How long does it take to beat Cyberpunk 2077? The main story alone takes roughly 15 to 20 hours, the story plus the key side jobs around 40 to 50 hours, and a full completion run 70 to 100 hours. The Phantom Liberty expansion adds roughly another 15 to 22 hours of story. These are estimates from PC Gamer and GamesRadar+. Below you’ll find what each category includes and why rushing the main story isn’t the best idea.
How many hours Cyberpunk 2077 takes by playstyle
Every outlet measures a little differently, so we give ranges rather than a single number. Your own time will vary with difficulty, how much you explore and your pace.
| Playstyle | Estimate | PC Gamer / GamesRadar+ |
|---|---|---|
| Main story only | roughly 15–20 h | both within this range |
| Story plus key side jobs | around 40–50 h | 40–50 h / 45–50 h |
| Full completion | roughly 70–100 h | 70–80 h / 80–100 h |
| Phantom Liberty, story | roughly 15–22 h | both within this range |
| Phantom Liberty, everything | around 30 h | 30 h / 30+ h |
We don’t use older estimates from the 2020 launch. Since then the game has received major updates, above all 2.0, and the Phantom Liberty expansion.
Main story only: quick, but you’ll miss things
You can get through the main story in about 15 to 20 hours. It’s the fastest way to the credits, but there’s a catch. The game’s endings also depend on side storylines, so if you only follow the main jobs, you’ll miss some of them.
Which side stories affect the ending is covered in our endings guide. The details there sit behind a spoiler warning, so you can read it even before your first playthrough.
Story with side jobs: the sweet spot
Add the key side jobs to the main story and you’re looking at 40 to 50 hours according to both outlets. PC Gamer puts it at 40 to 50 hours, GamesRadar+ at 45 to 50 hours. You also keep open the endings that depend on those side stories.
If it’s your first time, this is the most sensible plan. Don’t rush the main story, and treat the side jobs that story characters offer you as part of it.
Full completion: 70 to 100 hours
If you want to do absolutely everything in Night City, plan for 70 to 100 hours. This is where the two outlets differ the most: PC Gamer estimates 70 to 80 hours, GamesRadar+ 80 to 100 hours.
Phantom Liberty: when it starts and how much it adds
The Phantom Liberty expansion has its own story in the new district of Dogtown, as the official page describes. That alone takes roughly 15 to 22 hours, about as long as the base game’s main story. With everything the expansion offers, count on around 30 hours.
In a new game you won’t get to the expansion right away. It only opens up after you finish the main job Transmission. When you start a new game, you can also skip straight to Phantom Liberty with a ready-made character, as the 2.0 patch notes explain. According to PC Gamer, though, CD PROJEKT RED doesn’t recommend it.
The expansion also adds a new ending to the base story. If you want to see every option, factor it into your plans.
How to plan your time
For a first playthrough, a simple plan works: play the main story, take the side stories of the characters you care about, and jump into Phantom Liberty as soon as it opens after Transmission. Save the smaller map activities for when you just feel like cruising around the city. For tips on not getting lost in your first hours, see our beginner’s guide.
Join our Discord to share how many hours Cyberpunk 2077 took you and compare with other players. Head over to the GamersTogether Discord.
FAQ
Roughly 15 to 20 hours according to PC Gamer and GamesRadar+. With the main story alone you’ll miss some endings, though, because they depend on side stories.
Roughly 70 to 100 hours. PC Gamer estimates 70 to 80 hours, GamesRadar+ 80 to 100 hours.
The expansion’s story takes roughly 15 to 22 hours, and around 30 hours with everything it offers.
In a new game, after you finish the main job Transmission. When starting a new game, you can also choose to skip straight to the expansion with a ready-made character.
Information verified on 20 October 2026. More guides are waiting in the Cyberpunk 2077 hub.