You’ll know quickly:
Fans of these games believe a new player will be having fun and enjoying the game within the first few hours of gameplay.
| Video Game | When it Gets Good |
| GTA V | Wont take long to figure out if this is going to be a game you want to complete |
| Helldivers 2 | Fans argue Helldivers 2 starts off fast and you’ll know quickly if it’s the right kind of game for you |
| Horizon Zero Dawn | A fast attention-grabber that can feel repetitive if you’re not enjoying the gameplay loop |
| Outer Wilds | You’ll know within 22 minutes whether or not this is a game for you |
| The Last of Us | A gritty game that doesn’t waste time getting into the story |
| The Last of Us 2 | A masterpiece follow-up, don’t even think about playing this before playing the first |
Give the game ~10 hours:
Fans of these games believe a new player will be having fun and enjoying the game around ~10 hours of gameplay.
| Video Game | When it Gets Good |
| Baldur’s Gate 3 | Most players find that after about the first 10 hours, BG3 starts cranking |
| Cyberpunk 2077 | Give Cyberpunk ~10 hours and then decide if you want to keep going |
| Death Stranding | Fans say you’ll know within 5-10 hours if this is a game for you |
| Elden Ring | For fans of Souls games, immediately. For more casual gamers… good luck |
| Ghosts of Tsushima | An immediately beautiful world that needs about 10 hours to get going |
| Horizon Forbidden West | Maybe a little slow to start, but gets cranking after 10 hours or so |
| No Man’s Sky | Give yourself about 10-15 hours to get a feel for this broad exploration-style game |
| Stardew Valley | A relaxing game that rewards players for giving it at least 10 hours to understand the gameplay loop |
| Subnautica | New players should give it 5-10 hours, but will be rewarded the longer they play |
Can be a rewarding slow-burn:
Fans of these games believe that new players are rewarded for sticking with the game for at least 20+ hours of gameplay.
| Video Game | When it Gets Good |
| Destiny 2 | Most new players need at least 20+ hours to understand the loop and mechanics |
| Disco Elysium | A definitive slow burn that pays off the more time you invest in the game |
| Red Dead Redemption 2 | A slow start leads into a rewarding 60-100 hour journey in the wild west |
| The Sims 4 | Give it 10-20 hours before making a call if it’s worth investing more time into The Sims |