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
Milkmaid of the Milky Way
Milkmaid of the Milky Way is an award-winning point-and-click adventure game in rhyme that combines a gripping story with puzzles and exploration. What happens when a young milkmaid sees an alien craft in a fjord in 1920's Norway?
Super Blue Boy Planet
SBBP is a 2D platformer with pixel graphics. Blue boy’s girlfriend is kidnapped by aliens so he goes through 21 levels to save her and he also fight bosses along the way.
Her Majesty's SPIFFING
Her Majesty's SPIFFING is a quaint graphic adventure game following the exploits of Captain Frank Lee English and his trusted regional accented colleague, Aled, as they travel through the cosmos in search of planets to claim for a new Galactic British Empire!
Silence
Can you save Silence, the grim, but also serene world between life and death? Can you help Noah find his little sister Renie in this suffering world? Can you bring her home? Explore Silence and join the siblings on their adventurous journey.
One Night Stand
After a night of fun, passion, and one too many drinks, you wake up the next morning to find a complete stranger lying naked beside you in bed. What do you do?
House of the Dying Sun
House of the Dying Sun is a tactical space shooter that puts you in the cockpit of the universe's most terrifying starfighter. Hunt the enemies of the Empire and bring ruin to their people.
The Survey
In the end, everybody gets what they deserve. The sins of the past always manifest within the minds of the sinners. An eternity of suffering awaits, welcome to The Survey.
Off-Peak
You're stranded at a cathedral-like train station in the near future, searching for a ticket out of town. Explore the secret passageways, interact with strangers, dig for records, and get hypnotized by the soundtrack – a batch of original music courtesy of the band, Archie Pelago.
Awkward Dimensions Redux
They may be awkward dimensions, but they're my dreams...
Red Comrades 2: For the Great Justice. Reloaded
Sequel to the amazing adventures of two Russian pop-culture legends: Vasily Ivanovich Chapaev and his fellow aide Petka who fearlessly beat off the alien invasion in a first franchise installment.
Blameless
Blameless is a mysterious first-person adventure with primary focus on puzzle solving and short story. The player will appear in a role of an architect trying to investigate strange happenings, after discovering evidence of an act of violence.
Scrap Garden - The Day Before
A new chapter of charming 3D platformer about the little rusty robot C4N who unwittingly finds himself in the midst of momentous events in Robo Land. In order to solve the new riddle, Canny will once again need to run and jump a lot, solve puzzles, and fight against enemies who are much bigger and stronger than he is.
Burly Men at Sea
A branching folktale misadventure about a trio of large, bearded fishermen. Shape a custom tale that begins again where it ends, through waters where lurk creatures from Scandinavian folklore.
Bloody Walls
The world was plunged into chaos following an accident at a bio-weapon research facility. 100% of the earth's population has been infected. There is an antidote that blocks infection from the airborne strain of the virus, but the effect is temporary.
Trick & Treat
Trick or treating in a vampire's house.Trick & Treat is a light-hearted Halloween adventure. It's about exploring and solving puzzles in a spooky atmosphere. There will be some horror elements, romance, many bad ends and a happy ending of true love.
The Uncertain: Last Quiet Day
The Uncertain is an story-driven adventure game set in a post-apocalyptic world. Experience the mysterious vibe of each of carefully explored locations, solve diverse puzzles, make fateful decisions and discuss intriguing matters to find out the whole truth being kept from you.
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 May 01st 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
55
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
38
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
24
players
4. 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 2,147 reviews of which 1,899 were positive and 248 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.5 out of 10. The game currently holds the #4 spot among the most played short games.
8.5
1,899
248
10
players
5. 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 #5 spot among the most played short games.
9.2
4,475
210
6
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 8,551 reviews of which 7,757 were positive and 794 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
7,757
794
6
players
7. Frog Detective 1: The Haunted Island
You're a detective, and a frog, and it's time to solve a mystery. Frog Detective 1: The Haunted Island is a comedy, short and casual game developed by Grace Bruxner and Thomas Bowker and published by worm club and SUPERHOT PRESENTS. Released on November 22nd 2018 has received 4,982 reviews of which 4,606 were positive and 376 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.9 out of 10. The game currently holds the #7 spot among the most played short games.
