Walkthrough vs. playthrough: meaning and difference
A walkthrough is a guide: it explains how to get through a game, step by step, with solutions to puzzles, boss strategies and item locations. A playthrough is one complete run of a game from start to finish. Online it usually means a recorded or streamed run you watch rather than follow, and players also use it for their own runs ("my second playthrough"). A walkthrough is made to help you play; a playthrough is mostly entertainment.
Side by side
| Walkthrough | Playthrough | |
|---|---|---|
| Purpose | Help you finish the game | Show the game being played |
| Format | Text, screenshots or video with instructions | Usually video, often with commentary |
| Content | Optimal routes, collectibles, solutions | One player's choices, mistakes and reactions |
| Typical use | You're stuck or going for 100% | You want to see the story or decide if you'd like the game |
Related terms
- Let's Play: a playthrough with personal commentary, popular on YouTube.
- Longplay: a full playthrough with no commentary, kept for reference.
- Speedrun: a run aimed at finishing as fast as possible.
- Guide: a broader term that includes walkthroughs, build guides and tips.
- FAQ: in older gaming communities, a text guide covering a whole game, often hosted on sites like GameFAQs.
FAQ
Where can I find walkthroughs?
Game wikis, GameFAQs, IGN and Steam Community Guides cover most games. On Steam, open a game's Community Hub and choose Guides.
Is it cheating to use a walkthrough?
No. It's single-player help, and many people use one for missable items or tough puzzles. Using it for everything can take away the fun of discovery, though.
What's the difference between gameplay, longplay and playthrough?
Gameplay is how a game plays, or a short clip showing it. A playthrough covers the whole game, and a longplay is a full playthrough with no commentary.
What makes a good walkthrough?
Clear steps, spoiler warnings, notes on missable content and quick ways to jump to the part you need.