Top Longest Video Games To Beat: Hours Of Epic Gameplay
Hey guys! Ever wondered which video games will keep you glued to your screen for days, weeks, or even months? If you're a gamer who loves diving deep into immersive worlds and doesn't shy away from a serious time commitment, then you're in for a treat. We're diving into the longest video games to beat, titles that offer hundreds of hours of gameplay, sprawling storylines, and endless side quests. Get ready to clear your schedule!
Why Play Long Games?
Before we jump into the list, let's talk about why anyone would want to play a game that takes so long to finish. For starters, these games often provide incredibly rich and detailed worlds. Think about it: the more time you spend in a game, the more invested you become in its characters, lore, and environment. This leads to a deeper, more meaningful gaming experience. Plus, long games usually offer a ton of replay value. Whether it's through different character builds, multiple endings, or just the sheer number of side activities, there's always something new to discover. And let's not forget the sense of accomplishment you feel when you finally roll those credits after an epic journey. It's a gaming badge of honor, a testament to your dedication and perseverance. So, if you're looking for a game that will truly transport you to another world and challenge you in every way, shape, and form, a long game might be exactly what you need.
Top contenders for the Longest Games
1. Albion Online
Albion Online earns its place as one of the longest games due to its dynamic, player-driven world and the sheer breadth of activities available. Unlike many MMORPGs that guide players through a linear storyline, Albion Online throws you into a vast sandbox environment where you're free to forge your own path. This freedom, while exhilarating, also means that there's no predetermined endpoint, and the game's longevity largely depends on your personal goals and ambitions. Players can spend countless hours gathering resources, crafting items, building structures, engaging in PvP battles, and participating in the game's intricate economy. The game's classless system further adds to its replayability, allowing you to experiment with different builds and playstyles without being locked into a specific role. Moreover, Albion Online's constant updates and expansions introduce new content, features, and challenges, ensuring that there's always something fresh to explore and conquer. Whether you aspire to become a wealthy merchant, a skilled craftsman, a fearsome warrior, or a cunning strategist, Albion Online offers the tools and opportunities to realize your ambitions, making it a game that can potentially be played indefinitely. The game truly shines when you immerse yourself in its community, joining guilds, forming alliances, and participating in large-scale PvP events that can shape the game's world. This social aspect, combined with the game's open-ended nature, is what truly sets Albion Online apart and makes it a time sink for those who enjoy collaborative and competitive gameplay. If you're looking for a game where you can build your own empire, forge your own destiny, and leave your mark on a persistent world, Albion Online is definitely worth checking out.
2. Elite Dangerous
Elite Dangerous stands out as one of the longest games ever made due to its vast, procedurally generated galaxy and the almost limitless possibilities it offers to players. Unlike games with fixed maps and storylines, Elite Dangerous drops you into a 1:1 scale recreation of the Milky Way, complete with billions of star systems, planets, and celestial phenomena to explore. This sheer scale alone ensures that you could spend a lifetime traversing the galaxy and still not see everything the game has to offer. However, it's not just the size of the game that contributes to its longevity; it's also the depth and variety of gameplay. You can choose to be a trader, hauling goods between star systems to make a profit. You can become a bounty hunter, tracking down criminals and collecting rewards. You can be an explorer, venturing into uncharted territories and discovering new planets. You can even become a pirate, preying on unsuspecting traders and carving out a reputation as a spacefaring outlaw. Each of these paths offers its own unique challenges, rewards, and progression systems, ensuring that there's always something new to strive for. The game's realistic physics and attention to detail further enhance the immersion, making you feel like you're truly piloting a spaceship through the vastness of space. Moreover, Elite Dangerous is constantly evolving, with regular updates and expansions that add new ships, technologies, and gameplay features. Whether you're a seasoned space sim veteran or a newcomer to the genre, Elite Dangerous offers a truly unparalleled experience that can keep you hooked for hundreds, if not thousands, of hours.
