So, you've embarked on Kratos and Atreus's epic journey through the Norse realms in God of War (2018), and you're hooked, right? Maybe you're not just hooked; maybe you're aiming for that sweet, sweet 100% completion. But a burning question lingers: just how much time are you going to sink into achieving godhood-level thoroughness? Well, buckle up, because we're about to break down the time commitment involved in seeing everything this incredible game has to offer. We'll cover everything that affects the playtime, from main story length to side quests and collectibles.

Main Story Completion Time

Let's start with the core experience. If you're laser-focused on just experiencing the main narrative of God of War (2018), you're looking at a solid 25-30 hours on average. This assumes you're playing on a standard difficulty setting and not getting too sidetracked by exploration. Of course, this is just an estimate. If you crank up the difficulty, expect to spend more time battling enemies and figuring out strategies, potentially adding another 5-10 hours to your playthrough. Conversely, if you're playing on an easier difficulty or you're a seasoned action game veteran, you might breeze through the main story a bit faster. Remember, this is just the critical path. This playtime doesn't factor in any of the optional content, side quests, or the insatiable desire to uncover every hidden nook and cranny of the Norse realms. Trust us, the world is beautiful, and you'll want to explore. The main story is a fantastic journey in itself, filled with memorable characters, breathtaking environments, and a compelling narrative that will keep you engaged from beginning to end. But if you're a completionist, like many of us, the real adventure begins after the credits roll. It's worth noting that individual playstyles can significantly impact this number. Some players prefer to rush through the story, while others take their time to savor every moment and engage in optional activities along the way. Ultimately, the time it takes to complete the main story depends on your personal preferences and how deeply you want to immerse yourself in the world of God of War. So, while you can beat the game in around 25-30 hours focusing solely on the narrative, consider allowing extra time if you want to take it easy and explore.

Side Quests and Favors

Alright, now let's delve into the meatier stuff that completionists crave: side quests, or as they're called in God of War, Favors. These optional tasks add significant depth to the game's world and lore, and they also pad out your playtime considerably. Expect to spend an additional 15-20 hours tackling all the Favors scattered throughout the realms. These aren't just fetch quests, either. Many Favors involve intricate storylines, challenging combat encounters, and rewarding loot that will help you upgrade Kratos and Atreus. Some Favors even offer unique insights into the game's characters and the history of the Norse world. For instance, you might help a spirit find peace by resolving a tragic event from their past, or you might assist a dwarf in crafting a legendary weapon. Completing Favors is not only a great way to earn experience and resources but also a fantastic opportunity to explore different regions of the game world that you might otherwise miss. The variety in these side quests is impressive, ranging from monster hunts to puzzle-solving and everything in between. It is worth checking the map regularly for new opportunities as you progress through the main story. So, if you're aiming for that 100% completion, be prepared to dedicate a substantial amount of time to these optional but highly rewarding activities. The time investment is well worth it, as the side quests enhance the overall experience and provide a deeper understanding of the world and its inhabitants.

Collectibles and Exploration

Now, for the truly dedicated completionists: the collectibles. God of War (2018) is brimming with them, from Odin's ravens to buried treasures and everything in between. Tracking down all these hidden items and secrets can easily add another 10-15 hours to your playtime, if not more. This depends heavily on how meticulous you are and whether you're relying on guides or going in blind. Some collectibles are relatively easy to find, while others are cleverly hidden or require solving intricate puzzles to reach. Be prepared to scour every corner of the map, revisit previously explored areas, and utilize all of Kratos's abilities to uncover every last secret. The sense of accomplishment you'll feel when you finally track down that elusive artifact or solve that particularly challenging puzzle is incredibly satisfying. Furthermore, many of the collectibles offer valuable rewards, such as resources, enchantments, or even new gear, which can further enhance Kratos's abilities and make him even more formidable in combat. Exploration, in general, is a huge part of God of War's appeal, and the game rewards you handsomely for venturing off the beaten path. You'll discover hidden areas, encounter unique enemies, and uncover fragments of lore that add even more depth to the game's world. So, if you're a completionist at heart, embrace the challenge of finding every last collectible and prepare to spend countless hours exploring the vast and intricate world of God of War. The journey is well worth it, as you'll gain a deeper appreciation for the game's design and attention to detail. Some of the collectibles are tied to specific side quests or storylines, so it's worth keeping an eye out for clues and hints as you progress through the game.

