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
Castle of Illusion
Mickey Mouse returns to star in Castle of Illusion, a fantastical reimagining of the Sega Genesis classic.
Brothers - A Tale of Two Sons
Guide two brothers on an epic fairy tale journey from visionary Swedish film director, Josef Fares and top-tier developer Starbreeze Studios. Control both brothers at once as you experience co-op play in single player mode, like never before.
Electronic Super Joy
Electronic Super Joy is a brutally hard platformer set in a world of pulse-pounding electronic music. Run, jump, smash & fly your way through 45+ weird & different levels, with low-gravity, world rotation, giant monsters & swarming missiles.
Gone Home
June 7th, 1995. 1:15 AM. You arrive home after a year abroad. You expect your family to greet you, but the house is empty. Something's not right. Where is everyone? And what's happened here? Unravel the mystery for yourself in Gone Home, a story exploration game from The Fullbright Company.
DuckTales: Remastered
DuckTales: Remastered is a beautiful hand-crafted reimagining of one of the most cherished 8-bit titles of all time. Go back to one of the golden ages of gaming, now refined with a level of detail that will please the most hardened devoted Disney or retro Capcom fan alike.
Ittle Dew
Adventuress Ittle Dew and her sidekick Tippsie crash onto a strange island, filled with loot and mysterious inhabitants. It quickly dawns on the duo that this might become their biggest adventure yet.Ittle Dew boils down the classic adventure formula until there is only fun left.
Bleed
Wryn is a girl with a big arsenal and big dreams -- she wants to be the ultimate videogame hero! Help her take down the Greatest Heroes of All Time in an action-packed bid to claim the title for herself and show the world what a true hero looks like!
Dragon's Lair
Haven't heard of Dragon's Lair?! Well, you play the heroic Dirk the Daring, a valiant knight on a quest to rescue the fair princess from the clutches of an evil dragon! Originally released in the summer of 1983, Dragon's Lair has solidified itself as a cultural icon in gaming.
Monster Loves You!
Live the life of a Monster, from birth to elderhood and beyond, making decisions that affect the world of Monsters and Humans. Solve problems. Meet animals and interesting people. Get to know them. Eat them. Make your own story!
DLC Quest
What happens when DLC practices go too far? An indie developer makes a game that mocks the industry and its foibles, that's what! Defeat the bad guy, save the world and get the girl! But first you'll need to find coins to buy DLC to enable animation, sound and even pausing.
Proteus
Proteus is a game about exploration and immersion in a dream-like island world where the soundtrack to your play is created by your surroundings. Played in first-person, the primary means of interaction is simply your presence in the world and how you observe it.
Little Inferno
Throw your toys into your fire, and play with them as they burn. An adventure that takes place almost entirely in front of a fireplace - about looking up up up out of the chimney, and the cold world just on the other side of the wall. From the creators of World of Goo and Human Resource Machine.
Hamlet or the Last Game without MMORPG Features, Shaders and Product Placement
The original puzzle adventure game based on twisted William Shakespeare's Hamlet.
To the Moon
A story-driven experience about two doctors traversing backwards through a dying man's memories to artificially fulfill his last wish.
Thirty Flights of Loving
Explore the world of Thirty Flights of Loving through a first-person short story. Take a deep dive with high-flying schemers, lovelorn criminals, and more stray kittens than you can shake a stick at.
Tiny and Big: Grandpa's Leftovers
You are Tiny, a nerdy inventor, who tries to reclaim his most beloved possession - Grandpa's underpants!
Alan Wake's American Nightmare
A thrilling new storyline, hordes of creepy enemies, serious firepower and beautiful Arizona locations, combined with a fun and challenging new game mode!
Noitu Love 2: Devolution
A century after the legendary boy Noitu Love saved the world from the evil Darns, they rise again, but in a chaos of time-bending mayhem!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 26th 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
68
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. 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
17
players
4. 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 #4 spot among the most played short games.
8.8
7,719
790
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. 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 #6 spot among the most played short games.
8.3
625
81
5
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 short games.
9.0
21,247
1,775
4
players
8. 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 #8 spot among the most played short games.
8.8
994
67
4
players
9. 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 #9 spot among the most played short games.
8.5
1,887
244
4
players
10. A Gay Love Story About Gay Love
A short story-based SRPG about two men who will eventually come to love each other. Now updated with added dialogue, new characters, different choices to make and multiple endings! A Gay Love Story About Gay Love is a rpg, anime and short game developed and published by Sigyaad Team. Released on September 14th 2020 has received 624 reviews of which 546 were positive and 78 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.2 out of 10. The game currently holds the #10 spot among the most played short games.
8.2
546
78
4
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 26th 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. Unhack
The 5K Worm is on a rampage across cyberspace. As the top unhacker in Smash Security, it is your mission to bring an end to this virus. Join forces with AI companion Weedy and become an unstoppable duo! Unhack is a indie, anime and puzzle game developed and published by InvertMouse. Released on January 09th 2015 has received 304 reviews of which 261 were positive and 43 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.9 out of 10. Currently offered at a 50% discount, this title has earned the #6 position in the best deals for short games.
7.9
261
43
-50%
3.99€
1.99€
7. 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 #7 position in the best deals for short games.
9
386
8
-28%
9.71€
6.99€
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 26th 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 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 #2 spot among the most played free short games on Steam.
9.0
21,247
1,775
4
players
3. 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 #3 spot among the most played free short games on Steam.
8.8
994
67
4
players
4. 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 #4 spot among the most played free short games on Steam.
9.2
4,475
210
3
players
5. 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 #5 spot among the most played free short games on Steam.
8.8
7,779
785
3
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
3
players
7. 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 #7 spot among the most played free short games on Steam.
8.4
1,101
146
2
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. 9.03m
The media is quick to put figures to death tolls in such disasters, and 9.03m tries to remind people of the individuals behind those figures. 9.03m is set on Baker Beach in San Francisco, where debris from the tsunami has washed ashore in the years following the tsunami. To play, you must find the butterflies. 9.03m is a indie, short and walking simulator game developed and published by Space Budgie. Released on November 20th 2013 has received 1,134 reviews of which 947 were positive and 187 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.0 out of 10. The game currently holds the #9 spot among the most played free short games on Steam.
8.0
947
187
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 2,223 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 #10 spot among the most played free short games on Steam.
8.9
2,083
140