The Complete Guide to Game Completion Times: How to Estimate Playtime Before Buying Any Video Game

Introduction

When you're thinking about buying a new video game, the first things you probably check are the trailer, graphics, gameplay, and review scores. But there's one question that many players overlook:

How long will it actually take to finish this game?

The answer can have a big impact on your buying decision. Maybe you only have a few hours each week to play and don't want to commit to a 100-hour adventure. Or perhaps you're looking for a game that will keep you entertained for weeks or even months.

Knowing a game's estimated completion time helps you choose titles that fit your schedule, budget, and gaming preferences. Spending just a few minutes researching playtime before making a purchase can save both time and money while helping you find games you'll genuinely enjoy.

Understanding Different Game Completion Times

Not everyone plays games the same way. Some players focus only on the main story, while others enjoy exploring every corner of the world, completing side quests, and unlocking every achievement. That's why game completion times are usually divided into several categories.

Main Story

This estimate represents the time needed to complete only the primary storyline. If you plan to skip optional content and focus on finishing the campaign, this is the number you should pay attention to.

Main Story + Extras

Most players naturally complete a number of side quests, optional objectives, and exploration activities while progressing through the story. This category provides a more realistic estimate for the average gamer.

Completionist

Completionists want to experience absolutely everything a game has to offer. They collect every item, unlock every achievement, complete every side mission, and explore every hidden location. Naturally, this playstyle requires the greatest time investment.

Speedrun

Speedrunners aim to finish games as quickly as possible using optimized routes and advanced techniques. These times are often dramatically shorter than a normal first playthrough.

Why Two Players Finish the Same Game at Different Times

It's common for two people to play the same game and finish it hours—or even days—apart.

Several factors influence total playtime. Your skill level, chosen difficulty, willingness to explore, interest in side content, and overall playstyle all make a difference.

Some players enjoy searching every area for hidden collectibles, while others move directly from one objective to the next. Because of these differences, completion times should always be considered estimates rather than exact predictions.

Which Game Genres Usually Take the Longest?

A game's genre plays a major role in determining how much time you'll spend playing it.

Role-playing games (RPGs) are often the longest, sometimes requiring well over 100 hours to complete everything. Open-world games also offer extensive exploration and optional activities that can dramatically increase playtime.

First-person shooters (FPS) generally feature shorter campaigns, often lasting between six and fifteen hours. Horror games are typically more focused experiences designed to be completed over a weekend.

Indie games vary greatly. Some provide a memorable experience in just a few hours, while others rival major AAA titles in terms of overall content.

How Does HowLongToBeat Calculate Game Length?

If you want a reliable estimate before buying a game, HowLongToBeat is one of the best resources available.

Unlike official marketing materials, the website doesn't rely on developer estimates. Instead, thousands of players from around the world submit their actual completion times after finishing games. The platform then analyzes this community data and calculates average completion times for different playstyles.

Because the information comes from real players, the estimates are often much closer to what new players can realistically expect.

What Can Increase a Game's Playtime?

Game length isn't fixed. Several factors can significantly extend your experience.

Downloadable content (DLC), post-launch updates, New Game+ modes, multiplayer features, and community-created mods can all add many additional hours of gameplay.

It's not unusual for a game that originally offered 30 hours of content to grow into a 70-hour experience after years of updates and expansions.

How Knowing Playtime Helps You Make Better Buying Decisions

Many people focus primarily on a game's price, but value isn't determined by cost alone.

Imagine one game costs $70 but only offers an eight-hour campaign, while another costs $35 and provides more than 70 hours of gameplay. That doesn't automatically make the second game better, but understanding the expected playtime helps you decide which title offers the experience you're looking for.

Likewise, if your free time is limited, a shorter, well-crafted adventure may be a better choice than a massive open-world game that you'll never have time to finish.

Other Helpful Resources

Although HowLongToBeat is one of the most trusted sources for game completion times, it's always worth checking additional resources before making a purchase.

Reading Steam user reviews, browsing discussions on Reddit, and checking reviews from IGN or Metacritic can give you a broader understanding of a game's quality, replay value, and overall experience.

Combining information from multiple sources allows you to make more confident buying decisions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are game completion times always accurate?

No. They are averages based on community data, so your experience may be shorter or longer depending on your playstyle.

Do completion times include side quests?

It depends on the category. Main Story focuses only on the campaign, while Main Story + Extras and Completionist include optional content.

Can updates and DLC increase a game's length?

Absolutely. New content, expansions, and additional game modes can significantly increase total playtime.

Are shorter games worth buying?

Definitely. A game's quality is far more important than its length. Many shorter games deliver unforgettable stories and exceptional gameplay.

Final Thoughts

Before purchasing your next video game, don't just look at graphics, reviews, or trailers. Take a few minutes to check how long it typically takes to complete.

A simple estimate can help you choose games that fit your schedule, avoid purchases you'll never have time to finish, and ultimately get better value for your money.

Thanks to resources like HowLongToBeat, it's easier than ever to make informed decisions based on real player experiences. Knowing what to expect before you buy means you'll spend less time regretting purchases and more time enjoying the games that truly match your interests.