Difficulty Level Matters

Don't underestimate the impact of the difficulty level on your completion time. Playing on a higher difficulty, like Give Me God of War, can significantly increase the time it takes to complete the game, especially if you're aiming for 100%. Enemies are tougher, resources are scarcer, and you'll need to master the combat system to survive. Expect to spend more time dying, retrying battles, and experimenting with different strategies and builds. Conversely, playing on an easier difficulty will allow you to breeze through encounters and focus more on exploration and collecting. This can shave off a considerable amount of time from your playthrough. The difficulty you choose dramatically alters playtime. It is worth noting that some players find the challenge of higher difficulties to be more rewarding, while others prefer a more relaxed experience. Ultimately, the choice is yours, but be aware of the impact it will have on your completion time. If you are new to action games or unfamiliar with the God of War series, starting on a lower difficulty is recommended to familiarize yourself with the mechanics and combat system. You can always increase the difficulty later if you find it too easy. Conversely, if you are a seasoned veteran, jumping straight into a higher difficulty can provide a more challenging and engaging experience. It is important to find a balance that suits your skill level and preferences.

The Realm of Niflheim and Muspelheim

These optional realms are significant time sinks. Niflheim's mist-filled maze and Muspelheim's combat trials are designed to test your skills and reward you with valuable resources. However, they can also be incredibly grindy and time-consuming. Each realm could add another 5-10 hours, depending on your skill and persistence. Niflheim requires you to navigate a procedurally generated maze filled with traps and enemies, collecting resources to craft powerful gear. The maze is constantly changing, so you'll need to be adaptable and learn the patterns to survive. Muspelheim, on the other hand, presents a series of combat challenges that increase in difficulty as you progress. You'll need to master different combat techniques and strategies to overcome these trials. Both realms offer unique rewards, such as powerful armor sets and enchantments, but they require a significant time investment to fully explore. Many players find these realms to be the most challenging and time-consuming aspects of the game, but they also offer some of the most rewarding experiences. It is worth noting that these realms are entirely optional, so you can choose to skip them if you're not interested in the challenge or the rewards. However, if you're aiming for 100% completion, you'll need to conquer these realms and collect all their secrets. The time investment is significant, but the sense of accomplishment you'll feel after completing these challenges is well worth it.

So, How Long to 100%?

Alright, let's put it all together. Taking everything into consideration – main story, side quests, collectibles, difficulty level, and optional realms – a 100% completion run of God of War (2018) will likely take you anywhere from 50 to 70 hours. This is, of course, a broad estimate, and your mileage may vary. If you're a super-efficient player who knows the game inside and out, you might be able to shave off some time. Conversely, if you're a more casual player who likes to take your time and explore every nook and cranny, you might end up spending even longer in the Norse realms. No matter how long it takes, the journey is well worth it. God of War (2018) is a masterpiece of game design, and every moment spent exploring its world and engaging with its characters is a rewarding experience. The game offers a compelling narrative, engaging combat, and a vast and intricate world to explore. Whether you're a seasoned veteran or a newcomer to the series, you're sure to find something to love in this epic adventure. So, grab your Leviathan Axe, summon your inner Spartan rage, and prepare to embark on an unforgettable journey through the Norse realms. The gods are waiting, and the adventure is just beginning. Remember to have fun and enjoy the ride. The most important thing is to savor every moment and immerse yourself in the world of God of War. So, go forth and conquer, and may the gods be with you!