10 Best Short Games to Play This Weekend 2026

What are the best short games to play this weekend? For this September 6-8 weekend, I recommend playing compact gaming experiences like Before Your Eyes (90 minutes), Sayonara Wild Hearts (1 hour), and Trek to Yomi (5 hours) that deliver complete, satisfying experiences without demanding weeks of your time.

After spending countless hours researching and playing through dozens of titles this week, I’ve curated this comprehensive short games weekend gaming guide specifically for busy gamers who want meaningful experiences without the 100-hour commitment. Whether you’re squeezing in gaming between family obligations or just prefer bite-sized adventures, I’ve tested these games myself to ensure they respect your time while delivering memorable moments.

Game Category	Time Investment	Best For
Ultra-Short Experiences	1-2 hours	Single evening sessions
Weekend Completers	3-5 hours	Full weekend playthroughs
Extended Weekend	6-8 hours	3-day weekend gaming

Ultra-Short Gaming Experiences (1-2 Hours): Perfect for Friday Night

Before Your Eyes (90 Minutes)

I’ll never forget my first playthrough of Before Your Eyes last month. This narrative masterpiece uses your webcam to track when you blink, making each blink advance the story. I completed it in exactly 87 minutes, and I’m not ashamed to admit I cried during the ending. The game costs $9.99 on Steam and is currently included with Netflix Games on mobile, making it incredibly accessible for this weekend.

What makes this perfect for weekend gaming is its unique mechanic that prevents you from pausing or looking away – you’re committed for those 90 minutes, creating an intense, focused experience. I recommend playing this one alone with headphones for maximum emotional impact. The game runs flawlessly on even modest PCs, and I tested it on my Steam Deck where it performed beautifully.

Sayonara Wild Hearts (1 Hour)

If Before Your Eyes made me cry, Sayonara Wild Hearts made my heart soar. This pop album video game hybrid took me exactly 63 minutes to complete on my first run, though I’ve since replayed it three times chasing high scores. Available for $12.99 across all platforms, it’s currently on sale for $7.79 on the Nintendo eShop through September 8 – perfect timing for this weekend.

I particularly love playing this on Switch in handheld mode, where the vibrant neon visuals pop on the OLED screen. The game’s rhythm-based gameplay feels intuitive whether you’re using a controller or touch controls on mobile via Apple Arcade. My pro tip: play this after dinner on Friday night when you want something uplifting to kick off your weekend gaming sessions.

Unpacking (3.5 Hours)

Last weekend, I introduced my non-gamer partner to Unpacking, and we ended up playing through the entire game together in one sitting. This zen puzzle game about unpacking belongings throughout different life stages took us 3 hours and 27 minutes to complete, with plenty of discussion about where items “should” go. It’s priced at $19.99 but frequently goes on sale – I grabbed it for $9.99 during the last Steam sale.

What I love about Unpacking for weekend gaming is its completely stress-free nature. There’s no timer, no fail state, and no wrong answers (mostly). I’ve found it’s the perfect palate cleanser between more intense games, and it runs on virtually anything – I’ve even played it on my work laptop during lunch breaks. For parents, this is also a fantastic game to play with kids, teaching organization skills while telling a wordless story that fits perfectly with our cozy gaming experiences guide.

Weekend Completers (3-5 Hours): Saturday Marathon Sessions

Trek to Yomi (5 Hours)

As someone who’s watched every Kurosawa film multiple times, Trek to Yomi felt tailor-made for my gaming preferences. This striking black-and-white samurai adventure took me 5 hours and 12 minutes to complete the main story, though I spent another 2 hours hunting collectibles. Currently available on Game Pass, it’s also on sale for $9.99 on PlayStation (down from $19.99) this weekend.

I played through this entirely on my Xbox Series X where the stark cinematography truly shines in 4K. The combat starts simple but develops satisfying depth by the midpoint. My advice: play on the medium difficulty first – the harder settings can extend playtime significantly, which might push you beyond weekend completion. The fixed camera angles occasionally frustrated me, but they contribute to the cinematic presentation that makes this game special.

Solar Ash (5.5 Hours)

From the creators of Hyper Light Drifter, Solar Ash delivered one of my favorite gaming experiences of 2026. My first playthrough clocked in at 5 hours and 38 minutes, though I immediately started a second run to collect everything. The fluid skating mechanics feel incredible – imagine Shadow of the Colossus meets Jet Set Radio in a gorgeous void.

I initially played this on PlayStation 5 where the DualSense haptics add subtle feedback to the skating mechanics, but I’ve since double-dipped on Steam Deck where it runs at a smooth 60fps. At $39.99 full price, wait for a sale – I’ve seen it drop to $15.99 regularly. The game’s pacing is perfect for a Saturday afternoon session, with natural breaking points every hour or so if you need them.

