Are you looking for a gaming challenge that won’t eat up your whole weekend? Xbox Game Pass has your back with a lineup of 20 games you can beat in 2 DAYS OR LESS! From epic adventures to quick and satisfying victories, this list is all about maximizing the fun without the marathon.
1. Bramble: The Mountain King
Starting off, we have Bramble The Mountain King! It’s the ultimate quick gaming fix for those who don’t want to commit to an endless adventure. This indie title is amazing and only takes around 3 to 4 hours to complete the main story and 7 hours if you want to go through it all. In this game, You play Olle, this cool kid on a mission to save his sister from a mean troll. The storytelling in this game is totally on-point, with a bunch of stories interconnected in an absolutely brilliant way to create an adventure like none other.
Bramble’s gameplay revolves around exploring a dark world with challenging puzzles that keep you hooked all the way to the end. Besides exploration, you will be busy fighting the mean bosses in this game and they tend to get quite intense. But that’s exactly what makes them rewarding in the first place. Bramble also has this creep factor to it that makes you feel like you’re constantly trailed by a dark entity. It’s not too long, not too short – it’s just the right length for a quick gaming thrill.
2. Inside
If you love playing Indie games, there’s a good chance you have already played inside. But if you haven’t… Well, you are missing out on a gem here! It’s a must-play for someone looking for a quick yet mind-bending adventure that only lasts around 3 to 4 hours. In Inside, you play as a nameless kid, caught up in a mysterious project set in an eerily dark world. Your mission is to find a way out of this hellhole.
And for that, you need to figure out a series of innovatively designed puzzles as you traverse through this treacherous world filled with insane obstacles and creepy creatures. Once you start playing Inside, there’s no quitting. You will be too invested NOT TO see things through. Inside has already received overwhelmingly positive reviews from both players and critics alike for its creative gameplay and stunningly dark art style. I am sure you will love it!
3. A Way Out
But if you are looking for a game to tag along with your friends or family, A Way Out might just be the perfect choice for you. It’s a co-op adventure game where you and your buddy each take on the role of two prisoners trying to break free and find redemption. This game is all about collaboration – You’ll need to work together to solve puzzles, plan daring escapes, and tackle various challenges as they come.
Each character, Leo and Vincent, has their own background, motivations, and abilities. Leo’s more of the street-smart, brash type, while Vincent is the methodical, strategic thinker. These characteristics influence how you approach situations and solve problems. So depending on the situation you are in, you might wanna consider letting your partner handle things. It’s a bit longer than some other games, taking around 6-8 hours to complete, but trust me, every minute is worth it.
4. What Remains of Edith Finch?
Moving on to one of the shortest games on this list, we have What Remains of Edith Finch! In this game, you step into the shoes of Edith as she explores her family’s mysterious and cursed house. The storytelling is where this game shines the brightest. It’s a collection of interconnected short stories, each one delving into the life and death of a different family member. And each one is like a mini-movie that’ll make you feel all sorts of emotions.
It’s like you’re stepping into their shoes and living their last moments, which sounds scarier than it really is. Some stories are touching, others are unsettling, but they’re all incredibly well-crafted. Now, here’s the deal – this game is pretty heavy despite its cute looks. It’s not all action and thrills; it’s more of a slow journey that is perfect for someone who enjoys mature stories and strong themes. It only takes 2 and a half hours to finish, but I bet you will remember it for years to come!
5. Planet of Lana
Up next, we’ve got Planet of Lana, a stunning puzzle adventure game that lets you step into the shoes of a young girl on a mission to rescue her peaceful planet from terrifying monsters and alien machines. I like to think of it as a “brighter” version of Inside. But don’t let it fool you into thinking it’s any less challenging. It might not look like much, but trust me it’s an emotionally-charged journey that you wouldn’t want to miss out on.
The game has you exploring a stunningly gorgeous world filled with challenging puzzles, crazy obstacles, and giant monsters. You might have to think “outside the box” sometimes just to find a way out of a cleverly hidden puzzle, but it never feels impossible. And I love how Planet of Lana makes you feel like part of the game’s world and develops a strong connection between you and the lovely characters. Planet of Lana is a short 4 to 5 hour journey – 6, for those who want to explore every aspect of the game.
6. Plague Tale Requiem
If you have a few more hours to spare, I would highly recommend playing Plague Tale Requiem. It’s a little longer than the rest, taking up to 15 hours to complete. But trust me, every second is worth it! As a sequel to the fan-favorite title Plague Tale Innocence, Requiem doesn’t just continue the story; it cranks it up to 11. The game kicks off in the devastated homeland, but the siblings are hoping to start fresh on a new Island. That is until Hugo’s powers wake up, and everything starts going south again.
The gameplay is a blast. It’s still a stealth game at heart since both the siblings are, well, still kids. But this time, Amicia’s got more tricks up her sleeve to fight back, and she’s tougher than ever. But it’s the story that shines the brightest – It’s emotional, moving, and it’s one of those rare video games that can actually make you sad for the siblings and their struggles. A must-play, if you happen to have Game Pass!
