Is Assassin's Creed Valhalla The Longest Game Ever?

Alright guys, let's dive into a question that's probably been buzzing around in a lot of your gamer brains: is Assassin's Creed Valhalla the longest game ever? It's a fair question, right? We've all sunk hundreds of hours into some epic titles, and Valhalla, with its massive Viking world and sprawling storyline, definitely feels like it could be a contender. But is it the longest? Let's break it down.

The Sheer Scale of Valhalla

First off, we gotta talk about the sheer size of Assassin's Creed Valhalla. This game isn't just a walk in the park; it's a full-blown saga. You're not just exploring one country; you're hopping between England, Norway, and even venturing into mythical realms like Asgard and Jotunheim. And within each of these regions, there's a ton to do. We're talking main story quests that take you all over the map, side quests, legendary beasts to hunt, Vinland adventures, and a whole heap of collectibles that'll keep you busy for ages. Seriously, just looking at the map can be a little intimidating, and that's a good sign if you're looking for a game that offers serious bang for your buck in terms of playtime. Developers really packed this one with content, from the main narrative arcs that span different kingdoms to the numerous optional activities that allow you to truly immerse yourself in the Viking experience. Whether you're busy conquering territories, engaging in epic feasts, or simply exploring every nook and cranny of the richly detailed world, Valhalla offers an experience that can easily stretch your gaming sessions from mere hours into days, and then into weeks.

What 'Longest Game Ever' Actually Means

Now, when we say 'longest game ever,' what do we really mean? Are we talking about the absolute minimum time to roll credits on the main story? Or are we looking at 100% completion, where you've seen and done everything? Because these two things can be vastly different, especially in a game like Valhalla. For a lot of players, the main story might feel long, but it's the completionists among us who really push the boundaries. Grinding for all those achievements, finding every single piece of gear, uncovering every bit of lore – that's where the hours really start to rack up. It's important to distinguish between just finishing the story and truly mastering the game. Many open-world games, especially those with RPG elements like Valhalla, are designed with this in mind. They offer a core narrative experience, but the real meat of the game often lies in the optional content, the side activities, and the sheer freedom to explore and engage with the world at your own pace. So, when we consider 'longest game ever,' it's crucial to define our terms. Are we talking about the critical path, or are we talking about the full, unadulterated, deep-dive experience that many gamers crave and that developers meticulously craft? The answer often depends on the player's own gaming style and dedication to achieving total completion.

Comparing Valhalla to Other Giants

So, how does Assassin's Creed Valhalla stack up against other games that are notorious for their length? Think about titles like The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt, Red Dead Redemption 2, or even older RPG behemoths like Skyrim with all its expansions. These games are legendary for the sheer time investment they demand. The Witcher 3, for instance, can easily clock in hundreds of hours if you dive into its massive expansions, Hearts of Stone and Blood and Wine, alongside the main quest and countless side activities. Red Dead Redemption 2 offers an incredibly detailed open world that begs to be explored, with a gripping story and tons of optional content that can keep you occupied for months. Even something like Elden Ring, while perhaps more focused on challenging combat, offers a colossal world that can take hundreds of hours to fully traverse and conquer. Valhalla sits comfortably in this league. While it might not always surpass these titans in every single metric of length, it's certainly in the same ballpark. It offers a comparable level of depth and breadth, ensuring that players who pick it up are in for a marathon, not a sprint. Each of these games presents a unique challenge in terms of time commitment, and Valhalla holds its own as a formidable competitor in the race for the most time-consuming gaming experience. It's a testament to the evolving nature of open-world game design, where providing a rich, expansive, and lengthy experience is often a key selling point for players looking for value and immersion.

The Main Story vs. Completionist Run

Let's get specific. If you're just trying to blast through the main story of Assassin's Creed Valhalla, you're probably looking at somewhere around 50-60 hours. That's still a solid chunk of time, especially for a narrative-driven experience. But that's just scratching the surface, guys. If you're aiming for that coveted 100% completion, which includes all the side quests, all the wealth, all the mysteries, and all the artifacts, you're easily looking at 130-150 hours, and that's if you're efficient! Some completionists report spending even more time, getting lost in the sheer volume of content. This is where the definition of 'long' really matters. A 60-hour main story is significant, but a 150-hour 100% completion is a different beast entirely. It requires dedication, patience, and a genuine love for the game's world and mechanics. Many players find themselves drawn into these extended play sessions, not out of obligation, but out of a desire to fully experience everything the developers have meticulously crafted. The game's structure, with its many interconnected storylines and vast exploration opportunities, naturally lends itself to these prolonged engagements. So, while the core narrative provides a substantial experience, the true measure of Valhalla's length is often found in the journey of complete mastery and discovery.

Factors Influencing Playtime

What makes one person's playthrough so much longer than another's? Several things, really. Your playstyle is a huge factor. Are you a speedrunner, trying to hit objectives as fast as possible? Or are you a meticulous explorer, soaking in every detail, reading every note, and talking to every NPC? Your familiarity with the Assassin's Creed series can also play a role. If you know the tropes and mechanics, you might progress faster. Conversely, if you're new to the series or the open-world RPG genre, you might take more time to get to grips with everything. Difficulty settings can also impact how long certain combat encounters or challenges take. And let's not forget about side content. Some players simply love doing every side quest and activity, while others prefer to stick to the main path. Valhalla is designed to cater to all these preferences. It provides a clear main path for those who want a focused narrative experience, but it also offers a universe of optional activities for those who want to truly inhabit the world of Eivor. The sheer variety of things to do – from raiding monasteries and conquering territories to participating in flyting battles and hunting mythical creatures – ensures that each player's journey will be unique and tailored to their personal preferences. This adaptability is a key reason why Valhalla can feel so incredibly long for some players and just 'long' for others. It's a game that respects your time but also rewards your curiosity and dedication.

So, Is It the Longest Ever? The Verdict

Okay, drumroll please... Is Assassin's Creed Valhalla the longest game ever? No, probably not. While it is undeniably a very long game, especially if you're going for 100% completion, there are other games out there that can legitimately claim to be longer. Games like The Witcher 3 with its expansions, or certain sprawling JRPGs that can take hundreds of hours just for the main story, might edge it out. However, Valhalla is absolutely in the conversation for one of the longest games currently available, particularly within the open-world action-adventure genre. It offers an immense amount of content, a rich narrative, and a world that's a joy to explore for dozens, if not hundreds, of hours. It provides a deep, engaging experience that justifies its substantial playtime. So, while it might not hold the absolute crown for the longest game ever, it's a serious contender and offers incredible value for players looking for an epic adventure that will keep them hooked for a very, very long time. It's a testament to Ubisoft's ambition and their commitment to delivering vast, immersive worlds for players to lose themselves in. If you're looking for a game to sink your teeth into and that will provide weeks of entertainment, Valhalla is definitely a top-tier choice. You're getting a massive world, a compelling story, and a near-endless supply of things to do. It's a truly epic journey.