offers visual enhancements and refined controls, but the core gameplay loop remains largely unchanged. Therefore, the game’s length remains consistent with other versions.
13. Is it worth playing Shadow of the Colossus multiple times?
Absolutely. Multiple playthroughs allow you to explore different strategies, challenge yourself on higher difficulties, and fully appreciate the game’s depth and beauty.
14. What are some tips for beating Shadow of the Colossus faster?
Focus on efficient traversal, prioritize stamina upgrades, and learn the weak points of each colossus. Utilizing speedrunning strategies can also significantly reduce playtime.
15. Does the ending change depending on how long it takes to beat the game?
No, the ending of Shadow of the Colossus remains consistent regardless of playtime. However, your completion time may influence your personal satisfaction and sense of accomplishment.
Ultimately, the time it takes to beat Shadow of the Colossus is a personal experience. Whether you prioritize a quick playthrough or a completionist journey, the game offers a haunting and unforgettable adventure.