Recommended Free Tools
Your playtime can exceed a game’s story-length estimate because the estimate describes a particular kind of run—not a deadline or a prediction for every player. A “main story” figure may leave out side quests, collectibles, exploration, retries, and time spent finding your way. Compare your run with an estimate for the same game and the same kind of play.
What does a “story-length estimate” actually include?
Playtime listings distinguish between different goals. A Steam curator page for HowLongToBeat displays separate figures for Main Story, Main + Sides, Completionist, and All Styles. Those categories answer different questions: finishing the required story is not the same as doing optional content or pursuing near-total completion. See the labeled HowLongToBeat categories on Steam.
So if you followed side quests, searched for items, or explored areas beyond the main route, a main-story figure is not a like-for-like comparison. Check the category before deciding your run took unusually long.
Why might your run take longer?
Optional quests, collectibles, and exploration
Optional activities can add substantial time, especially in open-world games. A March 18, 2022 Washington Post article contrasted a roughly 20-hour main story for Dying Light 2 with a 500-hour claim that included exploring the map and finding every item. That is a dated example of how much the goal can change the total, not a current estimate or a general rule for other games. Read the article and its context.
#1 Best Overall
- Read Before You Buy — No Video Output: These adapters support charging and USB 2.0 data transfer, but cannot transmit video signals. Except for standard USB webcams (which use USB data only), they are not compatible with HDMI/DisplayPort cables, video-capable USB-C hubs, or docking stations with video output.
- Convert USB-A Ports to USB-C: Designed to connect USB-C earphones, cables, flash drives, card readers, and other USB-C accessories to standard USB-A ports. Plug-and-play with no drivers or software required.
- Aluminum Alloy Housing: Built with a sturdy aluminum alloy shell that aids in heat dissipation and protects against daily wear and scratches. Designed to maintain a stable and secure connection.
- Compact & Travel-Friendly: The ultra-compact design allows the adapter to stay plugged into your device without blocking adjacent ports or adding bulk, reducing wear and tear on your original USB ports.
- 12-Month Warranty: Backed by a 12-month manufacturer warranty for peace of mind. Designed to meet strict quality control standards for reliable everyday performance.
Difficulty, retries, and route-finding
Repeated attempts at a difficult encounter add time, as can figuring out where to go when the game gives few directional cues. In the same 2022 article, the Washington Post described Elden Ring as demanding because of its difficulty and limited directional guidance. That illustrates possible sources of extra time for some players; it does not mean every game or player is affected in the same way.
How you play and what your version includes
Reading dialogue, checking menus, experimenting with builds, and taking a slower route can all make your experience different from someone focused on advancing the story. Also check whether your comparison includes downloadable content and matches your game’s version and platform. These are useful things to compare, but there is no established number of extra hours to assign to any one factor.
Rank #2
- 5-in-1 USB-C Hub: Experience comprehensive connectivity featuring a Power Delivery input, two USB-A 2.0 ports, a USB-A 3.0 port, and an HDMI port. (Note: The USB-C power delivery input port is only for connecting an external wall charger to power your laptop and cannot power peripheral devices.)
- 90W Pass-Through Charging: Achieve optimal charging with 90W pass-through power to your laptop, supported by a total input of 100W, with the hub reserving 10W for operational efficiency. (Note: Wall charger not included.)
- Quick Data Transfers: Accelerate your productivity with rapid data transfers using a high-speed 5Gbps USB 3.0 port and two 480Mbps USB 2.0 ports.
- 4K HDMI Display: Enhance your visual experience with a hub capable of delivering 4K resolution at 30Hz in both mirror and extend modes. Please note that this hub is compatible with MacBook (macOS 12 and newer), Windows 10 and 11, ChromeOS, and laptops equipped with DP Alt Mode and Power Delivery. Note: This device is not compatible with Linux.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (5-in-1, 4K HDMI), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
How to compare your playtime with an estimate
- Match the goal. Compare a story-focused run with a main-story figure, a run with optional activities with a main-plus-sides figure, and broad completion goals with a completionist figure.
- Match the game you played. Check the title, version, platform, and whether downloadable content is included where that information is available.
- Compare play approach. Consider whether you rushed objectives, explored freely, retried difficult sections, or spent time on optional content. A category average is not an individualized prediction.
- Use the gap as a prompt, not a score. Ask what your run included that the estimate’s category may not. The available sources do not establish a reliable percentage to add to an estimate for a particular player.
