6 Short Games for When You Have No Time

Gaming has no shortage of epic titles that you can sink over 100 hours into.  Games like Persona 5, The Elder Scrolls, and The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild have immersive stories and worlds that encourage players to stick around. Unfortunately, many of us have other responsibilities. As such, there’s not always time for a marathon gaming session.  Sometimes, you just want a game that’s quick and fun. If that’s what you’re looking for, here are six short games for when you have no time.

Unpacking

“A zen puzzle game about unpacking a life.”

(Image via Witchbeam)

Embrace your inner Marie Kondo in Unpacking as you neatly organize the main character’s belongings over the course of eight moves. At first, I wasn’t sure about this game, but that feeling lasted about ten minutes. After completing the first level, I was hooked. The game is very zen (as advertised), and it’s great for winding down after a long day. Equal parts block-fitting puzzle and home decoration, Unpacking will delight fans of organization and sentimental stories.

Main Story: 3.5 hours Main + Extra: 4 hours Completionist: 4.5 hours
Available on all platforms for $19.99
Included with PlayStation Plus Extra and Xbox Game Pass

Octodad: Dadliest Catch

“Loving father. Caring husband. Secret octopus.”

(Image via Young Horses)

In Octodad, you control an octopus masquerading as a human, fumbling through daily tasks with varying results. I initially picked up this game based on the title alone. What can I say? I appreciate a good pun. Octodad’s premise seems simple enough, but the “wacky physics” turn everyday tasks like grocery shopping into a hilarious and occasionally frustrating free-for-all. The game doesn’t fail to deliver on absurdity – if you’ve ever been curious about what an octopus would look like in a suit, be sure to give it a try. 

Main Story: 2.5 hours Main + Extra: 4 hours Completionist: 8 hours
Available on PlayStation, Nintendo Switch, and PC for $14.99

Afterparty

“Escape Hell with your best bud.”

(Image via Night School Studio)

The goal of Afterparty is to outdrink Satan (yes, the literal devil himself) and escape Hell. The game is as wild as it sounds. You control best friends Milo and Lola as they go bar-hopping, participate in drinking games, and give life advice to the denizens of Hell. The game features Nightschool Studio’s signature conversation system, and each choice you make will affect the story. Afterparty is a stylish title that’s perfect for players who enjoy compelling, narrative-driven games.

Main Story: 5.5 hours Main + Extra: 7 hours Completionist: 14 hours
Available on all platforms for $19.99

Stray

“A stray cat must untangle the mystery of
a long-forgotten cyber city.”

(Image via BlueTwelve Studio)

The highlight of Stray is playing as an adorable cat and doing cat things – like hiding in boxes, knocking stuff over, and taking naps. You do all this in a beautifully rendered environment based on the infamous Kowloon Walled City in Hong Kong. Stray is just more than “cat things,” though. Throughout the course of the game, players will help the city’s robot inhabitants and uncover the history of the walled city. Stray was awarded “PlayStation Game of the Year” at the Golden Joystick Awards in 2022, and is worth checking out – even if you’re a dog person.

Main Story: 5 hours Main + Extra: 6.5 Hours Completionist: 10 Hours
Available on PlayStation, Xbox, and PC for $29.99

Journey to the Savage Planet

“Onward to adventure!”

(Image via 505 Games)

In Journey to the Savage Planet, players take control of Kindred Aerospace’s newest recruit.  As an employee of the 4th best interstellar space exploration company, you are tasked with exploring an alien planet and determining if it is suitable for human habitation. Guided by E.K.O, a cheery but sarcastic AI, players complete various tasks with the ultimate goal of heading back to Earth. Journey to the Savage Planet combines multiple genres into a hilarious, and occasionally unhinged, adventure that will appeal to a variety of gamers.

Main Story: 7 hours Main + Extra: 11 hours Completionist: 16.5 Hours
Available on all platforms for $29.99
Included with PlayStation Plus Extra

Bugsnax

“We are what we eat.”

(Image via Young Horses)

Bugsnax is a critter collecting game from Young Horses, the team behind Octodad. This game embodies the same zaniness and focuses on a journalist invited to Snaktooth Island. The island is home to the fabled Bugsnax – adorable half-snack, half-bug creatures with names like “Sandopede” and “Cinnasnail.” Explore the island, capture Bugsnax, and investigate the disappearance of intrepid adventurer Elizabert Megafig. If you enjoy critter collection games like Pokemon, be sure to check out Bugsnax for a different take on the genre.

Main Story: 7.5 hours Main + Extra: 11.5 hour Completionist: 14.5 hours
Available on all platforms for $24.99
Included with PlayStation Plus Extra

Next time you’ve only got a few hours for gaming, consider giving one of these six short games a try. They’re all quick enough to be finished in under a day. What’s your favorite short game for when you have no time? Let us know, and happy gaming!