Epic Gaming Marathons: The Longest Games Ever!
Hey guys! Ever wondered which video games are the absolute longest to finish? You know, the ones that require serious dedication and countless hours of gameplay? Well, buckle up, because we're diving deep into the world of epic gaming marathons! Forget those quick five-hour playthroughs; we're talking about games that can take hundreds, even thousands, of hours to truly complete. These aren't just games; they're commitments. So, grab your energy drinks, adjust your gaming chair, and let's explore some of the longest games ever!
Why Do Some Games Take So Long?
Before we jump into the list, let's chat about why some games are such massive time sinks. Several factors contribute to a game's length, and understanding these can help you appreciate the sheer scale of these digital worlds. Open-world design is a major player. Games like The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim or Red Dead Redemption 2 offer sprawling landscapes packed with side quests, hidden locations, and emergent gameplay opportunities. You could spend hours just wandering around, discovering new things, without even touching the main storyline. This freedom to explore is fantastic, but it definitely adds to the playtime.
Another factor is the sheer amount of content. Many games, especially RPGs (Role-Playing Games) and MMOs (Massively Multiplayer Online games), are designed to be played for a long time. They often feature intricate storylines, complex character development systems, and a seemingly endless stream of quests and challenges. Think of games like Path of Exile or EVE Online; these games are constantly evolving with new content updates, ensuring that there's always something new to do. Grinding, which involves repeatedly performing tasks to level up your character or acquire rare items, can also significantly increase playtime. While some players enjoy the sense of accomplishment that comes with grinding, others find it tedious. Ultimately, the length of a game often comes down to its design philosophy. Some developers prioritize creating a deep, immersive experience that players can get lost in for months or even years. Others focus on delivering a more concise, story-driven experience. There's no right or wrong approach, but it's important to be aware of the time commitment involved before diving into a particularly long game.
Top Contenders for the Longest Games Ever
Alright, let's get to the juicy part! Here's a rundown of some of the longest games ever, based on average completion times and the potential for endless replayability:
1. EVE Online
EVE Online is a massively multiplayer online role-playing game (MMORPG) set in a vast, player-driven universe. It distinguishes itself with its unforgiving gameplay, complex economic system, and large-scale player-vs-player battles. Unlike many MMORPGs with predefined paths, EVE Online offers a sandbox environment where players forge their destinies. Whether you aspire to be a ruthless pirate, a savvy trader, a skilled industrialist, or a powerful fleet commander, the game allows you to carve your path.
EVE Online is notorious for its steep learning curve. New players are often overwhelmed by the game's intricate mechanics and the sheer freedom it offers. However, for those who persevere, the rewards are immense. The game's depth allows players to specialize in various skills and roles, contributing to a dynamic and evolving game world. One of the most unique aspects of EVE Online is its player-driven economy. Players control the production, distribution, and trade of resources, creating a complex and dynamic market. This economic system influences every aspect of the game, from the cost of ships and equipment to the availability of resources in different regions. Large-scale player-vs-player battles are another defining feature of EVE Online. These battles can involve hundreds or even thousands of players and are often fought over valuable resources or strategic locations. The outcomes of these battles can have significant consequences for the game world, shaping alliances, empires, and the overall balance of power. The game's community is known for being both helpful and cutthroat. New players can find guidance from experienced veterans, but they must also be wary of scammers and pirates who are always looking for an opportunity to exploit the unwary. EVE Online is not a game for the faint of heart. It requires patience, dedication, and a willingness to learn. However, for those who embrace its challenges, it offers a unique and rewarding gaming experience that is unlike anything else. This game is a true time sink. Mastering its intricacies, building an empire, and achieving your goals can literally take years. Some players have been playing EVE Online for over a decade and still find new things to discover.
2. Path of Exile
Path of Exile is a free-to-play action RPG developed by Grinding Gear Games. It is renowned for its deep character customization, intricate skill tree, and challenging gameplay. Set in the dark fantasy world of Wraeclast, players must battle hordes of monsters, explore dangerous dungeons, and uncover the secrets of the land. Path of Exile distinguishes itself from other ARPGs with its complex character progression system. The game features a massive skill tree with hundreds of nodes, allowing players to create highly specialized characters. Players can customize their characters' abilities by equipping various skill gems, which can be modified with support gems to create powerful combinations. The game's economy is primarily player-driven, with players trading items and currency with each other. Path of Exile is known for its challenging gameplay. The game features a variety of difficulty levels, and even experienced players can find themselves struggling against the game's toughest enemies. The game also features a hardcore mode, where death is permanent, adding an extra layer of challenge. Grinding Gear Games releases new content for Path of Exile regularly, including new leagues, items, and skills. These updates keep the game fresh and engaging for veteran players, while also attracting new players to the game. The game's community is active and supportive. Players can find help and advice on the game's forums and Discord server. There are also many player-run websites and tools that can help players optimize their characters and gameplay. Path of Exile is a game that rewards dedication and experimentation. Players who are willing to invest the time to learn the game's intricacies will find a deep and rewarding experience. However, the game's complexity can also be intimidating for new players. It is important to be patient and to seek out help when needed. Completing everything Path of Exile has to offer, mastering different builds, and conquering the endgame content can easily take thousands of hours. The constant updates and new leagues ensure that there's always something new to strive for.
