The best short video games: unforgettable experiences to play in an afternoon

The world of video games has changed enormously in recent years, adapting to the changing circumstances of gamers. If a few decades ago the length of a title was one of its main assets, today many seek experiences that they can enjoy and complete in just a few hours. Whether because free time is scarce, because you prefer to try different adventures without getting lost in eternal plots or simply because you want to discover intense and self-contained stories, short video games have established themselves as a growing trend in the industry.

In this article I bring you the most complete and updated analysis with the best short video games spread across genres, styles, and platforms. We gather recommendations from leading media outlets and experts, and analyze titles where every minute counts and every story is etched in your memory. If you're looking for games you can finish in one or two afternoons, here's the definitive guide. Get your controller ready, because Good things, if they are brief, are twice as good..

Why choose short video games? Advantages and trends

The video game industry, once accustomed to measuring quality based on the number of hours, has changed significantly in the last decade. Adult life, the lack of time and the desire for compact but unforgettable experiences have led to more and more players demanding short but intense video gamesThis has opened the door to a whole wave of independent titles and even major productions designed to be completed in less than 10 hours.

The advantages of games short duration There are numerous options. They allow you to enjoy a complete story without leaving it unfinished, discover new offerings regularly, or give you a break between long sagas that require dozens of hours. Furthermore, these video games are usually available in a variety of formats. more focused on powerful narratives, original mechanics and memorable moments, which makes them highly recommended whether you have short time as if you are looking for something different.

Top essential games to finish in an afternoon

We are going to review the titles that have stood out the most in the press and among players for their adjusted duration and his outstanding qualityWe've organized the list by grouping games based on their average estimated completion time, making it easier to choose based on your availability. You'll find true gems, modern classics, and original offerings for all platforms.

Games of less than an hour

• Samorost 1 – This point & click adventure by Amanita Design can be completed in a few minutes. 15 minutesIt's ideal for those looking for a short, magical experience, with a unique world of wood and moss and a very unique sense of humor. Available on PC, iOS, and Android.
• The Librarian – Work by Octavi Navarro, it is a pixel art horror adventure highly polished. In just 25 minutes, manages to immerse us in a disturbing atmosphere perfect for fans of fast-paced stories with a Spanish touch.
• KIDS – An experimental replayable title from 25 minutes that invites reflection on society and human behavior through puppets and simple mechanics. Available on PC, iOS, and Android.
• Emily is Away – Emulates the nostalgia of MSN chats and youth stories from the 2000s. In 40 minutes You'll experience a story based on decisions and messages, with a setting perfectly suited for Windows XP nostalgics. Only on PC.
• Florence - A intimate and emotional story about love and routine, where puzzles and vignettes set the pace. Enjoy it in about 40 minutes and is available on PC, iOS, Android and Nintendo Switch.

These games prove that You don't need to invest hours and hours to live a great experienceThey are ideal for short sessions or to complete in one sitting.

Sagas and short proposals for quick games

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• The Haunted Island, a Frog Detective Game – A first-person detective adventure where you'll solve mysteries on an island full of quirky characters. All in just 50 minutes.
• Midnight Scenes and other works by Octavi Navarro – Short adventures with a pixel art look and touches of psychological horror are perfect for playing in an afternoon.
• Frog Detective 2: The Case of the Invisible Wizard – Direct continuation of the previous one, equally brief and absurd.

Many of these games seek to surprise you with their mechanics, their humorous tone or their unexpected twists, demonstrating that The brief can also be the most fun.

1-2 Hour Gems: Indie Essentials

• A Short Hike – A modern classic. Explore a mountain, chat with other animals and help the locals. barely 1 hour. Its calm atmosphere and its three-dimensional pixel art have made it a favorite in the indie community.
• qomp – Reinventing the classic Pong, control an escape ball through 1-hour challenges, ideal for arcade lovers and speedrunners.
• Assemble with Care – From the creators of Monument Valley, proposes to fix precious objects and solve simple puzzles in 1 hour and a half, as you accompany the protagonist on a personal journey.
• The Longest Road on Earth – A poetic and musical experience of 1 hour and a half, where you immerse yourself in silent stories about small moments of everyday life.
• The Stanley Parable – This narrative adventure breaks the fourth wall and challenges your expectations in 1 hour and a halfIts multiple endings and narrative experiments have made it a cult favorite. Enjoyable on PC and currently on consoles.
• Sayonara Wild Hearts - A playable disc Full of color, rhythm, and action, it can be devoured in just over an hour. It's a fusion of runner and music game with a luxurious soundtrack.
• Minit – A tribute to the Zelda classics, with the particularity that Each life lasts only 60 seconds. Rebuild your progress and solve puzzles in successive attempts. All in a 1,5 hours.

