With the Mass Effect: Legendary Edition now available, fans may be wondering just how long the trilogy’s finale will take to beat. While times will certainly vary from player to player, Mass Effect: Legendary Edition fans are looking at a similar runtime to the second game.
While players will continue to make tough choices as they interact with memorable characters throughout the universe, Mass Effect 3’s controversial ending remains its defining feature. Still, before RPG fans are forced to choose between Destroy, Synthesis, and Control, they will be looking at a lengthy playthrough packed with long-term payoffs and returning cast members. For those wondering how much time they will need to invest in Mass Effect 3, they can expect to see one of the following hour counts.
The Main Story Length For Mass Effect 3
For Mass Effect fans that are just rushing through the main story of the game, they can expect a 25-hour playthrough packed with biotic attacks and Reaper encounters. For those looking to complete loyalty missions and one of Mass Effect 3’s romances, a save file totaling 35 hours can be expected. For those playing on something higher than normal difficulty, ticking on a few hours due to trial and error from potential deaths is recommended.
While an average playthrough of Mass Effect 3 will last somewhere between 25-35 hours, completionists will find themselves tacking an extra 15 hours into that total. For those aiming to track down every codex entry, exhaust every string of dialogue, or get Mass Effect 3’s platinum trophy, a 50-hour playthrough of the game is likely. While this is certainly a high number, it will only increase further if gamers are planning to spend time with Mass Effect 3’s DLC.
Adding In Mass Effect 3's DLC
Apart from Mass Effect's Pinnacle Station, Mass Effect: Legendary Edition includes all the DLC for the three games, and the end of the trilogy sports the most downloadable content by far. Alongside brief additions like From Ashes, several lengthier content packs are included. The Leviathan, Omega, and Citadel expansions all add new missions and details to the narrative, while the Extended Cut works to improve Mass Effect 3’s ending. In total, all of this DLC ranges from 12-16 hours, with the Citadel being the longest DLC of the bunch.
Taking the DLC into account, a playthrough of Mass Effect 3 can range from 25 hours to 66 hours. For those rushing through the main story of the main game and its DLC, a 37-hour lengthy is likely. A balanced run with some side content will land closer to the 50-hour mark, while players attempting to fully complete the third game and its post-launch content could end up hitting over 65 hours of playtime. While none of the cut content for Mass Effect 3 was added to the game, gamers clearly have plenty to enjoy already.
Mass Effect: Legendary Edition is out now for PC, PS4, and Xbox One.