The length of the GTA 6 story is praised by players

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

The conversation around Grand Theft Auto 6 has reached a point where even its length is becoming an important point of discussion. And as divisive as other topics in this franchise can seem, surprisingly, players tend to agree on one thing: longer is better.

For context, Grand Theft Auto 5 clocking in at around 30-35 hours for the main story, stretching to around 70 hours for a more complete experience. It felt tangible at the time, but gaming has changed since then. In an era where sprawling RPGs and open-world titles regularly push past 100 hours, that structure now feels borderline. However, that doesn't mean that shorter games are inherently incomplete experiences. Titles as 2025 Game of the Year winner Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 prove that a tightly paced 30-hour story can still feel satisfying. Yet, Grand Theft Auto 6 is arguably the greatest release in modern gaming. According to fans, expectations scale accordingly.

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

As is customary in gaming spaces, most enthusiastic (or disgruntled) players will flock to online forums to discuss theories, concerns or wishes. One of the most agitated feelings about the length of GTA 6 comes from Reddit user Zylva_, who wants a game that feels almost endless: “As long as possible… I'd really love it if it took hundreds of hours to actually explore and complete every single thing in the game… this is a game that can't be rushed.” That mindset reflects a broader shift in how players approach open-world games: GTA 6 is not just something to finish, it is 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 subject – 13.5 hours
- Main subject + Extra material – 14 hours
- Completionist – 17 hours
GTA 2
- Main subject – 12.5 hours
- Main subject + Additional material – 21 hours
- Completionist – 26.5 hours
GTA 3
- Main thing – 14 hours
- Main subject + Additional material – 20.5 hours
- Completionist – 36.5 hours
GTA: San Andreas
- Main subject – 30 hours
- Main subject + Extra material – 45 hours
- Completionist – 71 hours
GTA 4 (Complete Edition)
- Main subject – 30.5 hours
- Main subject + Additional material – 52 hours
- Completionist – 101 hours
GTA 5
- Main thing – 32 hours
- Main subject + Additional material – 51.5 hours
- Completionist – 88.5 hours

Guess the games from the emojis.

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

What players might want 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 through

Red Dead Redemption 2 is the benchmark for many Rockstar fans

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

For all players who have dived deep into RDR2it is not a small question. Red Dead Redemption 2The main story runs for roughly 50–60 hours, with playthroughs easily exceeding 150 hours. It's a huge, conscious experience. It is also something that the players clearly want GTA 6 to match or even surpass.

Why RDR2's length works for fans:

A slower, more immersive storytelling pace
Character-first storytelling: strong character development over time
A world that develops alongside history
Sufficient content to justify long-term investment

GTA 5's story felt too short for some

Not everyone looks back Grand Theft Auto 5 as the 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 lacked:

A longer, more fleshed out main story
More assignments comparable to previous contributions, such as San Andreas
Greater narrative weight over its three protagonists
A stronger sense of progression

GTA 6 still needs to earn its length

Of course, not everyone believes that longer automatically means better. Reddit user Fearix_1 offers a more measured take: “Depends on the story itself.” Filling a game with unnecessary content can backfire, especially if it disrupts the pacing or weakens the story.

This ties back to the success of shorter, focused experiences. If the story is compelling and well-paced, players are willing to accept a shorter game time. But for GTA 6the expectation is that it can deliver both scale and quality.

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

There is a clear thread in all these discussions: players want more time GTA 6s world. If that means matching Red Dead Redemption 2surpass it, or simply avoid the previously experienced shortcomings Grand Theft Auto contribution, expectations are shaped by the huge expectations players have placed on this game. It's understandable why: Rockstar have went on record saying that this will be “the biggest game launch in history.” The massive premise translates into player expectations of a game's scale.

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. Dampens the fan's expectations on GTA 6 may be impossible at this time. But if Grand Theft Auto 6 can achieve that balance, it will not only meet expectations – it can redefine them.