Best Short games on Steam
Unlike generic lists, our strategy game recommendations use a rigorous analysis of Steam user reviews to identify and feature only the best, community-validated short games. For those who prefer not to search, lists of the most played, top deals and best free short games are available at the bottom of the page.
Filters & Lists
Frosty Kiss
It's been a year since Semyon returned from "Sovyonok" and met the girls from the camp in the real world. But it's New Year at hand! And it needs to be celebrated!
The Sad Story of Emmeline Burns
A short lesbian / yuri visual novel set in England. Our heroine, Toma Andrews, meets a ghost girl wearing an old-fashioned nightgown in a graveyard who calls herself Emmeline. Just who is she, and how did she die?
Pony Island
Pony Island is a suspense puzzle game in disguise. You are in limbo, trapped in a malevolent and malfunctioning arcade machine devised by the devil himself. It is not a game about ponies.
Princess Remedy in a World of Hurt
Remedy, a recent graduate from the Saturnian healing school, must descend to Hurtland and use her powers to heal everyone from stray ducks to dark lords, and finally cure the ailing Prince Hingst. It's a short, whimsical adventure with plenty of heart(s).
Space Pilgrim Episode I: Alpha Centauri
Captain Gail Pilgrim has been flying starships since she was a kid, ferrying passengers between planets and space stations across the galaxy. She has no reason to expect that this latest trip to Alpha Centauri will be anything special, even if her passengers are a little more diverse than usual....
Dr. Langeskov, The Tiger, and The Terribly Cursed Emerald: A Whirlwind Heist
A 15 minute heist game by Crows Crows Crows & Directed by William Pugh (The Stanley Parable). Slip into the soft-soled shoes of the mastermind responsible for the greatest heist- oh god I can’t do this any more, i’m joining the strike. good luck writing the steam description. -tina
Reveal The Deep
Reveal The Deep is a short exploration game set in the wreck of a 19th century steamship. Navigate through expansive levels, uncovering the stories of the ship's demise and it's passengers. Keep your nerve, your wits about you, and prepare to reveal the secrets of the deep.
The Last Dream: Developer's Edition
“Reality and dreams are about to become entwined…..” The Last Dream: Developer's Edition" is a casual adventure game which, despite having some classic casual elements, will also offer a greater challenge for more experienced gamers.
Carpe Diem
Seize the day
Emily is Away
Emily is Away is an interactive story. Create a screenname and choose your path through the branching narrative.
Tick Tock Isle
Strike is inadvertently transported into the past while attempting to repair a mysterious, abandoned clock tower. Endeavoring to return to the future, Strike must fix both the time machine and the island’s dysfunctional family who are responsible for much of the clock’s disrepair.
Pink Heaven
A certain office lady is back!!
Bulb Boy
One gloomy night, Bulb Boy wakes suddenly from a frightening nightmare to discover that evil has overshadowed the Bulbhouse. His family has disappeared and there are horrid monsters lurking in the shadows. Gather the courage and use his glass head to save everything he loves.
A Wolf in Autumn
A one-armed young girl finds herself locked in a shed in the middle of an idyllic autumn forest, with threats both physical and immaterial drawing closer.
Message Quest
Message Quest is a tiny stained-glass point-n-click adventure about laziness and her herald. Imagine yourself as the main hero’s conscience, the one that must make him work when all he wants to do is sleep.
DISTRAINT: Deluxe Edition
DISTRAINT is a 2D psychological horror adventure game for PC. In order to secure a partnership in a famous company, Price seizes the property of an elderly woman. In that very moment, he finds out the price of his humanity.
The Beginner's Guide
The Beginner's Guide is a narrative video game from Davey Wreden, the creator of The Stanley Parable. It lasts about an hour and a half and has no traditional mechanics, no goals or objectives. Instead, it tells the story of a person struggling to deal with something they do not understand.
Most played short games on Steam
Take a look at the top short games that are currently attracting the largest player bases on the Steam platform, as of April 27th 2025.
