5 Must-Play Single-Player Games You Can Beat in Under 10 Hours

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The exhaustion from playing video games is a genuine feeling. Eventually, spending hundreds of hours on open-world games can take its toll. And when it does, you might find yourself yearning for games that are brief yet satisfying. These are games where the entire storyline can be completed in less than 10 hours, freeing up your time and life from their grip over a prolonged period.

This collection showcases various single-player games that can be completed within 10 hours, ranging from battling bandits as a Samurai to playing a ninja cyborg in the future. These games are perfect for finishing over the weekend or even in one sitting if you’re feeling particularly energetic.

South of Midnight

  • Playtime: 9 hours

For those seeking a concise yet delightful read, nothing beats “South of Midnight“. This tale is set in an enchanting reimagination of the Deep South, where mythical beings are making their appearance for unexplained reasons. Prepare to untangle the world’s secrets and battle some less-than-friendly creatures along the way.

In a unique blend, the game titled “South of Midnight” carries an eerie, mysterious ambiance. The setting is dark and gothic, and the stop motion animation adds a vivid touch to the visuals. At its heart lies a mix of puzzle-solving challenges, combat sequences reminiscent of beat ’em up games, and a compelling storyline that forms the core experience. “South of Midnight” is truly exceptional, and despite being relatively short, it’s an absolute must for enthusiasts of adventure gaming.

Ghostrunner 2

  • Playtime: 8 hours

In the game known as “Ghostrunner 2“, agility takes center stage. The action unfolds swiftly, requiring you to promptly leap and dart across platforms while avoiding incoming enemy attacks. Simultaneously, you must strategize your path for defeating these adversaries. Since enemies persistently assault you, it’s crucial to stay in constant motion, even wall-running. If you’re hit by an enemy during a confrontation, you’ll be sent back to the beginning of that particular area and have to try again. In essence, “Ghostrunner 2” resembles a challenging evolution of Soulslikes in terms of its relentless difficulty.

In the 8-hour narrative mode of Ghostrunner 2, the game structure is mission-oriented, with levels featuring intricately connected areas offering various obstacles, adversaries, and boss fights. The setting is a cyberpunk dystopia, making the graphics a real feast for the eyes. As you progress, you’ll unlock new elements like features and weapons. There are segments where you’ll get to ride a bike and engage in combat – it doesn’t get much more exciting than that!

Rollerdrome

  • Playtime: 5 hours

In simpler terms, “Rollerdrome” could be described as a game that’s similar to “Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater,” but with an enhanced, intense dose of action and excitement. Playing this game feels like a continuous burst of dopamine, the brain chemical associated with pleasure and reward.

The rapid action keeps you thoroughly engrossed, and the relatively small selection of weapons ensures constant novelty. To top it off, the visually appealing cel-shaded graphics will never let your eyes wander away. In essence, you can finish the primary stages in Rollerdrome within approximately five hours. Yet, despite its brief duration, Rollerdrome stands out as an exceptional single-player game that can be completed in less than 10 hours. However, it provides plenty of reasons to return for more, making it a game with significant replay value. Therefore, if you wish to continue playing, there’s a wealth of additional content waiting for you.

Trek To Yomi

  • Playtime: 5 hours

In just five hours of gameplay, the monochrome side-scroller Trek To Yomi spares no time in immersing you immediately. One moment you’re mastering combat skills amidst a picturesque Japanese town, and the next, the entire area is ablaze. At a tender age, the main character bears witness to his mentor’s brutal assassination. This tragic event sets the stage for a later story where he assumes the role of a Samurai, tracking down the murderer years later.

Trek To Yomi presents a grim narrative, unflinchingly displaying the brutal realities of war. The game’s diverse settings stir a range of emotions within you. Yet, beneath its aesthetic charm lies an engaging combat system. Mastery of blocking, parrying, and attacking form the core of a Samurai’s skills. Skillfully timed directional inputs can chain combos, escalating the action to new heights. In essence, one could liken Trek To Yomi to a 2D version of Ghost of Tsushima, offering comparable satisfaction in combat and narrative depth, although it doesn’t share the same open-world or mechanical complexity as its counterpart.

Atomfall

  • Playtime: 9 hours

A catastrophic nuclear plant incident paves the way for the intriguing backdrop of Atomfall. As the protagonist suffering from amnesia, your task is to unravel the mysteries surrounding the current events. Why have aliens arrived on Earth? What’s causing the bizarre human behavior, and can you find a solution to put things right?

During your journey, you traverse a stunning semi-open environment, uncover new arsenals, and stumble upon fresh missions. What sets this game apart is its innovative combat system where managing your character’s heart rate becomes crucial. A racing pulse will slow you down and impair your vision, thus opting for stealth strategies becomes essential. The freedom to explore is absolute, and the decisions you make about taking life or sparing it have significant consequences. If you’re ready for the challenge, Atomfall can be completed without a single drop of blood in its compact 9-hour gameplay, making it an excellent choice for top short solo games.

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2025-05-11 16:56