New research has shown the best games take the longest to complete, many of which require hundreds, if not thousands, of hours.
The Cribbage Online study analyzed a database of completion times of over 60,000 games on PC and all consoles to determine which took the longest to collect all achievements, unlocks, secrets, and collectibles, resulting in a game completion. 100%.
Mastering the Grand Quests: Unveiling the Most Demanding Video Game
ADOM: Ancient Domains of Mystery – 2000 hours (83 days).
Initially released in 1994, with an HD re-release in 2015, widely considered one of the best games in the roguelike genre, this 2D roguelike game on PC takes around 2000 hours (83 days) to complete 100%.
Sid Meieir’s Civilization V – 1,214 hours (50 days).
Fully completing this turn-based strategy game and its accompanying expansions would set the player back approximately 1214 hours (50 days). Initially released in 2010, with expansions in 2012 and 2013, this PC-only game received critical acclaim, achieving a Metacritic score of 90/100.
Monster Hunter (2004) – 1,023 hours (42 days).
Set in a world where beasts and humans coexist, the game consists of various missions that involve fighting against these powerful beings. This 2004 Capcom PlayStation 2 game takes 1,023 hours (42 days) to complete at 100%.
Domains 5: Warriors of Faith – 1000 (41 days).
The second 4X turn-based strategy game to appear on the list, this 2017 PC-only game requires players to spend 1000 (41 days) hours for 100% completion.
Rock Band 4 – 937 hours (39 days).
This 2015 game, released only for Xbox One and PlayStation 4, features a 100% completion time investment of 937 hours (39 days).
Dragon Quest IX: Sentinels of the Starry Skies – 718 hours (29 days).
This RPG, released in 2009 for the Nintendo DS, has a 100% runtime of 718 hours (29 days).
NetHack – 649 hours (27 days).
A roguelike single-player PC game initially released in 1987, it ranks seventh, with a 100% completion time of 649 hours (27 days).
Gran Turismo 5 – 636 hours (26 days).
A PlayStation exclusive racing game released in 2010. To complete the game 100%, players must spend 636 hours (26 days) playing the game.
Clash of Clans – 625 hours (26 days).
The only mobile game to appear in the top ten, this 2012 game is also the only free game to appear in the top ten.
Animal Crossing (2001) – 607 hours (25 days).
Released for the GameCube, players who want 100% completion will need to spend 607 hours (25 days) playing.
Interestingly, seven of the top ten games were initially released in 2010 and earlier, and five on the list don’t support online multiplayer. Console-only gaming catches up with the majority, with five console-only games coming close, with four of the top ten being PC-only.
A study reveals giants of time-consuming games:
- A new study shows which video games take the longest to complete
- Ancient Domains of Mystery ranks first, followed by Civilization
- On average, it takes 940 hours (39 days) of playing time to complete top ten games
| Range | Game | Story completion (hours) | Completion of stories and extras (hours) | 100% complete (hours) | platforms |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
ADOM: Ancient Domains of Mystery
|
80 | 100 | 2000 | personal computer |
| 2 | Sid Meier’s Civilization V | 13 | 144 | 1214 | personal computer |
| 3 |
Monster hunter
|
49 | 88 | 1023 | Playstation 2 |
| 4 | Domains 5: Warriors of Faith | 40 | 70 | 1000 | personal computer |
| 5 |
rock band 4
|
12 | 107 | 937 |
PlayStation 4, Xbox One
|
| 6 |
Dragon Quest IX: Sentinels of the Starry Skies
|
49 | 86 | 718 |
Nintendo 3DS, Nintendo DS
|
| 7 | NetHack | 9 | 82 | 649 | personal computer |
| 8 |
grand tourer 5
|
Four. Five | 123 | 636 |
Playstation 3
|
| 9 |
clash of clans
|
twenty-one | 24 | 625 | Android |
| 10 |
animal crossing
|
69 | 161 | 607 |
nintendo gamecube
|
Cribbage Reviews Online
A spokesperson for Cribbage Online commented on the findings, saying: “This study shows that gamers are not only interested in completing games, but are also dedicated to achieving even the most challenging goals within them and immersive experiences that capture the attention and determination of the players.
As video games continue to evolve, it’s exciting to see how they can continue to offer players new and engaging experiences. The findings of this study show the strength and passions of the gaming community.”
