HowLongToBeat, a website that tracks the time users spend completing various games, has released its year-end findings for 2023, showcasing the year's lengthiest RPG games. These results focus on non-endless titles, resulting in RPGs dominating the list. However, the list boasts a diverse range of games, encompassing action adventures, dungeon crawlers, and Japanese titles.
The year 2023 saw several gaming hits, with titles like Baldur's Gate 3 and Alan Wake 2 receiving numerous accolades at The Game Awards 2023. RPGs like Baldur's Gate 3 typically rank among the most popular games each year. While they may not offer the fast-paced action of shooters or racing games, they provide a more contemplative gaming experience. Despite their slower pace, these titles often offer long-term satisfaction, and this list highlights some of the longest games of the year.
According to HowLongToBeat, The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom claimed the top spot as the longest game of 2023, with an average completion time of 110 hours. Baldur's Gate 3 followed closely at 105 hours, with Octopath Traveler 2 securing the third position at 80 hours, and Starfield finishing fourth at 65 hours. Hogwarts Legacy, a potential best-seller of 2023, also made the list, with an average completion time of 46 hours. It's important to note that these figures only reflect players who recorded their completion times on HowLongToBeat's website, and may not represent the broader gaming population.
What Were the Longest Games of 2023?
- The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom - 110 hours
- Baldur's Gate 3 - 105 hours
- Octopath Traveler 2 - 80 hours
- Starfield - 65 hours
- Fire Emblem Engage - 63 hours
- Final Fantasy 16 - 58 hours
- Hogwarts Legacy - 46 hours
- Diablo 4 - 41 hours
- Lies of P - 37 hours
- Wo Long: Fallen Dynasty - 35 hours
The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom not only claimed the title of the longest game of 2023, but also garnered critical acclaim, boasting a Metacritic score of 96. Some fans are already anticipating a sequel to Zelda and speculating about its potential storyline.
Baldur's Gate 3 enthusiasts are still uncovering hidden secrets within the game, appreciating its substantial length and attention to detail. The title secured accolades including Game of the Year and Best Role-Playing Game at The Game Awards 2023, triumphing in a total of six categories.
Fans of extensive RPGs have much to look forward to in 2024, with highly anticipated releases such as Avowed, Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth, and Like A Dragon: Infinite Wealth on the horizon. While the rumored reveal of Death Stranding 2's next trailer at The Game Awards did not materialize, fans remain hopeful for a 2024 release date.