Understanding ‘How Long to Beat’

How long to beat dedicated gamers and casual players alike, one of the most common questions when starting a new game is, “How long will it take to beat this game?” Whether it’s a narrative-driven adventure, an open-world exploration, or a competitive multiplayer experience, knowing how much time a game might demand can be essential for planning and pacing the gameplay. The website how long to beat has become a leading resource for answering this question by providing average playtime estimates based on input from a large player base.

What Is HowLongToBeat?

HowLongToBeat (HLTB) is a popular online platform where gamers worldwide contribute data on their playtime for thousands of games across various platforms. Launched in 2011, HLTB has grown significantly, collecting playtime data for everything from AAA blockbusters to indie gems. It offers average completion times based on different playstyles, giving players a clear idea of how much time they’ll need to invest.

The site breaks down gameplay times into different categories:

1. Main Story – The average time it takes to complete only the main storyline, without side quests or optional content.
2. Main + Extras – This category covers those who complete the main story and tackle some side content but don’t go for 100% completion.
3. Completionist – The estimated time for players who aim for 100% completion, including all achievements, side quests, collectibles, and secrets.
4. Average Playstyle – The time it might take for an average player who does a mix of the main story and extras at a leisurely pace.

These categories allow users to estimate their commitment level and pick a playstyle that best suits their schedule.

How Does HLTB Work?

The site is largely driven by user-contributed data, where players submit their playtimes upon completing a game. Players can log in, search for a game, and add their completion time based on the categories provided. The system then aggregates these times, calculating an average for each category, creating a community-informed estimate of the time it takes to complete each game.

For example, popular titles like The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt or Red Dead Redemption 2 tend to show longer completion times due to their vast open worlds and extensive side content. In contrast, smaller indie games or linear narratives like Inside or Firewatch might only take a few hours to complete.

Why HLTB Matters for Gamers

1. Time Management – With the increasing number of game releases and limited hours in a day, time-conscious players need to make informed choices. HLTB’s breakdown helps players determine if they can fit a game into their schedule, whether they have a weekend free or a few hours here and there.
2. Different Playstyles – HLTB offers different completion times based on playstyles, so both casual gamers and completionists can get an accurate idea of what to expect. This flexibility accommodates diverse gaming preferences and objectives.
3. Financial Investment – Time is a factor in value assessment. Players often consider whether a game’s length justifies its cost. Knowing that a game may provide dozens of hours of gameplay versus a few hours can be a deciding factor in purchase decisions.
4. Community Insight – The data on HLTB comes directly from gamers who have already played these games, giving prospective players a real-world insight into game length. It’s a reliable alternative to official developer estimates, which might not account for different playstyles or skill levels.

Tips for Using HowLongToBeat Effectively

1. Know Your Playstyle – Understand what type of player you are. If you typically focus only on the main storyline, use the “Main Story” times as a reference. If you enjoy side content, check out the “Main + Extras” category.
2. Read User Reviews – HLTB includes user reviews that often provide additional context about playtime, pacing, and difficulty, which can be helpful for specific games.
3. Consider Replay Value – Some games offer high replay value or multiple story paths. Games like The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim or Mass Effect have different outcomes based on choices, which may lead to multiple playthroughs that extend the total playtime.
4. Use as a Comparison Tool – HLTB is also a great way to compare similar games, especially if you’re on the fence about which game to play next. For instance, if you’re deciding between two RPGs, you can quickly see how much of a time commitment each might require.

Limitations of HLTB

While HLTB is generally reliable, a few limitations are worth noting:

1. User-Reported Data – Since HLTB relies on player-submitted data, completion times can vary based on the player’s skill level, familiarity with the genre, and dedication to completing every aspect of the game.
2. Pacing and Experience – Some players rush through games, while others take their time to savor the experience. Therefore, actual playtime might differ from HLTB averages based on your unique pacing.
3. Unusual Game Mechanics – Certain games with nonlinear structures or unique mechanics (like roguelikes or procedurally generated games) can have highly variable playtimes. In these cases, HLTB estimates might not fully capture the potential time variance.

Games and Genres on HLTB

HowLongToBeat includes data for a broad range of genres, from sprawling RPGs and open-world adventures to short indie experiences and episodic games. Each genre typically has different time commitments. For instance:

• RPGs like Persona 5 or Final Fantasy tend to have long completion times due to complex stories and side content.
• Indie games like Celeste or Undertale are often shorter but can be time-intensive for completionists.
• Action-adventure games like Uncharted or Tomb Raider generally fall somewhere in between, with a solid main story and some optional extras.

Final Thoughts

HowLongToBeat is an invaluable tool for today’s gamers who want to maximize their time and enjoy the games that best fit their lifestyle. By understanding the average time commitment for a game, players can make informed decisions, avoid unnecessary time investments, and ultimately have a more enjoyable gaming experience. While it’s a great guide, HLTB estimates are still averages, so players may find themselves beating a game faster (or slower) than the listed times.

Whether you’re a completionist or a casual gamer, how long to beat makes it easy to jump into the right game with confidence, knowing you’ll have the time to fully enjoy the experience.