Video games vary in the time it takes you to beat them. Some JRPGs can take nearly 100 hours, while other games just barely make it to ten hours. The time played doesn't dictate how good a game is though; some of the shortest games can have the biggest impact on you.
Here, we are going to take a look at some games that you can beat in under an hour. Of course, playtime totally depends on your play style. If you like to explore every nook and cranny, then these games may take you a bit longer. In general though, these games can be beaten in around one hour.
These playtimes are based on howlongtobeat.com, which compiles play time from gamers across the internet.
8 The Stanley Parable
First up, we have The Stanley Parable. This is an incredibly popular game that follows Stanley and a narrator, who dictates what Stanley does. Throughout the game, you can choose to follow the narrator, as well as disobey.
Overall, it will take around anywhere from 44 minutes to an hour and a half to finish The Stanley Parable. This game is short and sweet, but definitely worth it if you have never played. The Stanley Parable originally started off as a mod for Half-Life 2, so it's worth checking out both of them if you have a little more time!
7 PRICE
Price is a spooky puzzle game that follows Ivry and his sister Iva. In Price, you will need to escape while finding Iva, but there is more than meets the eye. In around one hour, you can beat this game.
Did we mention that this game is free on Steam? You can download and start playing this right now. For a free game, the animation and music of this game are absolutely beautiful, making it quite the hidden gem.
6 A Memoir Blue
Next, we have A Memoir Blue. The developers of this game describe it as an "interactive poem", following the main character named Miriam, as a song triggers memories of her childhood.
This game can be beaten in exactly one hour, which covers most of the content. If you are aiming for 100 percent completion, it will just take you around one and a half hours, making this game short and sweet all around.
5 Flow
Flow is a unique game that allows you to control a microorganism in the ocean. In the game, you will need to navigate a beautiful environment that's surprisingly minimal.
This game will take a little more than an hour to complete, but if you like to admire your surroundings and go for 100 percent completion, it will take you a bit longer. Flow is brought to us by the same team behind Journey, Flower, and Sky: Children of the Light. All of these games are memorable and beautifully crafted, with Flow fitting in as well.
4 Marie's Room
Marie's Room is one of the shortest games on our list, coming in at around 40 minutes. In this game, you are Kelsey, controlling her as she explores Marie's bedroom. Overall, your goal is to figure out what happened to Marie.
This game isn't too complex; you just need to explore a room and interact with objects. Although the game is just 40 minutes long, it has a wonderfully beautiful story that will leave a lasting impression. Like Price, Marie's Room is also free on Steam.
3 The Looker
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The Witness is a puzzle video game that was released in 2016, drawing inspiration from Myst. The Witness puts your puzzle-solving skills to the test, and also inspired The Looker. Like several other games on our list, The Looker is also free, giving you no reason not to play it!
The Looker is a parody of The Witness, taking a more comical approach. In the game, you wake up on an island filled with confusing puzzles. Overall, this game will take you from one to one and a half hours to complete. This is considerably shorter than the game it parodies, as The Witness has a playtime of around 17 hours.
2 Love & Kuso
Next up, we Love and Kuso. These are two games, with Kuso being a sequel to Love. On average, Love will take you 30 minutes to complete, while Kuso runs just a bit longer, nearing the one-hour mark.
Both Love and Kuso are platform games, embracing the retro, pixilated aesthetic. Additionally, both games have wonderful music that will keep you coming back for more.
1 Sayonara Wild Hearts
Lastly, we have Sayonara Wild Hearts. This game is a bit longer than others on our list, with a rushed playthrough coming in at one hour and two minutes. It's too good not to place it on our list though.
Sayonara Wild Hearts is an arcade-style game where you can ride motorcycles and skateboards, as well as have dance battles. The game has a heavy emphasis on music, and is often described as a "pop album video game". Steam reviews for this game are packed full of praise, with one receiver even stating that this game is "distilled emotional catharsis".