Games may be increasing in terms of complexity and visual fidelity, but all that improvement comes at a major cost: download size. Must-have AAA titles regularly demand in excess of 100GB of storage space, and that's not to mention subsequent patches or DLC releases. It's gotten to the point at which most console gamers have to fork over some extra cash for an external HDD.
That said, not all games require players to pre-emptively wipe their hard drives. In fact, some take up less space than the average save file. Here are some PS4 games that won't mandate a storage space sacrifice.
Updated January 8th, 2021 by Riley Kane: Strong indies haven't always been contenders in the video game scene, but in recent years, serious charisma has seeped into every aspect of their design, pumping out some of the most amazing projects we’ve seen. One of the things that’s always impressive is just how much they can fit in such a small file size.
The PS4 is home to a lot of console shattering games, sure to clog up the old hard drive and slow down the engine. That’s why it’s always a pleasure to download a game, boot it up, and start playing in less than two minutes.
Updated May 18th, 2021 by Russ Boswell: Although the PS5 is dominating headlines in 2021, the PS4 is still receiving tons of content. This is especially true when it comes to the PlayStation Store, which continues to push Indie titles and retro classics alike. Now, more than ever, there is an abundance of small PS4 games available to download, meaning you can jump into a new game session faster than ever. Thanks to this constant stream of new releases, there are even more bite-sized adventures to be had.
20 Small Radios Big Televisions (180MB)
Released back in 2016, Small Radios Big Televisions is a simplistic point-and-click indie puzzler that asks players to search for a set of cassette tapes and make use of some VHS distortion effects to reveal key items and progress through the game's 18 ultra-tiny environments.
Though it only offers one or two hours of gameplay, it's a neat little experience for casual gamers, and, at a mere 180MB, it's very forgiving for those hoping to conserve some hard drive space. Plus, the game's rudimentary 3D graphics offer a sense of depth not often seen in games of this size.
19 Stardew Valley (180MB)
Stardew Valley is really a game that you have to play for hours to appreciate. It doesn't immediately hit you with action or flashy visuals. The way it works is like many simulation games of its kind, Rune Factory and Harvest Moon alike. Building from the ground-up, you'll find yourself satisfied with your own hard work.
The memory size barely ticks under the 200MB range. An update was released just a few days ago, so you wouldn't have to worry about this game being abandoned.
18 Limbo (170MB)
Limbo is a game of massive depth and darkness. The world is seething around you, holding this ominous energy over your head at all times. It's a game that makes you feel powerless yet hoping for a light at the end of the tunnel.
This is an immersive indie as any. You'll really start to take notice of the game's clever design as you go on. It's a very succinct experience for $10 and won't bust your computer's/console's memory either.
17 Cartoon Network Battle Crashers (150MB)
Intended as an homage to Cartoon Network's modern-day heavy-hitters, Battle Crashers is a 2.5D side-scrolling beat 'em up featuring a ton of characters kids born after Y2K may well recognize. Additionally, it's one of the very few games of this size to receive a physical release, which is an interesting tidbit for PS4 collectors.
Unfortunately, though it seems like a blast on paper, Battle Crashers is a gruff, poorly-executed piece of software that only seeks to cash in on some recognizable brands and names. It's extremely barren and simplistic, which is perhaps why the download size is an anemic 150MB.
16 Ronin (140MB)
Backed by acclaimed double-A publisher Devolver Digital, Ronin is an intense stealth/action sidescroller that takes inspiration from indie darlings like Hotline Miami and Mark of the Ninja. Requiring twitch reflexes and more than a few attempts to perfect a level, the game sees players slice and dash their way through a gripping, albeit simplistic, tale of revenge.
Requiring an unimposing 140MB of hard drive space, Ronin is about as lightweight as it gets. While the visuals won't exactly impress, the gameplay more than makes up for the lackluster presentation, and those who strive for flawless runs could get a ton of mileage out of this title.
