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
The Fall
Take the role of ARID, the artificial intelligence within a high-tech combat suit. The Fall is a unique combination of adventure-game puzzle solving and side-scroller action, all set within a dark and atmospheric story. Get ready for a disturbing journey as you explore the world of The Fall.
Among the Sleep - Enhanced Edition
Among the Sleep: Enhanced Edition is a new and improved version of the award winning first person horror adventure. In the game you play as a small child trapped in a weird nightmare where you go looking for your mom.
Monochroma
Monochroma is a cinematic puzzle platformer. It’s a game about being a kid, growing up with a little brother that needs your help, facing obstacles and solving unique puzzles in a dystopian 1950's setting.
A Story About My Uncle
A Story About My Uncle is a first person platforming adventure game about a boy who searches for his lost uncle, and ends up in a world he couldn’t imagine existed. The movement is a crucial part of the games core gameplay – focusing on swinging through the world with a grappling hook that gives the player a wonderful sense of speed and...
They Breathe
They Breathe is a short journey into the depths of a forest filled with water. As you swim deeper, it's up to you to figure out the rules of an insidious ecosystem where nothing is as it first seems, and where everyone is after the same precious resource – oxygen!
Transistor
Discover the world of Transistor, a sci-fi-themed action RPG from the creators of Bastion.
Chronology
A platform-adventure game about time travelling, puzzle solving and a friendship between an Old Inventor and a Snail.
Lili: Child of Geos - Complete Edition
Lili is a quirky adventure RPG hybrid with stunning visuals, silky-smooth graphics, a cinematic story-line, and a fresh new way to deal with enemies.
Clockwork Tales: Of Glass and Ink
Unburied secrets burn like wild steam – nothing is what it appears!
Oknytt
Oknytt is an old school point-and-click adventure game where the player takes the role of a small, seemingly insignificant creature, leading it through a dark world filled with beings and areas inspired by Swedish folklore, in search of a place to belong.
Actual Sunlight
A short interactive story about love, depression and the corporation.
Dominique Pamplemousse
Dominique Pamplemousse in “It’s All Over Once The Fat Lady Sings!” is a unique and offbeat stop motion animated detective adventure game about gender and the economy. Also, all the characters frequently burst into song.
Year Walk
In the old days man tried to catch a glimpse of the future in the strangest of ways.Experience the ancient Swedish phenomena of year walking through a different kind of first person adventure that blurs the line between two and three dimensions, as well as reality and the supernatural.
The Yawhg
The Yawhg is a one-to-four player choose-your-own-adventure game that randomizes a unique story every time you play. The evil Yawhg is returning. How will the town’s locals lead their lives in the meanwhile, and what will they do when the dreaded Yawhg finally arrives?
Hexcells Plus
Hexcells Plus is an ambient logic puzzle game for PC, Mac and Linux.
Journal
Enter the pages of the hand painted world of Journal. A journey through the life of a young and troubled girl as she tries to face up to the choices and responsibilities that come with childhood. An experience that questions the reliability of how we choose to remember events and explores the truths hidden within our dreams.
Jazzpunk: Director's Cut
Jazzpunk is a comedy adventure set in an alternate reality Cold War World, plagued with corporate espionage, CyberCrime, and sentient martinis. Gameplay is inspired by spoof comedy films and cartoons of yesteryear, with a focus on weird gadgets, exotic locales, and open-world style exploration.
Octodad: Dadliest Catch
Octodad: Dadliest Catch is a game about destruction, deception, and fatherhood. The player controls Octodad, a dapper octopus masquerading as a human, as he goes about his life. Octodad's existence is a constant struggle, as he must master mundane tasks with his unwieldy boneless tentacles while simultaneously keeping his cephalopodan...
Serena
How long has it been? A man sits in a distant getaway cabin waiting for his wife Serena. Where is she? Things in the cabin evoke memories, and the husband comes to a disturbing realization... This short point-and-click adventure is the result of a massive collaborative effort between dozens of fans and designers of adventure games.
Broken Age
A family friendly, hand-animated, puzzle-filled adventure game with an all-star cast, including Elijah Wood, Jack Black and Masasa Moyo. Funded by a record breaking crowdfunding campaign and designed by industry legend Tim Schafer, Broken Age is a timeless coming-of-age story.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 16,846 reviews of which 14,185 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
14,185
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
26
players
3. 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 #3 spot among the most played short games.
8.8
7,719
790
18
players
4. 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 #4 spot among the most played short games.
9.1
1,981
85
17
players
5. 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 #5 spot among the most played short games.
9.2
4,529
201
13
players
6. 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 #6 spot among the most played short games.
9.3
4,828
191
7
players
7. 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 #7 spot among the most played short games.
8.5
1,887
244
7
players
8. 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 #8 spot among the most played short games.
8.3
625
81
6
players
9. 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 #9 spot among the most played short games.
8.8
994
67
5
players
10. 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 1,379 were positive and 411 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.4 out of 10. The game currently holds the #10 spot among the most played short games.
7.4
1,379
411
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 1,379 were positive and 411 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
1,379
411
-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 16,846 reviews of which 14,185 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
14,185
2,661
-75%
19.96€
4.99€
4. A Bird Story
An experimental short from the creator of To the Moon & Finding Paradise: A simple & surreal 1-hour interactive animation about a boy and an injured bird, told without dialogues.If you're looking for To the Moon-like experience, I'd suggest playing Finding Paradise first. A Bird Story is a indie, story rich and great soundtrack game developed and published by Freebird Games. Released on November 07th 2014 has received 10,232 reviews of which 8,677 were positive and 1,555 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.3 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 66% discount, this title has earned the #4 position in the best deals for short games.
8.3
8,677
1,555
-66%
3.97€
1.35€
5. 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 #5 position in the best deals for short games.
8.8
1,091
78
-65%
15.11€
5.29€
6. 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 #6 position in the best deals for short games.
9
386
8
-28%
9.71€
6.99€
7. 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 #7 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
26
players
2. 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 #2 spot among the most played free short games on Steam.
8.8
994
67
5
players
3. 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 #3 spot among the most played free short games on Steam.
9.2
4,475
210
3
players
4. 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 #4 spot among the most played free short games on Steam.
8.8
7,779
785
3
players
5. 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 2,223 reviews of which 2,083 were positive and 140 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.9 out of 10. The game currently holds the #5 spot among the most played free short games on Steam.
8.9
2,083
140
2
players
6. 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 #6 spot among the most played free short games on Steam.
8.7
7,606
922
2
players
7. 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 23,022 reviews of which 21,247 were positive and 1,775 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.0 out of 10. The game currently holds the #7 spot among the most played free short games on Steam.
9.0
21,247
1,775
1
players
8. Frightened Beetles
Something terrible happened in the forest! Someone frightened all Bugs! What happened? You are the only one who can find it out! Frightened Beetles is a free to play, casual and indie game developed and published by Anatoliy Loginovskikh. Released on May 11th 2018 has received 543 reviews of which 496 were positive and 47 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.5 out of 10. The game currently holds the #8 spot among the most played free short games on Steam.
8.5
496
47
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. 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 #10 spot among the most played free short games on Steam.
8.1
2,158
396
1
players