Set in the dystopian, neon-drenched Night City, the game offers a sprawling narrative, countless side quests, diverse character builds, and a deep, reactive world. But with such an expansive offering, one of the most frequently asked questions is: How long does it take to beat Cyberpunk 2077?
The answer varies depending on the type of player you are, what content you choose to engage with, and how you play the game. Here’s a comprehensive breakdown of Cyberpunk 2077’s length based on different playstyles and content engagement.
Main Story Length
If you’re solely focused on completing the main storyline, Cyberpunk 2077 can be surprisingly brief compared to other open-world RPGs. Most players report finishing the main questline in 20 to 30 hours. CD Projekt Red actually shortened the main story compared to The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt after feedback that the previous game was too long.
The main quest is structured around key story arcs that vary depending on your choices, lifepath (Nomad, Streetkid, or Corpo), and certain character decisions. While it’s shorter than some expected, it still delivers a strong narrative punch with multiple endings based on your decisions throughout the game.
Main Story + Side Content
For players who mix in a healthy amount of side content, including gigs, side missions, and character storylines (like those of Panam, Judy, River, and Kerry), the playtime increases significantly. On average, players who take a balanced approach can expect to spend 50 to 70 hours in Night City.
This level of engagement allows you to experience:
Secondary characters’ full questlines
Exploration of Night City’s various districts
Upgrading your cyberware and weapons
Engaging in NCPD scanner hustles and street races
Many of the side quests are deeply narrative-driven, often rivaling the main quests in terms of quality and emotional impact. Some of the most memorable moments in the game come from this optional content.
Completionist Playthrough
For the completionists who want to do and see everything, including every side quest, gig, NCPD event, cyberpsycho sighting, and hidden easter egg, the game can stretch to 100–120 hours or more. Fully leveling your character, acquiring all iconic weapons, maxing out street cred, and unlocking every ending (there are several) adds significantly to the total playtime.
Notably, Cyberpunk 2077 features a branching narrative with different outcomes based on player choices. To see all the game has to offer, multiple playthroughs are required, especially to experience all the lifepaths and endings.
Phantom Liberty Expansion
Released in 2023, the Phantom Liberty expansion adds substantial content to the game, set in the new district of Dogtown. The expansion introduces a spy-thriller narrative, new characters (including Idris Elba’s Solomon Reed), and gameplay mechanics. Completing just the expansion’s main storyline takes around 15–20 hours, while a full exploration of the new content can bring it up to 30–35 hours.
For returning players, Phantom Liberty breathes new life into the game, especially when combined with the 2.0 update which overhauled combat, skill trees, and AI.
Different Playstyles Affect Time
Your playstyle can greatly impact how long Cyberpunk 2077 takes:
Stealth-focused players may take more time planning and executing missions quietly.
Hackers and netrunners often take a methodical approach, which can extend playtime.
Guns-blazing or melee-heavy builds might speed up certain encounters.
Frequent fast traveling can save time, while players who drive everywhere might take longer.
Moreover, the game encourages experimentation with builds and strategies, meaning players might want to try again with a new setup.
Post-Launch Improvements and Replayability
Since its rocky launch in 2020, Cyberpunk 2077 has undergone significant updates and quality-of-life improvements, particularly in the 1.5, 1.6, and 2.0 patches. These updates fixed many bugs, improved performance, and added new content, making the game more enjoyable and increasing its replay value.
Players who only experienced the game at launch may find that a new playthrough—especially with Phantom Liberty—feels like a completely fresh experience.
Cyberpunk 2077 is a game that rewards curiosity and investment. While the main story is relatively short, the depth of its world, the richness of its side quests, and the diversity of playstyles provide hundreds of hours of potential gameplay. Whether you’re in it for the narrative, the action, or the exploration, Cyberpunk 2077 offers a journey through Night City that’s as long—and as memorable—as you want it to be.
