Table of Contents
Some games grip you for a weekend; others become lifelong hobbies. This article focuses on those games, old and new, that keep you thinking about them day and night.
Whether it’s their depth, challenge, or sheer addictiveness, certain games have a way of keeping players coming back for thousands of hours. These are games that are fun and never seem to get old, even if they are actually, well, old.
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2010s and 2020s: Games That Are Fun for Thousands of Hours
1. Baldur’s Gate 3 (2023)
Larian Studios’ masterpiece has deep role-playing mechanics, massive replayability, and an incredible branching narrative that makes every playthrough feel unique.
2. Escape from Tarkov (2017)
A brutal, hyper-realistic extraction shooter that blends looting, survival, and PvP in a way that keeps players coming back for more.
3. Factorio (2016)
A dream for automation and efficiency enthusiasts, Factorio lets you build increasingly complex production lines in an ever-evolving challenge.
4. Overwatch (2016)
Blizzard’s team-based shooter revolutionized hero-based gameplay with unique characters and fast-paced action that keeps the meta shifting. The original game is no longer available to play.
5. RimWorld (2016)
A colony sim that tells emergent stories through its deep AI-driven interactions. No two playthroughs are ever the same.
6. Rocket League (2015)
Soccer with rocket-powered cars. For free! The skill ceiling is sky-high, and the competitive scene is still thriving.
7. Fallout 4 (2015)
With settlement building, an expansive open world, and countless quests, Fallout 4 is an RPG that keeps pulling players back.
8. Grand Theft Auto V (2013)
Even after a decade, GTA Online continues to grow with heists, racing, and an endless sandbox for player creativity.
9. Dota 2 (2013)
One of the deepest competitive games ever made, Dota 2 has kept players engaged with its limitless strategy and evolving gameplay.
10. Warframe (2013)
A fast-paced, ever-expanding free-to-play shooter with deep customization and a massive galaxy to explore.
11. Path of Exile (2013)
A hardcore ARPG with a near-infinite build variety, seasonal updates, and a free-to-play model that never feels exploitative.
12. The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim (2011)
One of the most beloved RPGs of all time, thanks to its open world, deep lore, and a modding community that keeps it alive.
13. Terraria (2011)
A 2D sandbox game with crafting, exploration, and deep boss fights—often compared to Minecraft but with more RPG elements.
14. Minecraft (2011)
One of the best-selling games ever, Minecraft offers endless creativity, survival challenges, and a thriving modding community.
2000s: Games That Are Fun for Thousands of Hours
15. League of Legends (2009)
The most popular MOBA in the world, League of Legends has remained a competitive staple for over a decade.
16. Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 (2009)
The FPS that redefined online multiplayer shooters, with legendary maps and fast-paced gunplay.
17. Team Fortress 2 (2007)
A class-based multiplayer shooter with a thriving modding community and an unmatched sense of humor.
18. World of Warcraft (2004)
The MMO that defined the genre, WoW has kept millions of players engaged with expansions and endless in-game activities.
19. Counter-Strike: Source (2004)
A tactical FPS that shaped competitive gaming with its precise gunplay and strategic gameplay.
20. Diablo II (2000)
A legendary action RPG that set the standard for loot-driven gameplay, with deep character builds and endless replayability.
21. Warcraft III: The Frozen Throne (2003)
More than just a great RTS, it gave birth to the MOBA genre with the Defense of the Ancients (DotA) mod.
22. The Elder Scrolls III: Morrowind (2002)
A deep and atmospheric RPG that offers unparalleled player freedom and some of the best storytelling in the series.
Pre-2000s: Games That Are Fun for Thousands of Hours
23. Civilization III (2001)
A classic turn-based strategy game that had players saying “just one more turn” until the sun came up.
24. EverQuest (1999)
One of the first successful MMORPGs, EverQuest remains a nostalgia trip for those who love hardcore grinding and teamwork.
25. Heroes of Might and Magic III (1999)
A beloved turn-based strategy game that still has an active community and remains a staple for strategy fans.
26. RollerCoaster Tycoon (1999)
A theme park simulation game that lets you build the craziest coasters imaginable—and watch your guests react (or vomit).
27. Quake III Arena (1999)
A pure, skill-based arena shooter that set the gold standard for fast-paced FPS gameplay.
28. StarCraft: Brood War (1998)
One of the most skill-intensive RTS games ever made, still played competitively over two decades later.
29. Fallout 2 (1998)
One of the best RPGs of all time, known for its deep choices, dark humor, and replayability.
30. Ultima Online (1997)
An MMORPG pioneer that introduced open-world PvP, player-driven economies, and an endless sandbox experience.
FAQ: Games That Are Fun for Thousands of Hours
What are games that are fun and can be played for thousands of hours?
Games with high replayability, deep mechanics, and active communities tend to last the longest. Titles like World of Warcraft, Minecraft, Skyrim, and Dota 2 keep players engaged for years with endless content, player-driven experiences, or evolving challenges.
What makes a game fun for long periods?
Games that are fun for extended playtimes typically offer a mix of player choice, skill development, and unpredictable outcomes. Open-world RPGs, strategy games, MMOs, and competitive multiplayer games often have near-endless replayability due to updates, community mods, or shifting metas.
Which online games have the most playtime potential?
MMORPGs like World of Warcraft and RuneScape, MOBAs like League of Legends and Dota 2, and multiplayer shooters like Counter-Strike and Overwatch are among the most time-consuming. These games that are fun have competitive elements, social interaction, and constant content updates.
Are single-player games also fun for thousands of hours?
Yes! Games like Skyrim, Fallout 4, Civilization III, and The Elder Scrolls III: Morrowind provide deep stories, open-ended gameplay, and mod support, making them just as engaging as multiplayer titles.
Which game has the most hours played by players?
MMOs like World of Warcraft and EVE Online have players logging thousands of hours over decades. In the single-player space, Minecraft and Skyrim are some of the most-played games due to their sandbox nature and massive modding communities.
Are newer games as long-lasting as older classics?
Some newer titles, like Baldur’s Gate 3, Factorio, and Escape from Tarkov, are proving to have immense replay value. However, classics like Diablo II and StarCraft: Brood War remain among the longest-played games that are fun due to their depth and timeless mechanics.
AJ Harkness
AJ has been Editor-In-Chief of Outsider Gaming since December, 2024. He first began gaming on a Nintendo 64 in the 90s, eventually graduating to Gameboys and Xboxes, before landing on his platform of choice, the PC. His all-time favorite games include Rimworld, The Sims, Football Manager, Rocket League, Factorio, Crusader Kings, Europa Universalis, Rust, Cities Skylines, and Project Zomboid.
