To fit the sci-fi or "brain-punk" theme of the game, Scarlet Nexus calls each section of the game "Phases" instead of chapters. Because each Phase doesn't take very long to complete, players may be wondering how many Phases it takes to beat Scarlet Nexus. There's also a caveat to how many Phases Scarlet Nexus contains.
Scarlet Nexus explores the stories of Yuito Sumeragi and Kasane Randall, two new but powerful recruits to the OSF, or the Other Suppression Force. It's their job to defeat Others, monstrosities that plague the city. Both protagonists use psychokinesis, similar to telekinetic powers, while other OSF members' specialties vary. Upon starting a new game, players may think that picking between Yuito and Kasane is simply choosing to play a male or a female character, but their storylines are actually quite different. Both characters' stories will begin when they join the OSF, but the experiences, especially down the road, diverge completely.
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Whether playing as Yuito or Kasane, Scarlet Nexus contains 12 Phases. Each Phase doesn't last particularly long. It can take as little as 30 minutes or as much as a couple of hours or so to complete each Phase, depending on battle times and other insignificant variables. In between each Phase is a Standby Phase. These take the playable character and their party back to the hideout to regroup and are a great opportunity for Yuito and Kasane to get to know their group. This is primarily where players will increase bond levels with their teammates, give them gifts, and engage in side conversations pertaining to the main story.
However, Scarlet Nexus is technically longer than 12 Phases. Though Yuito and Kasane's experiences are so different, they cross paths from time to time. For example, there are several instances where Kasane's party will confront Yuito's without explanation. If players want to get the full picture, they should complete both Yuito and Kasane's storylines, meaning a grand total of 24 Phases to complete Scarlet Nexus.
Bandai Namco previously said that players can expect to spend about 40 to 50 hours completing Scarlet Nexus. This includes both Kasane and Yuito's storylines.
Because Scarlet Nexus isn't an open-world game, side missions aren't a significant portion of the game. However, Yuito and Kasane each have several small side quests that they can complete in addition to the main story. But they won't add much playtime to a save file; they primarily task the player with defeating certain enemies with a specific method.
Scarlet Nexus is out now for PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X.