Layers of Fear (2023) repaints the stories of the first two games and their DLC into a bloodcurdling combined frame story. By joining all the existing stories and their multiple endings with smaller new experiences, Bloober Studios has provided the longest gameplay experience in the series to date.
First Playthrough
The first time players experience the story in Layers of Fear (2023), they should expect to spend roughly 10–15 hours to complete all 5 stories. This amount will vary depending on how thorough players are in regard to exploring and collecting notes and story items, as well as which ending they are hoping to achieve (and which corresponding collectibles must be found); however, for a first playthrough, it is highly recommended that players take their time to get familiar with the twisting, twisted hallways in each setting. Players will not have a map to reference, and with the ever-changing environment around them, players will reduce time on subsequent playthrough the more they explore during their initial run. If exploring and reading at a casual pace, players should expect to spend approximately 5 hours to complete the Painter's Story, 6 hours to complete the Actor's Story, 2 hours to complete the Daughter's Story, and 3 hours to complete the Musician's Story. Players will also spend up to an hour on the segments that comprise the Writer's Story and cutscenes.
Completing the Story
Ultimately, those looking to fully complete the game and experience all endings will need to replay certain chapters multiple times, significantly expanding the potential completion time across subsequent playthroughs. Using the Chapters menu from the main menu, players can replay specific segments of stories in an attempt to find any remaining collectibles, or to alter the choices made and rooms explored in search of a different ending. Certain endings will require player behaviors such as completely avoiding certain rooms, collectible types, or combat encounters. With prior knowledge of puzzles and pathways, and without slowing down to hunt achievements/trophies or collectibles, players can expect to replay stories in roughly half the time of their first completion. As there are a total of 11 different endings across the 4 sub stories, fully completing the story of Layers of Fear (2023) will require players to spend 30–40 hours in the games haunted hallways.
Layers of Fear (2023) is available now on PC, Playstation 4 and 5, and Xbox One and Series S|X.