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
Duck Detective: The Ghost of Glamping
You are the one and only Duck Detective, a depressed and recently divorced duck who must quack the case. Inspect evidence, make de-duck-tions, and solve this no-murder mystery!
Nubs! Arena
As a true chaotic Nub warrior, your skills will be put to the ultimate test in a trap-filled arena. Arm yourself with a Can-o-Beanz, Burny-Hogz-Stick, or a Fish as you battle your way to the top in short fast-paced multiplayer brawls.
Warfare Legacy Collection
Warfare 1917 and 1944 return, fully remastered with enhanced visuals, full-screen support, and custom battles. Warfare Legacy Collection also Includes the Battle of the Bulge, a brand-new campaign set during WWII’s final offensive with all-new missions, snowy maps, and intense front-line action.
Project Hailstorm
Step into the shoes of a researcher in the depths of the antarctic and uncover the mysteries behind Project Hailstorm.
DEAD LETTER DEPT.
Working at a data entry job in the big city, you type up and transcribe the lost mail and letters that have nowhere else to go. But as the days carry on oddities in the mail start to emerge, and cracks begin to appear.
![[Bober Bros] The Hole](https://shared.cloudflare.steamstatic.com/store_item_assets/steam/apps/3037930/header.jpg)
[Bober Bros] The Hole
[Bober Bros] The Hole is a first-person horror game that explores the cracks in domestic life. Your neighbor’s drilling starts the nightmare, but the holes reveal dark secrets far deeper than any wall could hide. No cheap scares, only disturbing reality.
Follow the meaning
Follow the meaning is a surreal point-and-click puzzle adventure. Join detective Paul Trilby as he works to unravel the mysteries of a peculiar town, seemingly ruled by the local Hospital. Over the wall and behind tightly shut gates, a dark secret lies in wait…
Once Alive
A story-driven, first-person adventure game offering a cinematic experience. Embark on a journey to HaustVille, an abandoned settlement in a post-apocalyptic world. Explore your surroundings and uncover the mystery behind the disappearance of the last survivors.
PROXIMATE
Congratulations, contractor! You've been approved to trial our cutting-edge AI visor. Use it to explore the Neuras lab and recover the staff's research. Your visor is safe, reliable, and up to 99% accurate. Just don't ask why the "ketchup" in the corner makes such a horrible crunching sound.
DON'T SCREAM
Survive the night by finding batteries and evading hunters. But beware: any scream, gasp, or squeak into your microphone restarts the game! Time only moves when you do, so keep moving. See who in your group can stay quiet the longest! MICROPHONE REQUIRED!
Daemonologie
A short folk horror story about the Scottish witch trials. You play the role of a witch finder. Speak to the locals and sort their truths from their lies. On the last morning a witch must hang, best you know who by then.
Nocturnals
A short, choose your own adventure game about two boys that find each other in a lonely, post-apocalyptic town.
Slash/Jump
How do you platform if walking and jumping aren't an option? With a sword of course! Bounce and slash your way through this short and sweet, uniquely controlled precision platformer!
Thank Goodness You're Here!
Thank Goodness You're Here! is an absurd comedy slapformer set in the bizarre Northern English town of Barnsworth. As a traveling salesman, take the time to see the sights and meet the locals, who are very eager to give you a series of increasingly odd jobs…
hololive Treasure Mountain
Stack the Love of Captain Marine! A Simple yet Exciting 3D Physics Puzzle Game!
The Star Named EOS
The Star Named EOS is a story-rich puzzle adventure built around photography. Recreate compositions of past photos to uncover the truth of a family mystery. Experience a harmonious mixture of beautiful hand-drawn art and engaging puzzles on a journey of reminiscence.
Thought Experiment Simulator
This is a stupid game that might include Trolley Problem, Ship of Theseus, Brain in a Vat, Infinite Monkey, Sisyphus, Prisoner's Dilemma, Schrodinger's Cat, etc.
![[Bober Bros] It's Just A Prank](https://shared.cloudflare.steamstatic.com/store_item_assets/steam/apps/3001730/header.jpg)
[Bober Bros] It's Just A Prank
It's Just A Prank is a first-person horror game about kids playing pranks on each other until a PRANK GOES WRONG. Experience suspense, fear, and unexpected twists as a simple joke becomes a nightmare.
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.
Mimic Search
Mimic Search is a short indie horror game, in which you take the role of a police officer investigating a recent mimic attack.
