GTA 6 story length praised by gamers

This article was updated by Andrea Trama on April 26, 2026, including a list of all GTA games and how long it takes to beat them. First published April 15.

conversation around grand theft auto 6 It has reached a point where even the length has become a hot topic. And while other topics in this franchise may seem divisive, surprisingly, players tend to agree on one thing. In other words, the longer the better.

In context, grand theft auto 5 The main story takes about 30-35 hours, increasing to about 70 hours for a more complete experience. It felt like a lot at the time, but the game has changed since then. In an age where huge RPGs and open-world titles regularly top 100 hours, the structure now feels borderline restrained. But that doesn't mean short games are inherently incomplete experiences. Titles like the 2025 Game of the Year winners Claire Obsker: Expedition 33 Prove that a tightly paced 30-hour story can still be satisfying. yet, grand theft auto 6 Arguably the biggest release in modern gaming. According to fans, expectations grow accordingly.

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Players may want to watch GTA 6 “for as long as possible.”

As is customary in the gaming space, most passionate (or disgruntled) players will flock to online forums to discuss their theories, concerns, or wishes. One of the most favorable sentiments regarding length. GTA 6 Reddit user Zylva_ wants a game that feels almost endless. “If possible… I really wish it took hundreds of hours to actually explore and complete everything in the game… this is a game you can't rush.” This mindset reflects a broader shift in the way players approach open world games. GTA 6 It's not just about finishing, it's about living.

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What players want from a longer GTA 6:

• Hundreds of hours of meaningful content

• A world that rewards slow exploration

• Side activities that feel as important as the main story or that, depending on their completion, affect the outcome of the main story

• A game designed to be experienced over time rather than rushed

Red Dead Redemption 2 is the benchmark for many Rockstar fans.

For many players, that's not the gold standard. GTA 5But rather, Red Dead Redemption 2. Reddit user Meaniepants5 puts it simply: RDR2 length.”

For all players who dig deep RDR2That's not a small question. Red Dead Redemption 2The main story lasts approximately 50 to 60 hours, with a complete play easily exceeding 150 hours. It is a vast and deliberate experience. It's also something players clearly want. GTA 6 Match or even surpass it.

Why RDR2's Length Is Right for Fans:

• A slower, more immersive narrative pace

• Character-driven storytelling: Developing powerful characters over time

• A world that evolves with stories

• Enough content to justify long-term investment

For some, GTA 5's story felt too short.

Not everyone looks back grand theft auto 5 With the perfect template. In fact, some players felt that the story mode wasn't enough. Reddit user KamoY92 highlights the following common criticism:GTA 5“I was really disappointed that the story mode was so short.”

What players may find GTA 5 lacking:

• Longer and more diverse main story

• More missions comparable to previous entries such as san andreas

• Greater narrative weight for the three main characters.

• A stronger sense of progress

GTA 6 still needs to gain length

Of course, not everyone believes that longer is automatically better. Reddit user Fearix_1 offers a more cautious opinion: “It depends on the story itself.” Filling your game with unnecessary content can be counterproductive. Especially if it disrupts the pacing or weakens the narrative.

This leads to the success of shorter, more focused experiences. If the story is compelling and well-paced, players are willing to accept a shorter run time. but GTA 6It is expected that it will be able to achieve both scale and quality.

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Bigger isn't always better, but in GTA 6 it just might be.

All of these discussions have a clear path. Players want more time. GTA 6world of Does it mean a match? Red Dead Redemption 2surpassing it or simply avoiding previously perceived shortcomings. grand theft auto Expectations for an item are shaped by the huge expectations players have set for this game. It's understandable why: Rockstar have This will be “the biggest game launch in history,” the company went on record. That grand premise translates into player expectations about the scale of the game.

At the same time, there is an understanding that length alone is not enough. The story has to justify it. The world must support it. And the experience must remain engaging from start to finish. Temper fans' expectations GTA 6 It may not be possible now. But if grand theft auto 6 If you can strike a balance, you can not only live up to your expectations, but you can also redefine them.

grand theft auto 6

system

released

November 19, 2026

ESRB

Rating Pending – Mature 17+

engine

Rockstar Advanced Game Engine (RAGE)