Top 20 Indie Games You Can Finish in One Sitting

About this gallery:

For this list, we’re focusing on indie games that, while you might not hit that sweet 100% completion in one sitting, you can definitely reach the end and have a satisfying adventure. We’ve arranged them in order of release, and nope – you won’t find any AAA titles here. Just pure indie goodness!

Think we missed an awesome short indie game? Drop it in the comments and let us know – we love discovering hidden gems!

Hotline Miami (2012)

Ah, Hotline Miami – where pixelated carnage meets hypnotic synth beats, and the only rule is: don’t stop moving (or you’re dead). This neon-drenched murder ballet throws you headfirst into the blood-splattered shoes of a mysterious hitman who gets cryptic phone calls telling him to, well, absolutely wreck some folks. With its lightning-fast gameplay, one-hit-kill brutality, and a soundtrack that will rewire your brain chemistry, this game demands your attention – and your reflexes. But beneath the ultraviolence lies something strangely poetic, a mind-bending, existential story that questions free will and morality… while you’re bludgeoning dudes with a lead pipe. It’s short, savage, and endlessly replayable, making it perfect for one sitting (or many if you crave perfection). Just don’t blame the game when you start hearing synth music in your sleep. | © Dennaton Games

Journey (2012)

If Hotline Miami is a shot of adrenaline, Journey is a deep, cleansing breath. This wordless, meditative adventure drops you in a vast, golden desert and simply asks you to move forward. There’s no timer, no combat, and yet, somehow, it’s one of the most emotionally resonant games you’ll ever play. The real magic happens when you encounter another traveler – an anonymous player seamlessly dropped into your game. Together, you might chirp and glide across dunes, forging an unspoken bond, only to part ways without ever knowing who they were. It’s a game that understands the beauty of impermanence, and by the time you ascend that final snowy peak, you’ll likely be feeling things you weren’t prepared for. Bring tissues. | © Thatgamecompany

The Stanley Parable (2013)

Imagine if a video game could talk back, judge your choices, and occasionally insult you for daring to think outside the script. That’s The Stanley Parable. You play as Stanley, an office worker who suddenly realizes everyone in his building has vanished. But you’re not alone – an omnipresent, delightfully snarky narrator dictates your every move… or at least, he wants to. The fun comes when you ignore him. Go left when he says right, jump off a platform just to spite him, or find the game's more absurd, mind-bending endings. It’s a hilarious, self-aware deconstruction of video game storytelling, and every playthrough is a little different. Whether you obey, rebel, or just mess around, one thing is certain: The Narrator is watching, and he’s very, very disappointed in you. | © Galactic Cafe

Brothers: A Tale of Two Sons (2013)

If you think controlling one character is hard, Brothers: A Tale of Two Sons asks: what if you controlled two, at the same time, with one controller? It’s an innovative yet simple idea – one brother on the left stick, the other on the right – leading to some truly unique puzzles and emotional storytelling. This wordless fairy tale sends the siblings on a harrowing journey to save their dying father, facing perilous landscapes, mythical creatures, and heart-wrenching choices along the way. But beyond the gameplay, the real magic is how this control scheme makes you feel connected to these characters. And just when you’ve mastered it, the game delivers a gut punch you will not be ready for. (No spoilers, but... you’re gonna feel things.) | © Starbreeze Studios

Undertale (2015)

There are RPGs, and then there’s Undertale – a game that flips everything you know about RPGs upside down, shakes out all the clichés, and replaces them with talking skeletons and emotional trauma. On the surface, it’s a quirky, retro-styled game where you explore an underground world filled with monsters. But Undertale is different. Every encounter is a choice: fight, flee, or befriend? Will you be a hero, a pacifist, or a complete menace? The game remembers what you do, and it’s not afraid to call you out for your decisions. Oh, and the soundtrack? Instant classic. Whether you go full pacifist or unleash pixelated chaos, Undertale makes sure your journey is unforgettable. Just be careful – some characters never forget. | © Toby Fox

Pony Island (2016)

At first glance, Pony Island looks like some innocent, kiddie arcade game where you guide a cute little pony across a whimsical landscape. But nope – this is actually a psychological horror game disguised as a bad 90s edutainment program, and it wants to mess with your head. You’re trapped inside a cursed arcade machine, controlled by literal Satan, and the only way out is to hack the game from the inside. The result? A bizarre, glitchy rollercoaster where reality breaks down, the game starts talking to you, and every victory feels like a temporary reprieve from complete digital madness. It’s short, smart, and delightfully unsettling – perfect for an afternoon of existential dread. Just… don’t trust the pony. | © Daniel Mullins Games