15 140 (120MB)
Published by Double Fine, the same studio behind cult classics like Brutal Legend and Psychonauts, 140 is an extremely minimalist platformer that almost plays like a slowed-down demake of Edmund McMillen's Super Meat Boy. Able to be completed in one to two hours and offering only a handful of levels, it's the sort of bite-sized—or, more accurately, byte-sized—experience best played on a lazy weekend afternoon.
Though it boasts a fairly memorable synth soundtrack and three unique boss encounters, there really isn't a whole lot on offer. Still, for those who appreciate smaller titles, 140's 120MB download size should seem attractive.
14 Electronic Super Joy (120MB)
Famous for its glitzy techno soundtrack and tough-as-nails gameplay segments, Electronic Super Joy feels like everything 140 aimed to be. Popular enough to spawn to sequels—one entirely free to play—ESJ has definitely gone down as an indie jam... or gem, rather.
Pitting the player against 45 excruciatingly difficult levels, this title asks gamers to develop their sense of rhythm as they rush through hazards and hone their platforming skills. It may not necessarily stand out against a sea of similar releases, but, impressive in spite of its minuscule 120MB download size, it's definitely a title worth checking out.
13 Momodora: Reverie Under The Moonlight (100MB)
A 2D pixel art Metroidvania much in the vein of games like Blasphemous, Hollow Knight, and Salt and Sanctuary, Momodora: Reverie Under the Moonlight is a surprisingly deep and gripping experience that packs a whole lot into its incredibly small download size.
Tasked with defeating an evil witch and initially armed with nothing but a simple maple leaf—yes, seriously—players explore varied levels and learn to excel at what's often touted as Souls-like combat. It can be a thrilling experience, and it's definitely a must-play for fans of indie games. What's more, with a 100MB download size, Momodora makes the most of its minuscule size.
12 Crimsonland (90MB)
Initially released all the way back in 2003, Crimsonland feels like a take on what Doom may have been like had it released as an early 2000s New Grounds flash game. Remastered for modern consoles, it may seem like a strange offering on the PlayStation Store, but it's more engaging than it first seems.
With 60 levels through which to rampage and a neverending roster of alien enemies to slaughter, this barebones twin-stick shooter is a quick and dirty carnage fest that should appeal to casual and hardcore players alike. The visuals may put some players off, but, at 90MBs, it was never going to be a graphical powerhouse.
11 Capsule Force (90MB)
A lesser-known title on the list, Capsule Force combines hectic multiplayer action with team-based objectives. Alongside your buddy, you must work your way from one side of the map to the next. The caveat is that you can get evaporated in one hit, only to respawn and try again.
There's not a whole lot of maps and characters to choose from, but the premise and potential for shenanigans could improve at least one or two pizza nights.
10 Super Mutant Alien Assault (90MB)
Fans of Duck Game and Super Meat Boy will find themselves right at home with Super Mutant Alien Assault. The charming little Indie platformer/shooter has a similar pixelated visual style and boasts some pretty addicting gameplay. It's fast-paced and definitely one of the better Indie titles to feature on the PS4.
In terms of great small size PS4 games, Super Mutant Alien Assault should be considered a top contender. It's inexpensive, a blast to play, and most importantly, only 90MB.
9 Kung Fury: Street Rage (80MB)
A movie game released to coincide with the short film of the same name, Kung Fury is a deliberate homage to games like Streets of Rage, though it lacks much of the nuance and depth that made those games so entertaining.
Retailing for a mere two dollars, this game almost plays like a rhythm game, as players are only able to punch right and left and must take out enemies as they approach on either side. It's mindless, button-mashy, and more than a bit boring. Yet, with a download size of 80MB, that shouldn't come as much of a surprise.
8 Maddening Overload (70MB)
Ever imagine what a game like Super Hexagon would look like as a platformer? Probably not, but Maddening Overload absolutely delivers on its name by replicating that same sort of fast-paced, brain-melting gameplay while adding its own unique twist.
