Is Nethack Worth Playing? Exploring The Classic Dungeon Crawler

Is NetHack still actively undergoing development? NetHack, a venerable and enduring video game, traces its origins all the way back to 1987, and it continues to evolve to this day. As of July 7, 2023, the most recent version, NetHack 3.6.13, was released, showcasing the ongoing commitment of the development team to enhance and refine this iconic game.

NetHack is a classic example of a roguelike game, a genre known for its distinct characteristics. In NetHack, players engage in a turn-based and grid-based style of gameplay as they explore intricate dungeons, battling various monsters and uncovering treasures. These dungeons are generated procedurally, ensuring each playthrough offers a unique experience. One crucial aspect of the game is its permadeath feature, which means that if the player character meets an untimely demise, they must begin the game from scratch. This challenging and unforgiving nature of NetHack adds an extra layer of excitement and suspense to the gameplay.

Understanding NetHack’s Gameplay Duration

Are you wondering about the time it takes to complete NetHack? Here’s a breakdown of the game’s various playthrough durations:

1. Main Story: On average, players take approximately 89 hours and 26 minutes to complete the primary storyline of NetHack.

2. Main Story + Extras: If you want to delve deeper into the game and explore additional content, the average time spent reaches around 762 hours.

3. Completionist: For those who aim to experience every aspect of NetHack, including secrets, challenges, and collectibles, it can take an astounding 6,192 hours and 30 minutes.

These figures represent the average completion times across all playstyles, making it clear that NetHack offers a substantial and rewarding gaming experience for those willing to invest the time.