Inside (2016)

If Limbo was an eerie bedtime story, Inside is a full-blown fever dream. This grim, wordless puzzle-platformer drops you into a dystopian nightmare, where a lone boy is on the run from something… or someone. The world is oppressive, its colors muted, its mysteries unsettling. The game doesn’t hold your hand – there’s no dialogue, no obvious exposition, just a series of harrowing set pieces where failure usually means a sudden, brutal death. And then there’s that ending, which I won’t spoil, but let’s just say it’s one of the most jaw-dropping, what-did-I-just-experience moments in gaming history. If you like your indie games disturbing, thought-provoking, and slightly traumatizing, Inside is calling your name. | © Playdead

Superhot (2016)

"The most innovative shooter I’ve played in years!" (If you know, you know.) Superhot is what happens when someone takes the essence of an action movie shootout and distills it into pure, addictive gameplay. Time only moves when you move, meaning every firefight becomes a puzzle where you dodge bullets in slow motion, grab weapons midair, and take down enemies with the elegance of a digital John Wick. It’s sleek, stylish, and incredibly satisfying – especially when you watch the replay of your perfectly executed carnage in real-time. The story? Oh, it gets weird, in the best way. By the time you finish, you won’t just be playing the game – you’ll be part of it. SUPER. HOT. | © SUPERHOT Team

Firewatch (2016)

Ah, Firewatch, the indie game equivalent of a slow-burning novel you can’t put down. You play as Henry, a guy who escapes to the Wyoming wilderness to work as a fire lookout, only to find himself caught in a strange, emotional mystery. Your only connection to the outside world? Delilah, your unseen but ever-present supervisor, whose voice crackles through your radio. The writing is razor-sharp, the dialogue feels real, and the story pulls you in with its blend of humor, melancholy, and creeping unease. Sure, there’s no combat, no platforming, no puzzles – just walking, talking, and soaking in some of the best environmental storytelling gaming has to offer. But when it’s over, you’ll find yourself staring at the credits, wondering why your heart feels so heavy. | © Campo Santo

Return Of The Obra Dinn (2018)

If Sherlock Holmes and a haunted shipwreck had a baby, it would be Return of the Obra Dinn. You play as an insurance investigator (stay with me), tasked with solving the mystery of a ghost ship where everyone is dead. Armed with a magic pocket watch that lets you witness the exact moment of each person’s demise, you’ll piece together their fates through logic, deduction, and an unhealthy amount of staring at pixelated corpses. The game’s stark, monochrome art style makes it feel like a forgotten relic, while the sheer brilliance of its puzzle design makes every solved mystery feel earned. It’s slow, cerebral, and immensely satisfying – like being a detective in the world’s most morbid logic puzzle. Just don’t expect the Obra Dinn to give up its secrets easily. | © Lucas Pope

Minit (2018)

Ever wanted to play Groundhog Day, but instead of reliving an entire day, you get 60 seconds before you drop dead and start over? That’s Minit in a nutshell. This minimalist, black-and-white adventure gives you exactly one minute to explore, solve puzzles, and progress just far enough to make your next doomed life a little easier. It’s like an existential speedrun, except you’re a tiny, pixelated hero cursed by a sword that makes time your worst enemy. The loop is addictive, the humor is sharp, and the whole thing is a masterclass in efficiency – fitting, since you can finish it in about two hours. But hey, when life gives you a cursed sword, might as well make the most of it… 60 seconds at a time. | © JW, Kitty, Jukio, and Dom

A Short Hike (2019)

If video games were warm, cozy hugs, A Short Hike would be the comfiest one imaginable. You play as Claire, a little bird on a simple mission: reach the top of a mountain. But the real magic is in the journey, not the destination. You can glide, climb, fish, chat with quirky animal characters, and just exist in this beautifully pixelated world. There’s no pressure, no timers, just the pure joy of exploration. It’s the kind of game that makes you want to take a deep breath, touch some grass, and appreciate life’s little moments. And when you finally reach that peak? It’s one of the most heartwarming, rewarding moments in indie gaming. A Short Hike proves that sometimes, the best adventures are the simplest ones. | © Adam Robinson-Yu

Katana Zero (2019)

If Hotline Miami and Blade Runner had a baby that grew up watching samurai movies, you'd get Katana Zero. This neon-drenched, ultra-violent action platformer turns every fight into a stylish, one-hit-kill ballet of death. You play as a katana-wielding assassin with the ability to slow time, deflect bullets, and slice through enemies with cinematic precision. But beneath the blood-soaked combat, there’s a surprisingly deep, very trippy story about memory, trauma, and time manipulation. The dialogue is sharp, the pixel art is gorgeous, and the soundtrack? Pure synthwave bliss. It’s the kind of game that makes you feel like an unstoppable action hero – until you mess up, die instantly, and realize you are very stoppable. | © Askiisoft

