There’s a new type of gamer out there—one who prefers short and sweet gaming sessions over hours-long and hyper-competitive ones.
For these players, the magic of gaming doesn’t need to last forever. Instead, casual players prefer titles that meet their specific interests. Given the vast range of casual games, there’s something out there for everyone—from word puzzles to visual adventures to text-based simulations.
Are you looking for a mini-game to pick up and put down at your leisure? Start with one of the mini-games listed below. They’re perfectly suited for short playing sessions.
Slots
For fans of casino games, the best short-form selection is slots—also known as pokies. Anyone looking to explore their options for online pokies nz can easily do so from a web browser or their smartphone. Most virtual casinos offer hundreds of slots to choose from, letting players shop around for the title that suits their interests. For example, themes range from mythology to sports to popular TV shows.
Cocoon
This puzzle game offers a beautiful visual angle thanks to its immersive, geometric design—but the real magic is its unique mysteries. The game challenges players to shift between individual worlds where they can solve puzzles that point toward a grander reality. With a cute narrative and stellar visual appeal, this is a great choice for any first-time puzzlers.
A Short Hike
This short-form game requires players to help a penguin follow a marked trail. As they wander along, players run into other hikers, discover treasures, and wander off-trail (or even fly off-trail) as they explore the mountainside. Its animation-style design and warm color palette make it immediately easy on the eyes—though you might wish it wasn’t so short-form if you enjoy A Short Hike.
Untitled Goose Game
Yes—that’s really the title of this strange and pointless game. The goal is for players to guide a goose around a charming small town to wreak havoc. Simply make your way from yard to street to parking lot causing as much damage and chaos as possible. If you’re looking for a game that lets you unwind without thinking too much, start with a few laughs here.
Hotline Miami
This short-form game is a bit more involved than others—so if you’re looking for a narrative, concrete storyline, and missions, then start here. Hotline Miami is a combat and fighting game that challenges players to take down their enemies in a retro-themed Miami. With its unique perspective and 8-bit design, it’s not as gory or scary to play as it might sound.
Sheepy: A Short Adventure
This pixel-art platformer offers a creative twist on existing titles. If you want something lesser-known and engrossing, get Sheepy: A Short Adventure. In the game, players must explore an abandoned world as a small ship. As they explore, they’ll unlock new abilities and start to uncover pivotal hints about this abandoned, strange universe.
Firewatch
Once again, mystery is at the heart of this game. Firewatch takes players deep into the Wyoming wilderness. Thanks to its sunset-tinted color palette, the game feels very magical and inviting. That being said, the stakes are pretty high. Players must navigate the wilderness with only a handheld radio connecting them to civilization.
Inside
If you’re a fan of visual ambiance and setting, then Inside should be for you. Like many other titles on this list, there’s a pretty hefty mystery at the core of the game. But this game presents more thought-provoking challenges—ones that are likely to follow players even after their gaming session is finished. Like Firewatch, Inside has a top-tier ending that has helped it stay on the radar for short-form gamers.