1. METAL GEAR SOLID V: GROUND ZEROES
World-renowned Kojima Productions brings the Metal Gear Solid franchise to Steam with METAL GEAR SOLID V: GROUND ZEROES. Play as the legendary hero Snake and infiltrate a Cuban military base to rescue the hostages. Can you make it out alive? METAL GEAR SOLID V: GROUND ZEROES is a stealth, action and tactical game developed and published by KONAMI. Released on December 18th 2014 has received 16,870 reviews of which 14,209 were positive and 2,661 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.2 out of 10. The game currently holds the #1 spot among the most played short games.
8.2
14,209
2,661
74
players
2. Pineapple on pizza
Can a video game convey a flavor? Pineapple on pizza is a free to play, short and dark comedy game developed and published by Majorariatto. Released on March 28th 2023 has received 23,946 reviews of which 23,431 were positive and 515 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.6 out of 10. The game currently holds the #2 spot among the most played short games.
9.6
23,431
515
27
players
3. Spilled!
Clean up ocean waste in this short & relaxing game! Recycle, earn coins and upgrade your boat. Explore new areas. Clean bigger spills and different kinds of waste! Spilled! is a short, relaxing and casual game developed and published by Lente. Released on March 26th 2025 has received 2,066 reviews of which 1,981 were positive and 85 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.1 out of 10. The game currently holds the #3 spot among the most played short games.
9.1
1,981
85
14
players
4. Duck Detective: The Secret Salami
Solving crime is no walk in the pond. You are a down-on-his-luck detective who also happens to be a duck. Use your powers of de-duck-tion to inspect evidence, fill in the blanks, and bust the case wide open! This is a short but twisty detective case. Duck Detective: The Secret Salami is a detective, investigation and casual game developed and published by Happy Broccoli Games. Released on May 23rd 2024 has received 4,730 reviews of which 4,529 were positive and 201 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.2 out of 10. The game currently holds the #4 spot among the most played short games.
9.2
4,529
201
11
players
5. Assemble with Care
Repair old-school objects in this cozy puzzle game. Join antique-restorer Maria, as she arrives in the sun-soaked town of Bellariva and set out on a journey of helping the townsfolk reconnect. Assemble with Care is a casual, indie and puzzle game developed and published by ustwo games. Released on March 26th 2020 has received 8,509 reviews of which 7,719 were positive and 790 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.8 out of 10. The game currently holds the #5 spot among the most played short games.
8.8
7,719
790
7
players
6. Looking Up I See Only A Ceiling
A short psychological adventure about a stressed girl who wants to explore her ceiling. Looking Up I See Only A Ceiling is a adventure, psychological and short game developed by silver978 and published by IndieArk. Released on March 09th 2023 has received 2,131 reviews of which 1,887 were positive and 244 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.5 out of 10. The game currently holds the #6 spot among the most played short games.
8.5
1,887
244
7
players
7. Pilgrims
Pilgrims is a playful adventure game, created by the team behind Machinarium and Samorost. Roam the land as you please and make new friends, share a laugh with your fellow travelers and help them complete their little stories, your way. How many different solutions can you find? Pilgrims is a hand-drawn, short and stylized game developed and published by Amanita Design. Released on October 07th 2019 has received 5,019 reviews of which 4,828 were positive and 191 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.3 out of 10. The game currently holds the #7 spot among the most played short games.
9.3
4,828
191
5
players
8. How Fish Is Made
Are sardines trustworthy? Are you? Do you want to be? How Fish is Made is a janky little jaunt through the world of surrealist storytelling. Now featuring a Katamari-like DLC! How Fish Is Made is a surreal, short and horror game developed by Wrong Organ, Johanna Kasurinen, Jeffrey Tomec and Martin Halldin and published by Wrong Organ and CRITICAL REFLEX. Released on January 14th 2022 has received 4,685 reviews of which 4,475 were positive and 210 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.2 out of 10. The game currently holds the #8 spot among the most played short games.
9.2
4,475
210
5
players
9. The one who pulls out the sword will be crowned king
Are you The Rightful King™ or just a filthy peasant? The sword is waiting for you to lift it, but it gets longer and heavier each time some else succeeds... The one who pulls out the sword will be crowned king is a free to play, indie and short game developed and published by Majorariatto. Released on March 28th 2022 has received 8,564 reviews of which 7,779 were positive and 785 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.8 out of 10. The game currently holds the #9 spot among the most played short games.
