Top 10 Epic Video Games With Massive Playtimes

Hey gaming gurus, ever wondered which video games could literally eat up months of your life? We're diving deep into the world of ridiculously long games, the ones that make you question your life choices… in the best way possible. Get ready to have your backlog shamed as we unveil the top 10 longest video games ever made. We’re talking about games so expansive, so filled with content, that you might just forget what the outside world looks like. So, buckle up, grab your snacks, and prepare to be amazed (and maybe a little intimidated) by these time-sucking behemoths.

1. Monster Hunter World: A World of Hunting and Grinding

First on our list is Monster Hunter World, a game that's not just long; it's a lifestyle. This action role-playing game from Capcom is notorious for its massive amount of content and the sheer hours players sink into it. The core gameplay loop of hunting giant monsters, crafting better gear, and hunting even bigger monsters is incredibly addictive. The base game alone offers hundreds of hours of gameplay, but when you factor in the Iceborne expansion, you're looking at potentially thousands of hours. The beauty of Monster Hunter World lies in its depth. There's always a new weapon to master, a new monster to fight, or a new piece of armor to craft. The game encourages you to experiment with different weapons, armor sets, and hunting strategies, which extends its replayability significantly. The multiplayer aspect also adds to the longevity, as teaming up with friends to take down colossal beasts is a blast. The constant stream of updates and events from Capcom ensures that there's always something new to do and new challenges to overcome.

Let's be real, the grind is real in Monster Hunter World. Gathering materials, farming specific monsters for their parts, and crafting the perfect build can take ages. But for many players, this grind is part of the fun. It's the feeling of finally overcoming a tough challenge, of perfecting your hunting skills, and of seeing your character grow stronger that keeps them hooked. The game's vibrant world, filled with diverse environments and unique creatures, also contributes to its appeal. Exploring the different locales, from lush jungles to snowy peaks, and discovering the secrets they hold is a rewarding experience in itself. If you're looking for a game that will occupy your time for a very long time, Monster Hunter World is definitely worth checking out, especially if you enjoy games with high replayability, challenging combat, and deep customization options. You might just find yourself still playing it years later, constantly upgrading your character and perfecting your hunting techniques. Its extensive world and gameplay make it one of the longest video games to have ever existed.

2. EVE Online: The Ultimate Space MMO

Alright, space cowboys, let's talk about EVE Online, a game that's basically a second job. This massively multiplayer online role-playing game (MMORPG) is famous for its player-driven economy, intricate political landscape, and the mind-boggling amount of time you can invest in it. EVE Online is not just a game; it's a universe. Players can do anything from mining asteroids and trading goods to engaging in massive fleet battles that can involve thousands of players and cost real-world money. The learning curve is steep, and the game is complex, but that's part of its charm. The game gives you an almost overwhelming level of freedom, allowing you to choose your own path and shape the world around you. You can be a ruthless pirate, a shrewd businessman, or a loyal member of a powerful corporation.

One of the main reasons why EVE Online is so time-consuming is the game's emphasis on player-driven content. The political landscape is constantly shifting, with alliances forming and breaking, and wars erupting over territory and resources. This creates a dynamic and engaging experience where every action has consequences. Players spend hours upon hours training skills, researching technologies, and building up their fleets. The game also has a robust in-game economy, where players trade goods and services. Mastering the economic side of EVE Online can take a significant amount of time and dedication, but it can also be very rewarding.

The social aspect of EVE Online is also a major factor in its longevity. The game encourages players to join corporations, which are essentially player-run guilds. These corporations provide support, guidance, and a sense of community. The relationships you build with other players can keep you coming back for years. From epic space battles to intricate economic simulations, EVE Online truly offers an unparalleled gaming experience. This level of immersion and the sheer scale of the game easily earn its spot among the longest video games ever.

3. The Elder Scrolls Online: Tamriel's Eternal Adventure

Next up, we have The Elder Scrolls Online (ESO), a game that lets you explore the vast world of Tamriel with friends. This MMORPG offers a mix of quests, exploration, and social interaction that can easily keep you occupied for hundreds of hours. If you love the Elder Scrolls series, you'll feel right at home with ESO. The game allows you to explore iconic locations like Skyrim, Morrowind, and Cyrodiil.

The quests in The Elder Scrolls Online are designed to keep you engaged, with diverse storylines, interesting characters, and plenty of choices that affect the outcome. You can level up your character, master different skills, and customize your build to suit your playstyle. The game's constant updates and expansions add new content regularly, ensuring that there's always something new to discover. You can team up with friends or play solo, depending on your preference.

