So, you’re getting into the weird world of Disco Elysium. A question pops up: “Is there a time limit in this bizarre detective RPG?” You’re not alone, detective. Many players wonder if they have to solve the case before something worse happens. Let’s figure it out!
Disco Elysium: Days and Deadlines – Decoding the Clock
First thing: Is there a time limit to finish Disco Elysium? Is there a deadline in Martinaise? The answer is yes and no. Confused? Don’t worry, so is Harry most of the time. Technically, Disco Elysium spans a maximum of ten in-game days. You have ten days to solve the mystery and piece together Harry’s shattered life. Think of it as an intense, strange week and a bit.
Now, before you panic about speedrunning through Revachol, let’s clarify. Ten days sound restrictive, right? Like you’re on a ticking clock. In a way, you are, but not in a game-over sense. Those ten days are like chapters in a very peculiar book. Each day offers new opportunities, areas to explore, characters to meet, and clues for your investigation. As
Solving the central murder mystery will likely take you around twenty hours of playtime, give or take. It depends on your playstyle and distractions from Harry’s inner thoughts (trust me, they are distracting). But rushing to meet a deadline isn’t the way to play Disco Elysium. The game thrives on exploration, dialogue, and sheer weirdness.
Remember, even without a strict “game over” timer, time still matters in Disco Elysium. Certain optional quests are time-sensitive. Miss a day, miss the quest. Opportunities come and go. You might be too busy arguing with your necktie to notice you’ve missed a crucial conversation available only that morning. That’s life as a detective in Revachol.
Time Marches On (Sometimes) – In-Game Time Mechanics
Disco Elysium uses a real-time clock and a day-night system. This isn’t just for show; it genuinely affects gameplay in Martinaise. The time dictates who you’ll find, which shops are open or closed, and what quests may be available. Got to meet a character for info? They might be available at a specific hour only. Miss it, and you’ll have to wait. Patience, detective.
Now for a quirky detail: time doesn’t move when you’re wandering. You can explore Martinaise while muttering philosophical nonsense, and the clock will stop. Time only progresses during dialogues, reading thoughts in your Thought Cabinet, or actions. This may become troublesome if you’re waiting for an event to trigger while pacing impatiently. Maybe do an interpretive dance?
Speaking of time, let’s delve into Harry’s… vices. Drugs have a time-based effect in Disco Elysium. Pop a Plaisance and enjoy that blissful oblivion for one hour of in-game time. Use it wisely, but remember the clock is ticking even during your haze.
Points of No Return – Heads Up, Detective!
Though there isn’t continuous pressure, Disco Elysium has two major points of no return. The game doesn’t throw you into them without a heads-up. These moments are heavily signposted, with flashing neon signs warning you about crossing a threshold.
Your partner Kim Kitsuragi and the cacophony in Harry’s mind will warn you that “there will be no going back” once you proceed. There’s absolutely no ambiguity. It’s like the game is saying, “Are you really sure? Because things are about to get… final.” So pay attention to those signs, detective. They mean something.
How Long Will This Bizarre Trip Last? Game Length Breakdown
You know there are ten days, but how long does Harry’s bizarre journey last? It depends on your approach. If focused strictly on the main story, ignoring side content and just solving the murder, expect about 23 and a half hours.
But really, who plays Disco Elysium and ignores side quests? It’s like going to a buffet and only eating breadsticks. If you embrace the main story and extra content– the strange side quests and bizarre conversations – you’ll likely clock in around 32 and a half hours. Completionists aiming for 100% completion can expect to dedicate about 47 hours. That’s a significant investment in the glorious mess of Disco Elysium.
Achievement hunters can rejoice: completing all 32 achievements may take from 60 to 80 hours. For true completionists, wanting to see everything, it could easily be 60+ hours. If you savor every detail and explore every corner of Martinaise, you may stretch your playtime to 90 hours or more. If you rush through to see the credits roll, you might manage it in around 30 hours. But honestly, why rush Disco Elysium?
Endings: How Many Ways Can This Go Wrong (or Right)?
After all that time, what awaits you at the end? Disco Elysium features six possible endings. Although as the
The Ghost of ZA/UM – What About Disco Elysium 2?
A lingering question is: Disco Elysium 2? Unfortunately, a sequel along with an expansion was in development but has been cancelled. Yes, the dream of more Revachol adventures remains just a dream for now. Getting stuck in this game is one challenge; being stuck without more of it is another pain.
While ZA/UM still exists, the studio faced significant departures. Many key creative minds behind Disco Elysium have moved on to new ventures. So while we may hope for a return to Martinaise someday, for now, cherish the wonderfully weird and time-constrained (but not really) experience that is Disco Elysium. Now get out there, detective. Solve that case… before the ten days are up or whenever you want.