8.8
7,779
785
5
players
10. Nocturnals
A short, choose your own adventure game about two boys that find each other in a lonely, post-apocalyptic town. Nocturnals is a choices matter, post-apocalyptic and lgbtq+ game developed and published by Cowboy Toad Games. Released on September 13th 2024 has received 706 reviews of which 625 were positive and 81 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.3 out of 10. The game currently holds the #10 spot among the most played short games.
8.3
625
81
5
players
Best deals on short games on Steam
Discover fantastic savings with the best discounts on a variety of short games available on Steam right now, updated on April 27th 2025. Looking for even more deals? Use the search filters to explore a wider range of discounted short games.
1. Gomo
How far would you go to save your best friend?For Gomo, the answer to this question is clear: To the end of the world and further, if necessary.Join him on his journey through the bizarre 2D landscapes of this dreamlike Point & Click Adventure! Gomo is a adventure, indie and point & click game developed by Fishcow Studio and published by Daedalic Entertainment. Released on December 06th 2013 has received 1,790 reviews of which 1,378 were positive and 412 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.4 out of 10. Featuring a massive 85% discount, this game currently holds the #1 spot in the best deals for short category.
7.4
1,378
412
-85%
4.99€
0.74€
2. Assemble with Care
Repair old-school objects in this cozy puzzle game. Join antique-restorer Maria, as she arrives in the sun-soaked town of Bellariva and set out on a journey of helping the townsfolk reconnect. Assemble with Care is a casual, indie and puzzle game developed and published by ustwo games. Released on March 26th 2020 has received 8,509 reviews of which 7,719 were positive and 790 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.8 out of 10. Thanks to its incredible 79% discount, this game is now the #2 best deal in short games.
8.8
7,719
790
-79%
6.52€
1.37€
3. METAL GEAR SOLID V: GROUND ZEROES
World-renowned Kojima Productions brings the Metal Gear Solid franchise to Steam with METAL GEAR SOLID V: GROUND ZEROES. Play as the legendary hero Snake and infiltrate a Cuban military base to rescue the hostages. Can you make it out alive? METAL GEAR SOLID V: GROUND ZEROES is a stealth, action and tactical game developed and published by KONAMI. Released on December 18th 2014 has received 16,870 reviews of which 14,209 were positive and 2,661 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.2 out of 10. Thanks to its incredible 75% discount, this game is now the #3 best deal in short games.
8.2
14,209
2,661
-75%
19.96€
4.99€
4. Adios
A pig farmer decides he no longer wants to dispose of bodies for the mob. What follows is a discussion between him and his would-be killer. Adios is a mystery, thriller and short game developed and published by Mischief. Released on March 16th 2021 has received 1,169 reviews of which 1,091 were positive and 78 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.8 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 65% discount, this title has earned the #4 position in the best deals for short games.
8.8
1,091
78
-65%
15.11€
5.29€
5. A Tiny Sticker Tale
A Tiny Sticker Tale is a cozy miniature adventure about changing the world, using the power of stickers! A Tiny Sticker Tale is a cozy, adventure and puzzle game developed and published by Ogre Pixel. Released on October 04th 2023 has received 394 reviews of which 386 were positive and 8 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9 out of 10. Currently offered at a 28% discount, this title has earned the #5 position in the best deals for short games.
9
386
8
-28%
9.71€
6.99€
6. Looking Up I See Only A Ceiling
A short psychological adventure about a stressed girl who wants to explore her ceiling. Looking Up I See Only A Ceiling is a adventure, psychological and short game developed by silver978 and published by IndieArk. Released on March 09th 2023 has received 2,131 reviews of which 1,887 were positive and 244 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.5 out of 10. Currently offered at a 20% discount, this title has earned the #6 position in the best deals for short games.
8.5
1,887
244
-20%
1.99€
1.59€
Free short games on Steam
Check out this fantastic list of free-to-play short games you can enjoy on Steam right now, updated on April 27th 2025. Looking for even more free titles? Use the search filters to explore a wider range of free to play short games.
1. Pineapple on pizza
Can a video game convey a flavor? Pineapple on pizza is a free to play, short and dark comedy game developed and published by Majorariatto. Released on March 28th 2023 has received 23,946 reviews of which 23,431 were positive and 515 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.6 out of 10. The game currently holds the #1 spot among the most played free short games on Steam.
