GTA 6 story length praised by players

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

Talk around Grand Theft Auto 6 it has reached the point where even its length becomes a major point of discussion. And as divisive as the franchise's other themes may seem, players surprisingly tend to agree on one thing: the longer the better.

for context, Grand Theft Auto 5 the main story lasts around 30-35 hours, stretching to around 70 hours for a more complete experience. That seemed essential at the time, but gaming has changed since then. At a time when sprawling RPGs and open-world titles regularly top 100 hours, this structure now feels borderline restrained. But that doesn't mean shorter games are inherently incomplete experiences. Titles as the winner of the game of 2025 Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 proving that a tense 30-hour story can still be satisfying. Still, Grand Theft Auto 6 is arguably the biggest release in modern gaming. According to fans, expectations change accordingly.

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Gamers may want to see a GTA 6 that is “as long as possible”

As is customary in the gaming realm, most excited (or disgruntled) gamers flock to online forums to discuss theories, concerns, or wishes. One of the most positive opinions about the length GTA 6 comes from Reddit user Zylva_, who wants a game that feels almost endless: “As long as possible… I'd really like it to take hundreds of hours to really explore and complete every single thing in the game… it's a game that can't be rushed.” This mindset reflects a broader shift in how players approach open-world games: GTA 6 it's not just something to finish, it's something to live in.

This is a list of all GTA games so far and how long it takes to beat them, according to HTLB (howlongtobeat.com):

GTA
- Main story – 13.5 hours
- Main story + extras – 14 hours
- Completist – 5 p.m
GTA 2
- Main story – 12.5 hours
- Main story + extras – 9 p.m
- Completist – 26.5 hours
GTA 3
- Main story – 14 hours
- Main story + extras – 20.5 hours
- Completist – 36.5 hours
GTA: San Andreas
- Main story – 30 hours
- Main story + Extras – 45 hours
- Completist – 71 hours
GTA 4 (Complete Edition)
- Main story – 30.5 hours
- Main story + extras – 52 hours
- Completist – 101 hours
GTA 5
- Main story – 32 hours
- Main story + extras – 51.5 hours
- Completist – 88.5 hours

Guess the emoji games.

Easy (120s) Medium (90s) Hard (60s)

What players can expect 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 affect the outcome of the main story based on completion
A game designed to be experienced over time, not rushed

Red Dead Redemption 2 is the benchmark for many Rockstar fans

For many players, there is no gold standard GTA 5but rather Red Dead Redemption 2. Reddit user meaniepants5 puts it simply: “To say the least RDR2 length.”

For any player who has taken a deep dive RDR2that's not a small question. Red Dead Redemption 2The main story takes around 50-60 hours, with the complete gameplay easily exceeding 150 hours. It's a massive, intentional experience. It's also something players clearly want GTA 6 equal or even surpass.

Why RDR2's length works for fans:

A slower, more immersive narrative pace
Storytelling first: strong character development over time
A world that evolves with the story
Enough content to justify a long-term investment

The story of GTA 5 seemed too short to some

Not everyone looks back Grand Theft Auto 5 as a perfect template. In fact, some players felt that its story mode didn't go far enough. Reddit user KamoY92 highlights a common criticism: “GTA 5The story mode seemed so short that it really disappointed me.”

What players may feel GTA 5 is missing:

A longer and more elaborate main story
More missions comparable to earlier records like San Andreas
Greater narrative weight across its three protagonists
A stronger sense of progression

GTA 6 still needs to earn its length

Of course, not everyone believes that longer is automatically better. Reddit user Fearix_1 offers a more measured view: “It depends on the story itself.” Stuffing a game with unnecessary content can backfire, especially if it disrupts the pacing or weakens the narrative.

This relates to the success of shorter, focused experiences. If the story is engaging and well-paced, players are willing to accept a shorter runtime. But for GTA 6It is expected to deliver both scale and quality.

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Bigger isn't always better, but for GTA 6 it might be

There is a clear line in all these discussions: players want more time GTA 6world. Whether that means matching Red Dead Redemption 2to overcome it, or simply to avoid previously perceived shortcomings Grand Theft Auto Entries, anticipation is shaped by the huge expectations that players put into this game. It's understandable why: Rockstar has it was noted that it would be “the biggest game launch in history.” This huge premise translates into player expectations for the scope 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. Anticipation tempering fan for GTA 6 may be impossible at this time. If however Grand Theft Auto 6 can achieve this balance, not only meet expectations – it can redefine them.