A week or two ago, I showed you the list of games that take the longest to complete—sometimes weeks or months! So with this one, we go the opposite the direction. A study that finds there are some worthy games that, nevertheless, can be completed in three hours or less.
“Can be,” I said.
15 video games you can complete in less than 3 hours
- Study identifies fifteen video games that can be completed in a single evening, perfect for busy gamers.
- Dear Esther, The Stanley Parable and Gorogoa were found to be some of the quickest games to complete.
A new study identifying the quickest-to-complete video games has crowned Dear Esther the top choice.
CSGOLuck analyzed more than 50 video games renowned for their short play time, and used data from HowLongToBeat to find the fifteen shortest video game campaigns that can be completed in a single evening. These games are ideal for busy individuals seeking some post-work downtime or for those who simply can’t wait to see how a game will end.
Dear Esther (2012) – 1 hour 20 minutes
Platforms: PS4, Xbox One, PC
Embark on a mysterious journey in Dear Esther, which offers a single-player campaign that doubles as an immersive narrative-driven experience that will enthrall you for just over an hour.
The Stanley Parable (2013) – 1 hour 30 minutes
Platforms: PC
Discover the mind-bending, interactive storytelling of The Stanley Parable, where your choices determine the outcome. The single-player story has around 19 different endings depending on the player’s choices throughout the game, but a single playthrough will take an hour and a half for most players.
Gorogoa (2017) – 1 hour 49 minutes
Platforms: PC, iOS, Nintendo Switch, PS4, Xbox One
Dive into the beautifully hand-drawn world of Gorogoa, solving intricate puzzles in this unique single-player game that can be completed in just under two hours of relaxed play.
A Short Hike (2019) – 1 hour 50 minutes
Platforms: PC, Nintendo Switch, PS4, Xbox One
Experience A Short Hike‘s charming and peaceful exploration as you climb to the peak of a beautiful island park in under two hours with this refreshing single-player story.
Metal Gear Solid V: Ground Zeroes (2014) – 1 hour 53 minutes
Platforms: PS3, PS4, Xbox 360, Xbox One, PC
Take on the role of Snake in this thrilling stealth-action game, completing the main story in under two hours. For those that want something to look forward to, this game features over 20 hours of content for completionists that will keep you perched on the edge of your seat.
ABZÛ (2016) – 1 hour 56 minutes
Platforms: PC, PS4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, Amazon Luna
Explore the ocean’s depths and uncover its hidden mysteries in ABZÛ, an enchanting underwater adventure that can be completed in under 2 hours.
Gone Home (2013) – 1 hour 59 minutes
Platforms: PC, PS4, Xbox One, iOS
Unravel a heartwarming family story in Gone Home, exploring an empty house filled with secrets and memories, all within a 2-hour timeframe.
Journey (2012) – 2 hours
Platforms: PS3, PS4, PC, iOS
Embark on an emotional, awe-inspiring adventure in Journey, experience a vast desert landscape, and form connections with fellow travelers in just 2 hours.
Flower (2009) – 2 hours
Platforms: PS3, PS Vita, PS4, PC, iOS
Experience the serene beauty of nature in Flower as you use a gentle breeze to guide petals through stunning environments, completing this visually stunning game in 2 hours.
What Remains of Edith Finch (2017) – 2 hours 14 minutes
Platforms: PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series S/X, Nintendo Switch, iOS
Uncover the tragic history of the Finch family in this award-winning narrative adventure, solving puzzles and exploring memories in approximately 2 hours and 14 minutes.
Exo One (2021) – 2 hours 15 minutes
Platforms: PC, Xbox One, Xbox Series S/X, PS4, PS5
Experience the thrill of traversing alien planets in Exo One, a mesmerizing exploration game where you pilot a strange interplanetary vessel. Exo One is a game that will transport you to faraway worlds and have you home in time for tea, with a main storyline that lasts just over 2 hours.
Her Story (2015) – 2 hours 25 minutes
Platforms: PC, iOS
Dive into a gripping interactive crime drama in Her Story, where you’ll piece together the truth from police interview tapes in a concise 2 hours and 25 minutes. The developers’ choice to include a real actress in this title only helps to build a world of realism and immersion.
Superhot (2016) – 2 hours 29 minutes
Platform: PC, Xbox One, PS4, Oculus Quest, Stadia, Nintendo Switch
Challenge yourself in Superhot, a unique first-person shooter where time only moves when you do, testing your skills and reflexes in this fast-paced puzzle game that can be completed in under two and a half hours.
Grow Home (2015) – 2 hours 36 minutes
Platform: PC, PS4
Guide B.U.D., a charming robot, on a mission to save his planet in Grow Home. Explore vibrant environments and grow massive plants while you climb, jump, and explore. The main storyline of Grow Home can be completed in under two and a half hours.
DC League of Super-Pets: The Adventures of Krypto and Ace (2022) – 2 hours 37 minutes
Platform: PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series S/X, Nintendo Switch
The video game adaptation of the animated film, joins Krypto and Ace in this family-friendly adventure as they fight crime and take down Lex Luthor to save the day, all in under 3 hours.
A spokesperson from CSGOLuck commented:
“With the modern busy lifestyle often making it challenging for people to commit to lengthy blockbuster games, these quick-to-complete titles are likely to appeal to both the casual and dedicated gamer looking to enjoy incredible storytelling and gameplay in a single sitting.
“These games not only offer the opportunity to experience a variety of genres and unique narratives, but also reminds players that memorable gaming experiences don’t need to take weeks to complete. Hopefully gamers will discover some new favorites that don’t compromise on quality and immersion.”