9.6
23,431
515
27
players
2. How Fish Is Made
Are sardines trustworthy? Are you? Do you want to be? How Fish is Made is a janky little jaunt through the world of surrealist storytelling. Now featuring a Katamari-like DLC! How Fish Is Made is a surreal, short and horror game developed by Wrong Organ, Johanna Kasurinen, Jeffrey Tomec and Martin Halldin and published by Wrong Organ and CRITICAL REFLEX. Released on January 14th 2022 has received 4,685 reviews of which 4,475 were positive and 210 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.2 out of 10. The game currently holds the #2 spot among the most played free short games on Steam.
9.2
4,475
210
5
players
3. The one who pulls out the sword will be crowned king
Are you The Rightful King™ or just a filthy peasant? The sword is waiting for you to lift it, but it gets longer and heavier each time some else succeeds... The one who pulls out the sword will be crowned king is a free to play, indie and short game developed and published by Majorariatto. Released on March 28th 2022 has received 8,564 reviews of which 7,779 were positive and 785 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.8 out of 10. The game currently holds the #3 spot among the most played free short games on Steam.
8.8
7,779
785
5
players
4. Carpe Diem
Seize the day Carpe Diem is a free to play, anime and visual novel game developed and published by Moonlit Works. Released on November 30th 2015 has received 8,528 reviews of which 7,606 were positive and 922 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.7 out of 10. The game currently holds the #4 spot among the most played free short games on Steam.
8.7
7,606
922
4
players
5. The Plan
A fly ascends to the skies, pondering the pointlessness of its brief existence. The Plan is a free to play, indie and atmospheric game developed and published by Krillbite Studio. Released on February 14th 2014 has received 23,029 reviews of which 21,254 were positive and 1,775 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.0 out of 10. The game currently holds the #5 spot among the most played free short games on Steam.
9.0
21,254
1,775
3
players
6. The Cat and the Coup
In The Cat and the Coup, you play the cat of Dr. Mohammed Mossadegh, the first democratically elected Prime Minister of Iran. During the summer of 1953, the CIA engineered a coup to bring about his downfall. The Cat and the Coup is a free to play, indie and cats game developed by Peter Brinson and Kurosh ValaNejad and published by Peter Brinson and Kurosh ValaNejad and USC Games. Released on June 15th 2011 has received 1,061 reviews of which 994 were positive and 67 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.8 out of 10. The game currently holds the #6 spot among the most played free short games on Steam.
8.8
994
67
3
players
7. how do you Do It?
"how do you Do It?" puts players in the role of an 11-year-old girl whose mother has just stepped out for an errand. The girl immediately grabs her dolls and furtively attempts to figure out how sex works using these plastic surrogates. how do you Do It? is a free to play and indie game developed by Nina Freeman, Emmett Butler, Decky Coss and Joni Kittaka and published by None. Released on February 27th 2015 has received 2,554 reviews of which 2,158 were positive and 396 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.1 out of 10. The game currently holds the #7 spot among the most played free short games on Steam.
8.1
2,158
396
2
players
8. Little Man Has a Day
A personal, short and silly handwritten game about a little man feeling a little 'eh'. Little Man Has a Day is a short, relaxing and hand-drawn game developed and published by Mosman. Released on August 16th 2023 has received 329 reviews of which 319 were positive and 10 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.9 out of 10. The game currently holds the #8 spot among the most played free short games on Steam.
8.9
319
10
1
players
9. Port of Call
Imagine waking up on a small dock with no recollection of who you are or how you got there. The first person you find is a grumpy, old man who enlists you to work on his ferry boat which seems to have materialized behind you. Port of Call is a indie, adventure and free to play game developed and published by Underdog Games. Released on August 28th 2015 has received 1,247 reviews of which 1,101 were positive and 146 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.4 out of 10. The game currently holds the #9 spot among the most played free short games on Steam.
8.4
1,101
146
1
players
10. TREE
TREE tells a story of a relationship between a boy and his tree. What starts off as a simple connection, over time it grows into something deeper. TREE is a free to play, indie and casual game developed and published by The Strangers. Released on August 13th 2018 has received 2,225 reviews of which 2,085 were positive and 140 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.9 out of 10. The game currently holds the #10 spot among the most played free short games on Steam.
8.9
2,085
140