Summary
When someone hears the words “video games,” their mind probably jumps to legendary time sinks likeCall of Duty,Zelda, orFinal Fantasy. Or even MMOs or competitive gacha games that demand an absurd amount of hours just to keep up or stay in the game. But for anyone juggling a packed schedule or just cravingshort gaming sessions, keeping up with that level of commitment can start to feel overwhelming.
However, there is still a delightful array of mostly undiscoveredindie gamesthat can be finished in just a few hours—something that many big-budget titles can’t quite pull off even after a whole day of gaming. Check out these bite-sized but oh-so-sweet indie games that are absolutely worth the tiny amount of time players will invest.
Note that for completionists, these games might take much longer to fully finish.
9When The Past Was Around
Artistic Point-And-Click Adventure
To kick things off,When the Past Was Aroundis an excellent pick because it can be wrapped up in about 2 to 3 hours, and it has some truly breathtaking graphics, to boot. For someone who’s on the hunt for a beautifully artistic and subtly emotionalpoint-and-clickadventure that will sneak up on them and tug at those heartstrings, this is the best choice.
Just imagine a game that weaves a coming-of-age tale so beautifully that it captures the essence of love, loss, and the bittersweet art of letting go—all without uttering a single word.When the Past Was Aroundis one such game.
As players immerse themselves in Ita’s life, they tackle puzzles that peel back the intriguing layers of her character, all while captivating scenes from her life reveal themselves. The storytelling is so cleverly woven and subtly enticing that players can’t help but binge the whole experience in one sitting.
Brothers: A Tale of Two Sonsis yet another indie gem, and players can finish it in just 2 to 3 hours. On the surface, it’s just astraightforward puzzle platformerwhere players control two brothers at the same time, using those twin sticks to navigate the wilds in search of medicine for their sick dad. The setup is simple, but as the game progresses play, it shows the unbreakable bond between these siblings and the importance of family ties.
And just when the player thinks they’ve got it all figured out, it hits them hard with a gut-wrenching twist about what it truly means to sever those ties. Simply put,Brothers: A Tale of Two Sonsis a brilliant example of how to blend game design and storytelling into something truly special yet short.
Minitis a sleek and minimalistindie gamethat has captured the hearts of those who love playing in anever-ending time loop, challenging them to crack the code and break free from the cycle.Minitchallenges players to explore a vibrant world in just one-minute bursts, where every death is just a stepping stone to progress.
If one had to slap a label on it, it would be “Roguelike puzzler slash a nostalgic top-downZeldacharm”. With its adorable pixel monochrome aesthetic, it’s hard not to fall in love with Minit. And here’s the best part—it can be completed in just over an hour (for someone quick on their feet, that is). However,Minitis best enjoyed in one go, because diving back in can feel like starting from scratch. So, get cozy, learn the lay of the land, and learn clever shortcuts for a truly rewarding experience.
Superhotis a classic FPS shooter but with a bizarre twist: time only moves when the player does. It’s like mixing an FPS with a real-time strategy game, where every move counts. This short but sweet experience has players navigating through cleverly designed levels, shooting, dodging, and hurling projectiles to emerge as the last one standing, all while a nice deep voice rewards them for their efforts.
Of course, like the other games on this list, it’s also short enough to binge as it’ll take only about 2 to 3 hours to wrap this up. Plus, it’s a game that really tests one’s shooting and running skills. So, for anyone who’s ever wanted to go around shooting and skulking around in a Matrix-like game wearing a cool trench coat,Superhotis their best (and probably only) bet.
Next up is a charming little game calledUnpacking, and it can be breezed through in about 3 to 4 hours.Unpacking, as the name aptly suggests, is all about unpacking household stuff and finding a home for it. It’s super chill and oddly satisfying, but it’s also a deeply personal journey for many fans.
Players really get to know their character deeply over the years through their most treasured belongings and living spaces. Some items are like little time capsules from a bygone era—take the Nintendo GameCube, for instance. Others reflect a particular journey, the company the character keeps, and how much they’ve grown over time. In short, it’s a straightforward yet brilliant gaming format that transforms one of the most dreaded activities into a cathartic and enjoyable experience.
There are countless games that challenge players to don their detective hats and solve some mysteries. Some have nailed it, in fact, likeDisco ElysiumandShadows of Doubt. But none have pulled it off quite likeReturn of the Obra Dinn.
Basically, the protagonist hops on the titular ship as an insurance rep, ready to file a report about the wild events that went down. At first glance, it might seem like a snooze-fest of paperwork, but there’s a seriously surreal story that is slowly revealed through some clever flashbacks.
Players can eavesdrop on crewmates' conversations and sift through event tableaus to figure out who’s who and how each unfortunate soul met their grizzly fate. Staying connected to each event is key, as every scene is a vital piece of the puzzle. And gamers who have Sherlock Holmes skills should be able to completeReturn of the Obra Dinnin about 8 hours at the latest.
To say thatThe Stanley Parablewas a major hit back in the day would be the understatement of the century. It’s a hilarious ride and a mind-bending puzzle, with vibes similar to the showSeveranceand it can be beaten in just2 hours. The narrative-driven video game explores themes like choice in gaming, the dynamic between game creators and players, and the wholepredestination versus fate debate.
When the playable character, Stanley, decides to go against the narrator’s wishes, things get pretty wild. As the story goes on, the player faces a fork in the road. They can go against what The Narrator says, and if they do, they’ll stumble upon various endings before the game hits the reset button and starts all over again.
Not many games tickle the funny bone as efficiently, at least not likeThe Stanley Parabledoes. This is some top-notch satire, and for those who’ve dipped their toes into the gaming world over the past two decades,The Stanley Parableis definitely going to hit home.
Insidedelivers a truly chilling and challenging 2D side-scrolling puzzle platformer that makes players pay attention if they want to grasp the eerie world it presents. Basically, it’s played through a young boy’s eyes, who’s managed to escape from his captors, and now he has to keep a low profile while navigating this dystopian landscape in search of a way out for good.
Inside’s story and its ending entice players to connect the dots and figure out what’s gone down. Since it’s packed with excellent puzzles, an unsettling atmosphere, and a brilliantly paced runtime, it’s the perfect way to spend an afternoon because it can be beaten in 3 to 4 hours only. Essentially, if Martin Scorsese were to make video games, he’d probably whip up something likeInside.
Undertaleis a cult-classic RPGthat gives off those vibes similar toThe Stanley Parable. Both are video games that poke fun at other games or, at the very least, have a satirical twist to them. It’s a cheeky jab at all those gaming clichés we know and love (and sometimes, really,reallyhate), packed with snappy humor, quirky characters, and that exhilarating bullet hell combat.
Plus, it’s not shy about breaking the fourth wall, keeping players entertained, and actually delivering some genuine laughs—something we don’t see every day in gaming.
Undertalewon over critics and fans alike, firmly establishing itself as a top contender in the indie game Hall of Fame. And let’s be honest, it gets even better knowing players can wrap it up in a breezy 6 to 7 hours.
