The conversation around Grand Theft Auto VI has reached a point where even the game’s length is becoming a major talking point. And as divisive as other topics in this franchise may seem, surprisingly, players are inclined to agree on one thing: longer is better.
“As Long As Possible”
One of the most upvoted sentiments on Reddit comes from user Zylva_, who wants a game that feels almost endless. “As long as possible… I’d really love if it took hundreds of hours to actually explore and complete every single thing in the game… this is a game that cannot be rushed.”
That mindset reflects a broader shift in how players approach open‑world games. GTA VI isn’t just something to finish—it’s something to live in. Players want hundreds of hours of meaningful content, a world that rewards slow exploration, side activities that feel just as important as the main story, and a game designed to be experienced over time, not rushed through.
Red Dead Redemption 2 Is the Benchmark
For many fans, the gold standard isn’t GTA V—it’s Red Dead Redemption 2. Reddit user meaniepants5 puts it simply: “At least the RDR2 length.”
For anyone who has dived deep into RDR2, that’s no small ask. The main story runs roughly 50–60 hours, with completionist playthroughs easily exceeding 150 hours. It’s a massive, deliberate experience. And it’s one that players clearly want GTA VI to match—or surpass.
Why RDR2’s length works? A slower, more immersive narrative pace, character‑first storytelling, a world that evolves alongside the story, and enough content to justify long‑term investment.
In your opinion, what should be the perfect length of the GTA 6 story?
by u/BrianMaggion in GTA
GTA V’s Story Felt Too Short for Some
Not everyone looks back at Grand Theft Auto V as the perfect template. In fact, some players felt its story mode didn’t go far enough. Reddit user KamoY92 highlights a common criticism: “GTA V‘s story mode seemed so short that it was really something that disappointed me.”
What players felt GTA V lacked was a longer, more fleshed‑out main story, more missions comparable to earlier entries like San Andreas, greater narrative weight across its three protagonists, and a stronger sense of progression.
Length Must Be Earned
Of course, not everyone believes that longer automatically means better. Reddit user Fearix_1 offers a more measured take: “Depends on the story itself.” Padding a game with unnecessary content can backfire, especially if it disrupts pacing or weakens the narrative.
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 runtime. But for GTA VI, the 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’s a clear throughline in all these discussions: players want more time in GTA VI’s world. Whether that means matching Red Dead Redemption 2, surpassing it, or simply avoiding the perceived shortcomings of earlier Grand Theft Auto entries, the expectation is shaped by the immense hopes players have set for this game.
It’s understandable why: Rockstar has gone on record saying this will be “the largest game launch in history.” That huge premise translates into player expectation of a game’s scale.
At the same time, there’s an understanding that length alone isn’t enough. The story has to justify it. The world has to support it. And the experience has to remain engaging from beginning to end. Tempering fan expectations for GTA VI might be impossible at this point. However, if Grand Theft Auto VI can strike that balance, it won’t just meet expectations—it might redefine them.