The main story of SOMA takes about 8-10 hours to complete.
Curious about venturing into the depths of SOMA, the chilling underwater thriller? Many players ask, “how long is soma game?” It’s a valid question when considering a new game.
You’ll find it’s a gripping experience that’s neither too short nor excessively long, making it manageable for many. The pacing allows you to fully absorb the narrative and atmosphere.
How Long is SOMA Game?
Okay, so you’re wondering just how much time you need to set aside to play SOMA, that super spooky and thought-provoking game from Frictional Games. That’s a great question! The playtime for SOMA isn’t exactly the same for everyone, and there are a few things that can make it shorter or longer. Let’s dive into all the details and figure out what you can expect. We will break it down so it’s easy to understand. We will discuss average playtimes, what makes the play time different for each person, and how to get the most out of your time in the deep sea.
Average Playthrough Time: A Good Starting Point
Most players find that a single playthrough of SOMA takes about 8 to 10 hours. This is a good average to keep in mind, especially if you are trying to plan a time to play the game. Of course, this isn’t a set-in-stone number. Some people will finish it faster, while others will take more time to explore the underwater facility, think about all the puzzles, and get super into the storyline. This 8 to 10-hour window is a good middle ground to expect on your first playthrough. For example, if you play for 2 hours each day, in about 4 to 5 days, you should be finished playing through the whole story!
Factors That Affect SOMA’s Playtime
Several things can change how long SOMA takes you to complete. It’s not just about how fast you walk from place to place! Some people like to explore every single corner, while others may try to rush through the game. So, let’s explore some reasons why playtime can be shorter or longer.
Your Playing Style: Explorer or Speedrunner?
The way you play games in general plays a huge role in your game time. Do you like to take your time and really look around? If you do, you will probably find all the little notes and computer logs that give you more information about the story. You might find all the hidden things too. All of this takes extra time. If you prefer to move quickly and solve puzzles quickly, then you’ll probably have a shorter playing experience. Some people like to go fast and get to the end! It totally depends on you. So, if you like to explore a lot, you can expect to add 2 to 3 hours extra to your game time, on average.
Puzzle Solving Prowess
SOMA has some pretty tricky puzzles. Most of them aren’t super hard, but they can be tricky enough to slow you down if you get stuck. Some people are really good at puzzles, and if you are one of those, you’ll probably move through the game more quickly. Some people get stuck, and need to think about things a lot. Don’t be ashamed if you find the puzzles a little tricky – it’s all part of the fun. Also, sometimes you might not understand how to do something. This can add a little bit of time to how long you spend in a certain area. The game also doesn’t always show you the answers, so you need to think hard about what you are doing.
Difficulty Settings: Is SOMA Scary?
SOMA doesn’t actually have adjustable difficulty settings in the traditional sense like “easy,” “medium,” or “hard.” It’s designed to be scary and immersive, regardless of how skilled you are at video games. However, the way the game is designed can make it more challenging (and therefore take longer) if you are easily frightened. If you are easily scared by jump scares or being chased by monsters, you may find yourself going a bit slower. You might even need to take breaks! Taking breaks and playing with friends can make the game more enjoyable too! Even if it’s scary, it’s a good scary! It makes you think!
Optional Content: Diving Deeper into the Lore
SOMA is packed with hidden secrets and extra details that help you learn more about the story. You can find lots of computer logs, notes, and audio recordings all around the underwater base. You are not required to find these, but they can add a lot to the story and make it a richer experience. Spending time to find and read all of them will definitely add to your playtime. If you love to read and learn extra parts of the story, then make sure you explore everywhere. This will add to your experience and also your overall playtime. So, if you want to know the complete story, then you will want to take your time and explore.
How Much Time to Allocate for Different Types of Play
Let’s break down play time expectations further, based on different styles of play:
Casual Playthrough
If you play at a steady pace, explore some but not every single thing, and read some of the extra story pieces, then expect to spend around 8 to 10 hours playing the game. This is a good estimate for most players who want a good experience without rushing and want to get the full story. This also includes time that you are stuck on a puzzle and need to think for a little bit. If you just want to play casually and see how long it takes, then plan for around 8 to 10 hours of gameplay time.
Completionist Run
If you are the type of person that wants to see everything, read every computer log, and hear every audio recording, you’ll need more time. A complete playthrough of SOMA, where you are trying to see everything the game has to offer, could easily take you 12 to 15 hours, maybe even more. Finding all the hidden items will take extra time, so make sure you set aside more playtime if that’s what you want to do. This also means you want to spend more time thinking about the story and not rush through. Don’t worry, you are not alone! Some people love to see every single hidden secret!
Speedrun
For people who like to move fast, SOMA can be completed in a much shorter time. Speedrunners, who like to play games very fast, often use special strategies. These strategies help you finish games fast, and are often shared online. They try to avoid fighting, skip cutscenes, and move through the game as quickly as possible. If you learn some of the speedrun tricks, it’s possible to finish SOMA in under 4 hours. Now, this is only for people who are very good at speedrunning, and you’ll need a lot of practice to get that good. Speedrunning is a fun way to play the game, but it’s not for everybody. But it’s always fun to watch people speedrun!
SOMA: Replayability and Why You Might Want to Play Again
Even after you finish SOMA, you might want to play it again! Why, you ask? Well, there are a few good reasons. First, the story is very deep and thought-provoking, and some people may want to play again to really understand it all. Second, if you didn’t find all the secret notes and logs the first time, you can explore again! You might notice new things on your second play through that you didn’t notice the first time. Finally, some people enjoy the spooky atmosphere of the game so much, they like to play it again and again. So, even if you beat the game, it’s worth playing it again sometime!
Exploring Different Perspectives
The story in SOMA can make you think about things in different ways, especially after you finish. Playing the game again may give you a different perspective on the story and the characters. You can sometimes see things in a new light! You may have a different opinion the second time around. Sometimes after seeing all the different endings to the game, you can come away with a different opinion. Having new ideas is a great reason to replay a game.
Achievements and Collectibles
SOMA, like most games, has achievements and collectibles that you might not have gotten on your first run. If you are someone who likes to collect all the in-game items or wants to complete all the achievements, then you’ll definitely want to play SOMA more than once. Also, if you are someone who cares about getting a 100% score, you will definitely need to play more than once.
Tips to Manage Your Time in SOMA
Here are some tips to make the most of your time when you are playing SOMA, and to help you enjoy the game to the fullest:
- Take your time: Don’t rush. The atmosphere and the story are meant to be enjoyed.
- Explore the world: Look at all the nooks and crannies to find additional information.
- Read everything: The computer logs and notes can make the story a lot more interesting.
- Don’t be afraid to pause: If you get scared, take a break. There’s no need to rush the game if you are scared.
- Play with friends: Playing with others can make the game more enjoyable, especially if you get easily scared.
In short, while an average playthrough of SOMA is around 8-10 hours, it’s really up to you how long it takes to play through. Whether you are a speedrunner or a completionist, SOMA is a game that you can enjoy at your own pace. Just make sure you have a good amount of time to enjoy the story and explore the underwater base! And remember, it’s okay to be scared! It’s all part of the fun.
Why SOMA is the Scariest Game I've Ever Played
Final Thoughts
SOMA’s playtime varies, typically landing between 8 and 10 hours for a single playthrough. This can shift slightly depending on player exploration and puzzle-solving skills. Completing optional content can extend your game time beyond this average.
A focused run might be closer to 8 hours, while those carefully examining every detail could reach 10 hours or more. So, ‘how long is soma game’ depends on player style. This provides a compelling horror experience with satisfying length.
