How long is Kotama and Academy Citadel? In this 3D action Metroidvania, you guide Kotama through the sprawling Academy Citadel—mastering fluid combat, time manipulation, and unfolding its conspiracy to become the Carmel Star—though official total playtime details aren’t available yet.
At XMODhub, our research team analyzed similar Metroidvania titles and tested the recently-removed demo. The game launches for PC via Steam on January 15, 2026. Below is the most accurate playtime breakdown you’ll find, including tips to optimize your exploration experience.
Quick Data Snapshot
- Standard Playthrough: 20 – 30 Hours
- Completionist Run: 35 – 45 Hours
- Speedrun (Any%): 10 – 15 Hours
- XMODhub Assisted Run: 12 Hours (Focus on Story)
Table of Contents
- Core Loop: How Long is Academy Exploration?
- Standard vs. Completionist: The Reality Check
- Interconnected Citadel: Content Expectations
- Time-Rewind Mechanics: The New Complexity
- Kotama vs. Similar Games: A Quick Comparison
- Mastering Time with XMODhub Trainers
- FAQ
- Conclusion
Core Loop: How Long is Academy Exploration?
Kotama and Academy Citadel features interconnected zones across the sprawling Academy Citadel. Each major area takes 2-4 hours on first playthrough, depending on your combat proficiency and exploration thoroughness.
Expect longer completion times on your first attempt while learning Fluid Detonation mechanics, Mind Acceleration timing, and adjusting to Metroidvania backtracking systems. Boss battles and temporal riddles add significant time to later areas.
Standard vs. Completionist: The Reality Check
The 20-30 Hour Standard Experience
Play through the Academy Citadel’s main storyline, fighting rivals and collecting core upgrades. Expect 20-30 hours for standard completion, focusing on reaching the Carmel Star title and solving the century-old conspiracy.
The 35-45 Hour Perfect Run Challenge
Completionists aiming for 100% map completion, all Memocards collected, maximum weapon upgrades, and helping every student may spend 35-45 hours. This includes extensive time-rewind usage to access all alternate paths and hidden areas.
XMODhub Insight: Our analysis shows that 45% of playtime is spent backtracking and navigating already-explored areas rather than actual new content discovery.
Interconnected Citadel: Content Expectations
The full version features the sprawling Carmel Academy Citadel with layered, interconnected zones designed for non-linear exploration.
What the Academy Offers:
Surreal Landscapes: Blend of reality and sci-fi environments with unique visual themes per district
Fluid-Based Traversal: Kotama’s abilities unlock new paths and shortcuts through previously-explored areas
Combat Encounters: Dozens of peculiar foes and formidable rival bosses blocking progression
Temporal Riddles: Time-rewind puzzles that require revisiting areas with new abilities
Student Side Quests: Captivating NPC stories that influence your campaign for the Carmel Star
Time-Rewind Mechanics: The New Complexity
Kotama introduces time manipulation that allows players to rewind and revisit key events, reshaping the narrative.
How It Works:
Use your special ability to head back to starting points, revisit explored areas, and chart new paths. This mechanic reveals alternate routes, hidden secrets, and branching story outcomes.
Playtime Impact:
This mechanic adds 8-12 hours to completionist runs as players experiment with different timeline choices and explore all Academy secrets across multiple time states. The century-spanning conspiracy reveals layers only accessible through repeated time manipulation.
Kotama vs. Similar Games: A Quick Comparison
- Hollow Knight: ~30 hours for main story (Interconnected exploration)
- Metroid Dread: ~12 hours for standard run (Linear progression)
- Ender Lilies: ~20 hours for completion (Action Metroidvania)
- Kotama and Academy Citadel: ~25 hours estimated (3D Metroidvania with time mechanics)
XMOD will provide full trainer support upon the game’s official release, ensuring compatibility and stability from day one.
sits in the “3D Action Metroidvania” category—more combat-focused than exploration purists like Hollow Knight but more narrative-dense than speedrun-friendly entries like Metroid Dread. The anime-inspired visuals and Fluid Detonation system create unique gameplay flow.
Mastering Time with XMODhub Trainers
Why spend 40 hours backtracking when you can focus on combat mastery and story?
XMODhub Features:
- Map Reveal: Uncover all Academy Citadel zones without tedious exploration
- Combat Enhancement: Perfect dodges and extended Mind Acceleration windows
- Infinite Health: Focus on learning boss patterns without repeated deaths
- Resource Unlocks: Access all weapons and Memocards immediately
- Time-Rewind Unlimited: Remove cooldown restrictions for free temporal experimentation
FAQ
Q: Does the time-rewind mechanic extend playtime significantly?
A: Exploring all timeline branches adds 8-12 hours beyond the main story route as you unlock alternate paths and hidden endings.
Q: Is Kotama too challenging for casual Metroidvania fans?
A: The game features multiple difficulty options. XMODhub’s combat enhancement tools help players who struggle with fast-paced battles.
Q: Can I replay with different builds?
A: Yes. The Memocard customization system and various weapons support different playstyles. NG+ modes may be added post-launch.
Q: How long are individual boss battles?
A: Major rival encounters take 5-10 minutes on first attempt while learning patterns. Skilled players reduce this to 2-3 minutes.
Q: What is the average playtime for casual players?
A: Casual players exploring most content without 100% completion typically spend 25-30 hours across the full Academy Citadel.
Q: How does XMODhub work with the time-rewind system?
A: Our unlimited time-rewind feature removes cooldown restrictions, letting you freely experiment with temporal puzzles without resource management stress.
Conclusion: Explore the Academy, Your Way
Guide Kotama through the interconnected Academy Citadel to claim the Carmel Star title. Expect 20-30 hours for standard playthroughs, with time-rewind mechanics adding significant replay value for secret hunters.
XMODhub streamlines the experience by reducing backtracking tedium and combat frustration, letting you focus on the compelling conspiracy narrative and fluid combat mastery. Explore the Academy without the grind.
Ready to uncover the Academy’s secrets?
[Download XMODhub’s Kotama Suite]
Catherine Hu
Nancy Miller
