Tech Desk 
Sep 13, 2025
Not every great video game has to take 100 hours to finish. While massive titles like Baldur’s Gate 3, Metaphor: ReFantazio, and Elden Ring dominate most players’ time, there are plenty of shorter games that deliver just as much impact, without the long grind.
Whether you want to cry, laugh, or feel like a cyber ninja, the following titles are the perfect weekend play.
Best short games to play in 2025
Gadinsider has got you a look at four brilliant, bite-sized experiences you should try in 2025.
Afterlove EP
Afterlove EP is a touching visual novel about love and grief and healing after loss. Made by the late Mohammad Fahmi, the Afterlove EP incorporates music and lovely visuals and emotions into a unique experience.
A playthrough will take about seven hours, but there are several narrative routes that could stretch your playtime to 20 hours or more.
Endling: Extinction Is Forever
Endling: Extinction Is Forever is a definite play if you're looking for something emotional but shorter. Endling is the story of the last mother fox on earth, and you must lead your cubs through a human-ravaged and dangerous world.
Endling is a survival-adventure game that is heartrending and thought-provoking and only takes about four hours for the main story mode.
Octodad: Deadliest Catch
If you're looking for something shorter and a little more light-hearted and funny, Octodad: Dadliest Catch is pure chaos in the best way. You play as a disguised octopus who pretends to be a suburban dad while completing mundane everyday tasks, using the awkward controls and practising our slapstick skills.
Octodad does not take long to finish, as the main story mode is only about two ad a half hours.
Ghostrunner
And for the action lovers out there, check out Ghostrunner. This game is a first-person, cyberpunk-style parkour slasher that prioritises speed and skill.
Although wall-running and slicing your sword is tough, it feels great when you complete a run, as you feel like all you need is a sword. The main story takes about seven and a half hours.