3. Crusader Kings III
Crusader Kings III is a grand strategy game developed by Paradox Development Studio. Set in the Middle Ages, players take control of a dynasty and guide it through centuries of political intrigue, warfare, and religious conflict. The game is renowned for its depth, complexity, and emergent storytelling. Unlike many strategy games that focus on military conquest, Crusader Kings III places a strong emphasis on character relationships and diplomacy. Players must manage their vassals, forge alliances, and navigate the complex web of courtly life. The game features a detailed character system, with each character possessing unique traits, skills, and ambitions. These traits influence how characters interact with each other and how they behave in different situations. The game's dynamic events can lead to unexpected consequences, forcing players to adapt to changing circumstances. Crusader Kings III offers a vast sandbox for players to experiment with different strategies and playstyles. Players can choose to focus on building a strong and prosperous kingdom, or they can pursue more ambitious goals, such as conquering new lands or establishing a new religion. The game's historical setting provides a rich backdrop for the game's events. Players can encounter historical figures, participate in historical events, and shape the course of history. Paradox Development Studio releases new content for Crusader Kings III regularly, including new events, cultures, and regions. These updates keep the game fresh and engaging for veteran players, while also adding new depth to the game's historical setting. Crusader Kings III is a game that rewards strategic thinking, careful planning, and a bit of luck. Players who are willing to invest the time to learn the game's intricacies will find a deep and rewarding experience. A single campaign can easily take hundreds of hours, and the game's replayability is virtually endless. With different starting locations, characters, and strategies, players can experience a completely different game each time they play. The sheer scope of the game, combined with its intricate systems and emergent storytelling, makes it a true time sink for strategy enthusiasts.
4. The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim
The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim is an open-world action RPG developed by Bethesda Game Studios. Set in the vast and diverse province of Skyrim, players take on the role of the Dragonborn and embark on a quest to defeat the dragon Alduin and save the world. The game is renowned for its expansive world, engaging storyline, and freedom of choice. Skyrim's open world is one of its defining features. Players can explore a vast landscape filled with mountains, forests, cities, and dungeons. The world is populated with a variety of creatures, characters, and quests, providing players with endless opportunities for adventure. The game's main storyline is engaging and well-written, but players are also free to ignore it and explore the world at their own pace. Skyrim features a flexible character system that allows players to customize their character's skills and abilities. Players can choose to specialize in combat, magic, or stealth, or they can create a hybrid character that excels in all areas. The game also features a crafting system that allows players to create their own weapons, armor, and potions. Skyrim is known for its modding community. Players have created thousands of mods that add new content, features, and improvements to the game. These mods can greatly enhance the game's replayability and allow players to customize the game to their liking. Bethesda Game Studios has released multiple editions of Skyrim over the years, including the Special Edition and the Anniversary Edition. These editions include improved graphics, performance, and new content. Skyrim is a game that rewards exploration, experimentation, and creativity. Players who are willing to invest the time to explore the game's vast world and experiment with different character builds will find a deep and rewarding experience. Completing the main storyline and all of the side quests can easily take hundreds of hours, and the game's modding community ensures that there's always something new to discover. Whether you're a seasoned RPG veteran or a newcomer to the genre, Skyrim offers something for everyone. The sheer size of Skyrim, combined with its endless possibilities and active modding community, makes it a game that can be played for years.
5. Red Dead Redemption 2
Red Dead Redemption 2 is an open-world action-adventure game developed by Rockstar Games. Set in the American West in 1899, players take on the role of Arthur Morgan, an outlaw and member of the Van der Linde gang. The game is renowned for its immersive world, compelling story, and realistic gameplay. Red Dead Redemption 2's world is one of its greatest achievements. The game features a vast and detailed open world that feels alive and dynamic. Players can explore a variety of environments, from bustling cities to remote wilderness areas. The world is populated with a variety of characters, creatures, and events, creating a sense of immersion that is unmatched in other open-world games. The game's story is compelling and well-written, exploring themes of loyalty, betrayal, and redemption. Players will become invested in the characters and their struggles, and the game's ending is both emotional and satisfying. Red Dead Redemption 2 features realistic gameplay mechanics. Players must manage their character's health, stamina, and hunger. They must also care for their horse, which serves as their primary mode of transportation. The game's combat system is also realistic, requiring players to aim carefully and use cover effectively. Red Dead Redemption 2 is known for its attention to detail. The game is filled with small details that make the world feel more alive and believable. For example, characters will react differently to players depending on their actions, and the weather will affect the environment in a variety of ways. Rockstar Games has released multiple updates for Red Dead Redemption 2, including new content and features. The game also features a multiplayer mode called Red Dead Online, which allows players to explore the world with friends and participate in a variety of activities. Red Dead Redemption 2 is a game that rewards exploration, patience, and attention to detail. Players who are willing to invest the time to explore the game's vast world and immerse themselves in its story will find a deep and rewarding experience. Completing the main storyline and all of the side quests can easily take hundreds of hours, and the game's multiplayer mode provides endless opportunities for further adventures. Red Dead Redemption 2 is a true masterpiece of game design and a must-play for fans of open-world games. The sheer detail and depth that went into creating this game is staggering. Getting lost in the world, hunting, fishing, and exploring every nook and cranny can easily add hundreds of hours to your playtime.
Honorable Mentions
Of course, there are plenty of other games that could easily make this list, depending on your playstyle and completionist tendencies. Here are a few honorable mentions:
- The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt: Another massive open-world RPG with a ton of content.
- Assassin's Creed Odyssey/Valhalla: These open-world epics can take a long time to fully explore and complete.
- Persona 5 Royal: A stylish JRPG with a deep story and complex social systems.
- Monster Hunter World/Rise: Grinding for gear and mastering different weapons can take a long time.
So, What's the Verdict?
Ultimately, the longest game ever is subjective and depends on your personal playstyle. However, the games on this list are all massive time investments that offer hundreds or even thousands of hours of gameplay. If you're looking for a game that will keep you entertained for a long time, these are all excellent choices. Just be prepared to dedicate a significant portion of your life to them! Happy gaming, guys! Remember to take breaks and stay hydrated!
