Veteran-Approved Short Games You Can’t Miss
When it comes to gaming, sometimes less is more. With our busy lives, it's not always possible to dedicate hours on end to a single game, which is why the best short games are so invaluable.
January 13, 2026 · 7 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.
When it comes to gaming, sometimes less is more. With our busy lives, it's not always possible to dedicate hours on end to a single game, which is why the best short games are so invaluable. These compact experiences can offer just as much depth and satisfaction as their longer counterparts, often with the added benefit of being able to be completed in a single sitting. In this list, we'll be highlighting some of the most exceptional short games out there, covering a range of genres and platforms. Whether you're looking for a relaxing adventure, a challenging puzzle, or an emotional story, there's something here for everyone.
Our Pick for Best Relaxing Adventure: 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 game that embodies the spirit of relaxation and adventure, offering players a serene experience as they explore the beautiful landscapes of Hawk Peak Provincial Park. Developed by Adam Gryu, this indie title has garnered a significant amount of praise for its tranquil atmosphere and engaging gameplay. With an IGDB rating of 74.9, it's clear that A Short Hike has resonated with players looking for a calming experience.
The gameplay in A Short Hike is centered around exploration and discovery, as players hike, climb, and soar through the mountainside landscapes. The sense of freedom and adventure is palpable, making it easy to become fully immersed in the game's world. What makes A Short Hike special is its ability to balance relaxation with a sense of progression, ensuring that players always have something to look forward to. Whether you're climbing to the summit or simply taking in the views, every moment in A Short Hike feels meaningful and enjoyable.
Those looking for a game to unwind with will find A Short Hike to be an excellent choice. Its short length and relaxed pace make it perfect for playing in short sessions, and its beautiful scenery is sure to leave players feeling calm and refreshed. With its availability on a range of platforms including PlayStation 4, PC, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, Linux, and Mac, there's no excuse not to give A Short Hike a try.
Our Pick for Best Narrative Experience: 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…
While not explicitly listed in our data, What Remains of Edith Finch is a game that deserves mention when discussing the best short games. This narrative-driven experience takes players on a journey through the history of a family's cursed history, presenting a series of engaging and often emotional stories. With its unique blend of exploration and interactive storytelling, What Remains of Edith Finch is a game that will leave players thinking long after the credits roll.
The gameplay in What Remains of Edith Finch is focused on exploration and discovery, as players uncover the secrets of the Finch family's past. Each story is presented in a unique and engaging way, making use of a variety of interactive elements to draw players into the world. What makes What Remains of Edith Finch special is its ability to balance emotional storytelling with engaging gameplay, creating an experience that is both thought-provoking and enjoyable.
Those looking for a game with a strong narrative focus will find What Remains of Edith Finch to be an excellent choice. Its short length and focused design make it perfect for playing in a single session, and its emotional storytelling is sure to leave players feeling invested and engaged. With its availability on a range of platforms, there's no excuse not to give What Remains of Edith Finch a try.
Our Pick for Best Puzzle Experience: The Swapper
The Swapper is a game that challenges players to think creatively and use their wits to overcome obstacles. This puzzle game presents a unique mechanic, allowing players to create clones of themselves and swap between them, in order to solve a series of increasingly complex puzzles. With its engaging gameplay and thought-provoking story, The Swapper is a game that will appeal to fans of puzzle games and science fiction alike.
The gameplay in The Swapper is focused on puzzle-solving, as players use the swapper device to create clones and solve a series of challenges. The puzzles are engaging and require creative thinking, making use of the game's unique mechanic in a variety of ways. What makes The Swapper special is its ability to balance challenging gameplay with a sense of progression, ensuring that players always have something to look forward to.
Those looking for a game that will challenge their problem-solving skills will find The Swapper to be an excellent choice. Its short length and focused design make it perfect for playing in short sessions, and its thought-provoking story is sure to leave players feeling engaged and invested. With its availability on a range of platforms, there's no excuse not to give The Swapper a try.
Our Pick for Best Value: Hyper Light Drifter
Hyper Light Drifter: Special Edition
Heart Machine · Abylight Studios
Sep 6, 2018
The wait is over, the worldwide acclaimed game Hyper Light Drifter is finally here with this impressive Special Edition! Runs at 60fps, includes n…
Hyper Light Drifter is a game that offers an incredible amount of value, with a massive open world to explore, a variety of enemies to battle, and a rich story to uncover. This top-down action game presents a unique blend of exploration and combat, making use of a variety of abilities and upgrades to create a sense of progression and depth. With its beautiful pixel art graphics and engaging gameplay, Hyper Light Drifter is a game that will appeal to fans of action games and adventure games alike.
The gameplay in Hyper Light Drifter is focused on exploration and combat, as players battle their way through a series of challenging enemies and explore a massive open world. The game's world is full of secrets and hidden areas, making use of the player's abilities to create a sense of discovery and wonder. What makes Hyper Light Drifter special is its ability to balance challenging gameplay with a sense of progression, ensuring that players always have something to look forward to.
Those looking for a game that offers a lot of value will find Hyper Light Drifter to be an excellent choice. Its massive open world and variety of enemies make it perfect for playing in short sessions, and its rich story is sure to leave players feeling engaged and invested. With its availability on a range of platforms, there's no excuse not to give Hyper Light Drifter a try.
In conclusion, the best short games offer a unique and engaging experience that can be enjoyed in a short amount of time. Whether you're looking for a relaxing adventure, a challenging puzzle, or an emotional story, there's something on this list for everyone. With their focused designs and engaging gameplay, these games are perfect for playing in short sessions, and their availability on a range of platforms makes them accessible to everyone. So why not give one of these games a try? You never know what you might discover.