Unlocking the Epic Length of Final Fantasy 16: A Game-Changer Compared to Franchise Classics
Embark on a captivating journey with Final Fantasy 16, the newest installment in the RPG series known for its immersive and extensive gameplay Discover how its length stacks up against previous titles and why fully experiencing this epic adventure is a must
Highlights
Final Fantasy 16 presents a classic Final Fantasy experience with a real-time combat system and an intricate narrative filled with emotional resonance.
The main story of Final Fantasy 16 can be completed relatively easily, leaving players free to enjoy the game at their own pace. It typically takes about 35.5 hours to finish the main story, while a completionist playthrough can take around 78 hours.
Despite making significant changes to the game's long-standing traditions, Final Fantasy 16 still maintains the essence of a classic Final Fantasy experience. While utilizing real-time combat mechanics instead of turn-based systems and abandoning traditional party management, Final Fantasy 16 manages to deliver a rich and intricate narrative filled with emotional depth and captivating plot twists, even if some of them are predictable. Similar to recent installments in the series, completing the main story of Final Fantasy 16 is less demanding compared to achieving a comprehensive playthrough.
As the Final Fantasy series progressed, the length of the games gradually increased, reaching its peak during the PS2 era. In contrast to other JRPGs, such as the notably lengthy Persona 5, finishing the main story questline of a Final Fantasy game is generally more manageable. However, players can choose to explore and experience everything the game has to offer, resulting in a significantly longer gameplay time. Final Fantasy 16 follows this pattern, with a main story that can be completed within a comparable amount of time to most AAA titles, while achieving 100% completion adds dozens of hours of additional playtime.
Comparing Final Fantasy 16's Length to Other Mainline Series Entries
Final Fantasy 16's main story can be completed in 17.5 hours, while completing all optional activities and side quests can take up to 36 hours. This falls within the average range of 50-70 hours that most players expect from a Final Fantasy game. When compared to other games in the franchise, Final Fantasy 16's playtime falls around the median.
Final Fantasy 2 requires 25 hours to beat the main story and 40.5 hours to complete.
Final Fantasy 3 requires 28 hours to beat the main story and 45 hours to complete.
Final Fantasy 4 requires 23 hours to beat the main story and 41 hours to complete.
Final Fantasy 5 requires 33 hours to beat the main story and 70 hours to complete.
Final Fantasy 6 requires 35 hours to beat the main story and 64 hours to complete.
Final Fantasy 7 requires 36.5 hours to beat the main story and 82 hours to complete.
Final Fantasy 8 requires 40.5 hours to beat the main story and 83 hours to complete.
Final Fantasy 9 requires 39.5 hours to beat the main story and 82.5 hours to complete.
Final Fantasy 10's main storyline can be completed in 46 hours, while fully finishing the game takes nearly 150 hours.
In Final Fantasy 11, it takes approximately 106 hours to reach the end of the story content, but there are endless possibilities to explore and engage with in this MMORPG, potentially spanning hundreds of hours.
Final Fantasy 12 requires 61 hours to beat the main story and 160 hours to complete.
Final Fantasy 13 requires 48.5 hours to beat the main story and roughly 105 hours to complete.
Final Fantasy 14 offers approximately 120 hours of gameplay for its current story content, highlighting its infinite potential as an MMORPG. In contrast, Final Fantasy 15 requires 28 hours to complete the main story and an additional 94 hours to fully finish.
Final Fantasy 16 has the shortest completion time among the mainline games in the series since the transition to 3D, with the main story taking approximately 35.5 hours to beat and around 78 hours to complete.
Fully Completing Final Fantasy 16 Is Arguably the Best Way to Experience It
The narrative of Final Fantasy 16 is possibly one of the best in the series, offering value to players who want a fulfilling experience. However, there is a compelling case to be made that the game's best content can be found through non-critical paths. Completing the Hunt side quests in FF16 can grant Clive significant advantages in battle, as these optional boss fights provide the necessary parts needed for crafting the best equipment. Additionally, taking the time to fulfill requests for the inhabitants of the Hideaway adds weight to Clive's ultimate goal as "Cid."
Unlike other games, experiencing everything Final Fantasy 16 has to offer takes less time than a single main story run of Persona 5 and significantly less playtime than attempting 100% completion in previous Final Fantasy games. This makes it even more appealing to invest time in the title and enjoy all it has to offer. The game's responsive combat, reasonable time-to-completion ratio, and the inclusion of a great New Game + mode in "Final Fantasy" mode serve as strong incentives for players to stay engaged until the conclusion of Clive's adventure.
Final Fantasy 16 is available now for PS5.
