5 Captivating Short Games to Play This Weekend (September 6 – 8)

With a packed release schedule in September 2025, it can be hard to find a new game to settle into. Whether you have a busy weekend ahead or you’re just looking for a quick, impactful gaming experience, a short game can be the perfect solution. This weekend, from September 6th to September 8th, there are several noteworthy titles—both brand new and recently released—that are perfect for a concentrated burst of entertainment. We’ve curated a list of five short games that offer unique experiences, from narrative masterpieces to thrilling roguelites.

1. Casebook 1899 – The Leipzig Murders

Genre: Point-and-Click Adventure, Detective Game
Release Date: September 4, 2025

For fans of mystery and historical fiction, Casebook 1899 – The Leipzig Murders is an unmissable new release. This meticulously crafted point-and-click adventure game plunges players into the gritty world of 19th-century Leipzig, Germany. The game features a stunning hand-pixelated art style that gives it a beautiful, vintage feel. As a detective, your task is to investigate a series of gruesome murders, interrogate suspects, and piece together clues to solve the case. What makes this game particularly engaging is its branching narrative, which leads to multiple endings based on your choices and deductions. The game is fully voiced in German with English subtitles, adding a layer of authenticity to the experience. Given its focused narrative and classic adventure game structure, it’s an excellent choice for a weekend gaming session.

2. SHUTEN ORDER

Genre: Adventure, Puzzle, Visual Novel
Release Date: September 5, 2025

Just in time for the weekend, SHUTEN ORDER delivers an unhinged, story-driven mystery that is perfect for those who enjoy a bit of chaos with their puzzles. The game follows the murder of a religious leader who was preaching about the apocalypse. The developers describe it as “squishing five adventure games into one story,” which hints at its unpredictable and layered narrative. The game is known for its big personalities, dramatic conversations, and a constant stream of puzzles that you must solve to progress. SHUTEN ORDER is a fantastic example of a modern indie title that pushes creative boundaries. Its short, contained experience ensures that you can complete the main story over the weekend and still have plenty to discuss with other players.

3. The Alters

Genre: Survival, Base-Building, Sci-Fi
Release Date: 2025 (Released earlier this year)

While not a new release for this month, The Alters remains one of the best critically acclaimed short games of 2025. It offers an engrossing combination of base-building, survival, and deep self-reflection. The story follows Jan Dolski, a lone technician on a desolate planet. To survive, he must create “alters” of himself from alternate timelines, each with different skills and personalities. This innovative mechanic forms the core of the gameplay, forcing you to manage your base and navigate difficult moral and psychological dilemmas. The game’s powerful narrative and unique concept make it a compelling experience that can be completed in a few concentrated sittings. If you missed it on its initial launch, this weekend is the perfect time to dive into its thought-provoking world.

4. A Short Hike

Genre: Adventure, Exploration, Indie
Release Date: 2019 (But perpetually relevant)

Sometimes, the best short games are not the newest ones. A Short Hike is a beloved indie gem that promises exactly what its title suggests: a tranquil and heartwarming adventure. In this game, you play as Claire, a bird who needs to make her way to the top of a mountain to get cell phone reception. The joy of the game, however, is not in the destination, but in the journey itself. Along the way, you can explore a charming, miniature open-world, meet a cast of quirky animal characters, and complete small side quests. The game’s relaxing atmosphere, beautiful art style, and clever mechanics make it an ideal way to unwind. It’s the perfect, low-stress game to pick up and play in one afternoon.

5. Katanaut

Genre: Roguelite, Action, Hack-and-Slash
Release Date: September 10, 2025 (Play the demo this weekend!)

While Katanaut doesn’t officially launch until next week, its demo is available now and is a perfect taste of the full experience. This fast-paced action roguelite puts you in the boots of Naut, who must slice and shoot his way through a corrupted space station. The game’s combat is both satisfying and challenging, with a focus on quick, responsive movement and a variety of unlockable abilities. Each run is procedurally generated, ensuring that no two playthroughs are the same. Demos for games like these are often perfectly crafted to be short, replayable experiences, making the Katanaut demo an ideal way to spend a few hours this weekend if you’re looking for a jolt of action and a bit of a challenge before the full game is released next week.