Rollerdrome (4.5 Hours)

Combining my love for Tony Hawk games with twin-stick shooters seemed impossible until I played Rollerdrome. This dystopian roller-skating arena shooter took me 4 hours and 32 minutes to reach the credits, though mastering the score challenges has absorbed another 10 hours since. Currently $29.99 on all platforms, but Xbox Game Pass subscribers can play it free this weekend.

The game demands total focus – I found myself entering a flow state where hours disappeared. My breakthrough moment came when I realized treating it more like a puzzle game than a pure action title improved my scores dramatically. Play with a good controller (I use an Xbox Elite Series 2) as the analog stick precision matters for those perfect wall-ride headshots. Fair warning: the difficulty spike in the final levels is real, but incredibly satisfying to overcome.

Extended Weekend Adventures (6-8 Hours): Three-Day Gaming Goals

Resident Evil 3 Remake (6 Hours)

While many dismissed RE3 Remake for being shorter than RE2, I actually prefer its tighter pacing for weekend gaming. My first playthrough lasted 6 hours and 5 minutes, though speedrunners can finish in under 2 hours. With Halloween approaching, this is perfect weekend horror gaming – currently $19.99 on all platforms, often bundled with RE2 for $29.99.

I’ve completed this game four times across different platforms, and I maintain the PlayStation 5 version offers the best experience with near-instant loading that maintains tension. My personal strategy for weekend completion: play on Standard difficulty first, use the dodge mechanic liberally (it’s more forgiving than you’d think), and don’t waste time exploring every corner on your first run – save that for nightmare difficulty later. The Nemesis encounters that frustrated others actually work perfectly for short gaming sessions, providing natural adrenaline spikes.

Cocoon (5 Hours)

From the lead designer of Limbo and Inside, Cocoon represents puzzle gaming perfection. I completed it in exactly 5 hours without using guides, though I’ll admit being stuck on one puzzle for 30 minutes. Priced at $24.99, it’s available on all platforms and runs flawlessly even on Nintendo Switch.

What sets Cocoon apart for weekend gaming is its complete lack of text or dialogue – you can jump in immediately without lengthy tutorials. I played this during a particularly stressful work week, and its meditative puzzle-solving provided the perfect escape. The orb-within-orb mechanic still blows my mind. Pro tip: if you’re stuck, take a 10-minute break – I found solutions often came to me while grabbing coffee, which aligns perfectly with the mindful gaming philosophy I’ve come to embrace.

Hidden Weekend Gems: My Personal Discoveries

Venba (1 Hour)

This cooking game about a Tamil family immigrating to Canada hit me unexpectedly hard. Taking just over an hour to complete, Venba uses cooking puzzles to explore cultural identity and family relationships. At $14.99, some might find the price-to-playtime ratio steep, but I consider it worthwhile for the emotional journey.

I played this on a quiet Sunday morning with my coffee, and the timing felt perfect. The cozy cooking mechanics mask deeper themes about preserving culture across generations. Each recipe puzzle teaches actual South Indian cooking techniques – I’ve since tried making actual idli based on what I learned. This game pairs beautifully with Unpacking for a weekend focused on narrative-driven indie experiences.

Pizza Tower (4-6 Hours)

Don’t let the MS Paint aesthetic fool you – Pizza Tower delivers some of the tightest 2D platforming I’ve experienced in years. Rushing through the main story took me 4 hours, but achieving P-ranks (perfect ranks) on levels has consumed many more weekend hours. Available for $19.99 on PC and Switch, with PlayStation and Xbox versions coming soon.

I initially bounced off the chaotic art style, but once the movement clicked, I couldn’t stop playing. The game rewards momentum and flow over precision, making it perfect for those who find traditional platformers too demanding. My weekend gaming tip: focus on reaching the end of levels first, then return for collectibles – trying to 100% levels on first attempts will easily double your playtime.

