Summary
Gaming can be a great way to relieve stress or pass the time, but not all games are suited for quick sessions. Some games are so cinematic or gameplay-intensive that players often need to invest at least an hour to fully immerse themselves. Once engaged, players can easily get hooked for up to six hours, depending on the game.
Fortunately, there are many games available that are perfect for quick sessions lasting between ten and twenty minutes. As an added benefit, numerous games that offer this brief playtime are available for free on various platforms, including older systems that have stood the test of time.
There have only been a fewKiller Instincttitles, including the 2013 reboot, which features one standard character and one extra character on rotation as well as a simplistic fighting game story mode. Sadly, playing the entire roster is locked behind a paywall, but that does not stop the enjoyment that can be had with the two free characters.
Killer Instincthas seen quite a lifecycle and isnow available on Xbox consolesand PC. The fast-paced combat is perfect for those wanting to play quick matches against CPU opponents or online against live players. Few matches last any longer than five minutes, making it perfect for a few sessions for those with short reprieves.
The idea of a soccer game with cars seems unimpressive at first, butRocket Leaguehas become a beloved title for both casual and competitive players. Most matches only last five to ten minutes, resulting ina brief but chaotic match of driving carsinto balls. It is simple sounding in concept but requires a lot of practice to master.
In addition to its fast-paced gameplay,Rocket Leaguehas gained significant popularity, leading to numerous franchise crossovers. Players can purchase and access DLC cars such as the Batmobile, the Ecto-1 from Ghostbusters, and James Bond’s Aston Martin, to name a few.
IfMario Partywas abattle royale for the whole family, the result would beFall Guys. With numerous players, they go through a series of minigames until only one remains as a victor. The minigames range from obstacle courses to platforming challenges, each hiding the immense difficulty behind the cute and colorful visuals.
The minigame aspect allows matches inFall Guysto last just over ten minutes. Most players last less than that because it is easy to fail and be forced back to the menu, which is ideal for those wanting a quick session or a long one.
In the subgenre of platform fighters,Super Smash Bros.will always be the king, butBrawlhallais a strong close second. It takes the same concept of characters fighting in multi-leveled stages with platforms and interactives but with the theme ofthe large roster of charactersbeing mythological monsters and gods combined with a variety of guest characters from other franchises.
Brawlhallais a great alternative for those who don’t have a Nintendo Switch but want to playSuper Smash Bros. Ultimate. It’s available on PC, PlayStation, and Xbox, with the matches typically lasting only a few minutes, making it easy to pick up and play, even for those with a tight schedule.
Disney Speedstormfeatures characters from a century of Disney movies and shows in an exciting racing game. Players can race as iconic characters like Jack Skellington or Princess Elsa, each of whom has been redesigned to fit a sleek art style. Additionally, every character possesses unique perks and special abilities that make them stand out, adding variety to the gameplay.
It’s not subtle, butDisney Speedstormis meant to be an alternative for fans ofracing games like Mario KartorCrash Team Racing. Similar to those games, races against other players or AI opponents are not long, but they can be a challenge depending on the mode. As a bonus, there are plenty of rewards for doing just up to three races, which rarely take longer than fifteen minutes.
One of the few games that can be found everywhere: modern consoles, old ones, mobile, Facebook, and even on browsers for free. It’s a testament to the fun and addictive nature ofTetris, which is the gold standard of a puzzle game, stacking up rows of blocks that grant points when cleared away.
Many games have come about to try replicating the brain-testing challenge that comes fromTetris. However, very few compare, resulting in a game thathas withstood decades of gaming history.Tetrisis also a game that can last as long as the player wishes, with some able to play for hours on end or just a few minutes to pass the time.
Hero shooters are commonplace, but after players critiqued howOverwatch 2went downhill,Marvel Rivalsquickly became what they wanted as a replacement. It’s still anobjective-based shooter akin toOverwatchbut with the added gimmick of Marvel heroes and villains combined with a few well-executed tweaks to the gameplay that have won over millions of players.
While a competitive match inMarvel Rivalscan last up to half an hour, a regular Quick Match rarely lasts over ten minutes. One match can also be a good way to learn one of the many characters on the roster, with three classes to choose from.
While taking the time to build a deck might take some time, the actual matches inHearthstoneare fast and entertaining. Depending on the opponent, most matches in Hearthstone last a good fifteen to twenty minutes, but that’s only when playing in the default mode, which pairs one player against another online.
Hearthstonealso features the eight-player Battlegrounds mode, which has even faster matches thanks to the automated battle system. On top of all that, there are also modes for going up against AI opponents in Solo Adventures and a turn-based RPG mode known as Mercenaries. There is something formost fans of deck-building gamesinHearthstone.
