What are the games with the longest main stories ever made? Have you ever spent 100, 200, or even 500 hours in a single game? You probably have, but most likely in multiplayer titles where time just seems to fly by with friends. But what if we told you there are numerous single-player games that can easily take 100 to 200 hours to complete?
Today, we cover 10 such games, known in the gaming world for their immense size and lengthy gameplay. So, buckle up, because this is going to be a very, very long journey!
Here Are The Top 10 Longest Journeys in Gaming
1. Black Myth: Wukong
First on our list is a 2024 ‘Game of the Year’ contender, Black Myth: Wukong. This game is inspired by the classic Chinese mythology ‘Journey to the West,’ where we play as Sun Wukong. While the visuals and art style are breathtaking, the game is famous for its Souls-like mechanics and challenging boss fights.
- Why it’s so long: The game features over 100 bosses! Defeating each one requires a unique strategy and a ton of patience. Some people even consider it a ‘boss rush’ game.
- Playtime: Depending on your playstyle, this game can take anywhere from 60 to 120 hours. A pro player might finish it sooner, but most gamers will spend several hours on just a few of the main bosses.
2. Monster Hunter Wilds
When you talk about grinding, the name Monster Hunter Wilds is bound to come up. Created by Capcom, this game is a strong contender for 2025’s ‘Game of the Year’. The main story might be short, but Monster Hunter games aren’t known for their narrative; they’re known for the real fun that lies beyond it.
- Why it’s so long: The real joy of the game is in exploration, hunting massive monsters, and using the loot to craft new weapons and armor (the grind). It’s also a blast in co-op with friends.
- Playtime: To fully experience everything the game has to offer, it takes at least 120 hours. Tackling new monsters, exploring new locations, and using fresh strategies each time is the core of the game.
3. S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2: Heart of Chornobyl
If you want to experience true survival and realism, S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2 is the game for you. It’s set around the Chornobyl Exclusion Zone, where you face radiation, mutants, and hostile factions.
- Why it’s so long: There are no vehicles in this game! You have to explore the entire vast map on foot. You have to walk to every mission and every location, which makes the game incredibly long.
- Playtime: Since you have to rely on ‘Bus No. 11’ (your own two feet), completing this game can easily take 150+ hours.
4. Cyberpunk 2077 (with Phantom Liberty)
The name Cyberpunk 2077 brings images of a futuristic Night City to mind. In this RPG from CD Projekt Red, you play as a mercenary named ‘V’. The game’s true depth lies in its story and the choices you make.
- Why it’s so long: The game has multiple endings and branching storylines, making every playthrough a new experience. Just completing the base game to 100% can take 100 hours.
- Playtime: When you add the Phantom Liberty DLC, which has its own 20-hour story and multiple endings, the total playtime reaches up to 150 hours.
5. Assassin’s Creed Valhalla
While Assassin’s Creed Shadows might be getting all the attention lately, Valhalla is a hidden gem when it comes to gameplay depth. In this game, you become Eivor, a Viking raider seeking a new home for their clan in England.
- Why it’s so long: The open world is massive, including Norway, England, France, and Ireland. Every region is packed with side quests, mysteries, and things to explore.
- Playtime: With all the DLCs included, completing this game can take anywhere from 150 to 180 hours.
6. Kingdom Come: Deliverance
If you thought Skyrim was a long game, you should definitely try Kingdom Come: Deliverance. This open-world RPG is known for its hyper-realistic gameplay.
- Why it’s so long: Its combat system is based on real-life sword fighting, where every strike and block matters. Fast travel only unlocks after you’ve discovered a location on foot. You have to cover every mission manually.
- Playtime: With the main story and side quests, this game can easily take 100+ hours. The upcoming sequel, KCD 2, is said to have one of the longest scripts in gaming history!
7. Metaphor: ReFantazio
This is another major RPG of 2024, developed by Atlus, the creators of Persona 5. The game is a unique blend of fantasy and political drama.
- Why it’s so long: It’s a traditional JRPG with modern systems. Each character’s backstory is incredibly deep, and the emotional decisions you make dramatically change the story’s outcome.
- Playtime: To fully immerse yourself in this world and complete it, you can expect to spend approximately 150 hours.
8. Baldur’s Gate 3
Larian Studios’ masterpiece, Baldur’s Gate 3, is a deep, narrative-driven fantasy RPG based on the rules of Dungeons & Dragons. The game gives you complete freedom to write your own story.
- Why it’s so long: Every dialogue, every choice, and every relationship directly influences the ending. The game is filled with countless secrets, side quests, and alternate paths.
- Playtime: If you want to explore every layer of this game, spending 150 to 200 hours is completely normal.
9. Elden Ring (with Shadow of the Erdtree)
FromSoftware’s Elden Ring changed the definition of open-world RPGs. Now, with its massive expansion, Shadow of the Erdtree, the experience is even bigger and deeper.
- Why it’s so long: Its world is so vast and detailed that you find something new in every corner. Every boss fight is like a puzzle, and Shadow of the Erdtree adds even more difficult content.
- Playtime: If you want to explore the entire map, find all the hidden bosses, and understand the lore, this journey can easily cross the 200-hour mark.
10. The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom
Nintendo’s iconic title, Tears of the Kingdom, is many times larger than its predecessor, Breath of the Wild. Nintendo didn’t just add new mechanics; they expanded the entire world of Hyrule from the skies above to the depths below.
- Why it’s so long: The game has limitless creativity. You can create your own solutions to puzzles and ways to fight enemies. The world is filled with secrets, hidden caves, and side quests.
- Playtime: If you set out to find everything, you could spend 200+ hours in this game.
Final Thoughts
There you have it, ten monumental games guaranteed to keep you busy for the foreseeable future. Whether you’re drawn to the challenging combat of Elden Ring or the creative freedom of Tears of the Kingdom, each of these titles offers a story worth experiencing.
