How Long Does It Take to Beat Botw is a question many players ask before they drop into Hyrule for the first time. With a huge open world, hundreds of secrets, and flexible goals, the answer depends on how you play. This guide explains the common time frames, what changes them, and practical tips to plan your play sessions.
You'll learn average completion times, how different playstyles change the clock, and which activities add the most hours. I’ll use clear numbers and simple logic so you can estimate your own run and decide whether to rush, explore, or mix both.
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Short Answer: Expected Time to Beat Botw
On average, a straight playthrough to defeat Ganon takes about 35–50 hours, while a thorough playthrough with many side quests and exploration often reaches 100+ hours. This single sentence captures most players' experiences, but the real time varies with choices. Factors like shrine hunting, Korok seeds, and difficulty with certain bosses will change your total playtime.
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Playstyle and Time Estimates
First, know that playstyle matters most. Some people want to finish the main story quickly. Others aim to find every shrine, upgrade gear, and catalog recipes. Each approach scales time differently. Next, I’ll break down common playstyles so you see where time goes.
Here’s a quick list of typical playstyles and what they cost in hours:
- Speedrun / story-only: ~35–50 hours
- Balanced play (many side quests): ~60–100 hours
- Completionist (all shrines, many Koroks): 100–200+ hours
Additionally, the exact hours depend on player skill. If you like to experiment or learn from mistakes, expect more time. Conversely, veterans of similar games may shave off many hours through route planning and efficient combat.
Finally, time investment can feel different depending on session length. Short daily sessions of 30–60 minutes stretch an epic into weeks, while long weekend sessions move you through Hyrule faster.
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Main Quest vs. Completionist Run: What Adds Time
To understand time differences, compare what the main quest requires versus completionist goals. The main quest guides you to Divine Beasts and the final battle. Completionists chase 120 shrines and 900 Korok seeds along with armor upgrades and all side quests.
For clarity, consider this ordered list of activities from fastest to slowest:
- Main quest and essential shrines
- Major side quests and some exploration
- All shrines and most armor upgrades
- True completion: Korok seeds and every collectible
Next, note specific time sinks. Finding 120 shrines can add 20–50 hours depending on search efficiency. Collecting Korok seeds is even more time-consuming: 900 tiny puzzles that can add dozens of hours if you seek many of them.
Also, some players treat expansions differently. If you include both large DLC content and all new side quests, plan for an additional 10–40 hours depending on how deeply you explore those additions.
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Speedrunning and Fast Routes
Speedrunners aim to beat Botw as fast as possible. Their runs vary from any% (use any glitches) to more restricted categories. These runs use optimized routes and advanced techniques to cut hours into minutes or hours.
| Category | Typical Time |
|---|---|
| Any% | Under 1 hour to a few hours (glitched) |
| All Divine Beasts | 2–6 hours (skill dependent) |
| No Major Glitches | 4–10 hours |
Speedruns show how flexible the game is. However, these times are not typical for casual players. They require practice, route memorization, and sometimes exploiting mechanics that casual players may avoid for fun or fairness.
Therefore, while speedrunning proves the lower bound, most players sit far above that. Still, watching speedruns can teach efficient routes and tricks that reduce your own casual playtime by a decent margin.
Impact of Exploration and Shrines on Total Time
Exploration is the heart of Botw, and it is also the main time driver. The world rewards curiosity with shrines, quests, gear, and scenic moments. Each shrine adds gameplay variety and often provides Spirit Orbs for upgrades.
Below is a short breakdown of shrine-related numbers and their typical time costs:
- Total shrines in the base game: 120
- Average time to find and clear a shrine: 10–30 minutes
- Time to complete all shrines: roughly 20–60 hours, depending on search efficiency
Next, exploration isn't only time-consuming; it’s often enjoyable. Many players report that the extra hours they spend are worth it because exploration yields memorable moments and interesting encounters that a straight run lacks.
Consequently, if you value discovery, plan for extended playtime. If you prefer the story, focus on main objectives and fast travel to cut down time.
How Difficulty Choices Affect Time
Difficulty in Botw is mostly player-driven because the game lacks a formal difficulty slider. Your choices—gear upgrades, rune usage, and combat approach—determine how long fights take and how often you reload.
Consider a small table that shows common difficulty factors:
| Choice | Effect on Time |
|---|---|
| Using stealth and planning | Saves time by avoiding fights |
| Rushing into areas under-leveled | Adds time due to deaths and retries |
| Fully upgrading armor and cooking | Reduces boss fight time |
Moreover, player learning curve matters. If you struggle with a boss or puzzle, you will spend more time. On the other hand, mastering parry and dodge techniques will shorten many encounters and make the game feel faster overall.
Therefore, adopt strategies that fit your patience and skill. A calm approach with good gear can cut time versus brute forcing your way through every encounter.
Tips to Shorten or Extend Your Playtime
If you want to finish faster, use a few simple strategies that reduce wasted time. For example, focus on the main quest markers, use fast travel, and ignore minor side content until after the final boss.
- Set a clear goal each session (e.g., reach the next Divine Beast).
- Use towers and map markers to limit aimless wandering.
- Cook meals that boost stamina or attack to speed battles.
Conversely, if you want to extend your playtime, add personal challenges: try low-gear runs, collect unique armor sets, or complete every shrine. These goals multiply hours and make the world feel richer.
Finally, balance your play. If you spread play over many short sessions, the game becomes a slow, satisfying hobby. If you binge, you can finish the main story in a few long days. Pick what fits your schedule and enjoyment.
Common Time Traps and How to Avoid Them
Many players lose hours to avoidable habits. For example, repeatedly searching the same area, chasing every glowing item, or not using maps effectively can add time. Recognizing these traps helps you control total hours.
Here are common pitfalls to watch out for:
- Chasing every Korok seed without a plan
- Exploring low-value areas repeatedly
- Getting stuck on a single difficult shrine for hours
Next, simple fixes work well. Keep a checklist of objectives. Use online guides sparingly for specific stuck points. And remember: sometimes stepping away for a short break saves more time than grinding through frustration.
Ultimately, manage your play sessions to match goals. If your aim is to beat the main story, cut distractions. If you love discovery, accept that extra hours are part of the fun.
In summary, How Long Does It Take to Beat Botw depends mostly on player goals and playstyle. A story-focused run sits around 35–50 hours, a balanced run is typically 60–100 hours, and full completion can exceed 100 hours. Key factors include shrine hunting, Korok collecting, and how much you enjoy exploring.
Ready to plan your adventure? Decide what kind of run you want, set a target, and start playing with a simple plan. If you enjoyed this guide, try tracking your own hours and compare them to the estimates above — then come back and tweak your strategy.