These titles shine for their originality and their ability to leave a lasting impression. They are works ideal for both discovering genres and enjoying different proposals.

2-3 hour experiences: stories to remember

• Journey – Considered by many as the masterpiece of interactive artExplore vast deserts and overcome unforgettable visual and audio challenges in 2 hours. Without words, it tells a story of loneliness and unique cooperation.
• Chuchel – From Amanita Design, it's a mix between graphic adventure and puzzle with lots of humor. It lasts about 2 hours and stands out for its graphic style and constant absurdity.
• What Remains of Edith Finch – One of the most powerful narratives of recent years. Relive a family's past and discover their secrets throughout 2 hoursEach chapter is a small playable experiment tailored to the story it tells.
• Donut County – Fun and addictive, it puts you in the shoes of a hole that swallows everything in its path. The proposal lasts a few 2 hours and his sense of humor is absolutely unique.
• Her Story – A different kind of detective thriller, where you investigate the case through videos and keywords. An immersive experience that will make you feel like a real investigator, with 2,5 hours of medium duration.
• Superhot – An FPS where time only moves if you move, turning each confrontation into a puzzle. You can finish it in 2 and a half hours, and its replayability is enormous.
• Gorogoa – A visual and narrative puzzle game that is enjoyed in a 2 hoursIts sliding frame mechanics and hand-drawn art make it unforgettable.
• Gone Home – A classic narrative adventure. Explore a house, uncover clues, and piece together a family history in just 2 hours.
• Blind Drive – An original proposal where you will have to drive “blind” guided only by sound. Ideal for experiencing something different in a 2 hours.
• Jazzpunk y GNOG – Two more offerings with lots of humor and original mechanics, both playable in under 3 hours.

In this group we find both narrative games as creative playable experiments and absurd humor titles. They all share the virtue of being closed experiences that you can complete without feeling overwhelmed.

Games lasting 3 to 4 hours: modern classics and unforgettable experiences

• Portal – Impossible not to mention this game of first-person puzzles, iconic for its level design, sense of humor, and portal mechanics. It can be completed in about 3 hours and remains a benchmark for the genre.
• Inside – From the creators of Limbo, this title combines platforming, puzzles, and a haunting atmosphere. Its dark story and surprising ending make it a must-have for any fan. 3,5 hours.
• Brothers: A Tale of Two Sons – A heartwarming adventure where you control two siblings at once, each with a stick. It’s ideal for solo or double-play, and its moving story is experienced in 3 hours.
• Untitled Goose Game – Put yourself in the shoes of a naughty goose determined to annoy his entire neighborhood. A game full of humor and absurd objectives, it ends in a 3 hours.
• The Procession to Calvary, NUTS, FAR: Lone Sails, Party Pooper: Rain On Your Parade – All of these games are fun, original, and fit in with a playtime of 3 to 3,5 hours.
• PikuNiku, The Stillness of the Wind, Thomas Was Alone, Unpacking – Other indie options for those looking for different and accessible experiences.

The titles collected here are ideal for those who want more than just a short story: They offer emotional depth, original mechanics and unique sensations, all without having to invest dozens of hours.

Between 4 and 6 hours: powerful proposals without spending the week

• Firewatch – Take an emotional journey as a park ranger in Wyoming, where exploration and storytelling go hand in hand. 4 hours full of personal decisions, beautiful landscapes and memorable human relationships.
• Little Nightmares I & II – This visual horror and puzzle saga has two titles that can be completed in 3-5 hours Each one. With an artistic design worthy of Tim Burton, they captivate from the first minute.
• To the Moon – One of the most emotional stories ever told in a video game. In just 4 hours, you will experience a true emotional roller coaster, with simple graphics but extraordinary narrative.
• Metal Gear Rising: Revengeance – Intense action and frenetic hack'n slash in a 7 hours that give you no respite. A gem from PlatinumGames, ideal for those looking for straightforward action without filler.
• Portal: Companion Collection – Includes Portal and Portal 2, both combined will give you around 10 hours of play, although each one individually fits into this range.
• Stacking, Scott Pilgrim vs. The World: The Game, Quake, A Way Out, Unravel, Vanquish, Wolfenstein: The Old Blood – All of them can be completed in less than 6 hours and offer everything from creative puzzles to classic revamped action.

These proposals offer more complete stories or more complex challenges, but always adjusted to the premise of not steal weeks of your timeThey are ideal for those who want a more rounded experience without the hassle or artificial fillers.

