The Longing: Full Game

What Is The Longing?

The Longing is a unique game that takes place in a vast underground world. It is different from other games because it moves forward in real-time, even when you are not playing. The game follows a lonely character who waits for his king to wake up after 400 days. There are no enemies to fight and no fast-paced action. Instead, the game is about patience, exploration, and the passage of time.

A Game That Progresses Even When You’re Away

One of the most interesting things about The Longing is that time continues even when you close the game. The moment you start playing, the 400-day countdown begins. You do not need to keep the game open for time to move forward. If you stop playing for weeks or months, you can return to see what has changed. This makes the game feel different from traditional video games that require constant attention.

Playing as the Lonely Shade: Your Role in the Underground Kingdom

In The Longing, you control a small creature called the Shade. The Shade is a loyal servant to the king and lives alone in the dark caves beneath the kingdom. The king has given the Shade only one task—to wait for 400 days until he wakes up. The Shade has no friends and no guidance, only an empty world to explore. The game allows players to decide how the Shade spends its time.

The King’s 400-Day Slumber: What It Means for the Player

The king has fallen into a deep sleep and will not wake up until 400 days have passed in real-time. This means players can either wait patiently or find ways to make the time more interesting. You can sit in your home and do nothing, or you can explore the underground world. Every choice you make affects how the Shade experiences the long wait.

A Game of Waiting: Real-Time Countdown Explained

The game’s biggest feature is the real-time countdown. Unlike other games where time moves quickly, The Longing uses actual time. Every second, minute, and hour in the game is the same as in real life. There is no way to speed up the 400-day countdown unless you discover secrets that affect time. This creates a slow, peaceful, and sometimes lonely experience.

Exploring the Vast Underground World at Your Own Pace

The underground world in The Longing is large and full of hidden places. You can walk through tunnels, enter caves, and find mysterious rooms. Some paths take minutes to cross, while others take hours. The game does not rush you to go anywhere. Instead, it encourages players to take their time and enjoy the journey.

Finding Purpose: What Can You Do in The Longing?

Even though the game is about waiting, there are many things to do. You can collect items, decorate your home, read books, solve puzzles, and explore hidden areas. Every small action gives the Shade a purpose, making the wait feel more meaningful. The game is not just about reaching the end—it is about how you spend the time.

The Slowest Walk in Gaming: Why There’s No Rush

The Shade moves very slowly. Unlike other games where characters can run or jump, The Longing forces you to walk at a slow pace. This is meant to make players feel the passing of time. The game teaches patience and makes every step feel important. Some players may find it frustrating, but others see it as a way to relax and think.

A Hand-Drawn Underground World Full of Secrets

The entire world in The Longing is hand-drawn, giving it a unique and artistic style. The dark caves, strange statues, and hidden tunnels all have a mysterious look. There are many details to discover, and some areas change over time. The art style makes the underground world feel lonely but beautiful.

Time-Based Puzzles: How Waiting Affects the Game

Some puzzles in The Longing require players to wait. Doors take weeks to open, and plants take months to grow. These puzzles challenge players to be patient. Instead of solving things quickly, you must remember to return after enough time has passed. This makes every discovery feel rewarding.

Multiple Endings: Your Choices Shape the Outcome

The game has different endings depending on what you do. You can wait for the full 400 days and see the king wake up, or you can try to escape the underground world. Your actions decide how the Shade’s story ends. Each ending feels special because it reflects how you played the game.

Atmospheric Dungeon Synth Soundtrack for an Immersive Experience

The game’s soundtrack is slow, calm, and eerie. The music makes the underground world feel mysterious and lonely. It adds to the meditative feeling of the game, making every moment feel deeper. The sound effects, like dripping water and echoing footsteps, also add to the atmosphere.

Hidden Secrets and Easter Eggs: What You Might Discover

The game is full of small surprises for players who explore. There are hidden messages, secret rooms, and strange objects that tell a story. Some secrets take months to uncover, making the game rewarding for curious players.

Waiting for 400 Days Without Playing: A Passive Approach

Some players choose to do nothing and simply wait for 400 days to pass. This is the most passive way to play the game. When they return after more than a year, they can see what happens when the king wakes up.

Actively Exploring the Caves: Finding Items and Secrets

Other players prefer to stay active and explore every corner of the underground world. They collect items, open locked doors, and find hidden areas. This approach makes the waiting time feel more engaging.

Reading Classic Literature in the Game: A Thoughtful Experience

One unique feature in The Longing is the ability to read real books in the game. The Shade has a collection of classic literature, including works by famous authors. You can spend time reading while waiting, making the game feel even more reflective.

Defying the King’s Orders: Can You Escape the Underground?

The king orders the Shade to wait, but there are ways to leave the underground world. Some players try to escape before the 400 days are over. Finding a way out is not easy, but it leads to a different ending.

How to Make Time Pass Faster in The Longing

There are ways to make time move faster in the game. Decorating your home, reading books, and completing certain actions can speed up the countdown. These small tricks help players who do not want to wait the full 400 days.

Collecting Items to Improve Your Underground Home

The Shade can collect furniture, decorations, and other objects to make the home feel more comfortable. This adds a sense of personal space to the game.

Managing Loneliness: Keeping the Shade Engaged

Since the Shade is alone, it can feel sad at times. Keeping it busy by exploring, decorating, and reading helps prevent loneliness. This small detail makes the character feel more real.

Decorating Your Home: Items and Aesthetics

Players can arrange items in the home however they like. The more comfortable the home, the easier it is to pass the time.

Books and Literature: A Unique Way to Pass the Time

Reading books in the game is a meaningful way to spend time. The Shade can finish long books over weeks or months, making reading feel real.

A Meditative and Thought-Provoking Adventure

The Longing is not just a game—it is an experience. It makes players think about time, patience, and loneliness. The slow pace gives time for reflection.

The Emotional Connection to the Shade

Spending so much time with the Shade creates an emotional bond. Players start to care about its well-being, making choices that feel personal.

Who Should Try The Longing?

This game is perfect for players who enjoy slow, thoughtful experiences. It is not for those who want fast action but is great for those who like exploration and patience.

A Game That Challenges Your Perception of Time

The Longing makes players rethink how they experience time in games and in real life. It shows that waiting can be meaningful.

The Longing: Full Game

The full version of the game gives players everything they need. There are no limits, and every player can experience the full 400-day journey in their own way.