The Best Short Games You Can Play in One Sitting

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Every time someone recommends a video game to me, I immediately look up how long it takes to complete it. Baldur's Gate 3? That one took me 120 hours. The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom? 80 hours, easily. Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth? I've been playing that game for over a month now. Sometimes, it's a bit much. I just want a nice, short title that I can finish in one playthrough. Is that too much to ask?

If it's a cozy rainy day, or a long Sunday afternoon, we've found—and played, of course—some great titles that fit that exact description. On this list, you'll find everything from indie favorites like Cocoon and A Short Hike, classic platformers (that's Mario, people!), and even wacky adventures, from Katamari Damacy REROLL to Untitled Goose Game. So, sit back and relax (but just for a little bit!) with our favorite short games.

A Short Hike

A Short Hike is exactly what title describes: short. A Short Hike is a calm, cute story about a little bird that progresses up a mountain. Even after just three to four hours, your time feels absolutely worth it when you fly back down to the bottom. A Short Hike is one of our favorite cozy games, too.

Cocoon

One of Esquire's Best Games of 2023, Cocoon is a puzzle adventure that follows a cicada who can hop in and out of little worlds contained within orbs. Cocoon's puzzles are just challenging enough that you still feel smart for figuring them out—but not too challenging that you can't finish the game in one afternoon.

Firewatch

Penned by the lead writer of Telltale's The Walking Dead, Firewatch is a story-driven narrative adventure about a park ranger who is set on a puzzling mission. We'll avoid spoiling this one, but rest assured—Firewatch is more than worth your time.

Katamari Damacy REROLL

Nothing is more relaxing that being a tiny guy who rolls up stuff with a sticky ball. No? Just me? Trust me, folks—experience just two minutes of Katamari Damacy's wacky art style, music, and gameplay, and you'll be hooked for life.

Inside

Down for something spooky? Check out Inside. This narrative-driven game about a boy who is hunted by a dark presence will have you jumping in fear—even in 2D.

Super Mario Bros. 3

Super Mario Bros. 3 is one of the greatest video games ever made. The level design in this one is still studied today—and it came out in 1988! If you're a Mario pro, you can easily plow through this platformer in one sitting. You'll find out exactly why Super Mario Bros. 3 is an undisputed classic.

Undertale

Undertale is arguably the father of the modern indie game. The 2015 title by indie developer Toby Fox has been celebrated for its return to Earthbound-esque material and characters. Since its debut, Undertale has cultivated a cult following for its inventive battle system, musical score, and simple game choices.

Untitled Goose Game

Quack quack, baby. Pound for pound (OK, except for Super Mario Bros. 3) Untitled Goose Game may very well be the most fun game on this list. The premise is simple: Take control of a goose. Find the nearest human. And fuck shit up. Untitled Goose Game technically lands in the puzzle genre, but really, it's just a blast to smash the HONK button.

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