Historical examples show why categories matter
The figures below were reported by the Washington Post on March 18, 2022. They show how estimates can differ by scope; they should not be treated as current HowLongToBeat figures.
| Game | Reported figure | What it described |
|---|---|---|
| Horizon Forbidden West | Over 27 hours | Main storyline |
| Elden Ring | Over 46.5 hours; 107 hours | Story; all tasks |
| Dying Light 2 | Around 20 hours; 500 hours | Main story; a claim including map exploration and finding every item |
These are dated reported examples, not a promise of how long a playthrough should take. The original article provides the surrounding context.
The Tool Desk
Outbyte PC Repair FREERepair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Outbyte Driver Updater FREEScan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Rank #3
- Sleek 7-in-1 USB-C Hub: Features an HDMI port, two USB-A 3.0 ports, and a USB-C data port, each providing 5Gbps transfer speeds. It also includes a USB-C PD input port for charging up to 100W and dual SD and TF card slots, all in a compact design.
- Flawless 4K@60Hz Video with HDMI: Delivers exceptional clarity and smoothness with its 4K@60Hz HDMI port, making it ideal for high-definition presentations and entertainment. (Note: Only the HDMI port supports video projection; the USB-C port is for data transfer only.)
- Double Up on Efficiency: The two USB-A 3.0 ports and a USB-C port support a fast 5Gbps data rate, significantly boosting your transfer speeds and improving productivity.
- Fast and Reliable 85W Charging: Offers high-capacity, speedy charging for laptops up to 85W, so you spend less time tethered to an outlet and more time being productive.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (7-in-1), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
Longer playtime is not the same as completion
A long session total does not necessarily mean you finished a game, and completion statistics do not show whether time estimates are accurate. The Washington Post reported that a 2019 study reviewing achievements from 725 Steam games found that 14 percent of players completed the games they owned. That statistic applies to the study’s sample and completion measure; it is not evidence that story-length estimates are systematically too short.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Are games designed to keep players longer?
Some interviewees in the 2022 Washington Post article discussed industry incentives around player engagement. Polygon editor in chief and co-founder Chris Plante described a shift toward companies controlling players’ time; researcher Brendan Keogh said the industry’s service model can encourage players to remain in a game; and CD Projekt Red lead quest designer Philipp Weber argued that a game needs to give players a reason to stay with a long experience. These are their perspectives on industry design, not proof that a specific game intentionally extended your playthrough.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- 5-in-1 Connectivity: Equipped with a 4K HDMI port, a 5 Gbps USB-C data port, two 5 Gbps USB-A ports, and a USB C 100W PD-IN port. Note: The USB C 100W PD-IN port supports only charging and does not support data transfer devices such as headphones or speakers.
- Powerful Pass-Through Charging: Supports up to 85W pass-through charging so you can power up your laptop while you use the hub. Note: Pass-through charging requires a charger (not included). Note: To achieve full power for iPad, we recommend using a 45W wall charger.
- Transfer Files in Seconds: Move files to and from your laptop at speeds of up to 5 Gbps via the USB-C and USB-A data ports. Note: The USB C 5Gbps Data port does not support video output.
- HD Display: Connect to the HDMI port to stream or mirror content to an external monitor in resolutions of up to 4K@30Hz. Note: The USB-C ports do not support video output.
- What You Get: Anker 332 USB-C Hub (5-in-1), welcome guide, our worry-free 18-month warranty, and friendly customer service.
Rank #4
- Dual Converters, Infinite Potential：Includes 2× USB C male to USB A female adapters and 2× USB A male to USB C female adapters. Perfect for a wide range of uses—tablets with Bluetooth keyboards, expand USB ports on macbook, and more. Two different converters for all your daily needs
- Next-Level 10Gbps & 3A Charging: No more slow 480Mbps, this usb to usb c adapter has a transfer speed of up to 10Gbps, allowing you to do more transferring in less time. This usb adapter fits both USB A and USB C charger, supporting up to 3A fast charging
- Upgraded Exquisite Craftsmanship: With an aluminum alloy housing and metal connector, the usbc to usb adapter is extremely durable and sturdy. Rigorously tested to withstand more than 10,000 times of plugging and unplugging, ensuring long-lasting performance
- Broad Compatible: The usb c to usb adapter widely supports all USB C/ USB A devices like laptops, tablets, cellphones, car chargers, and phone chargers. Such as compatible with MacBook Pro/Air 2023/2022, Thunderbolt 4/3 Devices,Apple MagSafe Watch 9/8/7/SE/Ultra, iPad Pro 2022/2021, Samsung Galaxy S23/S20/S10, and iPhone 17/16/15 Pro. Plug and play
- Please Note: To reach 10Gbps speed, keep the cable under 3.3 ft. For USB A Male to USB C adapters, try flipping the USB C connector. USB C Male to USB A adapters support bidirectional 10Gbps transfer within 3.3 ft
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
