Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas remains one of the most ambitious open-world games ever made, 18 years after it first debuted on the PS2. Not only was it several magnitudes larger than the games that came before it, but it also introduced a number of systems and mechanics that helped make its world feel even more believable and lived in.

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Its scope and overall density would propel it to become the best-selling PS2 game of all time, with more than 27.5 million copies sold as of 2011. And with the arrival of the Grand Theft Auto: The Trilogy - Definitive Edition, that number is only sure to get bigger. For anyone planning to experience the game for the first time, this is how long it is going to take you before the credits roll.

How Long Does It Take To Beat Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas?

A screenshot showing Carl, Ryder, Big Smoke and Sweet in Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas - The Definitive Edition

Comprised of three distinct cities - Los Santos, San Fierro, and Las Venturas - and the open country linking them together, San Andreas is the ultimate GTA sandbox, just ripe for causing all manner of mayhem. But for those players more interested in following its main story, it also holds the distinction of being the game in the series with the most number of missions. The game boasts a total of 105 story missions, spread across the map in such a way that it ensures players get to explore most of the game's three cities.

According to HowLongToBeat.com, a typical playthrough should last around 31 hours on average.

How Long Does It Take To 100% Complete Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas?

A screenshot showing CJ on a bike in front of flames in Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas - The Definitive Edition

Outside of story missions, GTA: San Andreas has the largest number of side activities for players to engage in. These include everything from playing pool, blackjack, basketball, arcade games, roulette, and even practicing at a shooting range, just to name a few. Players can also alter CJ's stats and physical appearance, with endless options for them to shape their version of the character. All this is to say there are unprecedented amounts of content available within San Andrea, which is reflected in its completion times.

According to HowLongToBeat.com, completionists hoping to touch upon everything and unlock all available trophies can expect to spend about 81 and a half hours on average.

NEXT: How Long Does It Take To Beat Grand Theft Auto 3?