Summary
As one of the most popular entertainment franchises,Marvelgames span a wide variety of genres, extending beyond traditional action games and open-world adventures.From deck-buildingand live-service titles totactical strategy games, every Marvel fan can find a game that features beloved superheroes from comics and movies and spend dozens of hours immersed in this universe.
In the past, many Marvel games were low-quality tie-ins released alongside big movie premieres to capitalize on fan excitement. But those days are long gone. Today, most Marvel games are some of the most expensive, standalone titles set in their own separate universes, with no direct connections toexisting Marvel filmsor other games. Below, we’ll take a look at some of the best Marvel games that take the longest to complete.
Since it’s difficult to pinpoint exact playtime for multiplayer or live-service games likeMarvel RivalsorMarvel Snap, only games with a dedicated story mode are included in this list.
Marvel’s Spider-Man: Miles Moralesis essentially a more compact version ofMarvel’s Spider-Man, set within the same world and NYC map (albeit during a different season). It allows players to fullystep into the shoes of Miles Moralesfor the first time in the series. (The character later returns as a playable protagonist inMarvel’s Spider-Man 2.) While not lacking in quality compared to the main installment,Spider-Man: Miles Moralesoffers a more streamlined story that can potentially be completed in a single sitting.
However, players can extend their time in the game. The open world is packed with challenges, hidden collectibles, and side activities to explore. Web-slinging through a snow-covered New York is as exhilarating as ever, while Miles' personal journey remains both exciting and endearing, making it easy for fans to stay engaged.
LEGO games based on popularentertainment franchises have long carved out their own niche, typically featuring an extensive roster of characters, iconic locations, and action-packed missions filled with collectibles.LEGO Marvel Super Heroesis no exception. The game presents an all-original wacky story spanning the entire Marvel Universe. Players can control over 100 different superheroes and supervillains, such as…well, there’s probably little point to even start counting.
With a fairly standard story campaign lasting around 12 hours, that’s just the beginning for any dedicated Marvel fan. Discovering all the secrets and unlocking every character will take much longer, offering at least a couple of weeks of intense gameplay for completionists.
Comparable in size to its predecessor’s main story,LEGO Marvel Super Heroes 2offers an even more expansive adventure. It features a vast array of Marvel characters and villains — not just the most popular ones, but also rarer figures from across the Marvel multiverse and newer comic books,appealing to specific groups of fans. Additionally, the sequel introduces a much-improved and more robust character creator, unlocking greater possibilities for customization.
While the world of Chronopolis is more diverse than Manhattan in the first game, the overall size remains similar. However, the level design and hub areas inLEGO Marvel Super Heroes 2are even more intricate, packed with secrets and unlockables. Forplayers aiming to discover and collect everything, this brick-built superhero dimension offers plenty of playtime.
Marvel’s Avengerscould potentially rank as the longest Marvel game ever, if players choose to complete its many endgame missions and challenges rather than just focusing on the cinematic story campaign. However, for most players, there isn’t much incentive to continue playing after the story unless they enjoy the combat and are committed to leveling up each hero in the roster.
The game features a variety of playable superheroes,including Captain America, Black Widow, Thor, Iron Man, Hulk, Hawkeye, Ms. Marvel, Kate Bishop, Black Panther, Mighty Thor, Winter Soldier, and Spider-Man (PlayStation exclusive). While not all of them are available throughout the main story, each character has a distinct set of moves and skills, making it worthwhile for fans to experiment with different playstyles. Although thegame has been delisted from digital storefronts, it remains fully playable, as Square Enix has yet to announce when its servers will be shut down.
Almost akin toMarvel’s Midnight Suns,Marvel’s Guardians of the Galaxywent largely underappreciated, somewhat overshadowed byMarvel’s Avengers’mixed reception. As a result, many players assumedGuardians of the Galaxywas more of the same, which couldn’t be further from the truth. Instead, the game is better compared to something like theUnchartedseries — a narrative-driven experience with a lengthy campaign where characters and story take center stage, free from tedious grinding.
Marvel’s Guardians of the Galaxypresented an original version of the Guardians thatnever felt inferior to their beloved movie counterparts, while avoiding an attempt to mimic James Gunn’s films. The combat may not be as satisfying as some might hope. However, in every other aspect—from graphics and soundtrack to story and character dynamics—the game is a hidden gem. It’s an absolute must-play for both Marvel fans and lovers of story-driven adventure games.
While sequels are typically more expansive and lengthier than their predecessors,Marvel’s Spider-Man 2is a surprising exception, offering less content than the original. To its credit, the sequel’s main story is comparable in playtime and just as engaging. It’s packed with epic villain battles, Venom’s transformation, and exhilarating action sequences that will leave players in awe.
Despite an expanded NYC map and two playable characters,Marvel’s Spider-Man 2features fewer side activities, and with less of the repetition that was an issue in the first game. As a result, the sequel offersone of the easier Platinum trophies for PS5players to obtain. Unlike its predecessor,Spider-Man 2has never received any post-launch content packs to extend player engagement, so there’s little to do after completing the story.
The originalMarvel’s Spider-Manwas a massive hit and remains one of the best-selling PS4 games. Upon release, it was widely regarded asthe best Spider-Man game to date, thanks to its incredible web-slinging mechanics, expansive and visually stunning world, spectacular yet accessible combat system, and an engaging, albeit somewhat familiar, story.
Insomniac’s game delivered a story-driven experience set in an open world filled with side missions, collectibles, and various activities to complete. In addition to receiving a remastered version with improved graphics and an updated character design, the game also received three expansions bundled asThe City That Never Sleeps.These added an extra six to twelve hours of gameplay.
The longest Marvel single-player game to date from any standpoint,Marvel’s Midnight Sunsfeatures a lengthy story campaign packed with heroes and events. Players also have access to an array of side missions, challenges, and activities that can keep them occupied for around 100 hours.Midnight Sunsalso carves out a niche of its own, blending strategic turn-based combat akin toXCOM, deck-building mechanics, and aSims-like hub area where players can solve puzzles and build relationships with iconic Marvel superheroes. The game allows players to create their own customizable protagonist, The Hunter, who possesses powerful magic abilities.
Despite its unique appeal and strong execution from masters of the genre,Marvel’s Midnight Sunswent largely underappreciated. From its diverse character roster — including Blade, Ghost Rider, Wolverine, and Scarlet Witch, each with their signature combat moves — to the engaging hub activities designed for the most dedicated Marvel fans, the game is both intriguing and rewarding for those willing to immerse themselves in its world.
