Choosing an Open World RPG for Your Playtime

This guide helps you pick an open world RPG that fits the hours you can realistically play, whether you have 30 minutes a day or a full weekend. You’ll learn to match game design to your schedule, avoid common mismatches, and get answers to frequent questions.

What You’ll Need

• An honest estimate of your average weekly playtime (e.g., 5 hours, 15 hours).
• Access to a platform (PC, console, or cloud) where you can check game reviews and player discussions.
• A list of 3–5 open world RPGs you’re interested in (from sales, recommendations, or genre favorites).

Step-by-Step

1. Estimate your weekly playtime. Write down how many hours you can play on a typical week, including weekends. Be honest—if you usually get 4 hours, don’t plan for 10.
2. Determine your playstyle preference. Do you like completing every side quest, exploring every cave, or just following the main story? This decides how much content you’ll actually engage with.
3. Check the main story length. Look up “HowLongToBeat� or similar sources for the main story hours. For a 10-hour/week player, a 60-hour main story means 6 weeks minimum, not counting side content.
4. Factor in side content. Open world RPGs often have 2–3 times more side content than main story. If you like completionism, add that to your estimate.
5. Consider fast travel and save systems. Games with fast travel, quick save, and short loading times are better for short sessions. If you only have 30 minutes, you want to make progress quickly.
6. Look for “session-friendly� features. Check if the game has clear quest markers, a pause feature, and the ability to save anywhere. These reduce the risk of losing progress when you have to stop suddenly.
7. Evaluate the game’s pacing. Some RPGs have long intro sequences or slow early hours. If you have limited time, you may prefer games that get you into the action within the first hour.
8. Read player reviews for schedule fit. Search for phrases like “good for busy adults� or “too long for me� in reviews. This gives real-world insight beyond raw hour counts.
9. Use the “try before you buy� option. If available, play a demo or use a free trial period. This lets you feel the game’s pace and save system without committing.
10. Decide and adjust. Choose a game that matches your time budget, and be ready to adjust your playstyle (e.g., skip some side quests) if you find it’s taking longer than expected.

Common Mistakes

• Underestimating total playtime. Many players look only at main story hours and ignore side content, leading to a game that feels endless.
• Ignoring save mechanics. Games that only save at checkpoints can be frustrating if you have to quit mid-mission.
• Choosing based on hype, not fit. A critically acclaimed game may not suit your schedule. A shorter RPG might be more enjoyable.
• Not considering the learning curve. Complex systems (crafting, skill trees, base building) can eat up time just to understand. If you have little time, a simpler RPG might be better.

Tips

• Set a “completion goalâ€� before starting. Decide if you’ll do all side quests or just the main story. This prevents burnout.
• Use online progress trackers. Sites like HowLongToBeat let you filter by playstyle (Main, Main+Side, Completionist) and give you a realistic estimate.
• Look for “short sessionâ€� modes. Some games have a “story modeâ€� or “explorer modeâ€� that reduces combat difficulty, making progress faster.
• Take advantage of cloud saves. If you play on multiple devices, cloud saves let you squeeze in short sessions anywhere.

Troubleshooting

• You bought a game but it’s too long. You can change your approach: focus on the main story, lower difficulty, or use guides to skip time-wasting activities. Some games also have a “New Game+â€� that lets you replay with less grind.
• You have less time than expected. Prioritize the main story and ignore side quests. You can always return to side content later if you have time.
• The game feels overwhelming. Take breaks, use online maps to find key locations, and avoid completionist urges. Remember, you can stop anytime.
• You’re stuck on a difficult boss. Lower the difficulty setting if available, or look up a strategy guide. Don’t waste hours on a single fight if you have limited time.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How long does an open world RPG typically take to finish? Main story only, most take 30–60 hours; with side content, 80–150 hours. But some are shorter (20 hours) or longer (200+).
2. Can I play an open world RPG in short sessions? Yes, if the game has fast travel, quick saves, and clear quest markers. Avoid games with long intro sequences or heavy inventory management if you only have 30-minute sessions.
3. What’s the best open world RPG for someone with 5 hours a week? Look for games with a main story around 20–30 hours, like Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order (not fully open world but similar) or Middle-earth: Shadow of Mordor. These can be finished in a few months.
4. Is it okay to skip side quests? Absolutely. Many players enjoy the main story and ignore side content. The game will still be enjoyable, and you can always do side quests later.
5. How do I know if a game has a good save system? Check reviews or forums. Look for “save anywhere� or “auto-save frequently�. Games like Skyrim and Witcher 3 allow manual saves anytime, which is ideal.
6. What if I don’t finish the game? That’s fine. Many players never finish open world RPGs. The value is in the experience, not the ending. You can also watch the ending online if you’re curious.

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