"Five Nights at Freddy's: Secret of the Mimic" takes gamers into the shoes of Arnold, arguably the unluckiest technician alive. Charged with exploring the creepy and animatronic-ridden Murray's Costume Manor, players will have to use their brains and cunning to uncover secrets without getting caught—or worse.
But one question hangs in the air for both fans and newcomers: How long does it take to complete "FNAF: Secret of the Mimic?"
'FNAF: Secret of the Mimic' Story Mode Length
For the majority of players, the primary story of Secret of the Mimic will require around 25 hours of playtime to finish, according to GameRant. This is an estimate based on a fairly comprehensive initial playthrough, considering the game's puzzle-solving nature, stealth-based gameplay, and limited handholding.
In comparison to other games in the "Five Nights at Freddy's" series, this installment is much longer, particularly considering its move toward exploration, lore reveal, and environmental narrative.
Why the Game Takes So Long to Beat
Similar to all major FNAF games, "Secret of the Mimic" lives on secrets. Murray's Costume Manor is replete with lore-heavy collectibles, many of which are hidden in difficult-to-reach places behind pesky puzzles or need a specific Data Diver clearance level. This, of course, gets players coming back to areas and checking every nook and cranny, stretching out playtime.
Another reason is that the game will allow you to learn from mistakes. The game is heavily focused on stealth mechanics, and almost every animatronic encounter is about learning their behavior through trial and error. Unlike some of the previous "FNAF" titles, you can't run from these machines. It's all about accuracy and patience.
There's also no map or clear objective tracking. It's one of the most annoying and time-consuming aspects of the game. This makes players keep track mentally of places, items, and goals, which makes progress slower but also increases immersion and tension. You'll be doing things independently, which helps ensure the story's long playtime.
'FNAF: Secret of the Mimic' vs. Other Franchise Titles
Compared to previous "FNAF" titles such as "Security Breach" or the originals, "Secret of the Mimic" takes a lot longer and is more involved. Those who speed through will finish just shy of 25 hours, but completionists trying to discover all the secrets, lore drops, and Easter eggs will find themselves well past 30 hours.
Is it Worth Taking Your Time With Secret of the Mimic?
This isn't a jump-scare mill you'll speedrun in a single night. With a rich story, layered systems, and deep lore surrounding Edwin Murray and his animatronic creations, "Secret of the Mimic" pays off players who take it slow in their own journey.
