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
Bulb Boy
One gloomy night, Bulb Boy wakes suddenly from a frightening nightmare to discover that evil has overshadowed the Bulbhouse. His family has disappeared and there are horrid monsters lurking in the shadows. Gather the courage and use his glass head to save everything he loves.
A Wolf in Autumn
A one-armed young girl finds herself locked in a shed in the middle of an idyllic autumn forest, with threats both physical and immaterial drawing closer.
Message Quest
Message Quest is a tiny stained-glass point-n-click adventure about laziness and her herald. Imagine yourself as the main hero’s conscience, the one that must make him work when all he wants to do is sleep.
DISTRAINT: Deluxe Edition
DISTRAINT is a 2D psychological horror adventure game for PC. In order to secure a partnership in a famous company, Price seizes the property of an elderly woman. In that very moment, he finds out the price of his humanity.
The Beginner's Guide
The Beginner's Guide is a narrative video game from Davey Wreden, the creator of The Stanley Parable. It lasts about an hour and a half and has no traditional mechanics, no goals or objectives. Instead, it tells the story of a person struggling to deal with something they do not understand.
Missing Translation
Lost in a weird city in the middle of the desert and surrounded by strange creatures that keep staring at you. This is a game about exploring the unknown and solving puzzles... lots of them! Don't be fooled by the looks, this isn't a point & click adventure.
Comedy Quest
Comedy Quest is a point and click adventure game by Trav Nash. Can you become the greatest comedian in three gigs?
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.
Planet of the Eyes
An atmospheric narrative-platformer about a service robot stranded on a mysterious planet, Planet of the Eyes features a stunning visual mix of puzzle and platforming challenges, an original musical score, and fully voiced audio logs left by another survivor. Explore the mystery of an unknown world.
Trine 3: The Artifacts of Power
Trine 3: The Artifacts of Power is a platforming game of action, puzzles and adventure, and the sequel to the award winning Trine and Trine 2. Reunite with the three heroes in an all-new adventure, now for the first time in full 3D!
Gathering Sky
Guide a flock of birds on a playful journey across the sky.
the static speaks my name
A dark/sad/weird/funny first person exploration game. You play a man on his last night alive as he obsesses over a mysterious painting. More of a story game in that it emphasizes mood and character over gameplay. Takes ten minutes to play and has "next-gen" features like a shrimp tank.
Putrefaction
Putrefaction is a First Person Shooter with horror elements, lots of enemies and weapons, heavily inspired by old-school shooter classics.
Fingerbones
Explore a mysterious abandoned bunker and find notes that paint a disturbing picture.
Through Abandoned: The Underground City
It’s the first game of Through Abandoned series, classical point and click game. You try to find your twin-brother who disappeared in a huge and mysterious place called Abandoned.
Spooky Cats
Oh no! This cute little kitty cat is alone and lost in a haunted house! Only by collecting pennies and defeating monsters can she find the way out! Use your fast fingers to defeat this adorably dark and funny platform game.
Homesick
Explore an abandoned building, encountering puzzles and clues to discover what happened, as you try to escape in both your nightmares and the waking world. Be immersed in the hauntingly beautiful 3D atmosphere in this puzzle exploration mystery game.
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 16th 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 202 peak concurrent players over the last day.
8.2
14,283
2,673
202
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
54
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
24
players
4. 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 5,048 reviews of which 4,667 were positive and 381 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.9 out of 10. The game currently holds the #4 spot among the most played short games.
8.9
4,667
381
17
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
11
players
6. 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 #6 spot among the most played short games.
9.1
2,470
122
11
players
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 1,980 reviews of which 1,890 were positive and 90 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.1 out of 10. The game currently holds the #7 spot among the most played short games.
9.1
1,890
90
10
players
8. 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 #8 spot among the most played short games.
8.8
7,890
800
9
players
9. 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 #9 spot among the most played short games.
9.2
4,566
218
8
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
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 June 16th 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. A Mortician's Tale
A Mortician's Tale is a short, story-driven game about a mortician tasked with running a funeral home. A Mortician's Tale is a casual, indie and female protagonist game developed and published by Laundry Bear Games. Released on October 18th 2017 has received 1,353 reviews of which 969 were positive and 384 were negative resulting in a rating of 6.9 out of 10. Thanks to its incredible 95% discount, this game is now the #2 best deal in short games.
6.9
969
384
-95%
8.19€
0.44€
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. 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 #4 position in the best deals for short games.
6.1
345
199
-93%
4.99€
0.35€
5. 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. Currently offered at a significant 92% discount, this title has earned the #5 position in the best deals for short games.
9.1
1,890
90
-92%
4.99€
0.40€
6. 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 92% discount, this title has earned the #6 position in the best deals for short games.
6.3
259
133
-92%
2.99€
0.24€
7. 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 #7 position in the best deals for short games.
8.8
7,890
800
-91%
6.59€
0.61€
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. Currently offered at a significant 90% discount, this title has earned the #8 position in the best deals for short games.
8.0
1,604
330
-90%
3.99€
0.42€
9. 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 #9 position in the best deals for short games.
6.2
1,152
674
-90%
4.99€
0.50€
10. 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 #10 position in the best deals for short games.
8.3
8,718
1,558
-87%
3.99€
0.54€
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 16th 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
11
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 4,784 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 #2 spot among the most played free short games on Steam.
9.2
4,566
218
8
players
3. 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 #3 spot among the most played free short games on Steam.
8.8
7,817
797
3
players
4. 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 #4 spot among the most played free short games on Steam.
8.7
7,614
928
3
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. 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 #6 spot among the most played free short games on Steam.
8.9
2,092
141
1
players
7. Little Man Has a Day
A personal, short and silly handwritten game about a little man feeling a little 'eh'. Little Man Has a Day is a short, relaxing and hand-drawn game developed and published by Mosman. Released on August 16th 2023 has received 342 reviews of which 332 were positive and 10 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.9 out of 10. The game currently holds the #7 spot among the most played free short games on Steam.
8.9
332
10
1
players
8. Answer Knot
A short narrative and exploration game about Zach, June, and a strange phenomenon. You're Zach and, stuck in your home, you will do everything to keep hearing June's voice messages. What is happening out there? Answer Knot is a indie, first-person and narration game developed and published by Naraven Games. Released on May 31st 2019 has received 702 reviews of which 630 were positive and 72 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.4 out of 10. The game currently holds the #8 spot among the most played free short games on Steam.
8.4
630
72
1
players
9. The Flood
The Flood is a peaceful 5 minute narrative experience in which you pilot a little boat down a river. It's a gentle reminder that sometimes we should stop worrying about our destination and just enjoy the journey. The Flood is a free to play, indie and relaxing game developed and published by Ondrej Angelovic. Released on March 30th 2018 has received 1,224 reviews of which 1,026 were positive and 198 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
1,026
198
1
players
10. 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 #10 spot among the most played free short games on Steam.
7.5
299
74
1
players