The average playthrough of Sifu takes around 10-15 hours, but it can extend significantly based on player skill and desired completion level.
Thinking about jumping into the challenging world of Sifu? One question often pops up: how long is Sifu game? Well, it’s a game that respects your time but also rewards persistence and dedication.
The first run will likely be longer while you learn the combat. Subsequent runs can be much quicker, especially if you improve your skills.
The length of play also depends on whether you aim to fully complete the game with all the hidden secrets and alternate endings.
How Long is Sifu Game? A Detailed Look at Playtime
So, you’re thinking about picking up Sifu, the challenging kung fu game where you age every time you fail? One of the big questions on everyone’s mind is: how much time am I going to spend playing this thing? Well, the answer isn’t as straightforward as “10 hours” or “20 hours.” It really depends on your skill, your playstyle, and how much you want to explore the game’s many layers. Let’s dive deep into what affects Sifu’s playtime and what you can expect from this intense martial arts journey.
Average Playthrough Time for Sifu
For most players tackling Sifu for the first time, the primary goal is simply reaching the end credits. The initial run can be quite a learning experience, filled with tough enemies and complex fighting sequences. Based on our testing and player feedback, here’s what you can typically expect:
- First Playthrough (Focusing on Beating the Game): Most players will spend between 10 and 20 hours completing their first run. This timeframe accounts for the learning curve, the frequent deaths, and the need to repeat sections to get past difficult bosses.
- Players With Fighting Game Experience: If you have experience with other demanding action games, particularly those involving hand-to-hand combat, you might find yourself finishing the first run closer to the 10 to 12-hour mark.
- Players New to the Genre: If you’re new to this kind of game, especially one that is challenging with a lot of repetition, expect to spend more time, potentially 20 hours or more.
The Impact of Difficulty on Playtime
Sifu isn’t shy about its difficulty. The game presents a serious test right from the get-go. Every time you fall, you age. And the aging comes with penalties, like reduced health, while giving you a boost in attacking power. The more you fail, the older you get, and the harder the game becomes. Because of this unique system, the difficulty has a big impact on how long the game takes to finish:
- Lower Difficulty Settings: While there’s no traditional difficulty selection, the game has ways to slightly lower the pain. By replaying levels you already beat and defeating bosses at a younger age, you can get upgrades for future runs and make the game easier on yourself.
- High Difficulty and Permadeath: Some players take the opposite approach, challenging themselves with stricter rules and intentionally trying to beat the game with as few lives as possible, which can add several hours to their playtime.
Factors Affecting Sifu’s Playtime
Several factors, besides basic skill, can change how long you play Sifu. Let’s break those down:
Learning the Combat System
Sifu’s fighting system is very deep, with a huge focus on timing and proper defense. You don’t just button mash your way through. You must learn the moves, how to parry, and how to avoid damage. This is not a game for people who don’t like to practice. The better you become at fighting, the faster you’ll be able to work through areas. You will spend more time in the beginning, but you will become faster the more you play. The learning curve can add some extra hours early on, but it pays off later.
Moves and Combos
The game gives you a basic set of moves early, but it allows you to add new moves from the skill trees using the points you earn through gameplay. Learning these new moves and incorporating them into your fighting style takes time. Figuring out the best time to use certain moves and developing efficient combo attacks is a big part of the experience. Expect to spend time in practice areas learning new attacks.
Parrying and Dodging
Sifu’s combat system isn’t just about hitting first. Often, it is about defending yourself properly. The game relies heavily on parrying and dodging attacks. Mastering these defensive skills is crucial for survival. It will take some time to get these down. For instance, learning when to parry and when to evade can be tricky. There will be times when you dodge when you should have parried, or vice versa. The more you play the better you will become.
Exploration and Optional Areas
While Sifu is primarily a linear experience, there are small paths to explore and secrets to find in each of the levels. Finding the extra stuff, like the shrines, that provide boosts for the next level and different ways to approach combat, can add some time to your run.
Replaying Levels for Younger Ages
To really beat Sifu, you need to get better, not just get lucky. The game encourages replaying old levels to reach the boss encounter at an early age. Doing this can help you progress further into the game, and it can add more time overall. Each boss gets harder if you are old, so it benefits you to start each level as young as possible. The game rewards players who play well. It encourages players to replay to get perfect runs through the levels.
Side Objectives and Trophies/Achievements
For those who are looking to fully complete Sifu, some additional objectives can add a ton of extra playtime.
- Collecting all collectibles : The game has some hidden lore items scattered across the levels. These can add to the story and also add more things to do within the levels.
- Achieving trophies/achievements : Players who enjoy completing games and are aiming for 100% will find Sifu has a set of challenging trophies/achievements. These include beating the game at a very young age and taking down all of the enemies. This will add significant playtime for any player.
Extended Playtime: Beyond the First Run
Once you finish your first run, the game still offers opportunities for more playtime. Here are a few ways to keep playing Sifu:
Perfecting Your Runs
Many players find themselves wanting to beat Sifu at a very young age. Beating each boss in their 20s, or even lower, can be a real challenge. This goal requires a lot of practice and knowledge of the combat system. You have to know all of the best counters to the enemy moves, and when to dodge and parry. This can add several extra hours for the most dedicated players.
New Game Plus
Sifu doesn’t have a direct New Game Plus mode. Instead, your saved game keeps track of the age you were during each boss fight. If you want a new game plus, you have to delete the save file. While not traditional, this is an added layer of replayability for players. Players who want to have the toughest experience can replay the game and beat the bosses while still being very old.
Experiments with Different Fighting Styles
Sifu encourages experimenting with new skills and finding different ways to fight. After you have beat the game once, you might want to try a new fighting approach by spending your points on different skills. This can be another reason to keep playing.
A Table Summarizing Playtime Estimates
| Playstyle | Approximate Playtime | Description |
|---|---|---|
| First Playthrough (Aiming to finish) | 10-20 hours | Focusing on beating all levels, and facing all the bosses |
| Experienced Fighting Game Player | 10-12 hours | Experience playing other action games means you understand fighting mechanics faster |
| New to Genre Player | 20+ hours | If you have not played difficult action games before, there will be a higher learning curve |
| Completing Optional Content | 5-10 extra hours | Includes exploration, finding all collectibles, and facing extra enemies. |
| Replaying for Younger Age Runs | 10+ extra hours | Trying to beat the game while keeping the character young will add a lot of time |
| Achieving 100% Completion | 25+ extra hours | Getting all the trophies will be a long undertaking. |
Is Sifu Worth the Playtime Investment?
Despite the challenging combat and the time it takes to complete, many players see the time spent in Sifu as time well spent. The satisfying feeling of learning the combat, working your way through the levels, and finally defeating a boss after many attempts is worth the struggle. The game’s unique aging mechanic also adds a layer of consequence that keeps each run engaging. If you want a great action game that will test your skill, you’ll likely find the game well worth your time. Even the times you fail, you’re gaining experience that helps you succeed in the future.
Ultimately, how long you spend with Sifu is up to you. You can play to just beat the story, or you can try to become a true kung-fu master. The game is a great experience that will stick with you for a long time.
Sifu's Game Length – How Long Will It Be?
Final Thoughts
Sifu’s playtime varies depending on skill. A first playthrough might take around 10-15 hours. Skilled players will complete it much faster.
Completing all the challenges and achieving the true ending adds significant replay time. This process greatly extends the initial experience.
So, how long is Sifu game? Expect anywhere from 10 to 25 hours depending on your approach to combat and exploration. It provides good value.
