The best indie games you can finish in one sitting

Key takeaways

• Some indie games offer short and sweet experiences that can be completed in a few hours.
• Games like When The Past Was Around and Minit combine brilliant storytelling with clever gameplay.
• From puzzle platformers to RPGs, indie games like Brothers: A Tale of Two Sons and Undertale are worth the time.

When someone hears the words “video games,” their mind probably jumps to legendary times Call of Duty, Zeldaor final fantasy. Or MMOs or competitive gacha games that demand an absurd amount of hours just to stay in or stay in the game. But for anyone juggling a packed schedule or just wanting short gaming sessions, keeping up with that level of commitment can feel overwhelming.

However, there's still a fun array of mostly unexplored indie games that can be finished in a few hours — something that many big-budget titles can't quite pull off even after a full day of play. Check out these bite-sized but oh-so-sweet indie games that are absolutely worth the little time players invest.

Note that for completionists, these games may take a long time to finish completely.

9 When the past was around

Artistic point-and-click adventure

• Issued: September, 2020
• Platform: Nintendo Switch, Android, PlayStation 4, Xbox
• Developers: Mojiken, Toge Productions
• Genres: Puzzle video game, adventure game, indie game

to close things, When the past was around It's a great choice because it can be wrapped up in about 2 to 3 hours, and it has some truly breathtaking graphics, to boot. For someone who is looking for a beautifully artistic and subtly emotional point-and-click adventure that will tug at those heartstrings while sneaking in, this is the perfect choice.

Just imagine a game that weaves an age-old story so beautifully that it captures the essence of the bittersweet art of love, loss, and letting go—all without uttering a single word. When the past was around One such game is

As players immerse themselves in Ita's life, they solve puzzles that peel back intriguing layers of her character, while fascinating scenes from her life reveal themselves. The storytelling is so cleverly woven and subtly enticing that players can't help but binge the entire experience in one sitting.

8 The Brothers: A Tale of Two Sons

A complex puzzle platformer with a rich story

The Brothers: A Tale of Two Sons This is another indie gem, and players can finish it in 2 to 3 hours. On the surface, it's just a straightforward puzzle platformer where players control two brothers at the same time, using those twin sticks to navigate the wilds in search of medicine for their ailing father. The setup is simple, but as the game progresses, it shows the unbreakable bond between these siblings and the importance of family ties.

And just when the player thinks they have it all figured out, it hits them hard with a gut-wrenching twist about what severing those ties really means. Simply put, The Brothers: A Tale of Two Sons It's a fantastic example of how to blend game design and storytelling in a truly unique yet concise way.

7 Minute

Beauty time-loop puzzle game

Minute is a sleek and minimalist indie game that has captured the hearts of those who love playing in a never-ending time loop, challenging them to crack the code and break free from the cycle. Minute Challenges players to explore a vibrant world in just one-minute bursts, where every death is just a stepping stone to progress.

If one had to slap a label on it, it would be “Roguelike puzzler slash a nostalgic top-down”. Zelda attraction With its lovely pixelated monochrome aesthetic, it's hard not to fall in love with Minit. And here's the best part—it can be completed in just over an hour (for some who are quick on their feet), however, Minute One time is the best fun, because diving back can feel like starting from scratch. So, get comfortable, learn the lay of the land, and learn clever shortcuts for a truly rewarding experience.

6 Superhot

First-person-shooter meets real-time strategy

Superhot A classic FPS shooter but with a quirky twist: time only moves when the player does. It's like combining an FPS with a real-time strategy game, where every move counts. In this short but sweet experience, players navigate cleverly designed levels, shooting, dodging, and hurling projectiles as they emerge as the last stand, while a nice deep voice rewards them for their efforts.

Of course, like the other games on this list, this one is also short enough to binge as it will take around 2 to 3 hours to complete. Also, this is a game that really tests one's shooting and running skills. So, for anyone who has ever wanted to go around shooting and walking around in a cool trench coat in a game like The Matrix, Superhot is their best (and possibly only) bet.

5 Unpacking

A cathartic game about unpacking objects

Another is called a fascinating little game UnpackingAnd it can be aired in about 3 to 4 hours. UnpackingAs the name aptly suggests, it's all about unpacking household goods and finding a home for it. It's chilling and strangely satisfying, but for many fans it's also a deeply personal journey.

Players really get to know their character deeply over the years through their most prized possessions and living spaces. Some items are like little time capsules from a bygone era — take the Nintendo GameCube, for example. Others reflect on a particular journey, the company a character keeps, and how much they've grown over time. In short, it's a straightforward yet brilliant gaming format that transforms one of the most dreaded activities into a cathartic and fun experience.

4 Return of Obra Day

An interesting first person adventure and mystery game

There are countless games that challenge players to don their detective hats and solve some mysteries. Some have it nailed, in fact, like Disco Elysium and A shadow of a doubt. But no one has quite nailed it Return of Obra Day.

Basically, the protagonist hops aboard the titular ship as an insurance representative, ready to file a report about the wild events that went down. At first glance, it might seem like a snooze-fest of paperwork, but there's a serious real story that slowly unfolds through some clever flashbacks.

Players can eavesdrop on the conversations of crew mates and sift through event tables to discover who and how each unfortunate soul met their grizzly fate. Staying connected with each event is key, as each scene is an important piece of the puzzle. and Gamers with Sherlock Holmes skills should be able to complete Return of Obra Day Last about 8 hours.

3 The Stanley Parable

Surreal contrasts combined with interactive storytelling

To say that The Stanley Parable A major hit back in the day would be an understatement of the century. It's a fun ride and a mind-bending puzzle, with vibes like the show Severance and it can only be beat on 2 hours. The story-driven video game explores themes such as choice in gaming, the dynamic between game creators and players, and the debate of fate versus total predestination.

When the playable character, Stanley, decides to go against the narrator's wishes, things get pretty wild. As the story progresses, the player encounters forks in the road. They can go against what The Narrator says, and if they do, they will stumble upon different endings before the game hits the reset button and starts over.

Most games don't tickle the funny bone efficiently, at least not like it The Stanley Parable does It's some great satire, and for those who've dipped their toes into the gaming world over the past two decades, The Stanley Parable Will definitely reach home.

2 inside

Complex side-scrolling puzzle platformer

inside Offers a truly gritty and challenging 2D side-scrolling puzzle platformer that players should pay attention to if they want to understand the terrifying world it presents. Basically, it's played through the eyes of a young boy, who has managed to escape from his captors, and must now keep a low profile as he navigates this dystopian landscape to find a way for good.

insideThe story and its ending entice players to connect the dots and find out what went down. Because it's full of great puzzles, a chaotic atmosphere, and a brilliantly paced runtime, it's a great way to spend an afternoon as it can be beaten in just 3 to 4 hours. Essentially, if Martin Scorsese was making video games, he'd probably do something similar inside.

1 Undertale

A delightful RPG with a funny plot

​Undertale is a cult-classic RPG that shares those vibes The Stanley Parable. Both are video games that poke fun at other games or, at least, have a satirical twist on them. It's a cheeky jab at all those gaming clichés we've come to know and love (and sometimes, actually, really hate), snappy humor, quirky characters, and full of that fun bullet hell combat.

Plus, it's not shy about breaking the fourth wall, entertaining players and actually providing some genuine laughs – something we don't see every day in gaming.

Undertale Won over critics and fans alike, establishing itself as a top contender for the Indie Game Hall of Fame. And let's be honest, it's even better knowing that players can cram it in 6 to 7 hours.