Is God of War (PS4) a Long Game? A Deep Dive into Gameplay Length and More
So, you’re wondering if God of War (2018) on PS4 is a lengthy experience? The short answer is: it depends on how you play. On average, focusing solely on the main story, you’re looking at roughly 20-25 hours of gameplay. However, that’s just scratching the surface. If you’re the type of gamer who loves to explore every nook and cranny, tackle side quests, and truly immerse yourself in the world, you can easily sink 35-50 hours (or even more!) into this Norse epic. The game offers a significant amount of optional content, making its perceived length highly variable.
Exploring the Factors Influencing Playtime
Several factors contribute to the overall playtime of God of War on PS4. Let’s break them down:
Main Story Completion
As mentioned earlier, a beeline through the main narrative will clock in around 20-25 hours. This focuses on the core journey of Kratos and Atreus, their interactions with key characters, and the progression through the main plot points.
Side Quests and Exploration
God of War isn’t strictly open-world, but it offers sizable areas ripe for exploration. These areas are packed with optional quests, challenging encounters, valuable resources, and intriguing lore. Engaging with this content can significantly add to your playtime, pushing it closer to the 35-40 hour range.
Difficulty Level
The difficulty setting you choose can also impact your playtime. Higher difficulties demand more strategic combat, potentially leading to more deaths and restarts. Lower difficulties allow for a faster, more streamlined experience focused on enjoying the story. Choosing the difficulty level also depends on how much you enjoy the main story. The article mentions that many players find themselves not enjoying the story as much when they are constantly dying.
Completionist Tendencies
For those aiming to achieve 100% completion, prepare for a substantial time commitment. This involves uncovering every secret, defeating every optional boss, collecting all artifacts, and maxing out Kratos’s abilities. A completionist run can easily take 50 hours or more. You should expect some challenges and difficult moments.
God of War: A Game That Respects Your Time
While God of War offers plenty of content for those seeking a longer experience, it also respects the time of players who prefer a more focused playthrough. The ability to customize your experience through difficulty settings and optional content makes it accessible and enjoyable for a wide range of gamers. If you feel the game is too easy or too hard, you can change the difficulty level at any point in the game.
God of War and Education: A Powerful Combination
The rich narrative, strategic combat, and immersive world of God of War offer valuable learning opportunities. Games like this can foster critical thinking, problem-solving skills, and even cultural understanding through their exploration of mythology and storytelling. You can see more about the positive influences of games on learning and education at the Games Learning Society website. You can also visit GamesLearningSociety.org for more information.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About God of War (PS4)
Here are 15 frequently asked questions about God of War on PS4, providing further insights into the game’s length, difficulty, and overall experience:
1. How long does it take to beat God of War (2018) on PS4 if I only focus on the main story?
Approximately 20-25 hours.
2. How long is God of War PS4 with side quests?
Expect around 35-40 hours if you engage with most of the side content.
3. What is the average completion time for God of War PS4?
The average completion time, considering some exploration and side quests, is around 25-35 hours.
4. Is God of War a difficult game?
Difficulty varies depending on the chosen setting. “Give Me a Challenge” mode is notoriously difficult, while lower settings offer a more forgiving experience.
5. How long does it take to 100% God of War PS4?
A completionist run can take 50 hours or more.
6. Is God of War an open-world game?
No, it’s not strictly open-world, but it features large, explorable areas with interconnected pathways.
7. Is God of War Ragnarok longer than God of War (2018)?
Yes, God of War Ragnarok is generally considered longer, especially when considering side content.
8. How long does it take to beat God of War Ragnarok’s main story?
Around 25-30 hours.
9. What is the standard playtime for God of War Ragnarok?
Approximately 30-35 hours when completing the main story and dabbling in extras.
10. Is God of War (2018) still worth playing in [current year]?
Absolutely! It’s a critically acclaimed game with stunning visuals, a compelling story, and engaging gameplay.
11. Is the PC version of God of War better than the PS4 version?
The PC version generally offers improved graphical fidelity and performance compared to the PS4 version, if your PC meets the requirements.
12. How violent is God of War?
God of War is an extremely violent game with graphic depictions of combat and bloodshed.
13. Do I need to play God of War (2018) before playing Ragnarok?
While not strictly necessary, it’s highly recommended to play God of War (2018) first to understand the story and character development.
14. What makes God of War so challenging?
The combat system emphasizes strategic decision-making, resource management, and adapting to different enemy types, particularly in group fights.
15. Is there a fast travel system in God of War?
Yes, a fast travel system is unlocked later in the game to facilitate exploration.
Conclusion: God of War – A Personalized Journey
Ultimately, the length of God of War on PS4 is a personalized experience. Whether you’re a seasoned veteran looking for a challenging combat experience or a newcomer eager to delve into Norse mythology, God of War offers a journey that can be tailored to your preferences and time commitment. So, grab your axe, prepare for an epic adventure, and discover just how long your God of War journey will be!