15 Amazing Short Games You Can Beat in a Single Weekend

Published on October 5, 2025

A collage of beautiful indie game covers, representing short but impactful games.

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!

10 Realistic Tips to Stop Buying New Games (And Actually Play What You Own)

Published on October 5, 2025

A person looking thoughtfully at a digital game store sale, considering whether to buy a new game.

The Steam Summer Sale. A surprise Nintendo Direct. That new 5-star review. The temptations to buy new games are endless, and the dopamine hit of clicking "Purchase" is real. But afterward, that new game often joins dozens of others in a digital purgatory. If you're ready to break the cycle, save money, and get more value from your collection, here are 10 realistic tips to curb your spending habits.

1. The "One In, One Out" Rule

This is the golden rule of backlog management, as mentioned in our ultimate guide to conquering your backlog. For every new game you want to buy, you must first fully complete a game you already own.

2. Unsubscribe from Marketing Emails

Out of sight, out of mind. Go into your Steam, PlayStation, and other accounts and unsubscribe from promotional emails. This is especially true for subscription services like Game Pass, which constantly advertise new additions.

3. Use a Wishlist, Not a Shopping Cart

See a game you want? Don't add it to your cart. Add it to your wishlist. This small action delays gratification and gives you time to decide if you *really* want the game. Review your wishlist once a month; you'll be surprised how many titles you're no longer interested in.

4. Set a "Backlog Goal" Before Buying

Turn clearing your backlog into a game itself. Set a goal: "I will finish 3 games from my backlog before I even consider buying a new one." This gamifies the process and makes finishing a game feel like unlocking the ability to buy another.

5. The 48-Hour Rule

If you're absolutely convinced you need a new game, enforce a mandatory 48-hour waiting period. If you're still just as excited about it two days later, and it doesn't violate your other rules, then you can consider it. Often, the initial hype fades.

6. Revisit an Old Favorite

Sometimes the urge to buy comes from a desire for a specific *type* of experience. Craving a grand RPG? Instead of buying the latest one, why not start a New Game+ on The Witcher 3? Remind yourself of the incredible value you already have.

7. Organize Your Library

A messy, unorganized library feels like a burden. Take an hour to organize your digital libraries. A clean library feels more like a curated collection and less like a pile of shame.

8. Watch a "Let's Play" Instead

Are you truly interested in playing the game, or just curious about its story or a specific level? Sometimes, watching a streamer play through it can satisfy that curiosity just as well, saving you time and money.

9. Calculate the "Cost Per Hour"

Look at a game you haven't played, like a $60 RPG that takes 80 hours to beat. Your cost is $0.75 per hour of amazing entertainment waiting for you. Now look at that new $30 indie game. The value is undeniable in the games you already own.

10. Plan Your Attack with a Tool

The biggest barrier to starting a backlog game is not knowing what to play or how long it will take. This is where a dedicated tool can make all the difference. By using the gameyap Backlog Burner, you can instantly see your total playtime commitment and generate a clear plan. Seeing that you can knock out three games in the next 20 hours is far more motivating than staring at a giant, undefined list.