Open-world games are fun due to their expansive nature, but sometimes, you simply don’t have enough time to explore a large, complex map. If you have to squeeze your gaming into a couple of days off, you may want a short and sweet gaming experience with the freedom open worlds offer.
These shorter open-world games still pack a narrative punch and immerse you in the story, despite their succinct storylines. Of course, to get a shorter playthrough, sometimes you have to sacrifice certain side quests and cut to the main plotline. Despite that, the main quests in these open-world games are easily completed in one weekend.
Sable is a quick, open-world game you may get through in just under eight hours. The coming-of-age adventure focuses on the masked main character as she embarks on her rite of passage journey through the desert.
She encounters various NPCs, puzzles, and other engaging discoveries on her travels. The gorgeous visuals are complemented by a great soundtrack, giving you a memorable gaming experience even if it’s short-lived.
Shadow of the Colossus is an action-adventure game with a breathtaking world to explore. As you wander around a desolate, mysterious world full of giant creatures, you will solve puzzles and fight with 16 different bosses.
Outside of these boss fights, there isn’t any combat. The game is cinematic and immersive while remaining on the shorter side. you may finish this open-world story in about six to eight hours, so it’s a quick playthrough.
The game was originally released in 2005, but was remastered in 2018.
If you’re looking for a short space adventure, Outer Wilds is the perfect fit. After finding yourself in a 22-minute time loop, you must solve an ancient riddle to break free. Due to the time loop, you only have so much time to explore in the game.
Despite that, there are lots of secrets to uncover as you traverse the tiny solar system. While it isn’t the largest map, every corner is jam-packed with beautiful details to discover throughout the 17-hour playtime. The planets are easy to travel between, so you’re able to get back and forth within a minute or two. It’s worth playing if you have a weekend available to experience the gameplay.
The playtime for Firewatch is very brief, but don’t discount this gorgeous game due to the short time frame. As you walk through the Wyoming wilderness and talk with your supervisor on your radio, you’ll keep an eye out for fires as you think about your haunting past.
There isn’t a lot of action, but the visuals are stunning and the narrative packs an emotional punch. The story-driven game leaves a lasting impression on players despite concluding in under five hours.
As far as Assassin’s Creed games go,Rogue is one of the shortest. The main objectives only take about ten and a half hours, though a completionist may want to play for longer. The game isn’t as ambitious as other titles in the series, but it’s an enjoyable way to spend a weekend.
Playing as assassin Shay Patrick Cormac, you join the fight of the Templars after betraying the Brotherhood. Though it’s a simple story, it’s interesting to play from the perspective of a traitor.
While all of the Far Cry games are popular, Far Cry 3 is the most streamlined of the series, with a main story of about 16 hours. That doesn’t include extra exploring or crafting, but it’s still a short game you can finish over the course of a weekend.
The game is renowned for its stealth system and narrative arc as it explores themes of violence, morality, and mental health. On an island without a government, anything can happen.
Whileall of the Spider-Man gamesare worth playing, Miles Morales is the shortest. Refined to its best parts, the combat, stealth, and web system will fascinate you as you explore New York City as Peter Parker’s protege.
If you only focus on the main objectives, the story takes just under eight hours to complete. Despite the short run-time, the brilliant visuals and concise story are enough to keep you invested in this near-perfect game.
This is a standalone game set within the same continuity as the first Spider-Man game, so you don’t need to play the first one to play this one.
If Spider-Man isn’t enough to pique your interest, InFamous: Second Son is another superhero game that you can play in one weekend. With an average playtime of 15 hours, this short, open-world game doesn’t take too long to finish.
Playing as a graffiti artist who discovers he has superpowers, you protect people from a terrorist organization. The fast-paced combat and shooter elements will make you feel unstoppable as you fight your enemies and face moral consequences.
Whileall of the Arkham gameshave a shorter runtime for the main stories, Batman: Arkham City is the easiest to finish in one weekend. You can complete the game in about 11 hours, if you skip some of the side quests and trophies.
Considered by many to be the best game in the series, you play as Batman as you jump from Gotham’s rooftops to fight crime. While the map is small, the content within each area is immersive, with various enemies and NPCs to encounter around each corner.
From the title, it’s clear that A Short Hike is not very long.. The main story is less than two hours long, with the max time spent being five hours. Despite the short runtime, you shouldn’t discount this indie game.
The main objective of this game is to make it to the mountain summit to find cell phone reception. You’ll have a smile on your face as you meet various friendly characters and explore the stylized world. The feel-good game will put you in such a great mood, you will be sad it’s over so quickly.
