How Long Does It Take to Beat Celeste? Unveiling the Playtime Secrets

If you’re a fan of challenging platformers, chances are you’ve heard of Celeste. It’s a game that has earned its place in the hearts of gamers for its gripping story and intense platforming action. But if you’re gearing up to tackle Celeste’s mountainous adventure, you might be wondering just how much time it will take to reach the summit.

We’re here to provide some insights into the average playtime for the main story, what happens when you dive into optional content, and how speedrunners blaze through the game. So, if you’re curious about how long your journey up Celeste Mountain might be, read on for some answers!

How Long Does It Take to Beat Celeste?

Main Story:

For players experiencing Celeste’s main story for the first time and focusing primarily on the core levels, on average, it would take about 8 hours and 30 minutes. This includes conquering the challenging platforming obstacles, overcoming the game’s narrative challenges, and progressing through the main storyline.

Main Story + Some Extras:

For players who not only complete the main story but also take the time to find some of the hidden strawberries, unlock some of the B-side levels, and explore optional content, the gameplay duration is 12 to 15 hours.

Completionists (100%):

Those aiming for 100% completion in Celeste—finding all strawberries, completing the B-side and C-side levels, and uncovering the game’s numerous secrets—can expect to invest around 36 to 38 hours. This includes mastering the most challenging parts of the game and fully immersing themselves in Celeste’s world.

Speedruns:

Speedrunners in Celeste aim to finish the game as quickly as possible using advanced techniques and shortcuts. As of writing, the speedrun record for Celeste’s main story is 25 minutes and 15 seconds.

Factors that Influence Playtime

While these in-game factors play a crucial role in determining playtime, they also contribute to the unique and rewarding experience that Celeste offers to players. Whether you’re striving for perfection or simply enjoying the journey, Celeste’s flexible gameplay elements accommodate a wide range of playstyles and preferences. Keep in mind that the combination of these factors ensures that Celeste remains a challenging and engaging adventure, regardless of the time it takes to complete.

Skill Level: The player’s skill level is one of the most significant factors affecting playtime in Celeste. Experienced platformer players with quick reflexes may progress through the levels more rapidly, while those new to the genre or seeking a greater challenge may take longer to complete each section.

Difficulty Settings: Celeste offers various difficulty settings, including Assist Mode, which can make the game easier for players who find it too challenging. Adjusting the difficulty can significantly impact how quickly or slowly players progress through the game.

Collectible Pursuit: The pursuit of collectibles, such as strawberries and crystal hearts, can extend playtime considerably. Some players may dedicate extra time to find and collect all of these hidden items, adding hours to their overall playtime.

Optional Content: Celeste features challenging B-side and C-side levels, which are entirely optional but offer additional gameplay and narrative insights. Completing these levels can substantially increase the playtime for players who choose to tackle them.

Death Count: Celeste keeps track of the number of deaths a player accumulates during their playthrough. Players aiming for a low death count may spend more time on each level, carefully honing their skills and strategies.

Exploration: Some players may take their time to thoroughly explore each level, uncovering secret rooms and hidden paths. This exploratory approach can significantly lengthen the playtime as they seek out every nook and cranny.

Learning Curve: Celeste’s learning curve can vary from player to player. Some may quickly adapt to its mechanics, while others may require more time to grasp the intricate platforming challenges. This learning curve can impact how long it takes to progress through the game.

These in-game factors, along with the player’s personal preferences and goals, collectively contribute to the wide range of playtimes one can experience while playing Celeste.

Criteria for 100% Completion – Celeste:

To achieve 100% completion in Celeste and fully immerse yourself in the game’s challenging and rewarding experience, you’ll need to meet the following criteria:

Collect All Strawberries: To truly master Celeste, you must collect every strawberry scattered throughout the game’s levels. Some of these strawberries are cleverly hidden and require keen observation and precise platforming to obtain.

Complete All B-Side and C-Side Levels: Celeste features additional B-side and even more challenging C-side levels for those seeking an extra test of their skills. To achieve 100% completion, you’ll need to conquer these optional levels, which are often known for their complexity and difficulty.

Find All Crystal Hearts: Crystal hearts are another set of hidden collectibles, each tucked away in a secret location within various levels. These heart-pounding challenges must be overcome to claim them all.

Uncover All Secret Rooms and Passages: Celeste is full of secrets, including hidden rooms and passages that offer unique gameplay challenges and narrative insights. To achieve 100% completion, you’ll need to explore every corner of the game and uncover these well-guarded secrets.

Achieve a Low Death Count: While there is no specific death count requirement for 100% completion, many players aim for a low death count as a personal challenge. Mastering the game’s mechanics and minimizing deaths is a testament to your platforming prowess.

Experience the Core Narrative: Beyond the collectibles and challenges, experiencing the core narrative of Celeste is essential. Engage with the game’s story, characters, and emotional depth as you progress through each level.

Discover the Game’s Easter Eggs and Lore: Celeste is known for its rich lore and hidden easter eggs. Dig deeper into the game’s world by uncovering these well-crafted narrative elements and secrets.

Personal Mastery and Satisfaction: Ultimately, 100% completion in Celeste is not just about meeting specific in-game criteria; it’s about the personal satisfaction of mastering the game’s mechanics and conquering its toughest challenges. Enjoy the journey and celebrate your achievements along the way.

Meeting these criteria for 100% completion in Celeste is a challenging but immensely rewarding endeavor. It showcases your dedication, platforming skills, and your ability to fully explore and appreciate the depths of this indie gem.