Fruit Mountain
Fruit Stacking Puzzle Game Connect the same types of fruit together to make them grow bigger and bigger! Stack them up without letting them overflow from the plate, and build your own Fruit Mountain!
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 June 14th 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 16,956 reviews of which 14,283 were positive and 2,673 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.2 out of 10. The game has hit the top spot as the #1 most played short game, thanks to its 191 peak concurrent players over the last day.
8.2
14,283
2,673
191
players
2. Duck Detective: The Ghost of Glamping
You are the one and only Duck Detective, a depressed and recently divorced duck who must quack the case. Inspect evidence, make de-duck-tions, and solve this no-murder mystery! Duck Detective: The Ghost of Glamping is a casual, adventure and detective game developed and published by Happy Broccoli Games. Released on May 22nd 2025 has received 909 reviews of which 902 were positive and 7 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.3 out of 10. The game currently holds the #2 spot among the most played short games.
9.3
902
7
55
players
3. 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 5,090 reviews of which 4,870 were positive and 220 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.2 out of 10. The game currently holds the #3 spot among the most played short games.
9.2
4,870
220
41
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 2,592 reviews of which 2,470 were positive and 122 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
2,470
122
14
players
5. 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 24,279 reviews of which 23,752 were positive and 527 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.6 out of 10. The game currently holds the #5 spot among the most played short games.
9.6
23,752
527
12
players
6. 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 8,690 reviews of which 7,890 were positive and 800 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.8 out of 10. The game currently holds the #6 spot among the most played short games.
8.8
7,890
800
10
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 2,259 reviews of which 1,998 were positive and 261 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
1,998
261
7
players
8. KIDS
A game of crowds. KIDS is a indie, casual and adventure game developed by Mario von Rickenbach and Michael Frei and published by Playables. Released on May 28th 2019 has received 1,934 reviews of which 1,604 were positive and 330 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.0 out of 10. The game currently holds the #8 spot among the most played short games.
8.0
1,604
330
5
players
9. Nubs! Arena
As a true chaotic Nub warrior, your skills will be put to the ultimate test in a trap-filled arena. Arm yourself with a Can-o-Beanz, Burny-Hogz-Stick, or a Fish as you battle your way to the top in short fast-paced multiplayer brawls. Nubs! Arena is a multiplayer, 4 player local and action game developed and published by Rangatang and Glowfish Interactive. Released on May 15th 2025 has received 608 reviews of which 382 were positive and 226 were negative resulting in a rating of 6.1 out of 10. The game currently holds the #9 spot among the most played short games.
6.1
382
226
5
players
10. Frog Detective 3: Corruption at Cowboy County
You're a detective, and a frog, and it's time to solve a mystery in the wild west. Frog Detective 3: Corruption at Cowboy County is a comedy, funny and short game developed by Grace Bruxner and Thomas Bowker and published by worm club and SUPERHOT PRESENTS. Released on October 26th 2022 has received 1,824 reviews of which 1,801 were positive and 23 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.4 out of 10. The game currently holds the #10 spot among the most played short games.
9.4
1,801
23
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 June 14th 2025. Looking for even more deals? Use the search filters to explore a wider range of discounted short games.
1. qomp
You are the Ball. Escape. qomp is a short, precision platformer and pixel graphics game developed by Stuffed Wombat, Britt Brady, Miroko and Clovelt and published by Atari. Released on February 04th 2021 has received 483 reviews of which 468 were positive and 15 were negative resulting in a rating of 9.0 out of 10. Featuring a massive 96% discount, this game currently holds the #1 spot in the best deals for short category.
9.0
468
15
-96%
5.69€
0.26€
2. Frog Detective 2: The Case of the Invisible Wizard
You're a detective, and a frog, and it's time to solve a mystery. Also there's a wizard. Frog Detective 2: The Case of the Invisible Wizard is a comedy, casual and short game developed by Grace Bruxner and Thomas Bowker and published by worm club and SUPERHOT PRESENTS. Released on December 09th 2019 has received 1,980 reviews of which 1,890 were positive and 90 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.1 out of 10. Thanks to its incredible 93% discount, this game is now the #2 best deal in short games.
9.1
1,890
90
-93%
4.99€
0.39€
3. 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 1,795 reviews of which 1,383 were positive and 412 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.4 out of 10. Thanks to its incredible 93% discount, this game is now the #3 best deal in short games.
