Find out how many hours of gameplay Hell is Us offers before it launches on September 4, 2025, for PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X/S.
Hell is Us is the latest game from Canadian studio Rogue Factor, designed specifically for a mature audience. At its core is not only a dark story about identity and war but also a bold design choice: no map, no quest markers, no waypoints. Instead, you’ll have to rely entirely on your instincts. Here’s how much time you should set aside to make it through.
Hell is Us playtime: How many hours to expect
According to game designer Simon Girard, Hell is Us offers a balanced mix of combat and exploration. In an interview during this year’s Gamescom, Girard revealed that both mechanics split the overall playtime roughly down the middle.
The narrative focuses on Rémi’s personal past, the impact of a civil war on the population, and a supernatural threat known as the “Calamity.”
Girard also shared the official playtime for Hell is Us:
“The game lasts around 25 to 30 hours if you focus only on the main story. Add in some side quests and you’re looking at about 40 hours — and if you go for full completion, a bit more. Our philosophy is quality over quantity: no padding, no grinding, no artificial filler. Our promise is that every single one of those 25 hours will be worth it and a blast to play.”
Since developers’ official estimates often differ from the average player’s actual experience, here’s how long we expect Hell is Us to take depending on your playstyle (with some natural variation):
- Main story and exploration: If you stick to the main storyline, pay attention to clues, and explore at a steady pace, expect around 30 to 35 hours. Without quest markers, this can vary depending on your sense of direction.
- Main and side quests: If you also complete all available side missions, you’ll likely spend around 40 to 45 hours in total.
- A 100% run: Fully exploring every region, tracking down all hidden clues, and gathering every bit of lore about the supernatural enemies could push the playtime to at least 50 hours.
Independent thinking instead of a clear path
According to Girard, Hell is Us is aimed at players who enjoy thinking for themselves and carefully observing their surroundings. Instead of branching dialogue trees with preset answers, there are short conversations with more than 160 NPCs where every line might be important. You won’t rely on maps or arrows for guidance but on subtle clues like smoke trails, distinctive architecture, or political graffiti.
If you miss the thread hidden in conversations or environmental details, you can easily lose track. The game expects you to remember names, locations, and clues or use the “mindmap system” to piece them together. This mechanic works like a visual notebook, helping you organize what you’ve learned.
Hell is Us will be released on September 4, 2025, for PC, PS5, and Xbox Series X/S. If you’re up for an atmospheric adventure without traditional hand-holding, this game promises a long and rewarding challenge.
