2022 already looks set to be a great year for lengthy JRPGs. From Xenoblade Chronicles 3 to Live A Live, there are yet more to make their way that will keep everyone entertained for many hours.
But according to the website How Long To Beat and the length for all play styles, these aren't among the longest games to beat as many before them have taken that crown. Whether it's the several Monster Hunter games or hit mobile titles, there are plenty of JRPGs that will take many hours for any fan of the genre to finally reach the end.
Monster Hunter Tri - 137H
The 3rd entry in the Monster Hunter series, Monster Hunter Tri made its way to the Wii and would be the start of many entries on Nintendo systems for the franchise. It not only offered a great single-player story but also used the online functionality of the small home console to introduce a multiplayer mode.
The combination of a lengthy campaign, online multiplayer, and additional quests available via DLC, this would be one of several games in the franchise that would give players longevity to complete it. And the games have only grown since then with some entries while others tried to push the technology for the consoles at the time.
Monster Hunter - 149H
The 1st game of what would become one of Capcom's biggest video game franchises, the original Monster Hunter gave players the opportunity to slay down gigantic, terrifying beasts back in 2004 on the PS2. And while the game received mediocre and average review scores from critics, it didn't stop it from spawning sequels that would feature some of the hardest fights in the series.
Even back on this console, the series staple of giving gamers a lengthy and challenging campaign to overcome was present. And with the multiple ways to play the game, it surely tested anyone's might and patience as they slayed the titans in their way.
Monster Hunter 3 Ultimate - 150H
A bold move from Capcom, they ported and developed sequels of the Monster Hunter series on handheld consoles like the PSP and 3DS. One of these was Monster Hunter 3 Ultimate, which was ported over from the Wii and was one of the games that made use of the Circle Pad Pro peripheral on the 3DS.
But players were also able to purchase it on the Wii U, giving both the home console and portable console owners a chance to play together, which resulted in hours flying by between friends. This interesting co-op experience lasted longer for fans as they could play in each other's worlds and participate in some activities together.
Genshin Impact - 155H
Despite only being around for 2 year, Genshin Impact has quickly become one of the most popular free-to-play games. With a large open world continuously updated with new lands to explore, cool anime-inspired characters to unlock, and a fun battle mechanic, it's also seen as one of the best JRPG games in recent years too.
Above all else, it has quickly become one of the longest games to complete. It has seen many updates that have opened up the story and the game's world and with the Sumeru 3.0 update expected to come out soon, it will only continue to become longer from there with new potentially high-ranking weapon users to choose from.
Monster Hunter Generations Ultimate - 155H
Originally released as Monster Hunter Generations for the 3DS, the game was eventually ported and remastered onto the Nintendo Switch before fans would eventually be swooned by Monster Hunter Rise on the same console. And those who owned the original game could transfer their save data to the new version, saving them a lot of time battling the same monsters again.
Whether playing as a hunter or as a Felyne, the game has plenty of familiar monsters to take down. And while it may not be as discussed as its Switch successor, the game at least kept anyone at home or on the go equally entertained for short or long bouts.
Dragalia Lost - 180H
One of several mobile games that Nintendo published in an attempt to explore the potential of the marketplace, they published Cygames' Dragalia Lost and saw them take a chance with this JRPG title. And despite being active for 4 years, the final chapter was released last month to wrap up the story before the game gets shut down. If the game will be saved and ported to the Switch like other great mobile ports remains to be seen.
But with this last addition, the game has become one of the longest mobile games in the genre as it built its world up one update at a time. And with specialized cross-over events with franchises like Mega-Man and Persona, it easily filled the time for commutes as fans clambered to get themed rewards at the end of them.
Monster Hunter: Freedom Unite - 206H
Fans can now play this game on their IOS devices, but it was originally released on the PSP in 2008. An expanded version of Monster Hunter Freedom 2, the game featured more monsters, weapons, and many other extra features that saw it receive positive reviews upon its release that resulted it in being one of the best Monster Hunter games by Metacritic.
And this also grew the length to complete it too as it stands as the longest entry in the series with 206 hours until a gamer can beat the game. It may not be the most popular title in the series, but it did give many hours worth of content to play and explore in.
Fate/Grand Order - 237H
Set within the Fate/Stay Night series, this mobile game became available for IOS and Android users in 2015. The game featured many deadly enemies to encounter and fight, which the player could battle against with summoned fighters and allies known as Servants with fictional and real currency.
Fate/Grand Order still receives updates worldwide from its developer, and it's this continued support to the fans that has resulted in it becoming one of the longest mobile games. This summer alone will see it have a revamped battle system and new characters to gain that might make it worthwhile for some to dive into it.
Ragnarok Clicker - 530H
Perhaps one of the more peculiar mash-ups in video game history, Clicker Heroes developer Playsaurus collaborated with Gravity, who developed Ragnarok Online, to try and make a unique JRPG game. It may have been a re-skin of their original game, but it did try to make the experience different.
The idea of clicking on the enemy to cause damage may sound simple, but with heroes to unlock and recruit, the game soon became a lengthy challenge as players attempted to get everything and everyone. And shockingly, this is one of the longest games to beat that some may not have expected from its initial appearance.
Mobius Final Fantasy - 628H
An ambitious entry in the Final Fantasy franchise, this particular game saw Square Enix trying to bring the console experience to IOS and Android devices. And while it received a port to Microsoft Windows too, the game's server was ultimately shut down in 2020.
But over the course of its 5 years of active life, the game received large chapters that would expand the game to become both one of the longest Final Fantasy games ever. It may no longer be accessible for those looking to play it, but the game did try to do what no other entry in the franchise could not that eventually saw it as the longest JRPG for gamers of all styles to finally beat.