8.9
4,606
376
5
players
8. 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 5,033 reviews of which 4,840 were positive and 193 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.3 out of 10. The game currently holds the #8 spot among the most played short games.
9.3
4,840
193
4
players
9. 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 #9 spot among the most played short games.
9.2
4,529
201
4
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 8,531 reviews of which 7,608 were positive and 923 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.7 out of 10. The game currently holds the #10 spot among the most played short games.
8.7
7,608
923
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 May 01st 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 80% discount, this game currently holds the #1 spot in the best deals for short category.
7.4
1,378
412
-80%
5.00€
1.00€
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 8,551 reviews of which 7,757 were positive and 794 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
7,757
794
-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. 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 10,235 reviews of which 8,679 were positive and 1,556 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
8,679
1,556
-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. 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 1,798 reviews of which 1,775 were positive and 23 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.4 out of 10. Currently offered at a 45% discount, this title has earned the #6 position in the best deals for short games.
9.4
1,775
23
-45%
4.99€
2.74€
7. 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 1,960 reviews of which 1,870 were positive and 90 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.1 out of 10. Currently offered at a 45% discount, this title has earned the #7 position in the best deals for short games.
9.1
1,870
90
-45%
4.99€
2.74€
8. Frog Detective 1: The Haunted Island
You're a detective, and a frog, and it's time to solve a mystery. Frog Detective 1: The Haunted Island is a comedy, short and casual game developed by Grace Bruxner and Thomas Bowker and published by worm club and SUPERHOT PRESENTS. Released on November 22nd 2018 has received 4,982 reviews of which 4,606 were positive and 376 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.9 out of 10. Currently offered at a 45% discount, this title has earned the #8 position in the best deals for short games.
8.9
4,606
376
-45%
4.99€
2.74€
9. 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 #9 position in the best deals for short games.
9
386
8
-28%
9.71€
6.99€
10. 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 2,147 reviews of which 1,899 were positive and 248 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.5 out of 10. Currently offered at a 20% discount, this title has earned the #10 position in the best deals for short games.
8.5
1,899
248
-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 May 01st 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
38
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
6
players
3. 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 8,531 reviews of which 7,608 were positive and 923 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.7 out of 10. The game currently holds the #3 spot among the most played free short games on Steam.
8.7
7,608
923
4
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 8,575 reviews of which 7,787 were positive and 788 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
7,787
788
3
players
5. The Old Tree
The Old Tree is a short free-to-play cinematic puzzle game about a newborn alien baby. Witness this microscopic entity's first moments of life and help it emerge from its underground lair and ascend towards an unknown destination. The Old Tree is a free to play, adventure and indie game developed and published by Red Dwarf Games. Released on January 26th 2015 has received 3,306 reviews of which 2,974 were positive and 332 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.7 out of 10. The game currently holds the #5 spot among the most played free short games on Steam.
8.7
2,974
332
2
players
6. 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 1,248 reviews of which 1,101 were positive and 147 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.4 out of 10. The game currently holds the #6 spot among the most played free short games on Steam.
8.4
1,101
147
2
players
7. 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 1,063 reviews of which 996 were positive and 67 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.8 out of 10. The game currently holds the #7 spot among the most played free short games on Steam.
8.8
996
67
1
players
8. Loading Story
A short story about loading, I guess. Play as Memu@ as she explores the cyberpunk(ish) little town and interacts with its inhabitants. Loading Story is a short, casual and 2d game developed by Potatodog, Simpleton and Clay Game Studio and published by Potatodog. Released on September 10th 2021 has received 314 reviews of which 298 were positive and 16 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.7 out of 10. The game currently holds the #8 spot among the most played free short games on Steam.
8.7
298
16
1
players
9. 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 544 reviews of which 497 were positive and 47 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.5 out of 10. The game currently holds the #9 spot among the most played free short games on Steam.
8.5
497
47
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