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
Sheepy: A Short Adventure A Short Handcrafted Pixel Art Platformer that follows Sheepy, an abandoned plushy brought to life. Sheepy: A Short Adventure is the first short game from MrSuicideSheep.

Price Free to play
Rating 9.6
Release 06 Feb 2024
Instruction Generate voltage while uncovering the mysteries of a power plant in this story-based clicker game.

Price Free to play
Rating 8.8
Release 02 Feb 2024
Buried You wake up buried alive. You are running out of oxygen and you can't remember how you got here. There must be a way out, can you figure it out in time?

Price 1.99€
Rating 7.3
Release 30 Oct 2023
A Tiny Sticker Tale A Tiny Sticker Tale is a cozy miniature adventure about changing the world, using the power of stickers!

Price -29% 6.99€
Rating 9.0
Release 04 Oct 2023
COCOON From Jeppe Carlsen, the lead gameplay designer of LIMBO and INSIDE — COCOON takes you on an adventure across worlds within worlds. Master world-leaping mechanics and solve intricate puzzles to unravel a cosmic mystery.

Price -65% 8.23€
Rating 9.2
Release 29 Sep 2023
Conbunn Cardboard A chill and cozy platformer. Hop around collecting the lost CDs of a cute DJ in this land made of cardboard!

Price 6.99€
Rating 9.1
Release 01 Sep 2023
Just Hit The Button Hit the button to win. The simplest game ever.

Price Free to play
Rating 9.0
Release 24 Aug 2023
Little Man Has a Day A personal, short and silly handwritten game about a little man feeling a little 'eh'.

Price Free to play
Rating 8.9
Release 16 Aug 2023
98xx The 98xx is an old computer OS from the 90s that’s recently been discovered after many years of being lost. There are still a few working files within the OS that can be explored.

Price 2.99€
Rating 7.5
Release 29 May 2023
Endless Monday: Dreams and Deadlines "Endless Monday: Dreams and Deadlines" - In this short story from the Endless Monday, Penny, a mild-mannered corporate grunt, spends a weekend at the office in an effort to finish her project on time while overcoming distractions from coworkers, space aliens, imaginary friends, and herself.

Price -35% 6.33€
Rating 9.3
Release 04 May 2023
Pineapple on pizza Can a video game convey a flavor?

Price Free to play
Rating 9.6
Release 28 Mar 2023
Looking Up I See Only A Ceiling A short psychological adventure about a stressed girl who wants to explore her ceiling.

Price -25% 1.49€
Rating 8.5
Release 09 Mar 2023
Zup! Q Minimal physical puzzle with explosions

Price 1.99€
Rating 9.0
Release 08 Mar 2023
Golgotha Dare to explore the most haunted vicinity in all of England? You will leave no stone unturned as you walk along the eerie grounds of the Black Waters Station and uncover the horror that lies within.

Price Free to play
Rating 7.7
Release 21 Feb 2023
Missing Hiker Missing Hiker is a short indie horror game, where your brother Ethan went missing while hiking and you need to find him.

Price Free to play
Rating 8.2
Release 14 Feb 2023
Blanc Blanc is an artistic cooperative adventure that follows the journey of a wolf cub and a fawn stranded in a vast, snowy wilderness. They must come together in an unlikely partnership to find their families.

Price -37% 9.54€
Rating 7.3
Release 14 Feb 2023
memories memories is a sapphic visual novel dress-up game where clothes are linked to painful memories of a failed relationship.

Price Free to play
Rating 8.9
Release 02 Feb 2023
Locke(d) An algorithm decided to show you this. What now?

Price Free to play
Rating 8.8
Release 23 Jan 2023
BABBDI Find your way out of BABBDI. A short, first person exploration experience.

Price Free to play
Rating 9.4
Release 22 Dec 2022
I Frog-ot A short horror- I mean, cute game :) Help a normal, innocent frog get back to his super awesome wizard self!! :O

Price Free to play
Rating 9.2
Release 16 Dec 2022
Lil Gator Game Embark on an adorable adventure, discover new friends and uncover everything the island has to offer. Climb, Swim, Glide and slide your way into the hearts of the many different characters you meet on your travels!

Price -30% 13.69€
Rating 9.5
Release 14 Dec 2022
Chop Goblins The Chop Goblins are loose, chopping their way through time itself in their ravenous quest for cheese. And the chop will not stop.

Price -87% 0.53€
Rating 9.3
Release 12 Dec 2022
Impaler Gold Impaler Gold is a fast-paced minimalistic arena shooter - now expanded and improved. Summon spikes to slay monsters, build barriers, and propel yourself into the air. Challenge yourself in this highly replayable rogue-lite shooter inspired by the classics.

Price 4.99€
Rating 8.6
Release 06 Dec 2022
Unsolved Case A new lead turns up old doubts about an 'Unsolved Case'. A trap, or a copycat killer? In this co-op puzzle game prequel to the award-winning Cryptic Killer series, put on your detective badges as you collaborate and communicate to crack the codes, solve the riddles, and catch the Cryptic Killer.

Price Free to play
Rating 8.5
Release 24 Nov 2022

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 15th 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 217 peak concurrent players over the last day.
8.2
14,283
2,673

217
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

51
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

39
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

23
players

5. 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 #5 spot among the most played short games.
8.9
4,667
381

18
players

6. 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 #6 spot among the most played short games.
9.6
23,752
527

13
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. 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 #9 spot among the most played short games.
9.4
1,801
23

6
players

10. 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 #10 spot among the most played short games.
8.8
7,817
797

6
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 15th 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 15th 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

13
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

6
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

5
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. Project Hailstorm

Step into the shoes of a researcher in the depths of the antarctic and uncover the mysteries behind Project Hailstorm. Project Hailstorm is a walking simulator, 3d and first-person game developed and published by Imbrium. Released on February 10th 2025 has received 501 reviews of which 412 were positive and 89 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.7 out of 10. The game currently holds the #6 spot among the most played free short games on Steam.
7.7
412
89

2
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 23,087 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 #7 spot among the most played free short games on Steam.
9.0
21,304
1,783

1
players

8. 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 #8 spot among the most played free short games on Steam.
8.7
7,614
928

1
players

9. 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 #9 spot among the most played free short games on Steam.
8.1
2,158
393

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 2,233 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 #10 spot among the most played free short games on Steam.
8.9
2,092
141