Starfield - How Long Is the Main Campaign?

Todd Howard shows his watch
Credit: Bethesda

Todd Howard shows his watch
Credit: Bethesda

Starfield is one massive sci-fi epic adventure. Many of you will wonder what time it takes to beat the main quest in the game. Coming from Todd Howard and Bethesda, it should be no surprise that it may take some time to see everything the galaxy offers wannabe astronauts.

With over 1000 planets to travel to and some of the biggest cities Bethesda has ever made, it will definitely not be a quick jaunt to the finish line. So whether you're a casual player or a completionist, let's see how long it takes to beat Starfield.

How Long Is Starfield's Main Story?

When we speak about the main quest line, we're talking about the story that revolves around the Constellation faction, the uncovering of the artifacts, and learning about the powers and Starborn.

The player meets constellation in their base
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Credit: Bethesda

The main quest in Starfield, even being played with a focus that ignores all shiny distractions, will take roughly 20½ Hours for the average player. If you take your time with Starfield, this can go up to 35 hours. This estimate comes directly from HowLongToBeat, who have tracked over 500 players. On the other hand, speedrunners have Starfield beat in under an hour.

It would align with a rough time-to-beat estimate for the recent Fallout and Elder Scrolls games. However, most of you won't just be focused solely on main story quests. There are tons of faction quests to try out.

Main Story and Side Quests Length in Starfield

Bethesda loves side missions, so much so that in past titles, it is sometimes difficult to get everything you would like done. Some side stories even become sprawling explorative missions that take you to unknown places for some epic adventuring. For example, The UC Vanguard questline, Freestar Collective questline, Ryujin Industries, and Crimson Fleet questlines are self-contained stories that take 5-6 hours each.

Player walks to the door of constellations base
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Credit: Bethesda

So, with all the major side missions and activities considered, Starfield will take you around 64 Hours to beat and experience all the faction storylines and major sidequests.

That's not even counting the players who will attempt to be the first to land on every one of those 1000 planets throughout the galaxy and try to 100% survey them. Those completionists are looking at a much longer time to beat Starfield.

How Long Does it Take to 100% Starfield?

If you're one of the people who wish to experience everything Bethesda has packed into Starfield, then you're looking at a whopping 104 Hours minimum, with those playing at a leisurely pace having to play at 250 hours. The reality of the average experience will lie somewhere between these two numbers, and we can't give an exact figure for this. One thing is for sure, though: this grind is not for the faint-hearted.

starfield ending unity for new game plus after beating game
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While you are here, check out some of our other Starfield articles, like our Starfield Patches Hub or one of our mission walkthroughs. If you've beaten Starfield, try your hand at New Game Plus, or if you're still playing the game, be sure to check our best weapons guide.

For all things Starfield, stick with us at Starfield Portal.

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