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The Mass Effect Legendary Edition is a stunning remaster of BioWare’s iconic space opera trilogy, bringing together Mass Effect 1, Mass Effect 2, and Mass Effect 3 into a single package. With enhanced graphics, improved mechanics, and additional content, it has reignited interest among long-time fans and newcomers alike. However, one of the most common questions people ask is, “Is Mass Effect Legendary Edition a long game?”
If you’re wondering how many hours you’ll need to invest to experience everything this game has to offer, you’ve come to the right place. Let’s break it down.
What Is the Average Playtime for Mass Effect Legendary Edition?
When it comes to measuring the length of Mass Effect Legendary Edition, it’s essential to consider that you’re not just getting one game—you’re getting an entire trilogy. Each game has its own story and varying amounts of side content, so the total playtime depends on how deeply you want to dive into the universe.
- Mass Effect 1 Playtime: On average, the first game takes about 20-25 hours to complete if you’re focused mainly on the main story. However, if you’re a completionist and want to explore every corner of the galaxy, it can stretch to around 30-35 hours.
- Mass Effect 2 Playtime: The second game is generally longer, with the main storyline taking around 25-30 hours to finish. Again, adding side quests and extra exploration can extend this to around 35-40 hours.
- Mass Effect 3 Playtime: The third installment takes about 20-25 hours for the main story, but can extend to 35-40 hours if you choose to fully immerse yourself in the side missions and DLC content.
Overall, if you stick to just the main narrative arcs, you’re looking at about 65-80 hours total to complete the trilogy. For players who want to explore every nook and cranny of the universe, including side quests, relationships, and downloadable content, that number can easily soar to 100-120 hours.
How Long to Beat Each Game?
If you’re a player who wants to get through the main storylines as quickly as possible, you’ll find that Mass Effect Legendary Edition offers a reasonably paced experience across all three games. According to HowLongToBeat.com, which aggregates player data, here’s a quick breakdown of time estimates:
- Main Story:
- Mass Effect 1: ~20 hours
- Mass Effect 2: ~25 hours
- Mass Effect 3: ~24 hours
- Completionist Approach (Main Story + Side Quests + DLCs):
- Mass Effect 1: ~35 hours
- Mass Effect 2: ~40 hours
- Mass Effect 3: ~40 hours
For completionists, the trilogy’s total playtime adds up to 115 hours or more, providing an incredibly rich and immersive experience that spans dozens of hours of gameplay.
Is Mass Effect Legendary Edition Worth the Time Investment?
The question of whether Mass Effect Legendary Edition is “worth it” depends largely on what you’re looking for in a game. If you’re the type of gamer who values story-driven experiences, character development, and immersive worlds, then the time investment in Mass Effect Legendary Edition is more than justified.
Here are a few reasons why players feel it’s worth every minute:
- Engrossing Storyline: Each game in the trilogy builds upon the last, with deep narrative threads that culminate in Mass Effect 3. The choices you make in the first game carry over to the next, affecting not just the plot but also the fate of the characters you’ve grown to care about.
- Meaningful Choices: Few games offer the kind of impactful decision-making that Mass Effect does. Every conversation, every mission, every choice feels meaningful, adding layers of depth and replayability.
- Replayability: Thanks to its branching storylines and multiple endings, you could easily replay the entire trilogy and have a significantly different experience the second or third time around. This adds to the total hours you’ll spend in the game, but in a way that feels rewarding.
What Affects the Total Playtime of Mass Effect Legendary Edition?
Several factors can affect how long it takes you to complete Mass Effect Legendary Edition. Here are a few elements that will influence your playtime:
- Difficulty Setting: If you’re playing on a harder difficulty, expect to spend more time in combat, which can extend your total hours. Conversely, playing on an easier setting may shorten your playthrough.
- Side Quests: One of the best aspects of Mass Effect is its rich side quests. Whether you’re investigating strange signals, uncovering alien conspiracies, or just helping out your crew members, side quests can significantly increase your playtime. Ignoring them will reduce your hours but at the cost of missing some of the best content.
- DLC Content: Mass Effect Legendary Edition includes almost all of the DLCs from the original games, including fan-favorite expansions like “Lair of the Shadow Broker” and “Citadel.” These add considerable playtime, so if you’re aiming to complete everything, you should factor in these extra missions.
- Exploration: If you’re the type of player who enjoys exploring every planet, interacting with NPCs, and uncovering hidden lore, your total playtime will increase. The galaxy in Mass Effect is vast, and there’s plenty to discover.
Is Mass Effect Legendary Edition Too Long for Casual Gamers?
One concern many potential players have is whether Mass Effect Legendary Edition is simply too long for someone with limited time. While the game is undoubtedly a time investment, it doesn’t need to feel overwhelming. Each game is broken into manageable chunks, and the mission structure allows you to take breaks between key story beats.
For casual players, taking your time with Mass Effect Legendary Edition can still be rewarding, even if you’re not aiming for 100% completion. You can focus primarily on the main missions, enjoying the central narrative without being bogged down by optional content.
FAQs About Mass Effect Legendary Edition’s Length
How long does it take to beat Mass Effect Legendary Edition if you skip side quests?
If you skip most of the side quests and focus only on the main story, you can complete all three games in about 65-70 hours.
Is it possible to complete Mass Effect Legendary Edition in under 60 hours?
Yes, but only if you rush through the main storylines and ignore nearly all side content. Most players find the full experience takes longer.
Does Mass Effect Legendary Edition include all DLC content?
Almost all DLCs from the original games are included in the Legendary Edition, which adds a significant amount of playtime.
Is Mass Effect Legendary Edition suitable for casual players?
Yes, casual players can still enjoy the main story without committing to every side mission. The game’s pacing makes it accessible even for those with limited playtime.
Conclusion: Is Mass Effect Legendary Edition a Long Game?
In summary, Mass Effect Legendary Edition is a long game, especially if you intend to experience everything it offers. The trilogy delivers a sprawling narrative that spans over 100 hours for completionists, but even players who focus solely on the main story can expect around 65-80 hours of gameplay. Whether you’re a dedicated fan or a newcomer, the investment is well worth it, thanks to its engaging storylines, meaningful choices, and high replayability.
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