Quick answer
Set aside about 10 hours for a focused story run, or around 15 hours if you want to clear most campaign stages as they appear. The route from the credits to the true ending can take another 10 hours or more, bringing a typical story-plus-post-game plan to roughly 20–25+ hours.
Focused main story
Under 10 hours
Follow the main objectives, complete only the raids you need, and leave most optional stages for later.
Broader story run
Around 15 hours
Clear most newly available stages before moving on to the next major campaign objective.
True-ending route
About 20–25+ hours total
Finish the story, prepare all three Tanks, clear the Hidden Ruins, and reach Bottomless Buffet floor 100.
Full completion
No fixed total
Collections, Super Spicy clears, equipment upgrades, and Bottomless Buffet runs can extend the game far beyond the ending.
Playtime by completion goal
| Goal | Time to plan for | What that includes |
|---|---|---|
| Roll the credits | A little under 10 hours | A direct route through the required campaign objectives |
| Explore most campaign stages | Around 15 hours | Most stages completed as they unlock, plus more equipment and exploration |
| Reach the true ending | Roughly 20–25+ hours | Main story, Hidden Ruins, Bottomless Buffet floor 100, and the secret boss |
| Do everything | No fixed total | Collections, upgrades, harder replays, and optional post-floor-100 runs |
The first two estimates describe different ways to approach the same main campaign. You do not need to clear every visible raid before advancing, so a player following the critical route can reach the credits several hours sooner than someone who explores each branch.
How long is the main story?
The shortest route takes a little under 10 hours. This assumes you focus on the objectives needed to keep the campaign moving and do not stop to complete most optional raids, collections, or equipment projects.
Plan for about 15 hours if you prefer to clear most stages when they become available. This route gives you more opportunities to gain levels, test weapons, develop the three Tanks, and explore the islands before the final story encounter.
Both totals can increase if you replay failed raids, choose a harder difficulty, or spend time improving equipment between expeditions.
Can you finish it in a weekend?
Yes, the main story fits into a focused weekend for many players. A direct run requires roughly three longer sessions, while a broader 15-hour campaign is more comfortable across several days. The true-ending route is better treated as a second phase rather than something you must finish before putting the game down.
Progression note
The next section names post-game modes, the floor-100 objective, and the route to the true ending. It does not describe either ending scene.
How much time does the true ending add?
Reaching the true ending can add 10 hours or more after the credits. The route has several distinct steps:
- Finish the main story and unlock the post-game.
- Develop the Speed, Power, and Tactical Tanks.
- Clear the three Hidden Ruins challenges with all three Tanks.
- Open Bottomless Buffet and advance through its three-floor sets.
- Reach floor 100 and defeat the secret boss.
Combining that post-game estimate with the two main-story playstyles gives a useful total of roughly 20–25+ hours. It is a planning range, so difficult Hidden Ruins attempts or additional equipment work can push the total higher.
What changes your playtime?
- Route choice: several destinations can be visible at once, so optional stages add time without blocking the next main objective.
- Difficulty and failed raids: harder settings and repeated encounters can push the total beyond the estimates.
- Equipment work: farming, Tank upgrades, Gadget Parts, and Weapon Powers increase preparation time.
- Tank preparation: the true-ending route requires progress with all three Tanks, not only your favorite setup.
- Post-game depth: floor 100 completes the ending route, but Bottomless Buffet continues with optional challenges afterward.
How long does 100% completion take?
There is no useful fixed time for 100% completion yet. Rolling the credits and reaching the true ending are clear milestones, but “everything” can also mean:
- clearing the Super Spicy versions of campaign raids;
- collecting outfits, relics, Adventure Files, weapons, and Gadget Parts;
- upgrading Tanks, weapons, gadgets, and the Hideout Ship;
- continuing through randomized Bottomless Buffet floors after floor 100.
Because Bottomless Buffet continues beyond the story objective, endless-mode progress should not be treated as a requirement for finishing the game.
Which finish line should you use?
- Choose the credits if you mainly want the campaign conclusion.
- Choose floor 100 if you want the true ending and the complete narrative route.
- Continue after floor 100 if you enjoy build improvement, collection hunting, and increasingly difficult randomized encounters.
Frequently asked questions
How long does the Splatoon Raiders main story take?
A focused story run takes a little under 10 hours, while clearing most available stages is closer to 15 hours. Difficulty, failed raids, and optional exploration can increase either estimate.
How long does it take to reach the true ending?
Plan for another 10 hours or more after the credits to clear the Hidden Ruins and reach the floor-100 secret boss. Combined with the story, roughly 20–25+ hours is a useful overall target.
Is there a fixed 100% completion time?
No. Optional collections, equipment upgrades, Super Spicy clears, and Bottomless Buffet runs can extend the game well beyond the floor-100 ending milestone.
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