Summary
Games usuallyhave different lengthsto appeal to varied audiences. However, one genre known for being long is RPGs. These titles are recognized for providing a wide range of choices to players and especially immersion, allowing the creation of distinct characters and different stories with each new journey. This makes for an expansive experience that justifies the time invested.
Thus, thebest RPGs that can be played for hundreds of hoursare the ones that offer a great replayability factor. It may be due to an impressive story, well-constructed worlds, or the freedom to explore. Some games even balance these elements well. Even though they can be massive, their length makes every minute of these journeys worthwhile.
UnderRailisone of the most challenging RPGs available, providing hundreds of hours of exploration and unique combat scenarios. Inspired by the classicFallout 1and2, it stands out for the freedom in building characters and for its complex systems. Although it feels more linear, each choice made by players influences the journey, always offering something new in subsequent playthroughs.
The replayability ofUnderRailis among its greatest strengths. Multiple quest lines, varied approaches, and a highly customizable progression system invite players to try different playstyles. Its punishing difficulty and unforgiving world ensure a challenging and rewarding RPG, ideal for those who want something with long-term appeal.
For those seeking a story-driven RPG,Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2offers one of the finest narratives among modern games. It alsoexecutes a realistic adventure well. This journey of Henry through 15th-century Bohemia can span hundreds of hours to fully explore, especially given how expansive the game is compared to its predecessor.
In this sequel, players have access to two open-world maps, each with its own quests and locations, extending the time it takes to finish. Although it does not feature a large number of possible endings, the narrative is engaging enough to make this RPG worth revisiting.
Besides being a massive RPG that can take hundreds of hours to complete, taking players into a grand war against hordes of demons to seal the Worldwound,Pathfinder: Wrath of The Righteousalso provides significant replayability. Much of this comes from theMythic Paths mechanic, which grants new powers and unique interactions with each new run.
Depending on which Mythic Path is chosen, it is possible to affect the game’s endings and even influence which companions may join during the journey. Combined with the epic story, this mechanic ensures the title is an RPG that does not end quickly.
Larian Studios established itself as an RPG reference withDivinity: Original Sin 2, offering a detailed journey where every decision alters the world. Companions are crucial, with deep backstories and dynamic interactions that shape the narrative. Not being able to recruit all of them at once makes each run feel unique.
Fort Joy, for instance, is the first major act of the game and already feels like a full experience, packed with surprises and exploration. Yet it is just the gateway to a vast world full of possibilities. The freedom and variety in combat, along with the roleplay options, make this one of the best RPGs to pour hundreds of hours into.
Though not a single game, theMass Effecttrilogy found in the Legendary Edition by BioWare is something that fans of science fiction should explore. Combining the time from all titles, the journey can exceed 100 hours, especially with the additional content like DLCs.
During that time, players will gothrough a unique saga, filled with choices and an evolving cast of characters that is rarely seen in other modern RPGs. Furthermore, many decisions carry over to the next entry, shaping the story in different ways.
Despite not having extensive content, the well-written dialogues and narratives inFallout: New Vegasmake this Obsidian RPG worth returning to. That is because the freedom to explore and the different choices made by the Courier ensure every new adventure has something fresh to discover.
Additionally, thefactions vying for power in New Vegasare well-developed, giving each one motivations that fit the game’s setting. Not to mention the quality of some DLCs, each focusing on specific strengths like setting, characters, or even narrative, extending the time invested in this RPG.
With DLCs and replayability considered,The Witcher 3is one of the best RPGs for those seeking hundreds of hours of content. Apart from the engaging story, player decisions shape several aspects of the world and canlead to different endings,requiring more than one playthrough to see every path.
Even a single run can take a while to finish, given how much content is available, including Gwent, a card game that can occupy many hours, and various side quests. The expansions also add new places to explore and new characters to interact with, elevating this RPG to a higher level.
Night City is one of the most iconic locations in gaming. Even thoughCyberpunk 2077did not have a strong launch, patches and updates from CD Projekt Red turned it into one of the most replayable modern RPGs. Much of this comes from the quality of its setting and characters, resulting in an enjoyable experience.
In addition, choices made during gameplay impact various elements within Night City. The somber tone ofCyberpunk 2077, featuring a character who struggles to survive in a world where happy endings do not exist, adds another layer of immersion. The single DLC,Phantom Liberty, has expanded that freedom further.
The world ofSkyrimis among those that offer the most freedom for players, enabling this open-world RPG to remain playable for years. There is always something new to discover in every corner of its map, like quests, items, or bits of lore that build Bethesda’s incredible setting.
Although it was remarkable at launch, what truly madeSkyrimendure was themodding community’s strong support. Mods change the game’s mechanics in various ways or even create new adventures. Because of that, it became one of the best RPGs for single-player fans to enjoy for years.
The official release ofBaldur’s Gate 3brought the isometric RPG genre to a larger audience, reaching a new level of recognition for this style. It also offers an immersive experience and richly rewards those who spend hundreds of hours diving into its depth.
That is becauseBaldur’s Gate 3not only delivers a well-crafted story, largely supported by outstanding companions, but also provides a high degree of freedom in exploration and decision-making. Nearly every action in its three acts has an impact on future events, turning each new run into something fresh. There is also mod support, which further boosts this RPG’s replayability.
