Ask a Final Fantasy 14 player, and they will likely insist that enduring the initial 100 hours of the MMO is justified, as it eventually becomes enjoyable. However, from my own experience, that claim is exaggerated. To avoid feeling deceived, it's best to skip straight to Heavensward, the acclaimed expansion.
Singleplayer story games are easily included, and strategy and sim games can be considered as well. Yet, grasping the complexities of Dwarf Fortress differs greatly from simply logging into Genshin Impact for daily tasks. Additionally, peculiar challenge runs that prolong a game's length do not count.
Although the hour counts for these games heavily depend on individual playstyles, I have selected titles where it's recommended to explore almost everything they offer. Take a deep breath, try not to dwell on how these hours could be spent elsewhere, and join me in discovering the longest games that truly deserve your time.
Divinity: Original Sin 2
How long? ~100+ hours
Every player of Divinity: Original Sin 2 raves about this party-based RPG, hailing it as the ultimate virtual recreation of tabletop RPG experiences. Bursting with diverse characters and quests, it features turn-based combat that allows for true open-endedness. Our review highly praised its complexity and dedication to creating a dynamic world where your actions hold more weight than in many other RPGs. Notably, on Steam, the game boasts an "overwhelmingly positive" rating based on over 100,000 reviews.
The catch, however, lies in its extensive length, especially when played in co-op. While the beginning may be slow and overwhelming, once you find your rhythm, the sheer number of hours invested becomes insignificant. Divinity: Original Sin 2 unquestionably stands out as an exceptional game, making every minute spent on it entirely worthwhile.
Crusader Kings 3
How long? ~160 hours
Determining the duration of strategy games can be a challenge. Depending on your level of immersion, a campaign can occupy anywhere from a single day to several weeks. Crusader Kings 3, as well as its predecessors, stands out as the quintessential strategy game that can engulf you to the extent of a full-time job.
The recommendation for diving into a Crusader Kings game has largely remained consistent: commence in Ireland and observe the unfolding events from there. This seemingly open-ended advice might be a bit daunting, but the true delight of Crusader Kings lies in witnessing your dynasty's progression through the years, surrounded by captivating drama. The game unravels the most extraordinary tales of renegade royalty, desperate assassinations, and unexpected sieges. To fully enjoy this experience, one must be prepared to embrace the unknown intricacies initially and welcome whatever enthralling events occur along the way.
Persona 5 Royal
How long? ~100 hours
The Persona series lures JRPG-curious players with its incredibly lengthy completion times. Persona 5, the epitome of JRPGs, skillfully blends lessons from the genre's past with modernized strategies. With its remarkable style, exceptional soundtrack, and eccentric yet endearing characters, the game captivates players. However, immersing oneself in all these aspects demands a commitment of over 100 hours of gameplay.
Despite being possibly the longest JRPG you'll ever experience, each of those numerous hours is brimming with creativity, making it difficult to return to other games in the genre.
The game also surprises players with its dynamic turn-based combat, requiring strategic momentum to efficiently defeat enemies, rewarding clever tactics and deep knowledge of your characters. Beyond combat, players can explore both the ordinary hallways of the main character's high school and the twisted labyrinths within dream-like dungeons. Persona 5 embarks players on a lengthy journey, but one that proves truly rewarding.
Dwarf Fortress
How long? ~100 hours
Similar to Crusader Kings 3, Dwarf Fortress is a game that requires a mutual effort from players. Even after years of playing, enthusiasts continuously discover new features and stories to share, showcasing the game's ever-evolving nature. With each passing moment, Dwarf Fortress presents fresh ideas and elements to explore, rewarding players who invest more time into it.
Dwarf Fortress stands unparalleled in its ability to craft legendary scenarios. As you oversee a crew of dwarves, you encounter an inexhaustible array of procedurally generated adventures and hazards. The game encompasses factions, wars, history, and prophecies, all converging as you delve into its intricate systems in a bid to survive. Despite its seemingly boundless duration, every minute spent in Dwarf Fortress contributes to an unmatched gaming experience that cannot be replicated elsewhere.
The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt
How long? ~100 hours
You might already expect this, especially since you're browsing the website that hosts an annual Twitch stream featuring bathtub Geralt, but let me reiterate: The Witcher 3 is a truly engrossing experience, and its length is just right. This dark fantasy masterpiece delivers a captivating RPG adventure set in a stunning open world.
While the combat may initially feel somewhat lax, it reveals remarkable depth for those who delve deeper into its mechanics. With an abundance of quests, many of which boast writing on par with the main storyline of other games, The Witcher 3 exudes remarkable coherence. It entices players to lose themselves in its vast world, exploring places like Novigrad and Skellige, battling monsters, and resolving various issues along the way. Few games demand such a significant time commitment and then go above and beyond to reward players for their dedication by the end of their playthrough.
>>> Read more: Top 10 Best Modern-Day Classic RPGs, Ranked
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