The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time is one of the most iconic and beloved games in video game history, celebrated for its groundbreaking gameplay, immersive world, and compelling story. Since its release, many players have wondered about the length of the game how long does it take to fully experience Ocarina of Time? This question often depends on several factors such as the player’s familiarity with the game, playstyle, and whether they aim to complete only the main story or also explore side quests and collectibles. Understanding the typical playtime for Ocarina of Time can help gamers plan their adventure and appreciate the depth of this timeless classic.
Main Story Completion Time
For players focusing primarily on completing the main storyline of Ocarina of Time, the average completion time varies but generally falls within a certain range. The main story involves guiding Link through various dungeons, solving puzzles, defeating bosses, and ultimately confronting the antagonist to save Hyrule. This core narrative journey is rich but concise enough for players to complete without extensive exploration.
Estimated Time for First-Time Players
- Approximately 20 to 30 hours
- Includes learning mechanics and game world navigation
- Time spent solving puzzles and dungeon challenges
First-time players might take longer because of the learning curve involved in mastering controls and understanding the story’s progression. This duration is a general estimate and can vary based on individual skill and playstyle.
Experienced Players’ Completion Time
- Approximately 15 to 20 hours
- Faster navigation through known puzzles and dungeons
- Reduced exploration time due to familiarity
Players familiar with Ocarina of Time or similar adventure games often complete the main story more quickly, leveraging prior knowledge to efficiently progress through the game.
Completionist Playthrough Length
For those interested in fully experiencing all the content Ocarina of Time has to offer, the playtime extends significantly beyond the main story. This includes collecting all heart pieces, masks, exploring every area thoroughly, completing side quests, and obtaining all upgrades. The game offers a wealth of hidden secrets and additional challenges that add hours of gameplay.
What Does a Completionist Playthrough Include?
- Collecting all 36 heart pieces to increase health
- Completing all side quests like the Gold Skulltula quest
- Gathering all masks in the game
- Exploring every nook and cranny of Hyrule
- Upgrading equipment and exploring optional dungeons
Completionist players often spend about 40 to 50 hours or more to achieve 100% completion, depending on how thoroughly they explore and how quickly they solve puzzles and challenges.
Speedrunning Ocarina of Time
Speedrunning is a popular way to experience Ocarina of Time for players seeking to complete the game as fast as possible. The speedrunning community has developed various categories, such as Any%, 100%, and glitchless runs, each with different completion times.
Common Speedrun Categories and Times
- Any%: Completing the game as quickly as possible by any means, including glitches around 20 to 30 minutes for top runners
- 100%: Completing the game fully, including all collectibles about 2 to 3 hours for skilled speedrunners
- Glitchless: Completing the game without exploiting glitches generally between 1 to 2 hours
These times highlight how differently the game can be approached depending on player goals and skill levels.
Factors Affecting Playtime
Several factors influence how long it takes to finish Ocarina of Time. Players should consider these to set realistic expectations for their gameplay experience.
Player Experience
New players unfamiliar with the game or the Zelda franchise may take more time to explore, solve puzzles, and understand game mechanics. Experienced players, especially those who have played other Zelda titles, may progress faster.
Exploration and Side Quests
Some players enjoy immersing themselves in the world by completing side quests, talking to NPCs, and uncovering every secret, which naturally extends playtime.
Playstyle and Objectives
Casual players may prioritize story progression, while completionists and achievement hunters will spend extra hours seeking every collectible. Additionally, players interested in mastering combat and challenges will invest more time.
Platform and Version Differences
Ocarina of Time has been released on multiple platforms, including the Nintendo 64, GameCube, and Switch. Some versions may offer quality-of-life improvements or changes that affect playtime, such as faster loading times or updated controls.
Why the Length Matters to Players
Understanding how long Ocarina of Time takes to complete helps players plan their gameplay sessions and manage expectations. Whether a player has a limited amount of time or wants to dedicate themselves fully, knowing the typical duration allows for a more enjoyable experience without rushing or losing interest.
Balancing Playtime and Enjoyment
- Long enough to provide a deep, immersive experience
- Not too long to feel tedious or overwhelming
- Offers replayability due to varied approaches and secrets
Ocarina of Time strikes a balance that has helped it remain a favorite for decades.
The length of The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time varies widely based on how a player chooses to experience it. Main story completion typically ranges from 15 to 30 hours, depending on experience and playstyle. Completionists may spend 40 to 50 hours or more to unlock every secret and quest. Meanwhile, speedrunners showcase the game’s potential for rapid completion in under an hour using advanced techniques. Regardless of the approach, Ocarina of Time offers a rich, rewarding adventure that continues to captivate players with its well-crafted world and timeless gameplay. Whether you’re a newcomer or a returning hero, the time invested in this game is always well spent.