Two weeks ago we recommended a list of video games for people with no free time. If you’re looking for short yet quality experiences, that list will serve you well. On the other hand, many people are just as interested in extended journeys. Games like The Witcher 3 and Dark Souls are notorious — and popular — for their long playtimes. For those with more free time to play, here’s a list of 5 long video games that take around 100 hours or more to finish, but are enjoyable and rewarding throughout.
We consulted HowLongToBeat.com for estimates on the total time needed to finish these extremely long video games. The range given denotes the time needed to complete just the main story, all the way to the time needed to see everything in the game, for you completionists out there.
The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim
Available On: PC, PlayStation 3, Xbox 360
Coming Soon: PlayStation 4, Xbox One
Any of the Elder Scrolls games can fit here; they all easily clock in at around 200 hours each. But for its content and its upcoming remaster, we’re recommending The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim. The map of the game is immense, littered with story quests, side missions, dungeons, boss monsters, and populated towns all waiting to be explored. The DLC and various mods can extend your journey in the game even further.
The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim Special Edition will be released in only a month’s time, and it’s free if you own the original game and its DLC on PC. If you’ve been waiting to purchase Skyrim or, like me, the Legendary Edition has been sitting in your Steam library for years, the Special Edition is the perfect time to jump into the world of Tamriel. It’ll also be on consoles, so PS4 and Xbox One players will be able to experience this truly epic game as well.
Time to Beat: 31.5 – 213 hours
Age of Empires II: HD Edition
Available On: PC
The RTS genre is, by design, full of long video games. From story modes to skirmishes to multiplayer, you can spend quite a lot of time playing them all. Age of Empires II is one of the well-known classics but has been showing its age. Enter Age of Empires II: HD Edition, Microsoft’s attempt to revitalize it for the modern PC. On top of everything that makes an RTS game, AoE II: HD also features Steam Workshop support for mods. You’ll find many campaigns to strategize through after completing the game’s main story. Microsoft has also released DLC to add more features and even more story to the experience.
It’s worth noting that the HD re-release is not perfect. The game suffers from frame rate drops, and multiplayer has many desync issues. That being said, patches to address these issues are still being worked on. These types of games aren’t for everyone, but if you are already a fan of the genre, Age of Empires II: HD Edition is a blast (get it… because cannons… I’ll just keep going with the list.).
Time to Beat: 27 – 92.5 hours
Euro Truck Simulator 2
Available On: PC, Mac, Linux
If you haven’t heard of the Truck Simulator series, you may be scoffing. But don’t skip this section just yet! Euro Truck Simulator 2 is an immensely enthralling title, unlike any other “Simulator” game on Steam. The name is pretty self-explanatory: You drive a truck delivering cargo in Europe. There’s not much more to it than that, and yet it’s so engaging at the same time. Most people like the game for how relaxing it is. You do need to pay attention to the road, but there’s no gun battles or boss monsters or anything like that. It’s just you, your truck, and the open road. Given the sheer size of Europe, these trips can take quite some time.
For those in the U.S., SCS Software recently published American Truck Simulator, which has the same features and is on par with Euro Truck Simulator 2. ETS2‘s map is slightly larger and more populated, but ATS‘s map is still going to be updated with more regions. The one you purchase is up to you — if you don’t find yourself purchasing both in the end!
Time to Beat: 47 – 1141 hours
Stardew Valley
Available On: PC, Mac, Linux
Coming Soon: PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Wii U
Stardew Valley was a kind of surprise hit; few people knew it was coming out, but it gained huge popularity through its exposure on YouTube. For those who fondly remember early Harvest Moon games, Stardew Valley is perfect for you. You start off inheriting your grandfather’s farm. A faceless corporation has ruined the area, and you have to restore the valley to its former glory. There are so many paths you can take on this journey that every player’s experience is always different. Our Fandom Explained article examines why people are so in love with the game.
Time to Beat: 53 – 100 hours
XCOM 2
Available On: PC
Coming Soon: PlayStation 4, Xbox One
The XCOM games are known for their steep learning curves and brutal enemy AI. The aliens in the game seem to take joy in killing off your entire team, and taking their sweet time doing so. XCOM 2 is no exception, and the stakes are even higher here. If you’re like me, you’ll probably spend a good 20 hours in the improved character creator alone. Once you do get on the battlefield, you’ll need some deep thinking to work out the most effective strategies. The enemies at higher difficulties show even less mercy, so if you have a keen eye for combat tactics, and want to help rid the Earth of alien invaders, XCOM 2 is a good choice.
Time to Beat: 28.5 – 54.5 hours
There are numerous other games to explore if you’re looking to invest a lot of time. RPGs, RTS games, and even free-to-play games are out there that eat up hundreds of hours. Take a look at our previous Binge Guide to Games to learn about even more long video games to binge on.