Play on your own or race against up to three other players as you make a mad dash across an obstacle course wrapped entirely around a small circle. The pace is break-neck, the perspective is confusing, and it's the sort of borderline frustrating experience that demands hours of practice, and it's all wrapped up in a super conservative 70MB of storage space.
7 Flywrench (70MB)
Do it fast, do it slow, but never lose control. That could be a potential motto for Meshoff Games' Flywrench. Fasten your seatbelts as you make it through courses designed to make you bounce, all centered around completing your orbit around the planets of the solar system. The music, all the while, is thrashing around like a nu-metal instrumental.
Since you'll likely die a lot, you can't coast through this one easily. Time Trial mode will push you to your limits even more. All that being said, the experience is worth 7 bucks and a 70MB download.
6 Quest Of Dungeons (70MB)
If you're craving RPG action but don't want to agonize over a massive download, consider checking out Quest of Dungeons. The pixelated graphics and simplistic animations help to keep the file size small while still offering up an adventure that's pretty big.
This Indie romp is turn-based, perfect for classic RPG fans, and features a colorful cast of characters as well as some humorous moments. You'll slay monsters, collect items, defeat bosses, and make your way through difficult dungeons. It's even procedurally generated, so each adventure will feel new and refreshing.
5 Super Star Wars (50MB)
If you're looking for a retro game to play on your PS4, look no further than Super Star Wars. The Lucas Arts classic originally released on the Super Nintendo but was brought to the PS4 thanks to its status as a cult classic. It's difficult, fun, and features a plethora of classic Star Wars characters and locations.
Best of all, thanks to its start as a SNES game, it's miniature-sized at only (50MB) for the full game. Super Star Wars should always be included in the conversation for the best small PS4 games available.
4 Inversus (40MB)
At first glance, it's easy to understand why Inversus shouldn't take more than a few minutes to download. It's incredibly simplistic in its approach, forgoing detailed visuals for geometric designs and monochromatic battlegrounds. But don't let the lack of detail fool you, Inversus has some addictive gameplay hidden under the hood.
The premise has you taking control of a colored block, which is capable of shooting in one of four directions. Shooting not only sends a projectile out but changes each tile it contacts (to the opposite color of the player). This allows you to create new openings and paths. The enemy can do the same, which means you'll possibly find yourself trapped if you aren't careful.
With arcade action and multiplayer, Inversus offers up a ton of fun in a 40MB package. If you're looking for small size PS4 games, put this one near the top of the list.
3 Tennis In The Face (40MB)
Games don't have to be overly complex to be a blast. Case in point, Tennis in the Face. This bite-sized title is sure to give players "Flash Game" vibes but the gameplay mechanics and goofy graphics help to create an entertaining experience.
It shouldn't take more than an afternoon or so to chip through Tennis in the Face but some levels offer up quite the challenge. If you're a fan of physics-based ragdoll games, then this is definitely one to check out. The best part is, it won't take more than a few moments to download thanks to its 40MB size.
2 Color Zen (20MB)
The best type of puzzle games are ones that provide a stimulating experience without making your brain hurt. Color Zen doesn't beat you over the head for losing too. You just experiment until you know it, and that's when you're truly getting the most out of the game.
This is something you can play on a lot of different consoles, but the gameplay remains the same. Whenever you have some downtime, this might be what you find yourself gravitating toward.
1 Kero Blaster (20MB)
Developed by Pixel, the same one-man development studio behind the epic Cave Story, Kero Blaster is a delightfully diminutive action platformer that features a plot that's arguably as simple as its Atari 5200-esque visuals.
Though it's extremely simple and fairly short, it's an incredibly approachable game, and, at a mere 20MBs, it's one of the smallest PS4 games available. It may feel like overkill to use a PS4 to play a game that may well run on most microwaves these days, but Kero Blaster seemingly takes pride in its unembellished style and serves as a firm reminder that graphics don't dictate a game's quality.