7.4
1,383
412
-93%
4.99€
0.39€
4. Dear RED - Extended
Dear Red is a game based on two choices: Truth or Lie. Each of your choices will lead to a different result. Dear RED - Extended is a indie, rpg and rpgmaker game developed by Lee Sang and published by Sometimes You. Released on April 12th 2016 has received 392 reviews of which 259 were positive and 133 were negative resulting in a rating of 6.3 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 93% discount, this title has earned the #4 position in the best deals for short games.
6.3
259
133
-93%
2.99€
0.23€
5. Hamlet or the Last Game without MMORPG Features, Shaders and Product Placement
The original puzzle adventure game based on twisted William Shakespeare's Hamlet. Hamlet or the Last Game without MMORPG Features, Shaders and Product Placement is a adventure, indie and point & click game developed and published by Denis Galanin (mif2000). Released on October 22nd 2012 has received 544 reviews of which 345 were positive and 199 were negative resulting in a rating of 6.1 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 93% discount, this title has earned the #5 position in the best deals for short games.
6.1
345
199
-93%
4.99€
0.35€
6. 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 8,690 reviews of which 7,890 were positive and 800 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.8 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 91% discount, this title has earned the #6 position in the best deals for short games.
8.8
7,890
800
-91%
6.59€
0.61€
7. KIDS
A game of crowds. KIDS is a indie, casual and adventure game developed by Mario von Rickenbach and Michael Frei and published by Playables. Released on May 28th 2019 has received 1,934 reviews of which 1,604 were positive and 330 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.0 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 90% discount, this title has earned the #7 position in the best deals for short games.
8.0
1,604
330
-90%
3.99€
0.42€
8. 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. Thirty Flights of Loving is a first-person, experimental and walking simulator game developed and published by Blendo Games. Released on August 20th 2012 has received 1,826 reviews of which 1,152 were positive and 674 were negative resulting in a rating of 6.2 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 90% discount, this title has earned the #8 position in the best deals for short games.
6.2
1,152
674
-90%
4.99€
0.50€
9. 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 10,276 reviews of which 8,718 were positive and 1,558 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.3 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 87% discount, this title has earned the #9 position in the best deals for short games.
8.3
8,718
1,558
-87%
3.99€
0.54€
10. 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 5,110 reviews of which 4,909 were positive and 201 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.3 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 86% discount, this title has earned the #10 position in the best deals for short games.
9.3
4,909
201
-86%
6.99€
0.98€
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 June 14th 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 24,279 reviews of which 23,752 were positive and 527 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
23,752
527
12
players
2. 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 8,614 reviews of which 7,817 were positive and 797 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
7,817
797
4
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 4,784 reviews of which 4,566 were positive and 218 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
4,566
218
2
players
4. 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 1,068 reviews of which 1,000 were positive and 68 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
1,000
68
2
players
5. 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 1,251 reviews of which 1,102 were positive and 149 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.4 out of 10. The game currently holds the #5 spot among the most played free short games on Steam.
8.4
1,102
149
2
players
6. 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 2,551 reviews of which 2,158 were positive and 393 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.1 out of 10. The game currently holds the #6 spot among the most played free short games on Steam.
8.1
2,158
393
2
players
7. Loot Grind Simulator
Loot Grind Simulator is a fantasy-themed game about completing quests and earning better loot to equip. The game is meant as satire of the current MMO and Looter Shooter trends and features idle gameplay elements with decisions about what quests to undertake and items to craft. Loot Grind Simulator is a casual, short and collectathon game developed and published by GG Undroid Games. Released on October 14th 2020 has received 373 reviews of which 299 were positive and 74 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.5 out of 10. The game currently holds the #7 spot among the most played free short games on Steam.
7.5
299
74
2
players
8. 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 23,087 reviews of which 21,304 were positive and 1,783 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.0 out of 10. The game currently holds the #8 spot among the most played free short games on Steam.
9.0
21,304
1,783
1
players
9. 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 2,233 reviews of which 2,092 were positive and 141 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.9 out of 10. The game currently holds the #9 spot among the most played free short games on Steam.
8.9
2,092
141
1
players
10. 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 8,542 reviews of which 7,614 were positive and 928 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.7 out of 10. The game currently holds the #10 spot among the most played free short games on Steam.
8.7
7,614
928
1
players