Rockstar North's Rob Nelson has revealed that his playthrough of Grand Theft Auto 6 took around 80 hours, including the main story and some optional objectives, making it the studio's longest game to date
Grand Theft Auto 6 is shaping up to be Rockstar's most ambitious title yet, with new details emerging about the sheer scale of its main story. According to Rockstar North co-studio head Rob Nelson, his own playthrough of the game earlier this year took approximately 80 hours to complete, factoring in the main narrative and a selection of optional objectives with narrative impact. This figure was shared in a recent interview, offering the clearest indication so far of the game's expected length for players who engage with more than just the critical path.
How GTA 6 Compares to Previous Rockstar Games
For context, previous entries in the series have offered significantly shorter main campaigns. Grand Theft Auto IV and Grand Theft Auto V typically require around 30 hours to finish the main story, while Red Dead Redemption 2 is known for its extended campaign, usually taking between 50 and 60 hours. If Rob Nelson's experience is representative, Grand Theft Auto 6 will surpass all of these, setting a new benchmark for the studio's narrative-driven open worlds.
It remains unclear whether the 80-hour figure includes time spent freely exploring the open world or engaging in purely recreational activities. However, Nelson's comments suggest that the estimate covers the main story and optional goals with narrative consequences, rather than a full completionist run. Players aiming for 100% completion or those who become absorbed in side content can expect to spend even longer in-game.
Open World Activities and Side Content
Grand Theft Auto 6 is expected to feature a wide range of open-world activities beyond the main storyline. Early previews and official materials have highlighted side pursuits such as basketball, fishing, and exercising, alongside a variety of other diversions. The game is also likely to include a substantial number of side missions, echoing the approach taken in Red Dead Redemption 2, which kept players engaged through its detailed world, unique non-player characters, and hidden secrets.
This expanded scope is designed to encourage players to take their time and explore at their own pace, rather than rushing through the main objectives. Rockstar's previous titles have demonstrated a commitment to depth and replayability, and all indications are that Grand Theft Auto 6 will continue this trend with even more content to discover.
What Remains Unconfirmed
While the 80-hour playthrough provides a useful reference point, several details about Grand Theft Auto 6's structure and content remain unverified. It is not yet known how the game will balance main missions, side activities, and open-world exploration for the average player. Rockstar has not confirmed whether the main story can be completed significantly faster by skipping optional objectives, nor has it detailed the full extent of post-story content or endgame activities.
Players interested in maximising their time with the game will need to wait for further information on completion requirements, achievement lists, and the breadth of side content. As with previous Rockstar releases, the final experience may differ depending on individual playstyle and the choices made throughout the campaign.
Grand Theft Auto 6's reported main story length highlights the growing ambition of open-world games and the increasing expectations for narrative and content volume. In gaming, "main story length" typically refers to the time required to complete the core narrative objectives, excluding most side activities and optional exploration. However, actual playtime can vary widely based on player choices, engagement with side content, and the pace at which the game is played. As a result, official estimates should be seen as a guideline rather than a guarantee of individual experience.
