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Top games where players spend thousands of hours

Feb 15, 2026 - Gamers are opening up about the titles they've dedicated thousands of hours to, revealing both nostalgia and passion for their favorite worlds. With comments pouring in from various forums, several titles stand out among the others with remarkable playtime.

By

Derek James

Feb 15, 2026, 07:54 PM

Edited By

Maya Robinson

Updated

Feb 17, 2026, 01:31 PM

2 minutes of duration

A diverse group of players intensely focused on gaming setups, showcasing various popular video games on screens.
popular

An Insight into Long-Term Commitment

Players across different platforms are voicing their experiences, with some committing over 10,000 hours to games like RuneScape over 15 years. As one gamer put it, "OSRS. People never quit; we just take breaks." This shared sentiment highlights the lasting appeal of certain games.

Interestingly, a gamer mentioned having logged nearly 5,000 hours in Red Dead Redemption 2, showcasing the game's captivating nature. Another individual claimed, "I donโ€™t think Iโ€™ve ever cleared 1k hours on any game, maybe if you combine Fallout 3/NV and Skyrim."

Top Games Taking Up Gamers' Lives

The most frequently mentioned games include:

  • Skyrim - Over 1,000 hours logged by many, with ongoing love for its vast world.

  • World of Warcraft - A classic that continues to keep players engaged.

  • Warframe and FFXIV - Each boasting thousands of committed hours.

  • RuneScape - Notably cited for its investment of time over many years.

  • Path of Exile - Known for its evolving content, keeping gameplay fresh for players.

  • Doom 2 - Especially with its custom mods like Cacoaward, providing continuous excitement.

  • FromSoftware games also received mentions, emphasizing their challenging gameplay.

Gamers reflected on their journey, recalling how some titles became part of their daily routine. One summed it up: "Probably a game I've played at least for 1 hour every day for 11 years."

Notable Mentions and the Custom Game Craze

Custom games have also made a significant impact, with users reminiscing about hours spent on titles like Hero Line Wars and DOTA. One said, "So many incredible custom games, one spawned an entire multi-billion dollar gaming segment." Another added how they once lost track of time raiding in WoW: "I used to raid a lot and one night did a /played. Quit that night lol."

The range of interests is fantastic, with gamers also bringing up Smash Bros Ultimate, Counter Strike, and Satisfactory as titles they enjoyed.

Quotes from the Community

"I used to play those goddamn custom games for DAYS."

"Exactly. An entire weekend patching Northern Road. But it was worth it."

Key Observations

  • ๐Ÿ•น๏ธ Many players express a deep emotional connection to their games.

  • ๐ŸŽฎ Titles like Skyrim and World of Warcraft remain perennial favorites across the board.

  • ๐ŸŒ Custom games are credited with inspiring numerous gaming genres and communities.

There's a strong sense of camaraderie in the gaming community, where people share not just hours but memories. With such dedication, one has to wonder: What draws players back to these virtual worlds time and again?

A Glimpse into What's Next for Gaming Enthusiasts

Thereโ€™s a solid chance that the trend of players logging thousands of hours in their favorite games will continue to grow. As gaming technology evolves, titles are becoming more engaging and immersive, attracting both veteran gamers and newcomers alike. Experts estimate that advancements in virtual reality and game design could increase player retention rates by around 20% in the coming years. Additionally, with the rise of cross-platform play, people will likely find themselves hopping between games and communities, enriching their experiences and sparking even longer play sessions.