5 RPGs So Short That You Can Finish Them in One Weekend

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The realm of gaming is brimming with lengthy role-playing games (RPGs) that immerse players in expansive realms of fantasy and intrigue, requiring well over a hundred hours to fully uncover. Games like ‘Clair Obscur: Expedition 33‘, ‘Baldur’s Gate 3‘, and ‘Cyberpunk 2077‘ are exceptional, yet they demand significant time commitments to complete thoroughly. While these games offer an engaging escape for some players, others find them daunting tasks. Fortunately, there’s a multitude of compact RPGs ideal for players who prefer a weekend adventure rather than a multi-week or even multi-month endeavor.

5. Eastward

Heading Eastward, you’ll find a stunning and enigmatically alluring role-playing game set in a world teetering on the edge of destruction. Assuming control over Sam, a young girl with an enigmatic past, and John, the one who unveiled her secret, embark on an adventure to uncover Sam’s origins. Along the way, engage in intense combat and intricate puzzle-solving while navigating enticing yet challenging dungeons together.

Generally speaking, indie games are known for being relatively short. However, the game Eastward offers a playtime of approximately 20-25 hours, depending on how extensively a player chooses to explore. With various recipes to gather, secrets to discover, and mini-games to conquer, Eastward boasts a wealth of additional content beyond its main narrative quest. A dedicated completionist could potentially spend up to 30 hours delving into the game’s intricate side paths and tranquil woodlands, while a more focused player might complete it in under twenty hours. Regardless of the speed at which one chooses to play, Eastward is an ideal RPG for those who enjoy games similar to Undertale and Chrono Trigger.

4. Stray

For individuals less captivated by the pixel graphics of Eastward, Stray provides a charming and concise substitute set within a similar post-apocalyptic environment. Step into the shoes of an adorable stray cat who finds itself in an ancient bunker filled with radioactive debris, navigating robots and genetically altered creatures to ascend back to ground level and reunite with fellow felines. Within Stray’s world lies hidden treasures to explore and outdated technology to utilize as a solitary cat attempts to escape the robot-controlled city it has found itself trapped in.

Throughout your journey, you’ll ascend, maneuver stealthily, and delve into diverse settings, each presenting unique hurdles. The game spans approximately 15 to 20 hours of captivating playtime based on the player’s speed. Although it lacks mini-games, it brims with activities that keep each instance thrilling and immersive. Spend a weekend immersed in the whimsical and indelible world of Stray.

3. Citizen Sleeper

Instead of a typical role-playing game with an over-the-shoulder or first-person perspective, Citizen Sleeper presents a more narrative-driven, text-based experience where you step into the life of a cybernetic worker who has fled from their corporate sponsors. In hiding from both your former employer and the authorities, you must forge a new existence on Erlin’s Eye, a damaged space station teeming with thousands of other exiles and inhabitants alike. Unlike many traditional role-playing games, Citizen Sleeper’s textual narrative allows players to progress at their own speed, uncovering the numerous mysteries hidden within the Eye as they interact with the diverse cast of characters who inhabit it.

As a keen gamer, I’ve dived into the immersive world of Citizen Sleeper, and let me tell you, the length of this text-based adventure is largely determined by my own reading pace. Generally speaking, it tends to span around eight to ten hours, but don’t worry if you’re a bit slower like me – it’s designed to be enjoyable at any speed!

What makes Citizen Sleeper truly captivating is its branching narratives with multiple endings. This means that if I fancy exploring different choices and outcomes, I can easily revisit previous save files to shake things up a bit. However, if I’m determined to reach the game’s main ending, it shouldn’t take more than a dozen hours – even for those of us who might need a little extra time to soak up every line of text. So grab your coffee, settle in, and let’s navigate the futuristic universe of Citizen Sleeper together!

2. Cloudpunk

Moving forward with the spacefaring, cyberpunk motif, Cloudpunk is another role-playing game set in a gritty, neon-lit city shrouded in shadowy conspiracies. You’ll take on the role of a delivery person who transports packages while keeping your nose out of other people’s business. This RPG immerses you in a noir mystery within a rain-drenched, futuristic metropolis. The game delves into themes of surveillance, rebellion, and camaraderie amidst an unforgiving society.

The game titled Cloudpunk, approximately 8 hours long, combines both first and third-person perspectives as players explore the futuristic city of Nivalis via hovercar or on foot. The first-person driving segment is particularly engaging, requiring players to stay alert and focused on the road to ensure smooth and timely deliveries. If you’re seeking a refreshing change from traditional fantasy RPGs, Cloudpunk stands out as an exceptional sci-fi title within the genre.

1. Sable

In contrast to most RPGs that often involve high stress with intense combat scenarios or life-threatening challenges, Sable offers a unique experience – a deeply personal and moving emotional journey within the genre. Instead of engaging in heated battles, you’ll traverse a grand desert expanse on your hoverbike, uncovering countless ancient ruins and intriguing relics from eras past. The narrative revolves around Sable’s story as she navigates her maturity and growth, encapsulated by the essence of exploration in this game.

The game titled “Sable” is an atmospheric journey, lasting roughly 15 to 20 hours, though duration may vary based on exploration. Players can finish faster if they skip certain areas. The time investment is entirely player-driven, making it a flexible experience that caters to various paces. The game’s conciseness adds an impactful element, encouraging players to carefully consider the significant choices at the end, providing a compact yet profound narrative.

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2025-08-30 14:10