GTA 6 Story Length Appreciated by Gamers

Talk around Grand Theft Auto 6 It has reached a point where its length is also becoming a point of emphasis. And as divisive as other topics in this franchise can seem, surprisingly, players are willing to agree on one thing: Longer is better.

For reference, Grand Theft Auto 5 Clocks in at around 30-35 hours for the main story, stretching to around 70 hours for a more complete experience. It felt good enough at the time, but gaming has changed since then. In an era where sprawling RPGs and open-world titles routinely push past 100 hours, that structure now feels borderline restrictive. This doesn't mean that short games are inherently imperfect experiences, however. Titles like Sports of the Year 2025 winner Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 Prove that a tight 30-hour story can still feel satisfying. however, Grand Theft Auto 6 is the biggest release in modern gaming. According to fans, expectations scaled accordingly.

related to

The Grand Theft Auto franchise is approaching an incredible milestone

One of the most popular and beloved franchises in video game history, Grand Theft Auto, is about to reach an immense milestone.

Players want to see GTA 6 that is “as much as possible”.

Traditionally in gaming spaces, many avid (or disaffected) players would go to online forums to discuss theories, concerns, or desires. One of the most upvoted feelings about the length of GTA 6 It comes from Reddit user Zylva_, who wants a game that feels almost endless: “As far as possible… I'd really love it if the game took hundreds of hours to explore and complete every single thing… It's a game that can't be rushed.” That mindset reflects a massive shift in how players view open-world games: GTA 6 It's not just something to finish, it's something to live for.

Guess the games from emojis.

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

Long what players want from 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 affect the outcome of the main story based on the ending
A game designed to be experienced over time, not rushed

Red Dead Redemption 2 is the benchmark for many Rockstar fans

For many players, not the gold standard GTA 5instead, Red Dead Redemption 2. Reddit user meaniepants5 puts it simply: “At least RDR2 length.”

For any player who dives deep RDR2This is not a small question. Red Dead Redemption 2The main story runs about 50-60 hours, with completionist playthroughs easily exceeding 150 hours. It's a vast, deliberate experience. It's also one that players clearly want GTA 6 to match or surpass.

Why RDR2's Length Works for Fans:

A slower, more immersive narrative pace
Character-first storytelling: 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 felt too short for some

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

What players may feel GTA 5 lacks:

A longer, more fleshed-out main story
More missions comparable to previous entries, viz San Andreas
Great narrative weight on its three protagonists
A strong sense of progress

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 one: “Depends on the story itself.” Padding a game with unnecessary content can backfire, especially if it disrupts the pacing or weakens the story.

This is linked to the success of short, focused experiences. If the story is engaging and well-paced, players are willing to accept a shorter runtime. But for GTA 6The expectation is that it can deliver both scale and quality.

related to

Grand Theft Auto 6 reveals first multiplayer details with controversial feature

Ahead of the game's release in November, Grand Theft Auto 6 receives the first bit of news about an upcoming multiplayer online component.

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

All of these discussions have a clear throughline: Players want more time GTA 6the world of Whether it's a match Red Dead Redemption 2Getting over it, or simply ignoring the perceived weaknesses of the past Grand Theft Auto Entries, expectations are shaped by the immense expectations players set for this game. It's understandable why: Rockstar is It went on record as being the “biggest game launch in history”. That vast premise translates into player expectations of the game's scale.

At the same time, there is an understanding that length alone is not enough. The story should justify it. The world should support. And the experience should be engaging from start to finish. Tempering fan expectations for GTA 6 At this point it may be impossible. However, if Grand Theft Auto 6 That can strike a balance, it doesn't just meet expectations – it can redefine them.