So, you're diving into Persona 5 Strikers, huh? Great choice! But let's be real, you're also wondering how long this stylish road trip is gonna take. I get it. We all have lives (sort of).
The "Official" Numbers (and Why They're a Lie)
You'll see numbers thrown around online. "Oh, just 40-50 hours!" they say. Please. These people are either speedrunners or they skipped every single cutscene. And honestly, who skips those?
Then there are the completionists. The "I must do EVERYTHING" crowd. They're clocking in at 70-80 hours. I respect the dedication, but my brain would probably melt. No thanks.
My Unpopular Opinion: It's Longer Than You Think
Okay, here's where I get honest. If you're like me, easily distracted by side quests and the sheer joy of beating up shadows, you're looking at closer to 60+ hours. Maybe even more!
Don't get me wrong, the story is great. The characters are amazing (looking at you, Joker). But the sheer volume of stuff to do adds up. It's like a delicious buffet, and you just keep going back for more.
What Eats Up Your Time?
First, those darn side quests. They seem simple, but they add up fast. "Go get me three of this rare item!" said no Phantom Thief ever, until now.
Then there's grinding. Because let's face it, some of those boss fights are brutal. You'll need to level up your Personas and your characters to stand a chance.
And let's not forget the cooking. Gotta make those recipes for stat boosts! I may or may not have spent an hour just experimenting with different ingredients. Don't judge me!
So, How Long Really?
Here's my honest breakdown, based on my own totally average gameplay: Main story only (skipping most side content): 45-55 hours. Main story + some side quests: 60-70 hours. Completionist run (all quests, maxing everything): 70+ hours.
It really depends on your play style. Are you a speed demon or a sightseeing tourist? There's no wrong way to enjoy Persona 5 Strikers.
Just remember to take breaks! Don't burn yourself out. Enjoy the music, the characters, and the ridiculous combat. And maybe, just maybe, you'll beat it in under 50 hours. But probably not. Hehe.
Tips to "Shorten" the Experience (Kind Of)
Focus on the main story first. You can always go back and do side quests later (or not!). This will give you a good sense of the overall plot and help you prioritize.
Don't be afraid to use guides. If you're stuck on a puzzle or can't find a certain item, a quick Google search can save you hours of frustration. Time saved is time...saved!
And finally, embrace the grind. Okay, maybe "embrace" is too strong. But try to find ways to make it fun. Listen to a podcast, chat with friends online, or just enjoy the satisfaction of watching those numbers go up.
Ultimately, the length of Persona 5 Strikers is what you make it. So, buckle up, Phantom Thief. You're in for a wild ride. Just don't expect it to be a short one!
Because in the end, isn't the journey more important than the destination? (Okay, maybe not when you're staring down a super-powered boss. But you get my point!)