Best Short Games to Play in One Sitting
I've lost count of how many times I've found myself with just a few hours to spare before bed, scrolling through my gaming library, trying to decide on a game that's short enough to fit within my l...
December 20, 2025 · 8 min read
Been gaming since the PS1 days. I have opinions and I'm not afraid to share them. If a game respects my time, I'll respect it back.
I've lost count of how many times I've found myself with just a few hours to spare before bed, scrolling through my gaming library, trying to decide on a game that's short enough to fit within my limited time frame. It's a feeling many gamers can relate to - you want something that's going to engage you, but won't leave you feeling guilty for not having a whole weekend to devote to it. That's where the best short games come in.
These bite-sized experiences can be just as satisfying as their longer counterparts, and often come with the added bonus of being easily digestible in small chunks. In this article, we'll be counting down some of the best short games out there, perfect for those moments when you need something to fill a gap.
10. A Short Hike
A Short Hike
adamgryu
Jul 30, 2019
Hike, climb, and soar through the peaceful mountainside landscapes of Hawk Peak Provincial Park as you make your way to the summit.
A Short Hike is a great example of a game that's both short and sweet. In this charming adventure game, you play as Claire, a bird who sets out to reach the summit of Hawk Peak Provincial Park. Along the way, you'll encounter a cast of colorful characters, and uncover the secrets of the park.
The gameplay is simple but engaging, with a mix of exploration, puzzle-solving, and soaring through the skies. It's a game that's easy to pick up and play in short bursts, making it perfect for those moments when you need something to fill a gap.
Our Pick for Best Story: What Remains of Edith Finch
What Remains of Edith Finch
Giant Sparrow · Annapurna Interactive
Apr 24, 2017
What Remains of Edith Finch is a collection of short stories about a cursed family in Washington State. Each story offers a chance to experience t…
What Remains of Edith Finch is a beautifully crafted narrative-driven game that tells the story of a family's history through a series of vignettes. Each story is unique and engaging, with a mix of interactive elements and cinematic moments.
The game is short, lasting around 2-3 hours, but it's a game that's well worth playing. The story is engaging and emotional, and the interactive elements add a new layer of depth to the narrative.
9. What Remains of Edith Finch
What Remains of Edith Finch is a great example of a game that's both short and narratively rich. The game's focus on storytelling and atmosphere makes it a great fit for those looking for a more relaxed gaming experience.
The game has received widespread critical acclaim for its unique storytelling and beautiful visuals. If you're looking for a game that's going to engage you on an emotional level, What Remains of Edith Finch is definitely worth checking out.
Our Pick for Best Puzzle Game: The Talos Principle
The Talos Principle: Deluxe Edition
Croteam · Devolver Digital
Oct 13, 2015
The Talos Principle is a philosophical first-person puzzle game from Croteam, the creators of the Serious Sam series, and written by Tom Jubert (FT…
The Talos Principle is a first-person puzzle game that challenges you to solve increasingly complex puzzles using a variety of tools and techniques. The game is set in a philosophical world that's rich in atmosphere and ideas.
The gameplay is engaging and challenging, with a mix of logic-based puzzles and more abstract challenges. The game is short, lasting around 10-12 hours, but it's a game that's well worth playing.
8. The Talos Principle
The Talos Principle is a great example of a game that's both challenging and thought-provoking. The game's focus on puzzle-solving and philosophical themes makes it a great fit for those looking for a more cerebral gaming experience.
The game has received widespread critical acclaim for its challenging puzzles and beautiful visuals. If you're looking for a game that's going to challenge you, The Talos Principle is definitely worth checking out.
Our Pick for Best Emotional Experience: Night in the Woods
Night in the Woods
Infinite Fall · Finji
Feb 21, 2017
Night In The Woods is an adventure game heavily focused on story, characters and exploration, with some platforming to get around town. Mae's a cat…
Night in the Woods is a narrative-driven game that follows the story of Mae, a cat who returns to her hometown after dropping out of college. The game is full of emotional moments, as Mae navigates her relationships with her friends and family.
The gameplay is simple, with a mix of exploration and conversation-based interactions. The game is short, lasting around 10-12 hours, but it's a game that's well worth playing.
7. Night in the Woods
Night in the Woods is a great example of a game that's both emotionally resonant and narratively rich. The game's focus on character development and atmosphere makes it a great fit for those looking for a more relaxed gaming experience.
The game has received widespread critical acclaim for its unique storytelling and beautiful visuals. If you're looking for a game that's going to engage you on an emotional level, Night in the Woods is definitely worth checking out.
6. Gris
Gris is a beautifully crafted platformer that follows the story of a young girl as she navigates a world of emotional turmoil. The gameplay is simple but challenging, with a mix of platforming and exploration-based interactions.
The game is short, lasting around 4-6 hours, but it's a game that's well worth playing. The visuals are stunning, with a beautiful art style that's reminiscent of a watercolor painting.
5. Inside
Inside is a puzzle-platformer that follows the story of a young boy as he navigates a dystopian world. The gameplay is challenging, with a mix of platforming and puzzle-solving-based interactions.
The game is short, lasting around 4-6 hours, but it's a game that's well worth playing. The atmosphere is tense and unsettling, with a sense of unease that permeates the entire experience.
4. Limbo
Limbo is a puzzle-platformer that follows the story of a young boy as he navigates a surreal world. The gameplay is challenging, with a mix of platforming and puzzle-solving-based interactions.
The game is short, lasting around 4-6 hours, but it's a game that's well worth playing. The atmosphere is tense and unsettling, with a sense of unease that permeates the entire experience.
3. Katamari Damacy Rereoll
Katamari Damacy
Keita Takahashi · Namco
Mar 18, 2004
The King of All Cosmos accidentally destroyed the stars and—having recovered—wants the prince to rebuild them. Unfortunately the prince stands a li…
Katamari Damacy Rereoll is a remastered version of the classic game Katamari Damacy. The gameplay is simple but addictive, with a mix of exploration and object-rolling-based interactions.
The game is short, lasting around 4-6 hours, but it's a game that's well worth playing. The visuals are colorful and vibrant, with a quirky sense of humor that's reminiscent of the original game.
2. Return of the Obra Dinn
Return of the Obra Dinn
Lucas Pope · 3909
Oct 18, 2018
In this 1-bit first-person mystery game, a merchant ship called the Obra Dinn has appeared at a London harbor, years after being declared lost at s…
Return of the Obra Dinn is a puzzle game that follows the story of an insurance investigator as he tries to solve the mystery of a missing ship. The gameplay is challenging, with a mix of deduction and logic-based interactions.
The game is short, lasting around 6-8 hours, but it's a game that's well worth playing. The atmosphere is tense and intriguing, with a sense of mystery that permeates the entire experience.
1. Firewatch
Firewatch is a first-person narrative-driven game that follows the story of a fire lookout as he navigates a Wyoming wilderness lookout tower. The gameplay is simple, with a mix of exploration and conversation-based interactions.
The game is short, lasting around 6-8 hours, but it's a game that's well worth playing. The atmosphere is tense and intriguing, with a sense of mystery that permeates the entire experience.
These are just a few examples of the best short games out there. Whether you're looking for something to fill a gap or just want to try something new, there's a short game out there for you.