Games come in all shapes and sizes. A short, impactful experience can be just as rewarding as a sprawling epic. But for those gamers who crave immersive worlds and hundreds of hours of gameplay, certain titles stand out. While live-service games and MMOs offer theoretically endless playtime, this list focuses on games with a definitive ending, albeit one that might take weeks or even months to reach. If you’re looking for a game to truly lose yourself in, look no further than these titans of time consumption.
Note: This list excludes ongoing live-service and MMO games, even those with storylines. Sandbox games are included only if they offer a concrete ending. Playtime estimates are based on “Main Story” completion times from HowLongToBeat.
Dragon Quest VII: Fragments of the Forgotten Past
Alt: A promotional image for Dragon Quest VII: Fragments of the Forgotten Past, showcasing the game’s vibrant art style and featuring the main character alongside several party members.
This classic JRPG earns its place on this list with a main story clocking in around 78 hours, depending on the platform. In Dragon Quest VII, players embark on a time-traveling adventure, exploring fragmented worlds and assembling a colorful cast of characters. While the story itself is substantial, the real time sink lies in the extensive class-mastering grind. Completionists can expect to invest nearly 300 hours to see everything this expansive JRPG offers.
Harvest Moon: Back to Nature
Alt: A screenshot from Harvest Moon: Back to Nature depicting the player’s farm, with crops growing, animals grazing, and farm buildings visible.
Before Stardew Valley, there was Harvest Moon: Back to Nature, a farming sim that demands a significant time investment, averaging around 80 hours for the main story. The game unfolds day by day, with the ending triggered after three full in-game years. While you can continue farming indefinitely, the game provides a natural stopping point. However, 100% completion requires a staggering 200+ hours.
My Time at Sandrock
Alt: A promotional image for My Time at Sandrock showing the player character interacting with NPCs in the desert town of Sandrock.
My Time at Sandrock, the latest in the My Time series, boasts a sprawling 82-hour main story. As a Builder in the town of Sandrock, players undertake repairs, construct buildings, and assist the townsfolk. With 224 main story quests, not including side quests and romance options, full completion can take upwards of 155 hours.
SnowRunner
Alt: A screenshot from SnowRunner showcasing a truck navigating a challenging snowy terrain, emphasizing the game’s focus on off-road driving.
This trucking simulator challenges players to navigate treacherous winter landscapes. SnowRunner emphasizes realism, requiring careful maneuvering through mud, water, snow, and other obstacles. With roughly 88 hours of main content and 40 vehicles to unlock and upgrade, completing everything can take over 230 hours.
Satisfactory
Alt: A screenshot from Satisfactory displaying a complex network of conveyor belts and machinery, illustrating the game’s focus on factory automation and resource management.
Satisfactory challenges players to build and optimize intricate factory systems for resource management. Even streamlined playthroughs can take around 97 hours, while those who strive for perfect efficiency can easily spend much more time tweaking their automated processes. The game’s addictive loop of upgrading and researching new technologies contributes to its substantial playtime.
Monster Hunter Freedom Unite
Alt: A screenshot from Monster Hunter Freedom Unite showing the player character battling a large monster, highlighting the game’s action-oriented combat.
This PSP entry in the Monster Hunter series packs a whopping 400 missions, adding up to around 100 hours of gameplay. Monster Hunter Freedom Unite may not have the monster variety of later entries, but its sheer volume of content provides a lengthy and addictive gameplay loop.
Persona 5 Royal
Alt: Promotional art for Persona 5 Royal showcasing the main characters in their Phantom Thief attire, emphasizing the game’s stylish aesthetic and social elements.
Persona 5 Royal expands on the already substantial 80-hour playtime of Persona 5 with an additional 20 hours of new content, including a new semester, social links, and challenging bosses. The game’s blend of JRPG combat, social simulation, and engaging story justifies its lengthy runtime.
Library of Ruina
Alt: A screenshot from Library of Ruina depicting the card-based combat system, with character portraits and cards displayed prominently.
This unique card game casts players as a librarian battling patrons to expand their collection. With a surprisingly long playtime of at least 118 hours, Library of Ruina features a complex card system, demanding deck building, and challenging battles, making it a rewarding experience for dedicated card game enthusiasts.