Post Void (2020)

Ever wonder what it would feel like to play a first-person shooter while your brain is melting? That’s Post Void. This game doesn’t want you to relax – it wants you to move, now, or die trying. The visuals are a chaotic explosion of neon nightmares, the music is a relentless assault of noise, and the gameplay? It’s like if DOOM, an acid trip, and an anxiety attack fused into one. The premise is brutally simple: keep moving, keep shooting, and keep your head (literally) from running out of liquid. Every second counts, and the moment you slow down, it’s game over. Post Void isn’t just fast – it’s aggressively fast, and it will rewire your reflexes whether you like it or not. | © YCJY Games

Florence (2020)

Florence isn’t just a game – it’s an experience, a little slice of life wrapped in a beautiful, emotional package. You follow Florence, a young woman navigating the ups and downs of her first serious relationship, and the entire story is told through simple, interactive mini-games. As you brush your teeth, pack a suitcase, or piece together conversations, the game quietly pulls you into its world without a single spoken word. It’s short – about 30 minutes – but in that time, it tells a more poignant love story than most games manage in 30 hours. Bittersweet, heartfelt, and visually stunning, Florence is a reminder that sometimes, the smallest stories leave the biggest impact. | © Mountains

When The Past Was Around (2020)

Ever stumbled upon a game that's like a poetic hug? Enter When The Past Was Around. This enchanting point-and-click puzzle adventure tells the tale of Eda, a young woman navigating the labyrinth of love and loss. Guided by the enigmatic Owl, you'll journey through beautifully hand-drawn scenes, solving puzzles that piece together memories of a past relationship. The game masterfully weaves its narrative without uttering a single word, relying on evocative visuals and a hauntingly beautiful soundtrack to tug at your heartstrings. It's a brief experience, clocking in at around 1.5 to 2 hours, but its emotional resonance lingers long after. Perfect for a cozy evening when you're in the mood for a touch of introspection. | © Mojiken Studio

Unpacking (2021)

Who knew that organizing someone else's stuff could be so... therapeutic? Unpacking transforms the mundane act of moving into a zen-like puzzle experience. As you help an unseen protagonist settle into various homes over the years, each item you place tells a silent story of their life's journey. There's no timer, no score – just you, a bunch of boxes, and the soothing task of finding the perfect spot for a beloved mug or a cherished book. With over eight moves to tackle, you'll find yourself surprisingly invested in the life unfolding before you, all while satisfying your inner neat freak. It's a delightful reminder that sometimes, it's the little things that tell the biggest stories. | © Witch Beam

Grunn (2024)

Imagine taking a weekend gig as a gardener, expecting peace and quiet, only to find yourself embroiled in a quaint mystery. That's Grunn for you. Developed by Sokpop Collective and Tom van den Boogaart, this charming adventure game places you in the shoes (or perhaps muddy boots) of a gardener hired for some maintenance work. But with missing tools, an absent homeowner, and a house that's strictly off-limits, things aren't as straightforward as they seem. As you explore the mysterious town and interact with its reserved inhabitants, you'll uncover secrets that make this more than just a simple gardening job. It's a short, delightful romp that proves even the most unassuming tasks can lead to grand adventures. | © Sokpop Collective

Neva (2024)

From the creators of GRIS comes Neva, a heart-wrenching tale of companionship in a world teetering on the brink of collapse. You play as a young woman who forms a deep bond with a majestic wolf, and together, you navigate a landscape that's as beautiful as it is dying. The game's stunning visuals and emotional storytelling draw you into a journey of growth, loss, and hope. As you face challenges and puzzles, the evolving relationship between the protagonists takes center stage, making each moment poignant and memorable. It's a compact experience, but one that leaves a lasting impression, reminding us of the profound connections we share amidst adversity. | © Nomada Studio

Duck Detective: The Secret Salami (2024)

Quack quack! Ever fancied yourself as a detective with a bill? In Duck Detective: The Secret Salami, you step into the webbed feet of a down-on-his-luck detective who also happens to be a duck. This short but twisty adventure has you using your powers of de-duck-tion (yes, we went there) to inspect evidence, interrogate quirky characters, and piece together the mystery of the missing salami. With its witty dialogue, charming art style, and a case that keeps you guessing, it's a delightful whodunit that doesn't overstay its welcome. Perfect for those who enjoy a good mystery with a side of feathers. | © Happy Broccoli Games