So, you're itching to explore the post-apocalyptic wasteland of Fallout 4, but you're wondering: How long will it take to beat the main story? The answer, like the Commonwealth itself, is surprisingly complex. There's no single definitive answer, as playtime heavily depends on your playstyle.
Factors Affecting Fallout 4 Playthrough Length
Several factors significantly influence how long your Fallout 4 adventure lasts:
1. Your Play Style: Main Story Focus vs. Exploration
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Main Story Focus: If you're laser-focused on the main questline, rushing through the story and minimizing side quests, you might finish the main storyline in around 30-40 hours. This is a "speedrun" approach, skipping much of the rich content Fallout 4 offers.
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Balanced Approach: Most players opt for a balanced approach, completing the main quest while tackling a reasonable number of side quests and exploring key locations. This typically results in a playthrough of 60-80 hours.
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Completionist Run: For completionists aiming to finish every quest, explore every nook and cranny, and collect every item, expect to spend well over 100 hours. This includes delving into all factions, settlements, and hidden secrets.
2. Difficulty Level: Easy Peasy or Survival Mode?
The difficulty level also plays a part. Lower difficulty settings might lead to quicker progress, while higher difficulty settings like Survival (which includes permadeath and additional survival mechanics) will naturally extend your playtime significantly. Survival mode can easily double or even triple your playtime depending on your skill and patience!
3. Modding: Expanding the Wasteland
If you delve into the world of mods, be prepared for even longer playthroughs. Mods add new quests, items, locations, and even completely overhaul gameplay mechanics. This can easily add dozens, or even hundreds of hours to your overall playtime depending on how many mods you install and how you use them.
Estimating Your Fallout 4 Playtime: A Breakdown
To get a better estimate of your potential playtime, consider these questions:
- Do you prioritize the main story or exploration?
- What difficulty level will you choose?
- Do you plan to use mods?
- How much time per day or week can you dedicate to the game?
By answering these questions, you'll get a much clearer idea of how long your Fallout 4 journey might last.
Beyond the Main Story: The True Fallout 4 Experience
Remember, the numbers above only reflect the main storyline. Fallout 4's true appeal lies in its depth and replayability. Exploring settlements, crafting unique weapons, engaging with factions, and uncovering the mysteries of the Commonwealth can lead to countless hours of additional gameplay. Don't rush it! Embrace the wasteland and enjoy the adventure.
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