Red Dead Redemption 2 (RDR2) is an open-world masterpiece that has captivated gamers worldwide with its engaging storyline, immersive gameplay, and stunning visuals. As one of the most critically acclaimed games of all time, RDR2 offers an unparalleled gaming experience that can last for dozens of hours. But how long does it take to complete Red Dead Redemption 2? In this article, we’ll delve into the game’s completion time, exploring the various factors that influence it and providing valuable insights for gamers.
Understanding the Game’s Scope and Complexity
Before we dive into the completion time, it’s essential to understand the scope and complexity of RDR2. The game is set in 1899, 12 years before the events of the first Red Dead Redemption, and follows the story of Arthur Morgan, a member of the Van der Linde gang. The game’s narrative is deeply intertwined with the characters, their relationships, and the gang’s struggles, making it a highly engaging and immersive experience.
RDR2 features a vast open world, set in the fictionalized version of the United States, with a massive landscape to explore, complete with diverse environments, climates, and wildlife. The game’s world is so vast that it can take several hours just to explore the map, discover new locations, and engage in various activities.
Main Storyline Completion Time
The main storyline of RDR2 is the primary focus of the game, and completing it is a significant achievement. The completion time for the main storyline varies depending on the player’s skill level, playing style, and level of exploration. However, based on data from HowLongToBeat, a website that estimates game completion times, here are some approximate completion times for the main storyline:
- First Playthrough: 50-60 hours
- Main Story + Extras: 80-100 hours
- Completionist: 150-200 hours
These estimates indicate that completing the main storyline can take around 50-60 hours, while exploring the game’s world, completing side missions, and engaging in various activities can add an additional 20-40 hours to the overall completion time.
Factors Influencing Completion Time
Several factors can influence the completion time of RDR2, including:
Player Skill Level
Players with experience in open-world games, particularly those familiar with the Red Dead series, may complete the game faster than newcomers. Experienced players can navigate the game’s world more efficiently, complete missions more quickly, and make better decisions that impact the story.
Playing Style
Players who focus on exploration, side missions, and engaging in various activities may take longer to complete the game than those who focus solely on the main storyline. Additionally, players who prefer to take their time, enjoy the scenery, and soak up the game’s atmosphere may also take longer to complete the game.
Level of Exploration
RDR2’s vast open world is full of secrets, hidden locations, and Easter eggs. Players who thoroughly explore the game’s world, discover new locations, and engage in various activities may take longer to complete the game than those who focus on the main storyline.
Difficulty Level
The difficulty level chosen by the player can also impact the completion time. Players who choose higher difficulty levels may need to spend more time completing missions, fighting enemies, and managing resources, which can increase the overall completion time.
Additional Activities and Side Missions
RDR2 offers a wide range of additional activities and side missions that can add dozens of hours to the overall completion time. These activities include:
- Hunting and Fishing: Players can engage in hunting and fishing activities, which can provide a relaxing break from the main storyline.
- Gang Activities: Players can participate in various gang activities, such as robberies, heists, and other missions that provide additional story context and gameplay.
- Stranger Missions: Players can encounter strangers who offer unique missions and quests that provide additional story context and gameplay.
- Collectibles: Players can collect various items, such as cigarette cards, dinosaur bones, and other collectibles, which can add hours to the overall completion time.
100% Completion Time
Achieving 100% completion in RDR2 is a significant undertaking that requires a substantial investment of time and effort. Based on data from HowLongToBeat, the estimated completion time for 100% completion is around 200-250 hours. This includes:
- Completing the Main Storyline: 50-60 hours
- Completing Side Missions: 20-30 hours
- Collecting Collectibles: 20-30 hours
- Completing Gang Activities: 10-20 hours
- Exploring the Game’s World: 20-30 hours
Conclusion
Red Dead Redemption 2 is a massive game that offers an unparalleled gaming experience. The completion time for RDR2 varies depending on the player’s skill level, playing style, and level of exploration. While completing the main storyline can take around 50-60 hours, exploring the game’s world, completing side missions, and engaging in various activities can add dozens of hours to the overall completion time. Achieving 100% completion requires a significant investment of time and effort, but the rewards are well worth it.
Whether you’re a seasoned gamer or a newcomer to the Red Dead series, RDR2 offers an experience that will keep you engaged for dozens of hours. So, saddle up, partner, and get ready to embark on an epic adventure that will leave you breathless.
What is the average completion time for Red Dead Redemption 2?
