How Long to Beat Final Fantasy 7 Remake: A Detailed Guide

How Long to Beat Final Fantasy 7 Remake: A Detailed Guide – How Long to Beat Final Fantasy 7 Remake – The Final Fantasy 7 Remake is a modern reimagining of one of the most beloved JRPGs in gaming history. With stunning graphics, an enhanced combat system, and an expanded story, the remake provides a nostalgic yet fresh experience for both long-time fans and newcomers. If you’re planning to dive into this epic journey, one of your first questions might be: How long does it take to beat Final Fantasy 7 Remake?

This guide will explore the time commitment for completing the game, including factors like main story progression, side quests, collectibles, and post-game content. By the end, you’ll know exactly what to expect and how to plan your adventure.

Average Time to Beat Final Fantasy 7 Remake

The time it takes to beat Final Fantasy 7 Remake can vary depending on your playstyle. Here’s a general breakdown:

Main Story Completion

If you focus solely on the main storyline, you can expect to spend approximately 30–35 hours completing the game. This includes all the key plot points, boss fights, and cutscenes that are critical to the narrative.

Main Story + Side Quests

For players who enjoy exploring additional content, such as side quests and optional objectives, the game will take closer to 40–50 hours. The side quests in Final Fantasy 7 Remake not only provide rewards but also expand on the characters and world of Midgar.

Completionist Playthrough

If you’re aiming for a 100% completion run, including unlocking all trophies, finding all collectibles, completing every side quest, and tackling hard mode challenges, you’re looking at approximately 80–100 hours.

Breaking Down the Playtime

Here’s a closer look at how each aspect of the game contributes to the total time:

Main Story Content

The main story spans across 18 chapters, taking players through the bustling streets of Midgar, the dystopian headquarters of Shinra, and thrilling encounters with Sephiroth and other iconic characters.

Early Chapters (1–6): These chapters serve as an introduction to the world of Midgar, Cloud’s role as a mercenary, and the initial conflict with Shinra. Expect around 8–10 hours for these chapters.
Mid-Game (7–14): The middle chapters deepen the story with twists, emotional character moments, and intense battles. This section could take 15–20 hours, depending on how much you explore.
Final Chapters (15–18): The climax delivers high-stakes action and memorable boss fights. Completing these chapters will require about 7–10 hours.

Side Quests and Optional Content

Side quests in Final Fantasy 7 Remake are spread across various chapters and provide:

Insight into supporting characters.
Valuable rewards like equipment and materia.
Fun distractions from the main story.

The majority of the 26 total side tasks are found in Chapters 3, 8, and 14. Completing all of them will add 10–15 hours to your playtime.

Mini-Games and Activities

The game includes a variety of mini-games and activities that can take anywhere from a few minutes to a couple of hours, such as:

Darts: Found in the Seventh Heaven bar.
Squats and Pull-Ups Challenges: Fun fitness-themed competitions.
Colosseum Fights: Optional battles in Wall Market.
VR Missions: Where you can earn unique summons like Shiva and Bahamut.

Hard Mode and Post-Game Challenges

Once you complete the game, hard mode becomes available. Hard mode increases the difficulty significantly, disables item usage, and demands a strategic approach to battles. Completing the game in hard mode and tackling post-game challenges, such as the Shinra Combat Simulator, can take an additional 20–30 hours.

Factors That Affect Playtime

1. Playstyle

Rushed Players: Those who skip cutscenes and focus on the main story will finish the game faster.
Explorers: Players who like to explore every nook and cranny will take longer, especially if they engage in side quests and mini-games.

2. Difficulty Setting

The difficulty setting you choose will also affect how long it takes to beat the game:

Easy: Battles are quicker and less challenging, reducing overall playtime.
Normal: Provides a balanced experience.
Hard: Requires careful planning and strategy, increasing playtime.

3. Experience with JRPGs

Experienced JRPG players may progress faster due to familiarity with similar mechanics, while newcomers might take longer to adjust.

Tips to Optimize Your Playthrough

To make the most of your time in Final Fantasy 7 Remake, consider the following tips:

1. Balance Story and Exploration

While the main story is engaging, don’t rush through it. Take time to explore the richly detailed world of Midgar and complete side quests for a fuller experience.

2. Prioritize Materia and Gear

Mastering the materia system and upgrading your weapons will make battles more manageable, especially in hard mode.

3. Plan for Post-Game

If you’re a completionist, plan to revisit chapters in hard mode after finishing the main story. This will allow you to unlock all achievements and fully upgrade your characters.

4. Utilize Chapter Select

Once you finish the game, the Chapter Select feature lets you revisit specific sections to complete unfinished objectives or replay favorite moments.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: Can I finish Final Fantasy 7 Remake in under 30 hours?
A: Yes, if you focus only on the main story and skip most side content, you can finish the game in approximately 25–30 hours.

Q2: How many chapters are in Final Fantasy 7 Remake?
A: The game consists of 18 chapters, with varying lengths depending on the events and gameplay in each chapter.

Q3: Is hard mode worth playing?
A: Absolutely! Hard mode adds an extra layer of challenge and unlocks additional content, such as exclusive trophies and the ultimate abilities for weapons.

Q4: Do side quests affect the main story?
A: While side quests don’t directly impact the main storyline, they provide deeper insights into the world and characters, along with valuable rewards.

Final Thoughts

Final Fantasy 7 Remake offers a rich, immersive experience that can take anywhere from 30 hours for a straightforward playthrough to 100 hours for completionists. Whether you’re here for the nostalgia, the expanded story, or the modernized gameplay, this remake has something for everyone.

Plan your adventure wisely, savor every moment in Midgar, and prepare for an unforgettable journey. Whether you’re a long-time fan or new to the series, Final Fantasy 7 Remake is a masterpiece worth every hour you invest.