3. The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim
Skyrim secures its spot as one of the longest games available due to its massive open world, extensive questlines, and the sheer number of activities and secrets hidden within its borders. From the moment you step out of the carriage and into the snowy landscapes of Skyrim, you're presented with a world brimming with possibilities. The main questline alone can take dozens of hours to complete, but it's the side quests, exploration, and character customization that truly extend the game's lifespan. You can join various guilds, such as the Thieves Guild, the Dark Brotherhood, or the Companions, each offering its own unique storylines and rewards. You can explore ancient ruins, discover hidden dungeons, and battle fearsome dragons. You can craft your own weapons and armor, brew potent potions, and learn powerful spells. The game's open-ended nature allows you to play however you want, whether you prefer to be a stealthy assassin, a powerful mage, or a valiant warrior. The replayability of Skyrim is also incredibly high, thanks to the different races, character builds, and choices you can make throughout the game. Moreover, the game's modding community has created thousands of additional quests, items, and gameplay tweaks, ensuring that there's always something new to experience. Whether you're a seasoned RPG veteran or a newcomer to the genre, Skyrim offers a truly immersive and engaging experience that can keep you hooked for hundreds of hours. Its lasting appeal lies in its ability to let you create your own story, explore a vast and detailed world, and become the hero (or villain) you've always wanted to be.
4. Crusader Kings III
Crusader Kings III distinguishes itself as one of the longest games due to its intricate dynasty management, complex political intrigue, and the sheer scope of its historical simulation. Unlike games that focus on individual characters or events, Crusader Kings III puts you in control of a dynasty, tasking you with guiding your family through centuries of war, diplomacy, and intrigue. This means that you're not just playing a single game; you're playing a multigenerational saga, where your decisions have lasting consequences that can shape the fate of your dynasty for generations to come. The game's depth and complexity are staggering, with countless factors to consider, from managing your vassals and forging alliances to plotting assassinations and waging wars. You'll need to be a skilled strategist, a cunning diplomat, and a ruthless ruler to survive in the cutthroat world of medieval politics. The game's open-ended nature also means that there's no predetermined path to victory. You can choose to expand your territory through conquest, consolidate your power through diplomacy, or even spread your religion through missionaries. The possibilities are endless, and the game's emergent storytelling ensures that each playthrough is unique and unpredictable. Moreover, Crusader Kings III is constantly evolving, with regular updates and expansions that add new regions, cultures, and gameplay features. Whether you're a history buff, a strategy game enthusiast, or simply someone who enjoys complex and challenging gameplay, Crusader Kings III offers a truly rewarding experience that can keep you engrossed for hundreds, if not thousands, of hours. The game's ability to create compelling narratives and memorable characters is what truly sets it apart, making it a game that you'll keep coming back to again and again.
5. Football Manager Series
The Football Manager series earns its reputation as one of the longest games available due to its incredibly detailed simulation of football management and the endless pursuit of building a successful team. Unlike games that focus on individual matches or players, Football Manager puts you in control of every aspect of a football club, from scouting players and training staff to negotiating contracts and managing finances. This level of depth and realism is what makes the game so addictive and time-consuming. You'll spend hours poring over scouting reports, analyzing player stats, and tinkering with your tactics to find the perfect formula for success. You'll need to be a skilled strategist, a shrewd negotiator, and a passionate football fan to thrive in the competitive world of football management. The game's open-ended nature also means that there's no predetermined path to victory. You can choose to take over a struggling team and guide them to glory, build a dynasty from scratch, or simply try to win as many trophies as possible. The possibilities are endless, and the game's dynamic simulation ensures that each season is unique and unpredictable. Moreover, the Football Manager series is constantly evolving, with each new installment adding new features, improvements, and updated player databases. Whether you're a seasoned football fan or a newcomer to the sport, Football Manager offers a truly immersive and engaging experience that can keep you hooked for hundreds, if not thousands, of hours. The game's ability to capture the drama, excitement, and heartbreak of football is what truly sets it apart, making it a game that you'll keep coming back to year after year.
Honorable Mentions
Of course, this list isn't exhaustive. Plenty of other games could easily qualify as some of the longest out there. Games like Persona 5 Royal, Red Dead Redemption 2, and even certain Minecraft playthroughs can take up a huge chunk of your time. The beauty of gaming is that there's something for everyone, no matter how much time you're willing to invest.
Final Thoughts
So, there you have it – some of the longest video games to beat. Whether you're into sprawling RPGs, immersive simulations, or open-world adventures, there's a game out there that will keep you entertained for hours on end. Just remember to take breaks, stay hydrated, and don't let your real-life responsibilities fall by the wayside. Happy gaming!
