Which PS5 Game Is the Longest? A Deep Dive into Playtime
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Determining the absolute longest PS5 game is a surprisingly complex question. It depends entirely on what you mean by “longest.” Are we talking about the time it takes to complete the main story, fully explore the open world, achieve 100% completion, or simply the potential for endless, replayable content?
Based on average completion times reported by sites like HowLongToBeat, and focusing on the single-player experience and story completion, the crown currently rests on the head of Assassin’s Creed Valhalla. It typically takes around 53.5 hours to complete the main story. However, if you aim to complete all side quests, explore the vast open world, and truly achieve 100% completion, you could easily sink over 100 hours into Valhalla.
This is why answering this question is tricky. Games like Melvor Idle can theoretically be played for thousands of hours, but that’s a fundamentally different type of game than Assassin’s Creed Valhalla. For a rich, narrative-driven experience, Assassin’s Creed Valhalla wins. For a potentially limitless time sink, other titles take the prize.
Delving Deeper: Factors Influencing Playtime
Several factors contribute to the length of a video game:
- Game Genre: Open-world games and RPGs (Role-Playing Games) naturally offer more playtime than linear, story-driven experiences.
- Completionist Tendencies: Some players are content with finishing the main story, while others feel compelled to complete every side quest and unlock every achievement.
- Difficulty Level: A higher difficulty setting will undoubtedly increase playtime, as players spend more time strategizing and overcoming challenges.
- Replayability: Games with multiple endings, branching storylines, or robust multiplayer modes offer significant replay value.
Beyond Valhalla: Other Long PS5 Contenders
While Assassin’s Creed Valhalla currently holds the title of longest narrative-driven PS5 game, several other titles deserve mention:
- Nioh 2: Complete Edition: This challenging action RPG can take around 48.5 hours to complete.
- Yakuza: Like A Dragon: With its engaging story and numerous side activities, this JRPG clocks in at approximately 46.5 hours.
- Grand Theft Auto V: While originally a PS3 title, the PS5 version benefits from enhanced visuals and performance, making its 31.5-hour story mode even more immersive. Keep in mind this is only for story, and online play can add hundreds of hours.
The Pursuit of 100% Completion
For those seeking the ultimate time sink, the quest for 100% completion can transform a relatively short game into a marathon. Titles with a vast amount of collectibles, challenging trophies, and intricate side quests can keep players engaged for hundreds of hours. Some games not initially built for 100% completion may offer it as a new feature in later versions.
Understanding Game Design and Playtime
Understanding how game designers create experiences with varying lengths is crucial to enjoying games more fully. Whether it’s a quick, digestible indie title or a sprawling open-world epic, each offers a unique value proposition. To learn more about game design, playtesting, and the science behind creating engaging experiences, consider exploring resources such as the Games Learning Society at https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/, a community dedicated to research and innovation in the field.
FAQs: Unraveling the Mysteries of PS5 Playtime
1. What is HowLongToBeat (HLTB) and how does it calculate playtime?
HowLongToBeat is a website where players can record and share their completion times for video games. The site averages these submissions to provide estimated completion times for various playstyles (main story, main + extras, completionist). It’s a valuable resource, but it’s important to remember that these are just estimates and individual experiences may vary.
2. Are open-world games always the longest?
Not necessarily. While open-world games tend to be longer due to their size and optional content, some linear games with challenging gameplay or intricate stories can also offer significant playtime.
3. Does difficulty level affect game length?
Yes, absolutely. Playing on a higher difficulty setting will generally increase playtime, as you’ll need to spend more time strategizing, practicing, and replaying sections.
4. What about games with endless replayability, like roguelikes?
Games like Hades or Returnal offer tremendous replay value due to their procedurally generated levels and persistent progression systems. While they might not have a defined “end,” they can easily provide hundreds of hours of enjoyment.
5. How do I find out how long it will take me to beat a game?
The best way is to consult HowLongToBeat, read reviews from players with similar gaming styles, and consider your own personal gaming habits.
6. What are some of the shortest PS5 games?
Many indie games and narrative-driven experiences can be completed in just a few hours. Titles like Stray or What Remains of Edith Finch offer memorable experiences without requiring a huge time commitment.
7. Do expansions and DLCs affect the overall length of a game?
Yes, downloadable content (DLC) and expansions can significantly increase a game’s length. For example, the Iceborne expansion for Monster Hunter: World adds a substantial amount of new content and can easily double the playtime.
8. How does multiplayer affect the “length” of a game?
Multiplayer games often have virtually limitless playtime potential. Titles like Fortnite, Call of Duty, and Final Fantasy XIV can keep players engaged for years.
9. Are there any PS5 games that take over 100 hours to beat the main story?
While not extremely common, some sprawling RPGs, like some entries in the Final Fantasy franchise, with numerous side quests and optional content, can easily exceed 100 hours for a main story playthrough.
10. What about games that require grinding for rare items or achievements?
Games with a heavy emphasis on grinding can take significantly longer to complete. These games often require players to repeat certain tasks or areas repeatedly to acquire rare items or unlock specific achievements.
11. How does the PS5’s faster loading times affect playtime?
The PS5’s fast SSD (Solid State Drive) significantly reduces loading times compared to previous consoles. This can save players a considerable amount of time over the course of a long game.
12. Are older games longer than newer games?
There’s no hard rule, but older games (particularly RPGs) sometimes had longer completion times due to design choices and limitations of the hardware. Modern game design tends to lean toward respecting the player’s time.
13. Can I speedrun a long game to reduce its playtime?
Yes, speedrunning is a popular activity where players attempt to complete a game as quickly as possible. Skilled speedrunners can often drastically reduce the playtime of even the longest games.
14. Is “longer” always “better” when it comes to video games?
Absolutely not. The quality of the gameplay, story, and overall experience is far more important than the sheer length of a game. A well-crafted 10-hour game can be more enjoyable than a bloated 100-hour game.
15. What are some resources for finding out about the best games on PS5, regardless of length?
Websites like IGN, GameSpot, Metacritic, and the PlayStation Blog are excellent resources for finding reviews, news, and recommendations for PS5 games. It’s always a good idea to research a game thoroughly before purchasing it.
Ultimately, the “longest” PS5 game is a subjective concept that depends on individual playstyle and preferences. However, by considering the factors outlined above, you can make an informed decision about which games offer the most playtime potential. Happy gaming!