The social aspect is strong in The Elder Scrolls Online, with guilds and communities that encourage teamwork and camaraderie. The PvP (Player versus Player) content is also a big draw, with battles that can involve hundreds of players. The game's beautiful graphics, immersive world, and engaging gameplay create an unforgettable experience, making it a perfect choice for those who want a long-term commitment. Its longevity is enhanced by its constant updates, which add new quests, regions, and activities, ensuring players always have something new to experience. If you're a fan of fantasy, exploration, and social gaming, The Elder Scrolls Online will keep you entertained for an extraordinarily long time, easily earning its spot on our list.

4. Final Fantasy XIV: A Realm Reborn, and Then Some

Final Fantasy XIV, or FFXIV, is a phenomenal MMORPG that has made an epic comeback after its initial release. The game is packed with a captivating story, diverse classes, and a plethora of content. FFXIV is not just a game, it's a journey. The core gameplay involves completing quests, leveling up your character, and participating in challenging raids and dungeons. The game's storyline is one of the best in the MMORPG genre, with engaging characters and a rich world. The story continues to evolve with each major content update, which keeps players invested and coming back for more.

The job system in FFXIV is very flexible, letting you switch between different classes on a single character. This allows you to experience a wide variety of gameplay styles without having to create multiple characters. The game's endgame content includes challenging raids, high-level dungeons, and weekly activities that keep players busy for hours. The developers at Square Enix are committed to providing regular updates and content, ensuring there's always something new to look forward to.

The community in FFXIV is known for being friendly and welcoming. The game encourages players to work together and support each other. Whether you are a casual player or a hardcore raider, you'll find a place in this vibrant and active community. FFXIV's captivating story, diverse classes, and consistent updates make it an excellent choice for those looking for an immersive and long-lasting gaming experience. The game is constantly evolving, with new expansions adding new stories, areas, and content. If you're seeking a game that will give you endless hours of entertainment, Final Fantasy XIV is an excellent choice and a deserving entry on our list of longest video games.

5. RuneScape: The OG Grinder

Let’s go back in time to the world of RuneScape, a classic MMORPG that has been around for over two decades. If you enjoy a game where you can set your own goals and progress at your own pace, RuneScape might be perfect for you. This game, known for its extensive skills and questing, can easily eat up thousands of hours. You can train skills like woodcutting, fishing, and combat.

RuneScape offers an unparalleled level of freedom. You can set your own goals, choose how you want to play, and create your own adventures. Whether you want to become a master crafter, a skilled combatant, or a wealthy merchant, the game lets you pursue your passions. The quest system in RuneScape is also extensive, with a wide variety of quests that offer interesting storylines, challenging puzzles, and rewarding experiences. The community is active and welcoming, always eager to help new players. The sheer amount of content and the freedom to play the game your way make RuneScape a prime candidate for a game that can occupy your time for a long time. With regular updates and new content, it continues to evolve and stay fresh, ensuring that players always have something new to do and discover. The fact that it's been going strong for so many years speaks volumes about its longevity and replayability, making it a well-deserved inclusion on our list.

6. Warframe: Space Ninjas Forever

Warframe, a free-to-play action game, has managed to hook players with its fast-paced combat, unique characters, and a ton of content. If you're into space ninjas and looter shooters, Warframe might be your next obsession. In Warframe, you play as a space ninja, also known as a Tenno, battling against various factions across the solar system. The game focuses on action combat, with players using a variety of weapons, abilities, and parkour moves to defeat their enemies.

The gameplay is fast-paced, fluid, and rewarding, offering a satisfying experience for both casual and hardcore players. The game's world is constantly evolving, with new content being added regularly. You can collect and upgrade a wide variety of weapons, armor, and Warframes (the game's customizable characters). The game also offers an engaging storyline that keeps players invested in the world and its characters. Warframe is a testament to what a free-to-play game can achieve. It consistently adds new content and features, ensuring that players always have something new to look forward to. From its thrilling combat and customizable characters to its engaging storyline and frequent updates, Warframe provides an experience that can easily consume hundreds, if not thousands, of hours. Its continual updates and additions mean players always have new goals to achieve, further cementing its place among the longest video games.

