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 Darkness II
An intense first person shooter that delivers a twisted and gripping narrative of tragedy, modern crime drama, and supernatural horror.
The Blackwell Legacy
When 3 NYU students kill themselves, nobody thinks that a sinister force is at work. Nobody but fledgling medium Rosa Blackwell & her new spirit guide Joey Mallone.
Blackwell Deception
Street psychics. Their blinking neon signs are everywhere, promising love and wealth and happiness. They make a fortune preying on the gullible and milking them dry. So when these victims begin dying and leaving confused spirits behind, it can only take a genuine psychic (and her wayward spirit guide) to clean up the mess.
Blackwell Convergence
The third game in the Blackwell series
Blackwell Unbound
The year is 1973. The sound of a lone, ethereal saxophone drifts over the Roosevelt Island promenade, while a series of accidents plague a midtown construction site. The citizens of Manhattan take no notice of these events, let alone think they are connected.
Costume Quest
A Halloween adventure from Tim Schafer's Double Fine Productions.
Breath of Death VII
Resurrect the classic era of RPGs with the retro parody RPG, Breath of Death VII: The Beginning. Join Dem the Skeleton Knight, Sara the ghost historian, Lita the vampire techie, and Erik the zombie prince as they explore an undead world in search of the secrets of the past. Laugh! Cry! Laugh some more!
Puzzle Agent 2
Agent Nelson Tethers just solved his biggest case yet. So why isn't he satisfied? Venture back to eerie Scoggins, Minnesota to solve the mystery of "the Hidden People" once and for all!
F.E.A.R. 3
F.E.A.R. 3 delivers all the hallmarks that define the F.E.A.R. brand: terrifying paranormal experience, frenetic combat and a dramatic storyline.
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.
Portal 2 - The Final Hours
Portal 2 draws from the award-winning formula of innovative gameplay, story, and music that earned the original Portal over 70 industry accolades and created a cult following. For more information on Portal 2 click here.
NightSky
Nominated as a IGF Seamus McNally Finalist, NightSky is an ambient action-puzzle game that offers a gameplay experience unlike any other—cerebral challenges fill uniquely designed picturesque worlds. The player must maneuver a sphere by using realistic physics to advance; each of these worlds is broken into different areas.
A.R.E.S.: Extinction Agenda
You are the ultimate weapon with an ultimate sidekick – Collect secret items and get power ups to become the perfect weapon.
Kane & Lynch 2: Dog Days
Pure adrenaline of non-stop action in Single Player, Online Co-op and Multiplayer. Double the pleasure and mayhem with new multiplayer DLCs! (click for details)
Puzzle Agent
Created with indie comic artist Graham Annable's unique narrative and visual sensibilities, delivered with the distinctive Telltale storytelling style, Puzzle Agent is sure to challenge, thrill and engage in more ways than you can shake a cryptogram at!
eversion
The Princess of the Flower Kingdom has vanished! She was taken by the Ghulibas of the north, and it is up to brave Zee Tee to rescue her. On his quest, he - and you - will discover the hidden lands behind the peaceful kingdom, and come face to face with secrets that will set you on edge!
NecroVisioN: Lost Company
NecroVisioN: Lost Company is the prequel to original horror FPS shooter, taking place before the NecroVisioN story begins. It contains a bunch of unique levels, characters, weapons and gameplay elements as well as new main hero that presents the original game story from opposite perspective.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