How long is Craftlings — how long does it really take to build a thriving settlement from scratch? In this nostalgic strategy game inspired by ’90s classics, you guide your Craftlings to gather resources, construct buildings, and optimize automated production chains across diverse biomes.
At XMODhub, our research team analyzed the developer’s four-year journey and tested early community feedback. 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 settlement building experience.
Quick Data Snapshot
- Standard Playthrough: 15 – 25 Hours
- Completionist Run: 30 – 40 Hours
- Speedrun (All Levels): 8 – 12 Hours
- XMODhub Assisted Run: 6 Hours (Focus on Strategy)
Table of Contents
- Core Loop: How Long is Each Level?
- Standard vs. Completionist: The Reality Check
- 12 Handcrafted Levels: Content Expectations
- Rank System & Replayability: The New Complexity
- Craftlings vs. Similar Games: A Quick Comparison
- Mastering Time with XMODhub Trainers
- Settlement Builder FAQ
Core Loop: How Long is Each Level?
Craftlings features 12 handcrafted levels across distinct biomes, each with unique objectives and challenges. Each level takes 1-3 hours on first playthrough, depending on your optimization strategy.
Expect longer completion times on your first attempt while learning production chain mechanics and adjusting to resource management systems. Later levels with advanced buildings and complex production requirements take additional time.
Standard vs. Completionist: The Reality Check
The 15-25 Hour Standard Experience
Play through all 12 levels, managing Craftlings to gather resources and construct buildings. Expect 15-25 hours for standard completion, focusing on meeting each level’s core objectives.
The 30-40 Hour Perfect Run Challenge
Completionists aiming for optimal settlement layouts, maximum efficiency ratings, and all 7 global ranks may spend 30-40 hours. This includes experimenting with different production chain configurations and replaying levels for better performance.
XMODhub Insight: Our analysis shows that 40% of playtime is spent on resource gathering and waiting for production chains to complete rather than actual strategic planning.
12 Handcrafted Levels: Content Expectations
The full version contains 12 unique levels, all unlocked from the start for non-linear progression. This allows players to tackle challenges in their preferred order.
What Each Level Offers:
Distinct Biomes: Desert, forest, cold environments, each with unique vegetation and building types
Unique Objectives: Different end goals per level, from reaching population targets to constructing specific buildings
Progressive Difficulty: Later levels introduce complex production chains requiring advanced resource management
Town Hall Upgrades: Each level gates certain buildings behind Town Hall progression, requiring strategic prioritization
Rank System & Replayability: The New Complexity
Craftlings introduces a global rank system with 7 unique ranks, encouraging speedrunning and optimization strategies.
How It Works:
Players compete for faster completion times while maintaining settlement efficiency. The rank system tracks both speed and resource optimization, rewarding smart planning over brute force.
Playtime Impact:
This mechanic adds 10-15 hours to completionist runs as players experiment with optimal building placement, profession switching strategies, and production chain routing to achieve higher ranks.
Craftlings vs. Similar Games: A Quick Comparison
Craftlings sits in the “Strategic Settlement Builder” category—more automation-focused than pure city builders but more challenging than idle management games. The pixel art aesthetic conceals deep production chain mechanics.
Mastering Time with XMODhub Trainers
Why spend 30 hours on resource gathering when you can focus on strategic optimization?
XMOD will provide full trainer support upon the game’s official release, ensuring compatibility and stability from day one.
XMODhub Features:
- Resource Multipliers: Get 10x resources to eliminate tedious gathering
- Instant Construction: Complete building projects immediately for faster layout testing
- Building Unlock: Access all buildings to experiment with production chain configurations
- Profession Automation: Auto-switch Craftling roles based on settlement needs
- Population Control: Optimize Craftling counts for better performance
Settlement Builder FAQ
Q: Does the rank system extend playtime significantly?
A: Chasing all 7 ranks adds 10-15 hours beyond the initial playthrough as you optimize strategies for faster completion times.
Q: Is Craftlings too tedious for narrative-focused players?
A: The game prioritizes strategy over story. XMODhub automation tools reduce repetitive tasks, letting you focus on settlement planning.
Q: Can I replay levels with different strategies?
A: Yes. All 12 levels are unlocked from the start, allowing experimentation with various approaches and production chain configurations.
Q: How long is each biome?
A: Each of the 12 handcrafted levels takes 1-3 hours on first attempt. Experienced players can complete levels in under 1 hour when speedrunning.
Q: What is the average playtime for casual players?
A: Casual players focused on completing objectives without optimization typically spend 20-25 hours across all 12 levels.
Conclusion: Build Your Settlement, Your Way
Guide your Craftlings to prosperity across 12 unique biomes. Expect 15-25 hours for standard playthroughs, with the global rank system adding significant replayability for completionists.
XMODhub streamlines the experience by reducing tedious resource gathering, letting you focus on strategic planning and settlement optimization. Build your colony without the grind.
Ready to build your colony?
[Download XMODhub’s Craftlings Suite]
Catherine Hu
Nancy Miller