7. Path of Exile: The Diablo Killer

For fans of action RPGs, Path of Exile offers a dark and complex world with endless replayability. If you’re a fan of games like Diablo, then Path of Exile is definitely worth your time. The game's intricate skill tree, deep customization, and challenging endgame content keep players hooked for months on end. The gameplay revolves around exploring procedurally generated maps, battling hordes of enemies, and collecting loot to improve your character.

Path of Exile is known for its incredibly deep character customization. The game features a massive passive skill tree, allowing players to create unique builds that fit their playstyle. The endgame content includes challenging maps, difficult bosses, and a variety of leagues that offer new gameplay experiences. The game's free-to-play model is generous, offering a vast amount of content without requiring players to spend money. The game is constantly evolving, with new content being added regularly, keeping the gameplay fresh and exciting.

If you enjoy loot-based games with deep customization options, Path of Exile is a must-play. Its complex systems, challenging endgame, and regular updates ensure a long and engaging experience. The sheer depth of customization and the constant stream of new content make Path of Exile a prime contender for a place on this list. With its endless replayability and complex systems, it's a game that can easily swallow up your free time, making it a deserving entry on our list of longest video games ever.

8. Minecraft: The Blocky Building Bonanza

How could we forget Minecraft? This sandbox game has captured the hearts of millions with its simple yet infinitely expandable gameplay. If you like building, exploring, and surviving, Minecraft is a must-play. The gameplay is straightforward: players can gather resources, craft tools, build structures, and explore the vast world around them.

Minecraft's creativity is its greatest strength, as it encourages players to build anything they can imagine. From simple homes to elaborate castles and entire cities, the possibilities are endless. The game also offers a survival mode where players must survive against monsters, gather resources, and build shelters. The constant updates, modding support, and online multiplayer extend the game's lifespan even further. The game's popularity is a testament to its accessibility and its endless potential for creativity and exploration. The ability to create your own worlds and share them with friends has made it a timeless classic. The game's open-ended nature and consistent updates ensure that players always have something new to do, earning it a well-deserved spot on our list of longest video games.

9. Destiny 2: Guardians of Gameplay

Destiny 2 combines first-person shooter action with RPG elements, offering a unique blend of gameplay. If you love shooting aliens and exploring a vast universe, Destiny 2 is worth your time. The game's core gameplay loop consists of completing missions, participating in raids, and upgrading your character. The game's world is rich in detail, with stunning environments, intriguing characters, and a compelling storyline.

Destiny 2 provides a strong focus on team-based activities, such as raids and strikes, which encourage players to team up and work together. The game also includes a variety of PvP modes for players who enjoy competitive gameplay. The game's constant updates, new content, and the live-service model ensure that players always have something new to experience. The sense of progression, the engaging combat, and the social aspects of the game create a long-lasting gaming experience. The game has evolved significantly over time, with new expansions adding new stories, areas, and activities. The combination of shooting action, RPG elements, and cooperative gameplay makes Destiny 2 a great choice for those seeking a long-term gaming commitment, and makes it a worthy addition to the list.

10. Grand Theft Auto V: The Open World Titan

Last, but certainly not least, we have Grand Theft Auto V, a game that's basically a virtual playground. If you love open-world games with endless possibilities, GTA V is a must-play. The game offers a sprawling open world, a compelling story mode, and a robust online multiplayer experience. In GTA V, players can roam the city of Los Santos, steal cars, engage in heists, and participate in a variety of activities.

The game's story mode offers a captivating narrative with memorable characters and exciting missions. The online multiplayer mode, GTA Online, expands the game's lifespan significantly. Players can team up with friends, participate in various jobs, races, and other activities. The game's world is packed with things to discover and secrets to uncover. The combination of the open-world environment, the engaging story, and the social aspect of the online multiplayer mode creates a long-lasting and engaging experience. The game's longevity is further enhanced by Rockstar's consistent updates, which add new content and keep the game fresh and exciting. Grand Theft Auto V’s massive open world, deep gameplay mechanics, and engaging story mode guarantee that players will keep coming back for more, cementing its place among the longest video games.

Honorable Mentions:

• Elite Dangerous: Space exploration and trading. Its vastness offers incredible replayability.
• World of Warcraft: Classic MMORPG with tons of content and history.
• Civilization VI: Strategy game where you can spend countless hours building an empire.

So there you have it, folks! The top 10 (plus some extras) of the longest video games ever. These games offer hundreds, if not thousands, of hours of gameplay, ensuring that you'll have plenty to do for a very long time. Which games have you spent the most time in? Let us know in the comments below! Happy gaming, and may your playtimes be long and your adventures epic!