It takes approximately 16 hours to finish the primary story of the original Resident Evil 4 version released in 2005, making it one of the lengthiest games in the series. However, for gamers who aim to complete every aspect of the adventure, it may take up to 30 hours.

Game length affects the overall gaming experience. When players invest money and time, they want to feel like they are getting their money’s worth. A title that is too short may leave players feeling unsatisfied and wanting more, while a gameplay that is too long may feel like a chore to complete. Ultimately, the length is a personal preference, but it is an important factor to consider when choosing which one to play.

Factors Affecting Game Length

Resident Evil 4 offers players the freedom to adopt many play styles, which can affect the length of the game. For example, a player who prefers to rush through the main story campaign without exploring every nook and cranny of the in-game world will likely complete it faster than a player who takes their time to search for hidden items and complete side missions available in the new remake.

Additionally, players who choose a higher difficulty level may take longer to complete the game than those who opt for an easier level. This is because the game is more challenging on Normal or Professional difficulties levels, requiring players to spend more time strategizing and conserving resources.

The game length of Resident Evil 4 varies across different versions and platforms. The original 2005 version takes around 16 hours to complete, while the 2019 remake takes around 20 hours. The GameCube version, released in 2005, has a similar length to the original version.

However, there are some differences between versions when it comes to additional content. For example, the Wii version of Resident Evil 4, released in 2007, includes additional content and modes, which can add several hours of gameplay. The PlayStation 2 version, released in 2005, also includes additional content not found in the original GameCube version, which can add a few extra hours of gameplay.

The length of the game can also vary depending on the player’s playstyle, as mentioned earlier. Rushing through the story may result in a shorter playtime while taking the time to explore the game and complete all objectives will lead to a longer playtime.

Average Game Length

Game length in Resident Evil 4 can be measured in a few different ways, depending on the specific aspect of gameplay the player wants to count. For example:

  • Completionist Length refers to the amount of time it takes for a player to complete the game 100%, including all side quests, collectibles, and achievements. For those who want to complete everything in Resident Evil 4, this can take around 30 hours or more.
  • Speedrun Length takes into consideration the time to complete the game as quickly as possible, partially by skipping cutscenes and side quests. The speedrun record for Resident Evil 4 is currently just under 1 hour and 20 minutes and it’s nearly a ‘mission impossible’ to beat it.
  • Average Playtime is based on data collected from thousands of players. It is assumed that the average playtime for Resident Evil 4 is around 20 hours.

Sometimes it can be misleading to determine the average game length based on how many chapters it has because, in the case of titles like Resident Evil 4, it all depends on the player’s chosen gameplay tactics.

Speedrunning and Completionist Tips

When aiming to speedrun or fully complete Resident Evil 4, players may benefit from utilizing various strategies and tips. One important tactic is to become familiar with the layout of the game to navigate more efficiently. Careful resource management, such as conserving ammo and health items, also proves beneficial.

Using the environment to evade or stun enemies can help players make progress more quickly while mastering quick-time events may save time and prevent failure. More advanced players may be able to utilize certain glitches or exploits to bypass sections of the game. Watching videos of other players’ speed runs will provide valuable insights and techniques to apply in one’s own playthrough.

Especially the last tip will prove useful for completionists. Nothing allows you to explore all the available gameplay options as well as peeking and discussing with more experienced players.

Conclusion

We can easily conclude that the length of the game depends on the individual approach and what we expect from it. There is no clear answer to the question of how long it takes to complete Resident Evil 4, but the average time can be assumed to be around 20 hours.

Anyone who likes to dive deeper into the gameplay and the secrets of the game should decide to play Resident Evil 4 with a completionist approach and reserve more than 30 hours. On the other hand, players who enjoy the fight for records may boldly fight for the best times in speedrun.

When choosing a difficulty level, consider your skill level and experience with the series. If you’re new to the game or survival horror games in general, starting with an Amateur or Easy level can help you get used to the game mechanics and controls. However, if you’re an experienced player, choosing a higher Normal or Professional level can provide a more challenging and rewarding experience.

Resident Evil 4 is a timeless classic that has stood the test of time, providing players with plenty of replay value and a captivating storyline. Its variable game length allows players to immerse themselves deeper into the game and explore all that it has to offer, making it a must-play for any survival horror fan.