How Long is Red Dead Redemption 2? A Deep Look into the Game's Length and What to Expect

Red Dead Redemption 2 is a game that many players call a masterpiece for its immersive world, gripping storyline, and endless adventures. But if you’re considering diving into this wild-west experience, you might be wondering: How long is Red Dead Redemption 2?

The length of Red Dead Redemption 2 depends on how you play it. Here, we’ll break down the main story length, how long it takes if you want to explore extras, and the time needed for true completion. So, let’s saddle up and explore the journey ahead.

Main Story Length: The Basics

If you’re focused solely on the main storyline, expect to spend around 40 to 50 hours on Red Dead Redemption 2. The main story is packed with missions that take you through the life of Arthur Morgan, an outlaw in the Van der Linde gang, as he navigates friendships, loyalty, and survival. The story is detailed and emotionally engaging, with missions that take you from the snowy mountains to bustling towns and wild plains.

Of course, this estimate depends on how quickly you tackle the missions. Players who take a straightforward approach, moving from mission to mission without extra exploration, might finish closer to the 40-hour mark. However, the storytelling is so rich that many players find themselves taking their time, so they may end up closer to 50 hours.

Story with Extras: A Deeper Dive

For players who want more than just the main storyline, Red Dead Redemption 2 has a lot of extras. You can explore side missions, hunt legendary animals, find treasures, complete challenges, and interact with a huge cast of characters. Doing these side activities makes the game feel even more alive and lets you discover hidden stories and secrets in the game world.

If you’re exploring the game beyond the main missions but not aiming for complete completion, you can expect around 70 to 80 hours of gameplay. These side missions and encounters add depth to Arthur’s journey and give players a richer experience of life in the late 1800s. Each interaction, whether with a stranger on the road or a mission from a gang member, adds to the game’s world-building, making it feel like you’re truly part of this wild-west world.

100% Completion: The Full Experience

For players who want to complete absolutely everything Red Dead Redemption 2 has to offer, it’s a huge commitment. Going for 100% completion involves finishing all main and side missions, hunting down every legendary animal, collecting all items, finding all secrets, and completing every challenge. This approach lets you see every corner of the map, meet every character, and enjoy every story the game has hidden away.

If you’re going for 100% completion, the game can take anywhere from 120 to 150 hours. Achieving full completion is a rewarding experience but can be a lengthy one, as you’ll be doing tasks like finding specific animals, collecting rare items, and exploring every hidden location in the game. This is ideal for players who want to fully immerse themselves in the world of Red Dead Redemption 2 and leave no stone unturned.

Red Dead Online: Even More Gameplay

Aside from the main game, Red Dead Redemption 2 also has an online mode, Red Dead Online, where you can team up with friends or other players, take on missions, and live out your wild-west fantasy in a shared world. The time you spend in Red Dead Online depends entirely on your interests and what you want to accomplish. Some players spend dozens, even hundreds, of hours in online mode, joining posses, taking on multiplayer missions, or simply exploring with friends.

Final Thoughts: A Game Worth the Time

Red Dead Redemption 2 is a game that offers something for every type of player. Whether you’re there for the main story, interested in exploring the world’s many side missions, or aiming to complete everything, this game promises hours of high-quality content. If you’re looking for a deep, well-crafted game to spend your time on, Red Dead Redemption 2 delivers.