The length of a game doesn’t always signify quality, but when the game is fun and engaging, every last drop of content feels like a breath of fresh air. Sometimes, the gameplay will take a while to pick up, while other times, the lore is so grand you will spend hours collecting every bit of detail.
So, which games set the bar for longest runs? If you’re looking for a game so chock-full of content that you can spend hours playing it, then here are the best games with a slow burn to keep you occupied.
10 Dark Souls
Die, Fight, And Die Again
Dark Souls
Platform(s) PS3 , PS4 , Xbox 360 , Xbox One , Switch , PC Released September 22, 2011 Developer(s) From Software Publisher(s) Namco Bandai
Dark Souls is one of the best slow-burn games. None of the stories are really front and center as you focus on grinding for souls. However, there is a highly intricate tale that is told through the intro cutscene, item descriptions, and NPC dialogue that is definitely worth checking out.
Luckily, the combat, enemy designs, and boss fights are perfect at keeping you engaged with the world even when bosses seem unbeatable. It’s all about grinding and getting better. If you need a refresher on the story, there are countless video essays that last multiple hours.
9 Skyrim
Master Every Skill
The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim
Platform(s) PC , PlayStation 3 , PlayStation 4 , PlayStation 5 , Nintendo Switch , Xbox 360 , Xbox One , Xbox Series X , Xbox Series S Released November 11, 2011 Developer(s) Bethesda Game Studios Publisher(s) Bethesda Softworks
Despite Skyrim being around for years, there are still some players who haven't experienced everything there is to see. As you make your way through the game's intro, you are given a glimpse at two of the most prominent stories. You have the Skyrim Civil War and the return of Alduin.
Once you defeat your first dragon, you have the freedom to take on any of the quests and storylines in the game. Whether it be escaping from prison using only a shiv, discovering a den of Vampires, or getting drunk and having to remember what you did the night before. There is so much content it is easy to overlook some of the best quests.
8 Hollow Knight
Intricate Story Woven In
Hollow Knight
Platform(s) PC , Switch , PS4 , Xbox One , macOS , Linux Released February 24, 2017 Developer(s) Team Cherry Publisher(s) Team Cherry
Hollow Knight will distract you from its slow burn with a gorgeous 2D art style and serene soundtrack. As a Metroidvania, it has every right to feel as long as it does, but the story is rich with fascinating lore for those who wish to take a r look.
Hollow Knight barely has any narration as you explore Hallownest. You will need to scrap together bits and pieces of what is going on by interacting with NPC and exploring the different locations of the game.
7 Journey
Silent But Impactful
Journey
Platform(s) PS3 , PS4 , PC Released March 13, 2012 Developer(s) Thatgamecompany Publisher(s) Sony
Journey is a mostly visual experience. Your only objective is to keep walking forward as you extend your scarf so you can improve your jump and flight height. In between each stage, there are vague cutscenes that let the player determine what is going on in the world.
It uses visual cues that you may have encountered already or will encounter at a future level to form a narrative. You also get hints from the soundtrack and color palettes to set a tone from dark and foreboding to light and upbeat.
6 Firewatch
Walk Through Nature
Firewatch
Platform(s) PC , PS4 , Switch , Xbox One Released February 9, 2016 Developer(s) Campo Santo Publisher(s) Campo Santo , Panic
Firewatch has you taking the role of Henry, a fire lookout patrolling a national park. As strange occurrences transpire at the watch tower, Henry walks through the park talking to his supervisor, Delilah. Along the way, you will put out fires and unlock new areas to patrol.
This is a slow-paced game and doesn't have much action, but if you stick with it, the story will surprise you. It is both heartbreaking and charming as it slowly engulfs you in Henry's life.
5 Red Dead Redemption 2
The Ultimate Western
Red Dead Redemption 2
Platform(s) PS4 , Xbox One , PC , Stadia Released October 26, 2018 Developer(s) Rockstar Games Publisher(s) Rockstar Games
There is nothing quite like exploring the Wild West. You have your revolver in hand as you ride into town on a horse. It's a rooting tooting good time and Red Dead Redemption 2 offers plenty of content to create your perfect western adventure.
You'll be old before you've seen everything there is to do in the game. From raising your bounty to taking down bandits, every choice shapes the type of person you become. Luckily, you have plenty of time to figure it out.
4 Monster Hunter World
Can You Hunt The Strongest Monsters?
Monster Hunter World
Platform(s) PS4 , Xbox One , PC Released January 26, 2018 Developer(s) Capcom Publisher(s) Capcom
Monster Hunter World is the perfect slow-burn game to play with friends. While it may take some time to reach the same level as the rest of your party, the grind to craft the best armor and weapons is well worth it.
Despite the main premise of the game being hunting monsters and collecting their body parts to craft new equipment, the game offers more complex mechanics, such as farming for ingredients or taking on bounties. Even if you speed through the main storyline, the game has plenty of content to outlast it.
3 Civilization 6
From Rocks To Rockets
Sid Meier's Civilization 6
Platform(s) PS4 , Xbox One , Switch , PC , Android , iOS Released October 21, 2016 Developer(s) Firaxis Games Publisher(s) 2K Games
One of the oldest game series is Civilization. The game has you starting your civilization as simple settlers and warriors as you discover new technologies and cultural advancements that will help you win the game.
There are multiple win conditions, such as becoming the most cultural civilization, having the most gold, or even conquering other nations. It's a slow burn process as you choose which technologies to advance next that will help you defend and enrich your civilization. If you love the slow burn of tabletops, this game comes highly recommended.
2 Elden Ring
Leave No Stone Unturned
Elden Ring
Platform(s) PS5 , Xbox One , PS4 , Xbox Series X , Xbox Series S , PC Released February 25, 2022 Developer(s) From Software Publisher(s) Bandai Namco Entertainment , From Software
Elden Ring is possibly the furthest a Souls game has gone through the slow-burn category. As if normal Souls games weren't big enough, Elden Ring takes everything into an open world.
You can explore a huge portion of the starting area only to learn that the map gets bigger. Each time a new part of the map is uncovered, it keeps you guessing if you’ve actually made progress or just scratched the surface. Dungeons also make the map far larger than it looks with portions being underground.
1 Elder Scrolls Online
Frequent Updates And Improvements
The Elder Scrolls Online
Platform(s) PS4 , PS5 , Xbox One , Xbox Series X , Xbox Series S , PC , macOS Released April 4, 2014 Developer(s) ZeniMax Online Studios Publisher(s) Bethesda
MMOs are often considered the slowest of burns due to the nature of the game. Leveling takes a while and there are multiple different classes to work with, which means you will even be restarting the game just to make new characters.
Each mainline quest offers hours of content and there are many different provinces from Skyrim to Esweyr you can explore. You may even find familiar sights. Crafting also takes time to master, but once you do, you can become a great asset to your party or other characters you've created.
