The release of Final Fantasy 16 (FF16) on June 22, 2023, marks another significant chapter in the iconic RPG series, and as expected, fans are eager to dive into the world of Valisthea. But just how much time should you carve out for this journey? How many hours can you expect to spend in the world of Final Fantasy 16, and what factors contribute to its overall lifespan?
Let’s break it down.
Main Story Duration: Around 35 Hours
Final Fantasy 16’s main story is expected to take about 35 hours to complete, according to the developers. This figure is based on completing the primary narrative, focusing on the critical path from start to finish. For many players, this duration aligns with the typical experience of modern RPGs that balance both storytelling and exploration.
Of course, the 35-hour estimate varies depending on playstyle, but it serves as a solid benchmark for those who plan to experience the core story. If you’re someone who enjoys soaking in every plot detail, engaging with conversations, and taking your time to explore, expect to spend a bit more time on your first playthrough.
Side Quests and Optional Content
Like most Final Fantasy titles, FF16 includes a wealth of side quests, optional activities, and hidden secrets scattered throughout its expansive world. While specific details on side content were limited at the time of launch, it’s safe to assume that Final Fantasy 16 will follow the trend of its predecessors, offering a variety of quests that can significantly extend the total playtime.
Typically, side quests in Final Fantasy games involve a mix of combat challenges, treasure hunting, and lore exploration. If you’re aiming for completion, Final Fantasy 16 could easily surpass the 60-hour mark, potentially reaching even 80 hours or more, depending on how much time you spend on non-story content.
Total Playtime: 60 to 80+ Hours for 100% Completion
If you’re looking to complete everything in Final Fantasy 16 — from side quests to collectibles, combat challenges, and exploring every nook and cranny of the world — the total playtime could exceed 60 hours, with 80+ hours being a reasonable estimate for a full 100% playthrough. Of course, these figures can vary widely based on your pacing and the depth of your exploration.
Cutscenes and Story Integration
Final Fantasy 16 is known for its cinematic approach, with a total of 11 hours of cutscenes integrated into the game. These aren't just your typical story sequences — they’re deeply woven into the fabric of gameplay, with seamless transitions that maintain immersion. Whether it's advancing the plot or revealing key character moments, these cutscenes are a crucial part of the experience.
However, there’s some ambiguity about whether these 11 hours of cutscenes are included in the 35-hour main story estimate. While developers have indicated that these cutscenes are a substantial part of the narrative experience, it's unclear if they are counted toward the total playtime. Still, one can assume that these cinematic segments will enrich the experience and add significant emotional weight to your journey through Valisthea.
Replayability
While it’s still early days for many players, there’s a good chance that Final Fantasy 16 will offer a high degree of replayability, especially with multiple difficulty levels, hidden content, and alternate endings to discover. Replayability also comes from trying out different builds, revisiting side content, or experiencing New Game+ modes, if available.
The game’s robust combat system, which features action-oriented gameplay with a focus on dynamic, real-time battles, is another draw for players who want to experiment with different strategies and abilities. This gives Final Fantasy 16 a long lifespan, even beyond the initial 100% completion.
Final Thoughts
To sum it up, Final Fantasy 16 offers a substantial amount of content for both casual and completionist players. The main story should take around 35 hours to finish, but for those who want to dive deeper into side quests and other optional content, expect to spend anywhere from 60 to 80 hours, or even more.
As with all Final Fantasy games, the time you invest is ultimately up to how you choose to experience this epic adventure. Whether you’re racing through the main story or savoring every moment, there’s plenty of content to keep you hooked for a long time to come.
To find all the previews and interviews, you can go to the official Square Enix blog.
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