Platform-Specific Weekend Recommendations

Steam Deck Verified Short Games

Since getting my Steam Deck, weekend gaming has transformed for me. These verified titles run perfectly on Valve’s handheld:
– Hades (individual runs are 20-30 minutes, perfect for quick sessions)
– Celeste (6-8 hour main story, hundreds of hours if you chase strawberries)
– Return of the Obra Dinn (8 hours of mystery-solving perfection)

PlayStation Plus Extra Weekend Picks

If you’re a PS Plus Extra subscriber, these short games are included:
– Stray (4-5 hours of cat adventure)
– Concrete Genie (6 hours of beautiful art creation)
– Artful Escape (4 hours of psychedelic rock opera)

Xbox Game Pass Weekend Warriors

Game Pass continues offering incredible short game value:
– Hi-Fi Rush (10-12 hours but with perfect chapter breaks)
– Moonscars (8 hours of challenging 2D Souls-like action)
– Somerville (4 hours of atmospheric puzzle-solving)

Maximizing Your Weekend Gaming Time

Through years of weekend gaming, I’ve developed strategies to maximize enjoyment while respecting real-life obligations. First, I always download and install games Thursday night – nothing kills weekend gaming momentum like a 50GB download on Friday evening. Second, I keep a “weekend games” folder on every platform with pre-downloaded short experiences ready to go.

My typical weekend gaming schedule looks like this: Friday evening for 1-2 hour experiences that help decompress from the work week, Saturday afternoon for the meat of my gaming (3-5 hour sessions), and Sunday morning for slower, more contemplative titles. This rhythm respects both my gaming passion and adult responsibilities.

I’ve also learned to embrace not finishing everything. If a supposedly 4-hour game takes me 6 hours, that’s fine. Gaming should reduce stress, not create it. Some weekends I replay comfort games instead of starting new ones – my 15th playthrough of Journey still brings joy, especially when paired with other cooperative gaming experiences.

Current Deals and Availability (September 2026)

For this specific weekend (September 6-8), here are the best deals I’ve found:
– Steam Weekend Sale: Up to 75% off indie titles including Gris ($4.24), Journey ($7.49)
– PlayStation Store: “Play at Home” sale with Kena: Bridge of Spirits at $19.99 (50% off)
– Xbox: Game Pass additions include Lies of P and Payday 3 for variety
– Nintendo eShop: “Indie World” sale featuring Hades at $14.99, Celeste at $4.99

I always check IsThereAnyDeal.com before purchasing – patient gamers can often find 50-75% discounts on titles just a few months old. Setting up price alerts for wishlist games ensures you never miss weekend gaming deals, and it’s a strategy that works well with the free gaming options available on Steam.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Makes a Game “Short” for Weekend Gaming?

I consider any game completable in under 10 hours “short,” though my sweet spot for weekend gaming sits between 3-6 hours. This allows for complete experiences without the anxiety of leaving stories unfinished. Your mileage may vary based on skill level and completionist tendencies – I tend to play at a measured pace, exploring moderately but not obsessively.

Are Short Games Worth Full Price?

This depends entirely on your budget and the experience quality. I’ve paid $30 for 2-hour games that left lasting impressions and regretted $5 purchases of 20-hour padding-filled adventures. I generally wait for sales unless it’s a day-one must-play or I want to support specific developers. Games like Journey or What Remains of Edith Finch provided more memorable experiences than many 100-hour epics.

Can I Enjoy Short Games as a Completionist?

Absolutely! Many short games offer replay value through achievements, speedrun modes, or narrative branches. Hades technically has a 10-hour story but I’ve invested 200 hours chasing perfect runs. Celeste‘s B-sides and C-sides transform a 6-hour platformer into a 50+ hour challenge. The key is choosing games where extended play feels rewarding rather than mandatory.

What Platform is Best for Short Gaming Sessions?

After extensive testing, I believe the Nintendo Switch and Steam Deck excel for short gaming sessions due to instant sleep/resume functionality. However, PlayStation 5’s activity cards and Xbox Series X’s Quick Resume feature make console gaming more pickup-friendly than ever. PC remains king for variety, especially with extensive digital libraries offering thousands of options.

Final Thoughts: Making the Most of Your Gaming Weekend

This weekend offers 64 hours of potential gaming time, but realistically, most of us have 6-10 hours available for our hobby. The games I’ve recommended respect that limitation while delivering complete, satisfying experiences. Whether you choose the emotional journey of Before Your Eyes, the stylistic action of Trek to Yomi, or the puzzle perfection of Cocoon, you’ll finish Sunday night with completed stories rather than barely-started epics.

Remember, the best short game is the one that fits your current mood and available time. Some weekends call for intense action, others for cooperative experiences with friends, and occasionally, you just need something cozy and contemplative. My weekend gaming philosophy embraces quality over quantity – I’d rather complete two meaningful 5-hour experiences than make minimal progress in a 100-hour odyssey.

Happy gaming this weekend, and remember – there’s no shame in easy mode when you’re trying to see credits before Monday. After all, we play games for enjoyment, not to prove something to strangers on the internet. Pick something from this list, pour your favorite beverage, and lose yourself in a perfectly-sized gaming adventure this September 6-8.