The hype surrounding Grand Theft Auto VI is unlike anything the gaming industry has seen in years. Ever since Rockstar Games officially revealed the first trailer in December 2023, speculation has been running wild. Among the many burning questions—how long will it take to beat the game?
A Massive Open World Means a Lengthy Story
Rockstar’s games have always offered extensive campaigns. Grand Theft Auto V took players anywhere from 30 to 50 hours to complete, depending on how much side content they tackled. Then there’s Red Dead Redemption 2, which boasted an even longer storyline, often stretching to 60 hours or more for those who took their time.
With GTA VI expected to feature an expansive Miami-inspired map—and possibly even other North American locations—fans are naturally wondering just how much time they’ll be sinking into Rockstar’s latest crime saga.
The Fan Predictions: 40 Hours? 50? Maybe Even 100?
While Rockstar has yet to confirm an official runtime, that hasn’t stopped GTA enthusiasts from speculating on Reddit. One fan, Jolly_Ad6643, started a discussion on how long the main story could be, drawing a variety of responses.
- “The sweet spot would be around 50 to 60 hours, excluding all the random encounters and side missions,” suggested MysteriousBrick6057.
- “I think the story is gonna be a little shorter than RDR2, so I’m gonna say 40(ish) hours. They don’t have to make this game super long, just pace it well and tell a thought-out story,” added Iburntmym0uth.
- “I think this time it will be long, to give us something to do for 10 to 15 years. Perhaps 110 to 120 missions,” speculated Wokekyller.
Of course, not everyone was so serious. Thread-Astaire chimed in with a tongue-in-cheek prediction: “12 minutes.”
Rockstar’s Track Record Hints at a Major Time Investment
Looking at Rockstar’s previous games, the general consensus is that GTA VI will be a substantial undertaking. Here’s a quick comparison of estimated completion times for their major titles:
| Game | Main Story (Avg. Hours) | Completionist (Avg. Hours) |
|---|---|---|
| Grand Theft Auto IV | 27-30 | 50+ |
| Grand Theft Auto V | 30-50 | 80+ |
| Red Dead Redemption 2 | 50-60 | 100+ |
Given the increasing scale of Rockstar’s games, it wouldn’t be surprising if GTA VI required at least 50 hours to wrap up the main story, with completionists easily doubling that time.
The Real Factor: How Players Choose to Play
At the end of the day, the length of GTA VI will depend on how players engage with it. Some will rush through the main missions, eager to see the story unfold, while others will take their time exploring every alleyway, secret spot, and side activity Rockstar has carefully placed into the game.
One thing is certain: GTA VI won’t be a game you finish in a weekend. And for a title that has been in development for so long, that’s exactly what fans are hoping for.
