How long is Detective Pikachu Returns? Main story length & time to beat

Lucas Simons
Detective Pikachu climbing on Alolan Exeggutor

Detective Pikachu Returns is the latest iteration of the beloved Pokemon spin-off by Nintendo, and it takes players into a thrilling cinematic adventure that follows Tim and Pikachu’s journey in the search of Detective Harry Goodman. But how long does it take to beat the game? Here’s what we know.

Detective Pikachu Returns is a game that explores the misadventures of Tim Goodman and his partner Pokemon, Detective Pikachu, as they explore the many weird events happening in Ryme City as they look for Tim’s missing father, Harry Goodman.

Detective Goodman, who was also Pikachu’s former partner, disappeared two years ago, and Pikachu and Tim are still looking for him as they deal with the aftermaths of the infamous “R” case. Detective Pikachu Returns is the continuation of the previous iteration published in 2016 by Nintendo and The Pokemon Company.

But players might be wondering, how long does it take to complete Detective Pikachu Returns? Here’s how long it will take to complete the game and the extra content.

Whimsicott in Detective Pikachu Returns
Sometimes, clues about the cases are hidden in plain sight, so watch out for them.

How long to beat Detective Pikachu Returns

To complete the main storyline of Detective Pikachu Returns, players will need to invest an average of 12 to 13 hours.

Searching for clues, secrets, and hidden Pokemon will take an additional two hours to complete all the extras and additional content.

Tim and Detective Pikachu find Hariyama and Poliwrath
Taking detours can lead to finding interesting Pokemon, clues and side cases.

Keep in mind that Detective Pikachu Returns is an episodic adventure, and players can re-visit each case/episode from the loading menu. This can be a good feature for completionist players that want to discover everything there is to know about the mysterious cases happening in Ryme City.

And that’s how long it will take you to complete the main storyline in Detective Pikachu Returns. If you are still thirsty for more Pokemon content and guides, you can also check these:

How to get all starters in Pokemon Scarlet & Violet | How to evolve Feebas into Milotic in Pokemon Scarlet & Violet | How to get Phantump and Trevenant in Pokemon Scarlet & Violet | How to get Jangmo-o, Hakamo-o and Kommo-o in Pokemon Scarlet & Violet | Pokemon Scarlet & Violet Tera Raid Battles explained | Pokemon Scarlet & Violet Terastal Phenomenon explained | How to get all Evolution Stones in Pokemon Scarlet & Violet | How to get Mystery Egg in Pokemon Scarlet & Violet The Teal Mask DLC

About The Author

Lucas was a Games Writer for CharlieIntel, specializing in covering Pokemon, including Scarlet & Violet, Pokemon Go, and TCG. A former Game Reviewer and PR Liaison for HD Tecnologia (ARG), Lucas is also an Audiovisual Media Producer, Game Designer, Narrative Designer, and author, having published several books including Press Start, a guide to video game writing and world building.