Witcher 3: Is It Really One Of The Longest Games Ever?

So, you're wondering if The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt is one of those games that just keeps going and going, huh? Well, you're not alone! Gamers everywhere have sunk countless hours into this epic adventure, and it's definitely got a reputation for being massive. Let's dive into what makes The Witcher 3 so long and whether it truly earns the title of one of the longest games ever.

What Makes The Witcher 3 So Long?

The Witcher 3's length comes down to a few key factors: the main story, the side quests, and the sheer size of the world. First off, the main story is no walk in the park. You're playing as Geralt of Rivia, a monster hunter searching for his adopted daughter, Ciri, while navigating a world filled with political intrigue, dangerous creatures, and complicated characters. The main questline alone can take you around 50-60 hours, depending on your play style and how much you explore. But here's the thing: The Witcher 3 isn't just about the main story. The side quests are where the game truly shines and where a huge chunk of your playtime will go.

These aren't your typical fetch quests, guys. Many side quests in The Witcher 3 are as well-written and engaging as the main story. They often involve complex moral choices, interesting characters, and unexpected twists. You might find yourself investigating a haunted house, helping a village deal with a monster infestation, or getting caught up in a love triangle. Each of these side quests adds depth and richness to the world, making it hard to resist diving into them. And let's not forget the contracts! As a Witcher, Geralt takes on contracts to hunt down monsters for coin. These contracts often involve investigating the creature, learning its weaknesses, and preparing the right potions and oils before facing it in battle. They're a fantastic way to earn money, gain experience, and explore different parts of the world. All these side activities can easily add another 50-100 hours to your playtime.

Then there's the world itself. The Witcher 3 features a vast and beautiful open world filled with diverse landscapes, from the rolling hills of Velen to the bustling city of Novigrad and the rugged islands of Skellige. Each region is packed with things to discover, from hidden treasures and monster nests to abandoned villages and challenging encounters. Exploring the world is a reward in itself, and it's easy to get sidetracked by interesting locations and events. The game encourages exploration by rewarding you with experience points, valuable items, and new quests. So, if you're the type of player who likes to explore every nook and cranny, The Witcher 3 will keep you busy for a very long time. The combination of a lengthy main story, engaging side quests, and a vast open world makes The Witcher 3 a game that can easily consume hundreds of hours of your time. But is it one of the longest games ever? Let's compare it to some other contenders.

How Does It Compare to Other Long Games?

Alright, let's stack The Witcher 3 up against some other titans in the world of long video games. We're talking about those titles that seem to go on forever, offering hundreds of hours of content for dedicated players. When we compare, its important to keep in mind that play times can vary wildly based on play style. Some players rush through the main story, while others meticulously complete every side quest and explore every corner of the map. With that said, here are a few examples for comparison.

• The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim: Skyrim is legendary for its open-world freedom and endless possibilities. The main story can be completed in around 30-40 hours, but most players spend hundreds of hours exploring the world, completing side quests, and building their character. A completionist run of Skyrim can easily take over 200 hours. The Witcher 3 and Skyrim are similar in terms of their open-world structure and the sheer amount of content available. However, The Witcher 3 generally has more complex and engaging side quests, while Skyrim offers more freedom in terms of character customization and world interaction.
• The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild: Breath of the Wild is another open-world masterpiece that offers a vast and immersive experience. The main story can be completed in around 50-60 hours, but exploring the world, completing shrines, and tackling side quests can easily add another 100+ hours to your playtime. Breath of the Wild is similar to The Witcher 3 in terms of its open-world exploration and focus on player freedom. However, Breath of the Wild has a more minimalist story and gameplay, while The Witcher 3 offers a more narrative-driven and character-focused experience.
• Persona 5 Royal: Persona 5 Royal is a JRPG that combines dungeon crawling with social simulation. The main story is incredibly long, clocking in at around 100+ hours. Completing all the confidant storylines and exploring every aspect of the game can easily add another 50+ hours to your playtime. Persona 5 Royal is a very different type of game than The Witcher 3, but it's similar in terms of its length and the amount of content available. Persona 5 Royal is more focused on story and character development, while The Witcher 3 offers a more open-world and action-oriented experience.
• Red Dead Redemption 2: Red Dead Redemption 2 is an open-world western that features a sprawling story and a richly detailed world. The main story can take around 50-60 hours to complete, but exploring the world, hunting animals, and completing side missions can easily add another 100+ hours to your playtime. Red Dead Redemption 2 is similar to The Witcher 3 in terms of its open-world structure and focus on story and characters. However, Red Dead Redemption 2 has a more realistic and grounded tone, while The Witcher 3 is more fantastical and action-oriented.

So, where does The Witcher 3 stand in comparison? A typical playthrough, focusing on the main story and some side quests, will likely take around 80-120 hours. A completionist run, tackling everything the game has to offer, can easily exceed 200 hours. While it may not be the absolute longest game ever, it's certainly up there with the most substantial and time-consuming experiences in gaming. It's clear that The Witcher 3 offers a massive amount of content and can easily keep you engaged for hundreds of hours. But playtime isn't everything. What about replayability?

The Replayability Factor

One of the key factors that contributes to a game's longevity is its replayability. Can you come back to it again and again, discovering new things and having different experiences each time? The Witcher 3 definitely shines in this area, offering several reasons to jump back into the world of Geralt of Rivia.

• Different choices, different outcomes: The Witcher 3 is renowned for its branching storylines and impactful choices. Many quests have multiple solutions, and your decisions can have significant consequences down the line, affecting the fates of characters and the overall outcome of the story. This encourages multiple playthroughs to see how different choices play out.
• Different builds and playstyles: The Witcher 3 allows you to customize Geralt's abilities and playstyle through the use of skill points, mutations, and equipment. You can focus on swordplay, alchemy, signs (magic), or a hybrid approach. Experimenting with different builds can drastically change the way you approach combat and quests, adding variety to each playthrough.
• New Game Plus: After completing the game, you can start a New Game Plus, which allows you to carry over your character progression, skills, and equipment into a new playthrough. This lets you tackle the game at a higher difficulty level and experience the story with a more powerful Geralt. It's a great way to revisit the game with a fresh perspective and try out different choices and builds.
• The Expansions: The Witcher 3 has two major expansions, Hearts of Stone and Blood and Wine, which add significant new content to the game. Hearts of Stone features a compelling story centered around a cursed nobleman, while Blood and Wine takes you to the beautiful and vibrant region of Toussaint. Both expansions offer new quests, characters, monsters, and gear, adding dozens of hours of gameplay to the overall experience. They're essential for any Witcher 3 fan and greatly enhance the game's replayability.

With its branching storylines, customizable builds, New Game Plus mode, and substantial expansions, The Witcher 3 offers plenty of reasons to keep coming back for more. Even after completing the main story and all the side quests, you can still find new things to discover and new ways to experience the game. This replayability factor is a major contributor to The Witcher 3's longevity and makes it a game that you can enjoy for years to come.

So, Is It the Longest Game Ever?

So, is The Witcher 3 the longest game ever? Well, it depends on how you define