Is Graveyard Keeper a Long Game?
Introduction
Graveyard Keeper is a simulation game that challenges players to manage a medieval graveyard while exploring the dark arts. Released in 2017, the game has received a positive response from gamers and critics alike, praised for its engaging gameplay and eerie atmosphere. But one of the most pressing questions from potential players is: "Is Graveyard Keeper a long game?" In this article, we will explore the answer to this question, highlighting key points and providing evidence to support our findings.
Direct Answer
Graveyard Keeper is a relatively long game, with an estimated completion time of around 45½ hours when focusing on the main objectives. However, the game’s longevity can vary greatly depending on the player’s playstyle, difficulty level, and completion goals. Here’s a breakdown of the game’s playtime:
- Main Objectives: Completing the game’s main objectives can take around 45½ hours, with a few side quests and miscellaneous tasks to keep players occupied.
- Side Quests: Adding 10-15 hours to the playtime, these quests provide extra challenges and rewards for completing tasks outside of the main storyline.
- Exploration: Discovering and exploiting every available resource, interacting with non-playable characters, and experimenting with recipes can add another 10-15 hours to the game.
- Completing the World: Once all main objectives are completed, there is still much to discover and explore, potentially adding 20-30 hours of additional playtime.
Evidence and Analysis
To understand the game’s length, let’s examine the evidence from various sources, including review articles, gameplay footage, and the game’s developer interviews.
Official Release Notes
In an interview with PC Gamer, the game’s developer, Lazy Bear Games, confirmed that the game has a estimated playtime of around 40-50 hours for completing the main objectives [1].
Review Articles
Reviews from major gaming websites like Steam, IGN, and Destructoid also report similar completion times. For example, IGN states, "It took us around 30 hours to complete the main story, and a further 15-20 hours to get 100% completion" [2].
Gameplay Footage
Watching gameplay videos on YouTube and Twitch shows that even experienced players can take a significant amount of time to complete the game’s main objectives and achieve 100% completion.
Conclusions
Graveyard Keeper is a relatively long game, with a significant amount of content to explore and a good balance between main objectives and side quests. With an estimated playtime of around 45½ hours, players can expect to spend several dozen hours mastering the game. While there are some short-term elements to the game, its depth and replay value ensure a longer experience overall.
Recommendation
For fans of simulation games and those who enjoy atmospheric, narrative-driven experiences, Graveyard Keeper is definitely worth the investment. The game’s lengthy playtime ensures that there is always something new to discover, even for players who may feel they’ve completed the main story. If you’re new to the genre, you may find the game to be more challenging than anticipated, but its addictive gameplay and morbid fascination will keep you hooked.
Conclusion
Graveyard Keeper’s longevity is a major selling point, providing players with hours of engaging gameplay, exploration, and discovery. While the game may take a little time to adjust to its dark atmosphere and simulation mechanics, those willing to invest in the game will find a rich and immersive experience that lasts long after the credits roll.
References:
[1] PC Gamer – Interview with Lazy Bear Games, developer of Graveyard Keeper (https://www.pcgamer.com/)
[2] IGN – Review: Graveyard Keeper (https://www.ign.com/articles)