The conversation around Grand Theft Auto VI has reached a point where even its 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.
The Benchmark: Red Dead Redemption 2
For many fans, the gold standard isn’t GTA V – it’s Red Dead Redemption 2. Reddit user meaniepants5 put it simply: “At least the RDR2 length.”
That’s no small ask. Red Dead Redemption 2’s main story runs roughly 50–60 hours, with completionist playthroughs easily exceeding 150 hours. It’s a massive, deliberate experience. It’s also one that players clearly want GTA 6 to match or even surpass.
Why does RDR2’s length work? A slower, more immersive narrative pace; character‑first storytelling; a world that evolves alongside the story; and enough content to justify long‑term investment.
GTA V 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 highlighted 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: 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.
How Every GTA Game Compares (Time to Beat)
According to HowLongToBeat, here’s how the series stacks up:
- GTA (1997): Main story 13.5h, completionist 17h
- GTA 2 (1999): Main story 12.5h, completionist 26.5h
- GTA III (2001): Main story 14h, completionist 36.5h
- GTA: San Andreas (2004): Main story 30h, completionist 71h
- GTA IV (Complete Edition): Main story 30.5h, completionist 101h
- GTA V (2013): Main story 32h, completionist 88.5h
San Andreas and GTA 6 already offered significant depth, but RDR2 pushed the envelope further. For GTA VI, fans want to see that completionist number climb well past 100 hours – possibly even into the 150+ range.
In your opinion, what should be the perfect length of the GTA 6 story?
by u/BrianMaggion in GTA
“As Long As Possible”
One of the most upvoted sentiments comes from Reddit user Zylva_: “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: 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.
Length Must Be Earned
Of course, not everyone believes that longer automatically means better. Reddit user Fearix_1 offers a measured take: “Depends on the story itself.” Padding a game with unnecessary content can backfire, especially if it disrupts pacing or weakens the narrative. Short, focused experiences like Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 (2025’s Game of the Year) prove that a tight 30‑hour story can still be satisfying.
But GTA VI is arguably the biggest release in modern gaming. Rockstar has gone on record saying this will be “the largest game launch in history.” That premise naturally translates into player expectation of scale – in map, in activities, and in story length.
Also, Read
- The GTA 6 Story Length Praised by Gamers – “As Long As Possible”
- GTA 6 Updated Map Leak Has Gamers Hyped, Goodbye Free Time
- GTA 6 PC Port Update Is Bad News, Rockstar’s Not Interested
The Verdict
There’s a clear throughline: 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 GTA entries, the expectation is shaped by immense hype. At the same time, length alone isn’t enough – the story has to justify it, the world must support it, and the experience must remain engaging from beginning to end.
If Grand Theft Auto VI can strike that balance, it won’t just meet expectations – it might redefine them. The game launches November 19, 2026 on PS5 and Xbox Series X/S.