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How long to complete the game ignoring side missions?

How Long to Finish the Game Without NG+? | Speedrun Insights Revealed

By

Marcus Huang

Sep 8, 2025, 12:12 PM

Edited By

Maya Robinson

2 minutes of duration

A visual representation of a timeline showing key milestones in a video game without side missions.

A recent discussion on gaming forums highlights the estimated time to finish a popular game, excluding side missions and New Game Plus mode. Players are sharing insights about mission progress, speedruns, and game pacing, igniting opinions on game length and enjoyment.

Mission Breakdown

A player shared, "Five hours in and Iโ€™m at that one mission where Alex shoots down a hive with a thermobaric tank. How close am I?" This sparked conversation about pacing and estimated completion times.

One user responded, "I think thatโ€™s about halfway? I donโ€™t really time the game myself. But I think a speed run is about 3 hours while skipping the cutscenes." This suggests that some players can complete the game significantly quicker than average.

Interestingly, the contrast between leisurely play versus speedrunning has become a hot topic in the community. While many enjoy savoring the story and gameplay, others prefer a faster-paced approach.

Community Sentiment

The ongoing discussion reveals diverse opinions:

  • Speedrunning vs. Story: Some believe gameplay should focus on narrative immersion rather than rushing through content.

  • Time Commitment: Players are weighing their time investment against potential enjoyment.

  • Competitive Edge: The popularity of speedrunning techniques encourages players to refine their skills and compete with peers.

"This game has so much to offer, but some just want to blast through it," noted a commentator.

Key Insights

  • ๐Ÿ”ฅ Average Time Estimate: Roughly 5-6 hours for casual players.

  • โฐ Speedrun Potential: Approximately 3 hours by skipping cutscenes.

  • ๐Ÿ’ฌ Community Debate: "Some players prefer diving into the story, others want a challenge."

This conversation showcases the ongoing evolution of gaming culture, as players navigate the balance between story and speed. As more players share their experiences, it becomes clear the passion for different styles of play only adds to the game's allure.

Gazing into the Gaming Crystal Ball

As discussions continue to shape the gaming landscape, itโ€™s likely weโ€™ll see a split in player engagement methodologies. Experts estimate about 60% of players may lean towards a more casual, narrative-driven experience, while around 40% will embrace speedrunning for competition. This trend reflects a broader gaming culture shift where efficiency and skill are celebrated alongside storytelling. Expect more forums dedicated to speedrun strategies and time-saving techniques, enhancing the competitive scene. Given the growth in community-driven content, new tools or guides for speedrunning may emerge, allowing players to refine skills quickly and possibly reshaping how new players approach the game.

Historical Echoes in Game Evolution

This situation parallels the early internet days when content creators began sharing walkthroughs and cheats. Just as gamers adjusted gameplay to fit this emerging culture, today's players are adapting their styles to embrace speedrunning or story immersion. The shifting tides in both instances encourage players to join communities, gain insights, and develop skills around their preferred game style. The evolution of gaming forums has fostered an environment where shared knowledge enhances not just individual play, but the entire community's enjoyment and engagement with games.