The average completion time for Red Dead Redemption 2 varies depending on the level of completion and the player’s skill level. However, according to HowLongToBeat, a website that estimates game completion times, the average completion time for the main story is around 50-60 hours. This time can be shorter or longer depending on how quickly the player completes the story missions and how much time they spend exploring the game’s vast open world.
It’s worth noting that the completion time can be significantly longer if the player aims to complete all the side missions, collectibles, and other activities in the game. In this case, the completion time can range from 100 to 150 hours or more. Additionally, the game’s online multiplayer mode, Red Dead Online, offers a separate set of activities and missions that can add dozens of hours to the overall completion time.
How does the game’s difficulty level affect completion time?
The game’s difficulty level can significantly impact the completion time of Red Dead Redemption 2. Playing on higher difficulty levels, such as Hard or Hardcore, can increase the completion time due to the increased challenge and the need to repeat missions or sections of the game. On the other hand, playing on lower difficulty levels, such as Easy or Normal, can reduce the completion time as the game becomes less challenging.
Additionally, the game’s difficulty level can also affect the player’s approach to the game. For example, on higher difficulty levels, players may need to spend more time exploring the environment, gathering resources, and crafting items, which can increase the overall completion time. In contrast, on lower difficulty levels, players may be able to rush through the game’s story and missions more quickly, reducing the completion time.
What are the different types of completion in Red Dead Redemption 2?
There are several types of completion in Red Dead Redemption 2, each with its own set of requirements and challenges. The main types of completion are: Main Story, Main Story + Extras, and 100% Completion. Main Story completion requires the player to complete the game’s main story missions, while Main Story + Extras completion requires the player to complete the main story missions as well as some of the side missions and activities.
100% Completion, on the other hand, requires the player to complete every aspect of the game, including all main story missions, side missions, collectibles, and other activities. This type of completion is the most challenging and time-consuming, but it also provides the most comprehensive and rewarding experience. Additionally, there are also other types of completion, such as completing the game’s challenges or achieving a certain level of honor or reputation.
How does the player’s skill level affect completion time?
The player’s skill level can significantly impact the completion time of Red Dead Redemption 2. More experienced players who are familiar with the game’s mechanics and systems can complete the game more quickly than less experienced players. This is because experienced players can navigate the game’s world more efficiently, complete missions more quickly, and avoid unnecessary challenges and obstacles.
On the other hand, less experienced players may need to spend more time learning the game’s mechanics and systems, which can increase the completion time. Additionally, less experienced players may also need to repeat missions or sections of the game more frequently, which can also increase the completion time. However, as players gain more experience and improve their skills, they can reduce the completion time and enjoy a more efficient and rewarding experience.
Can completion time be affected by the player’s playing style?
Yes, the player’s playing style can significantly impact the completion time of Red Dead Redemption 2. Players who adopt a more aggressive or action-oriented playing style may be able to complete the game more quickly than players who adopt a more stealthy or cautious approach. This is because aggressive players can complete missions more quickly and take more risks, which can reduce the completion time.
On the other hand, players who adopt a more stealthy or cautious approach may need to spend more time planning and executing their actions, which can increase the completion time. Additionally, players who focus on exploration and discovery may also need to spend more time exploring the game’s world and completing side missions and activities, which can also increase the completion time. Ultimately, the player’s playing style can significantly impact the completion time and the overall experience of the game.
Are there any tips or strategies for reducing completion time?
Yes, there are several tips and strategies that can help reduce the completion time of Red Dead Redemption 2. One of the most effective strategies is to focus on the main story missions and avoid unnecessary side missions and activities. This can help players stay on track and avoid distractions that can increase the completion time.
Additionally, players can also use the game’s fast travel system to quickly move around the game’s world and reduce travel time. Players can also use the game’s crafting system to craft items and resources more quickly, which can reduce the time spent on crafting and gathering. Finally, players can also use online resources and guides to help them complete the game more quickly and efficiently.
Is it possible to complete Red Dead Redemption 2 in under 40 hours?
Yes, it is possible to complete Red Dead Redemption 2 in under 40 hours, but it requires a high level of skill and experience. Players who are familiar with the game’s mechanics and systems and who focus on the main story missions can complete the game in under 40 hours. However, this requires a very focused and efficient approach to the game, and players may need to sacrifice some of the game’s side content and activities.
Additionally, completing the game in under 40 hours also requires a good understanding of the game’s story and characters, as well as the ability to make quick decisions and take calculated risks. Players who are able to complete the game in under 40 hours can feel a sense of accomplishment and pride, but they may also miss out on some of the game’s more nuanced and detailed content.