Between 7 and 10 hours: short but complete video games

• Sky blue – One of the best indie platformers, both for its challenging gameplay and its story of overcoming. Completing the main campaign takes approximately 8-9 hours, but its additional content and leaderboards encourage further play.
• Titanfall 2 – His campaign is considered one of the best in recent years within the first-person shooter. Action, variety and narrative in just 6 hours.
• Undertale – A unique RPG, full of humor, decisions, and charismatic characters. The main adventure will take you 7 hours.
• Marvel's Spider-Man: Miles Morales – A contemporary action-adventure that is perfect for those looking for a relatively short main campaign (8 hours), but with the quality of a blockbuster.
• Resident Evil 2 and 3 (remakes) – Survival horror with the latest technology. Their stories can be completed in 6 to 9 hours depending on the pace and the character chosen.
• Senua's Saga: Hellblade II – One of the games with the best graphics today, with a striking narrative that unfolds in just 7-8 hours.
• Oxenfree / Oxenfree II – Horror and mystery adventures that merge science fiction, narrative and exploration in 4-6 hours each.

These titles prove that a game doesn't need to take up a month of your life to deliver a complete and satisfying experience. You can enjoy them during the week or on a weekend with free time..

Arcade experiences and very short games to disconnect

• Metal Slug and the ACA NEOGEO collection – Re-releases of classic arcade games like Metal Slug, Art of Fighting, or Samurai Shodown are perfect for short playthroughs. They usually last less than an hour each and represent an excellent way to relive the magic of the arcades. []
• Tetris Effect – If you are looking for one immersive and sensory experienceTetris Effect is ideal. Its campaign can be completed in a few hours, but its additional modes can be extended as long as you like.
• Bleak Sword, Downwell, Flat Heroes, Geometry Wars 2 – Games designed specifically for quick sessions and repeatable. Ideal for taking a few minutes off between tasks or during your daily commute.
• OlliOlli 2, Grindstone, Golf on Mars, Rocket League – Titles that offer intense and addictive gameplay, with constant challenges and polished mechanics that keep you coming back to them from time to time.

The key to these games is that you want to come back again and again, whether to improve your score, discover new strategies, or just have fun without complications. Many people take advantage of the mobile and portable format to play at any time.

Experimental narratives and games for those looking for something different

• Life is Strange – Although its episodes add up to more hours, each chapter offers a intense and closed experience, focused on narrative and moral dilemmas.
• The Beginner's Guide – An experimental, meta-narrative adventure about creativity and the relationship between author and work. Experience it in less than two hours.
• A Normal Lost Phone – Investigate a person's life through their lost phone, uncovering secrets as you explore their apps and messages. A short and engaging game for mobile or PC.
• Ord. – Minimalist narrative proposals, where each story is told in three words and each decision changes the course in a matter of seconds.
• What the Golf? – A title that parodies golf and video games, posing absurd challenges that will make you laugh and be surprised in equal measure. A short runtime and guaranteed laughs.
• Bye – A story about decision-making and its personal consequences, told from the perspective of a farmer who decides to cut ties with the mafia. Just over an hour of introspection and intense dialogue.

These titles stand out for break molds and bet on different narrativesThey are perfect for those looking for unusual games and want to experience emotions or deep reflections in a short amount of time.

Recommendations to avoid running out of options

• Many games on this list are available in Game Pass, PS Plus Extra, Steam, and other subscription platforms, so you can try several of them without spending too much.
• If you want to alternate between experiences Arcadian y narratives, combines games like Tetris Effect o Rocket League with an adventure like What Remains of Edith Fincho Firewatch.
• Current mobile versions and console ports allow you to enjoy these games anywhere, making them play on trips or breaks be easier than ever.
• Don't underestimate short experiences: Many of them will surprise you more and leave you with an indelible memory compared to titles that, although long, can become monotonous.

As a good lover of retro games that I am, I must recommend you play games on old consoles and arcade machines as Metal Slug, Windjammers or any of the Sonic from the Sega Megadrive. Older games tend to be quite short, although they usually make up for this with a fairly tight difficulty.

Beyond duration: quality and emotions in every minute

The rise of the short video games It shows that the industry is increasingly open to different player profiles and experiences that adapt to our daily lives. You can find everything from Strong emotions, innovative mechanics and great stories to pure arcade fun in short sessions. The key is that, by choosing wisely, you won't miss a single extra hour.

The range is so extensive that it's impossible to list every recommended game, but this list includes the top picks from the press and gamers around the world. Dare to try new proposals, give indies a chance and revisit modern classics that are more enjoyable for what they tell and convey than for their length. Whatever your time available, there's a short video game waiting to surprise you and leave you wanting more.