Unveiling the Completion Times of Uncharted Games

Exploring the duration of each game in the Uncharted franchise, from shortest to longest playthroughs.
Unveiling the Completion Times of Uncharted Games

Highlights

  • The Uncharted series has been delivering thrilling treasure-hunting experiences since 2007, solidifying its position as a favorite among gamers.
  • Each game in the series presents captivating narratives, stunning visuals, and polished gameplay, making them all a must-play for gaming enthusiasts.
  • From the inaugural Uncharted: Drake's Fortune to the epic Uncharted 4: A Thief's End, the series continues to engage players with exhilarating adventures.

Naughty Dog's immensely popular Uncharted series made its debut in 2007 with the first title, Uncharted: Drake's Fortune. Ever since, this adventure series, reminiscent of Indiana Jones, has established itself as a go-to choice for gamers seeking action-packed treasure-hunting escapades.

While there hasn't been a new addition to the series since 2017 when the spin-off Uncharted: The Lost Legacy featuring Chloe Frazer was released, the franchise remains a fan favorite. Almost every game in the series is still accessible on modern consoles, with the latest two titles receiving a PlayStation 5 remaster in 2022 as part of the Uncharted: Legacy of Thieves Collection. Given the value of spare time and the appeal of each game, the feature-length games in the series have been ranked based on story completion times according to howlongtobeat.com to assist players in managing their gaming schedules.

6 Uncharted: The Lost Legacy

Average Completion Time: 7 Hours

The most recent entry in the series, Uncharted: The Lost Legacy, is considered by many as the ideal introduction to the franchise. Originally planned as story DLC like the Left Behind expansion for The Last of Us, it evolved during development to become a standalone title.

Despite initial reservations about a DLC turning into a full-fledged game, the final product is incredibly enjoyable. With its shorter duration, the game maintains a tight pace, offering a concise story packed with Uncharted trademarks such as ancient puzzles, intense shootouts, and memorable action sequences. Starring Chloe Frazer instead of the series' usual protagonist Nathan Drake, the game's charisma and personal investment make it a fantastic gaming experience.

5 Uncharted: Drake's Fortune

Average Completion Time: 8 Hours

The inaugural title in Naughty Dog's treasure-hunting series, Uncharted: Drake's Fortune, released in 2007, may not be the lengthiest, but it showcased the best of the PlayStation 3 era with its exceptional graphics, responsive combat, and a well-crafted adventure narrative that kept players engaged.

Similar to The Last of Us Part 1, many fans eagerly anticipate a PlayStation 5 remake of this PlayStation 3 classic. The game introduced gamers to the charming rogue Nathan Drake, alongside other beloved characters like reporter Elena Fisher and mentor Sully. Although it's not the globe-trotting adventure later entries offer, it presents a well-rounded island expedition with an intriguing treasure hunt storyline and appropriately twisted secrets.

4 Uncharted 3: Drake's Deception

Average Completion Time: 9 Hours

Uncharted 3: Drake's Deception had big shoes to fill after the success of Uncharted 2: Among Thieves, a hit with both critics and gamers. Naughty Dog faced the challenge of delivering another exceptional adventure to satisfy the series' eager fans. While the story might not surpass its predecessors, it features some of the series' most significant and thrilling set-piece moments.

The third installment appears to be shorter in overall length, but it compensates with intense gun battles and a narrative delving into Nathan Drake's history. Notably, it treats players to Hollywood-like blockbuster action, including a standout sequence where Nathan Drake hangs from cargo crates suspended high above ground, making it one of the series' most memorable levels set on an airplane.

3 Uncharted: Golden Abyss

Average Completion Time: 10 Hours

Developed by Bend Studios (known for Days Gone), Uncharted: Golden Abyss is the only full-length game in the series not created by Naughty Dog. Despite being a portable title, it offers a respectable 10-hour completion time, longer than some home console entries. This handheld adventure deserves more recognition and stands as one of PlayStation VITA's defining titles, utilizing the handheld's features effectively. The game presents a compelling story, but its true strength lies in engaging handheld gameplay and interactive collectibles that allow players to interact with charcoal sketches and assemble segmented maps on the handheld device.

2 Uncharted 2: Among Thieves

Average Completion Time: 10 Hours 30 Minutes

Widely regarded as the series' pinnacle by many enthusiasts, Uncharted 2: Among Thieves stands out for its gripping narrative, featuring new exciting characters like Chloe Frazer from Uncharted: The Lost Legacy. This title elevated all the strengths of its predecessor, delivering not just an exceptional adventure game but also one of the finest games on the PlayStation 3 platform.

The game opens with one of gaming's most memorable sequences (an injured Nathan Drake hanging off a snowy cliff inside a collapsing train carriage). From the beginning, the game maintains an intense pace, offering a well-structured adventure with frenzied gunfights, remarkable set-piece encounters, and a villain worthy of challenging the best Indiana Jones antagonists.

1 Uncharted 4: A Thief's End

Average Completion Time: 15 Hours

A conclusion to Nathan Drake's adventures, serving as a touching farewell to a beloved hero embraced by numerous gamers. This title boasts the longest duration, taking time to develop characters more profoundly while showcasing the capabilities of the PlayStation 4 during that period.

Recognized as one of the premier PlayStation 4 titles released during the console's lifespan, the game impresses with stunning visuals and introduces players to compelling new characters, such as Nathan Drake's estranged brother, Sam Drake. While the game includes an abundance of box puzzles, it also offers diverse locations, breathtaking action sequences, and the most polished gameplay in the series to date. Despite its narrative depth requiring time, the game delivers a remarkable adventure that appeals to both long-time fans and newcomers alike.