HowLongToBeat
FreeCommunity-driven database tracking game completion times for main story, extras, and completionist runs across thousands of games.
What does this tool do?
HowLongToBeat is a crowdsourced database that aggregates player-reported completion times for video games across three playstyle categories: main story, main plus extras, and completionist (100%). The core value proposition is helping gamers make informed purchase decisions by showing realistic time-to-completion estimates before buying. Beyond simple time tracking, it functions as a personal game management system—users can catalog their library, import Steam collections, mark games as completed or retired, create custom lists, and compare their playtimes against community averages. The platform includes an accuracy rating system to help users trust data quality, and provides statistics dashboards showing completion trends and gaming habits. Essentially, it bridges the gap between impulse game purchases and understanding actual time investment required.
AI analysis from Feb 23, 2026
Key Features
- Crowdsourced game completion time database with three playstyle categories (main story, main+extras, completionist)
- Steam library import and automatic game catalog population from user accounts
- Personal game management with backlog, completed, retired, and custom list organization
- Accuracy rating system showing data reliability per game entry
- Community comparison metrics allowing users to see how their completion times rank against other players
- Profile statistics dashboard with filtering, export, and playthrough data visualization
- Game card interface displaying time estimates with visual accuracy indicators
Use Cases
- 1Evaluating whether a game purchase is justified before spending money on a title with unclear playtime
- 2Planning gaming backlog completion by estimating total hours needed across owned-but-unplayed games
- 3Tracking personal gaming statistics and comparing individual completion times against community averages
- 4Managing large Steam libraries by cataloging, organizing into custom lists, and marking progress on hundreds of games
- 5Deciding which game to start next based on available free time and completion time estimates
- 6Building achievement motivation by marking games as completed and visualizing gaming history over time
Pros & Cons
Advantages
- Community-driven data provides realistic, crowdsourced time estimates rather than publisher claims, with accuracy ratings showing data reliability per game
- Three-tier completion breakdown (main story, main+extras, completionist) allows users to match estimates to their actual playstyle preferences
- Seamless Steam library integration automatically populates user collections, eliminating manual game entry for large libraries
- Personal profile features enable backlog management, custom list creation, and statistics tracking without requiring premium subscription
- Lightweight, fast interface with no bloat—focused purely on game information and personal tracking without ads cluttering the experience
Limitations
- Data accuracy varies significantly by game popularity; niche or newer titles may have limited submissions leading to unreliable time estimates
- No integration with other gaming platforms beyond Steam, limiting utility for console-only or Epic Games Store players
- Community-driven model means outdated or incorrect data can persist if few users are actively reporting times for specific games
- Pricing model not transparently displayed on homepage—unclear if premium features exist or if entire platform is free, creating uncertainty about long-term sustainability
- Time estimates don't account for individual skill level, game difficulty settings, or playstyle variations within the same category
Pricing Details
Pricing details not publicly available. The website does not display subscription plans, premium tiers, or pricing information on the homepage, suggesting the core platform may be entirely free, though confirmation requires account creation or deeper site exploration.
Who is this for?
PC gamers (particularly Steam users) with moderate-to-large game libraries who want to make informed purchase decisions, manage backlogs strategically, and track gaming habits. Best suited for players aged 18-45 who balance gaming with limited free time and want to maximize value from game purchases. Also relevant for completionists and achievement hunters who care about tracking progress and comparing performance against peers.