CASE FILE // F-16

How Long Does Kill The Shadow Take to Beat?

Kill The Shadow is a branching detective RPG, so play time depends on how thoroughly you investigate. Here is what we know so far.

FILE

Play Time Estimates

Estimates are based on our Chapter 1 playthrough, the free demo and early player reports. Total-game numbers will be updated as more data arrives.

PlaythroughEstimateNotes
Free demo (first part)About 1–2 hoursCovers the opening and a slice of Chapter 1
Chapter 1 (verified)About 2–3 hoursFactory case: Teddy's death + the father's secret
Full game (estimate)15–25 hoursMulti-case structure with side investigations; ⚠️ to be confirmed
100% completion30+ hoursAll cases, endings and choices; ⚠️ to be confirmed
LEADS

Why Length Varies

A detective RPG with choices plays very differently per person.

  • Time rewind lets you retry failed moments — thorough players spend longer on every conversation

  • Crime-scene reconstruction rewards close inspection; skipping it shortens the game

  • Multiple endings mean repeat playthroughs to see all outcomes

  • Side characters and optional leads (like Rafe's story) add significant time

LEADS

How to Play Faster (or Longer)

Set the pace you want.

  • To finish faster: focus on main case objectives and use time rewind only when a conversation locks you out

  • To see everything: inspect every document, replay each crime scene, and talk to all characters before choosing

  • Save before chapter-end choices — endings branch from these decisions

  • The free demo is a quick way to feel the length before committing

QA

Length FAQ

How long is Kill The Shadow?+
Early estimates put a full playthrough at 15–25 hours, with 100% completion over 30 hours. These are estimates to be confirmed as more players finish the game.
How long is the demo?+
About 1–2 hours, covering the opening and part of Chapter 1.
How long is Chapter 1?+
Our verified playthrough took about 2–3 hours, including the factory case and side investigations.
Does replay add time?+
Yes — multiple endings and choices encourage a second playthrough to see different outcomes.
Is there a New Game+ or speedrun-friendly mode?+
Not confirmed at launch. Time rewind itself makes the game faster to replay once you know the answers.