Red Dead Redemption 2 (RDR2) is an open-world masterpiece that has captivated gamers worldwide with its immersive storyline, engaging characters, and vast, beautifully rendered environment. As one of the most ambitious games ever created, 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 length, exploring the various factors that influence gameplay duration and providing a detailed breakdown of what you can expect.
Understanding the Game’s Length
RDR2’s length is a common topic of discussion among gamers, with some completing the game in under 50 hours, while others spend over 100 hours exploring the vast open world. The game’s length is influenced by several factors, including:
Gameplay Style
Your gameplay style plays a significant role in determining how long it takes to complete RDR2. If you’re a completionist who wants to explore every nook and cranny, complete all side missions, and engage in various activities, you can expect to spend significantly more time playing the game.
Completionist vs. Casual Player
- A completionist player can spend up to 150 hours or more completing the game, including all side missions, stranger missions, and activities.
- A casual player, on the other hand, can complete the game’s main storyline in around 50-60 hours, depending on their pace and level of engagement.
Difficulty Level
The difficulty level you choose can also impact gameplay duration. Playing on higher difficulty levels requires more time and effort to complete challenges and defeat enemies.
Difficulty Levels and Their Impact on Gameplay Duration
- Playing on the lowest difficulty level (Story Mode) can reduce gameplay duration by 10-20 hours, as challenges are less demanding, and enemies are easier to defeat.
- Playing on the highest difficulty level (Survival Mode) can increase gameplay duration by 20-30 hours, as challenges are more demanding, and enemies are tougher to defeat.
Main Storyline and Side Missions
The main storyline in RDR2 is approximately 60 hours long, depending on your pace and level of engagement. However, the game also features numerous side missions, stranger missions, and activities that can add dozens of hours to your gameplay experience.
Main Storyline
The main storyline in RDR2 is divided into six chapters, each with its unique narrative and gameplay mechanics.
Chapter Breakdown and Estimated Completion Time
| Chapter | Estimated Completion Time |
| ——- | ————————- |
| Chapter 1: Colter | 2-3 hours |
| Chapter 2: Horseshoe Overlook | 10-12 hours |
| Chapter 3: Clemens Point | 12-15 hours |
| Chapter 4: Saint Denis | 15-18 hours |
| Chapter 5: Guarma | 10-12 hours |
| Chapter 6: Beaver Hollow | 10-12 hours |
Side Missions and Stranger Missions
RDR2 features numerous side missions and stranger missions that can add dozens of hours to your gameplay experience.
Side Missions and Stranger Missions Breakdown
- Side missions: 20-30 hours
- Stranger missions: 10-15 hours
Activities and Exploration
RDR2 offers a wide range of activities and exploration opportunities that can add dozens of hours to your gameplay experience.
Hunting and Fishing
Hunting and fishing are two of the most popular activities in RDR2, allowing you to explore the game’s vast open world and engage in relaxing gameplay mechanics.
Hunting and Fishing Breakdown
- Hunting: 10-15 hours
- Fishing: 5-10 hours
Exploration
Exploration is a significant aspect of RDR2, allowing you to discover new locations, encounter non-playable characters (NPCs), and engage in various activities.
Exploration Breakdown
- Exploration: 20-30 hours
100% Completion
Achieving 100% completion in RDR2 requires a significant amount of time and effort, as you need to complete all main missions, side missions, stranger missions, and activities.
100% Completion Breakdown
- 100% completion: 150-200 hours
Conclusion
Red Dead Redemption 2 is a massive open-world game that offers an unparalleled gaming experience. The game’s length is influenced by various factors, including gameplay style, difficulty level, and level of engagement. Whether you’re a completionist or a casual player, RDR2 has something to offer, with a gameplay experience that can last from 50 to 200 hours or more.
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.