For gamers on a budget, venturing into expansive titles that promise extensive gameplay without the need for constant new releases is essential. It’s time to rediscover games that provide substantial main quests featuring hours of immersive gameplay.
Typically, role-playing games (RPGs) are known for their lengthy narratives. While multiplayer shooters like Fortnite can provide countless hours of gameplay, their experiences vary significantly with each match. In contrast, these RPGs offer rich content that can engage players for days or even weeks as they explore intricate worlds and stories.
To quantify gameplay duration, we utilized metrics from How Long To Beat, acknowledging that gameplay times may differ among players. However, all the titles listed below are recognized for their impressive lengths.
10 Pillars Of Eternity & Deadfire
Main Story Length: 78 Hours (36H + 42H)
For fans of the classic CRPG experience, the Pillars of Eternity series offers a perfect blend of nostalgia and modern gameplay capabilities. Players can seamlessly transfer their characters from the original game to the sequel.
The first installment presents a compelling fantasy narrative where players strive to save a world plagued by reincarnated souls. Its sequel enhances the experience with seafaring adventures, allowing players to embrace a pirate’s life on enchanting fantasy seas. Fans looking for more from this universe can anticipate Avowed, which, although not a direct sequel, is set in the same rich world.
9 Ring of Fire
Main Story Length: 60 Hours
Undoubtedly, Elden Ring represents FromSoftware’s most ambitious project to date. Players who focus purely on completing main quests will still encounter a substantial time investment, as significant bosses guard the path to the final showdown.
However, mastering its intricate mechanics demands a level of dedication that may be too time-consuming for the average player. Consequently, extensive exploration of The Lands Between is essential to gather experience and equipment, prolonging the overall gameplay.
8 Pathfinder: Wrath Of The Righteous
Main Story Length: 56 Hours
A natural entry on this list, Pathfinder: Wrath of the Righteous emerges from the expansive lore of its tabletop RPG predecessor. This adventure begins when players arrive in the city of Kenabres, just as it falls victim to a demonic invasion.
As the chosen hero, players must lead a crusade against the encroaching darkness, making for a long and engaging journey. With various Mythic Paths to choose from, the replayability factor is significant as each path alters the story and character dynamics considerably.
7 Persona 5 Royal
Main Story Length: 101 Hours
Original players of Persona 5 experienced a game sprawling across an entire school year, culminating in an epic conclusion to the Phantom Thieves’ saga. Atlus subsequently enhanced this experience with Persona 5 Royal, adding an additional semester filled with fresh content and gameplay opportunities.
The revamped endgame further expands the narrative, ensuring that players are deeply invested in the storyline. As one of the finest RPGs of its time, completing it offers a rewarding experience that leaves fans craving more encounters with beloved characters.
6 Final Fantasy XIV
Main Story Length: 252 Hours (And Growing)
While including an MMO in this list may seem controversial, Final Fantasy XIV stands out due to its cohesive narrative shared among players. The storyline is extensive and rich, laden with numerous quests that can draw players into the expansive universe for countless hours.
As players progress to maximum level and beyond, they will find themselves deeply entrenched in Eorzea’s fate. The recent Dawntrail expansion promises to broaden the game’s horizons even further, paving the way for future adventures that could last a lifetime.
5 The Mass Effect Trilogy
Main Story Length: 108 Hours
The Mass Effect Trilogy, a collection of three games, captivates players with an unprecedented narrative experience that spans the galaxy. The saga of Commander Shepard battles against the Reapers, presenting one of gaming’s most revered sci-fi epics.
While some may debate the effectiveness of its ending, the focus on the journey rather than the conclusion defines Mass Effect’s significance. Players eager for character development and galactic battles will find it hard to put down this trilogy, making it a worthwhile investment of time.
4 Dragon Age: Inquisition
Main Story Length: 51 Hours
For those who crave open-world exploration, Dragon Age: Inquisition excels with a wealth of quests and diverse locales. The game encourages players to balance main story progression with numerous side activities to prevent becoming overwhelmed.
Set against the backdrop of rising chaos, the protagonist – the only one capable of sealing the rifts causing havoc – embarks on a perilous mission to save Thedas. The sense of impending doom amplifies the experience, offering players a rich narrative steeped in magic and valor.
3 The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt
Main Story Length: 51 Hours
In a sprawling quest to rescue Ciri, Geralt’s adventure in The Witcher 3 is constantly filled with diversions—from playing Gwent to encountering past loves. This critically acclaimed RPG offers a vast, immersive world where players are encouraged to explore and uncover hidden secrets.
The game’s breathtaking landscapes are populated with formidable foes and engaging side quests. Additionally, the two expansive DLCs enhance the overall experience, ensuring that players enjoy a complete and rich storytelling journey.
2 Baldur’s Gate 3
Main Story Length: 70 Hours
Baldur’s Gate 3 presents a unique challenge with its engaging story that leads players to restart playthroughs in pursuit of new decisions. Players often find themselves enamored with new experiences, making it difficult to reach the game’s end.
This is unfortunate, as the narrative encompasses some of the most memorable moments in gaming, particularly during climactic battles that allow players to unleash their powerful abilities and spells.
1 Dragon Quest XI S: Echoes Of An Elusive Age
Main Story Length: 57 Hours
Discussing the length of Dragon Quest XI without revealing spoilers is a challenge, as what seems like an ending ultimately unfolds into a grand continuation. Much like Persona 5 Royal, this title introduced additional content, expanding an already substantial adventure into a truly extensive experience.
Despite its length, the story unfolds organically, keeping players engaged. As one of the top entries in the franchise, Dragon Quest XI S delights with an array of minigames and opportunities for grinding, making the journey thoroughly enjoyable for those who appreciate such gameplay elements.
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