15 Amazing Short Games You Can Beat in a Single Weekend
In an era of 100-hour epics, finding time to game can be tough. But a short, polished experience can be just as memorable as a massive one. If you're looking for a satisfying story you can see through to the credits this weekend, you've come to the right place. These games are perfect for tackling your gaming backlog one bite at a time. Here are some of the best games you can beat in 10 hours or less.
1. Portal 2
Genre: Puzzle-Platformer | Approx. Playtime: 8-10 Hours
A masterclass in game design, writing, and world-building. Portal 2's campaign is a hilarious, mind-bending adventure that never overstays its welcome. Every puzzle feels brilliant to solve, and the story is one of the best in gaming.
2. Firewatch
Genre: Narrative Adventure | Approx. Playtime: 4-5 Hours
Set in the beautiful Wyoming wilderness, Firewatch is a stunning and deeply human story about isolation and connection. Your only contact is a voice on a walkie-talkie, and the mystery that unfolds will stick with you long after the credits roll.
3. What Remains of Edith Finch
Genre: Narrative Adventure | Approx. Playtime: 2-3 Hours
A collection of poignant, surreal, and unforgettable short stories about a cursed family. Each story has a unique gameplay mechanic, making this a brief but incredibly creative and emotional experience. Many of the best indie games are short and sweet like this.
4. Titanfall 2 (Campaign)
Genre: First-Person Shooter | Approx. Playtime: 6-7 Hours
Often cited as one of the best shooter campaigns of all time, Titanfall 2 is a whirlwind of creative level design, slick movement, and heartfelt storytelling. The bond you'll form with your titan, BT-7274, is the highlight of this action-packed masterpiece.
5. Inside
Genre: Puzzle-Platformer | Approx. Playtime: 3-4 Hours
From the creators of LIMBO, Inside is a dark, atmospheric, and wordless journey through a dystopian world. The environmental puzzles are clever, and the final 20 minutes contain one of the most bizarre and unforgettable endings in video game history.
6. A Short Hike
Genre: Adventure/Exploration | Approx. Playtime: 1-2 Hours
A cozy, stress-free game about hiking, climbing, and soaring through the peaceful landscapes of a provincial park. It's the perfect game to play on a lazy afternoon to just relax and explore at your own pace.
7. Unpacking
Genre: Puzzle/Life Sim | Approx. Playtime: 4-5 Hours
A zen-like game where you unpack a character's belongings through different stages of their life. You'll learn their story not through words, but through the items they choose to keep. It's a unique and surprisingly emotional form of storytelling.
These short games prove that you don't need endless hours to have a powerful gaming experience. Want to see how easily you can fit one of these into your schedule? Add it to your list on the gameyap Backlog Burner and start your next adventure!