7. Cocoon
Speaking of challenging puzzles, I think it’s worth mentioning Cocoon here. It’s a unique take on the puzzle adventure genre, offering an experience that truly stands out. In this game, you carry entire worlds on your back as Orbs, and the game has you leaping between these worlds, combining, manipulating, and rearranging them to solve some mind-numbing puzzles that are kinda interconnected. Each world presents you with unique puzzles and obstacles that require different methods to solve.
From industrial structures to massive organic caverns filled with alien machinery, you will have plenty to uncover to find the connections between them. Each orb also has a distinct power that can be used in other worlds to find hidden pathways or used as a weapon to fight colossal monsters in epic battles. These encounters are both challenging and satisfying, requiring you to master new mechanics for each fight. Cocoon is a must-play for someone who loves non-traditional puzzle adventures like Inside. It takes only takes 4 to 5 hours to finish the whole game.
8. Hellblade Senua’s Sacrifice
Next up, we have Hellblade Senua’s Sacrifice, a true gaming masterpiece that takes you on a harrowing journey into the depths of the human mind. It’s a relatively short experience, usually lasting around 6 to 8 hours, but one that you won’t be able to forget anytime soon. In this game, you follow the story of Senua, a Celtic warrior who embarks on a quest to save the soul of her lover. But what truly sets Hellblade apart is its accurate portrayal of mental illness.
Senua grapples with severe psychosis, and the game dives deep into her mental struggles, creating an emotionally charged story. I also love Hellblade’s brutal and intense combat that goes perfectly well with Senua’s mental state and personality. This game has already received a ton of overwhelmingly positive reviews from both players and critics alike. And the best part is, you can finish it in one or two sittings.
9. Firewatch
Firewatch is a hidden gem that I think deserves more recognition. It’s a walking simulator that puts you in the shoes of Henry, a middle-aged man going through a tough time as his wife is diagnosed with dementia. Seeking an escape, he takes a job as a fire watcher in a protected forest area. What’s truly amazing about this game is that it doesn’t show faces – you are simply guided by your supervisor, Delilah through the radio. And yet, you still strongly feel their presence and personality.
Firewatch doesn’t require exceptional gaming skills since the core gameplay involves moving around and making choices in Henry’s responses. However, it’s the interactions, voice acting, and narrative that make it feel realistic and rich in character. I can’t really explain what makes this game so good but after you play Firewatch, you will want to go for a walk in your local forest, and that says it all. It’s a short journey that lasts around 4 to 5 hours but it’s a good one!
10. As Dusk Falls
Now, if you are looking for some interactive narrative-driven adventure, As Dusk Falls might just be the right one for you. This game seamlessly merges the world of movies with the interactivity of video games. It revolves around the story of two families whose lives become entwined during a tense motel robbery in a small town, and now, it’s your choices that will shape their destinies.
This game is a masterclass in interactive storytelling. The decisions you make along the way have real consequences, and there are multiple possible outcomes, keeping you thoroughly engaged. Unlike most games in the genre, As Dusk Falls adopts a unique motion comic format, that uses images of real people to tell the story instead of full-fledged animation sequences. Once you start playing this, you will be glued to your screen for a solid 6-hour ride!
Want to play along with friends? Check out our top picks for the best multiplayer co-op games on Game Pass
11. Outer Worlds
Next up, we have Outer Worlds, a wild space adventure that’s a throwback to the goodol’ RPG days, but with a modern twist. The game’s set in a world where giant corporations run the show, and it’s like a darkly funny take on what can happen when capitalism goes wild. Some of the gameplay elements remind me of Fallout New Vegas, but Outer Worlds is kinda more humorous. Even your companions can be very quirky, each with their own crazy personalities, stories, and jokes to tell.
And then there’s the combat. It’s an absolute blast, even if it’s not as complex as Fallout. It sure is equally as exciting and fun, especially with the slow-mo target mechanics that allow you to target specific body parts on enemies with ease. You also have a variety of powerful weapons at your disposal, from traditional firearms to sci-fi plasma guns, to alter your playstyle according to your own liking. It’s a perfect grab-bag for RPG lovers that keeps you hooked for around 10 hours unless… you go all crazy and activate the hard mode!
12. Amnesia: The Bunker
Now, if you are looking for a horror game, you can never go wrong with Amnesia The Bunker! This game is absolutely horrifying, challenging, and fun – all at the same time. It puts you in the shoes of a lone French soldier, stuck in a dark World War bunker with no escape in sight. Armed with nothing but a flashlight and a trusty old gun, you have to explore this haunting maze of a world while running away from an evil entity lurking in the shadows but making its presence known at all times.
In Amnesia The Bunker, it’s all about preserving your sanity as you navigate the eerie, dimly lit corners of the bunker in a desperate quest to find a way out of this nightmarish place. The game brilliantly combines elements of puzzle-solving with the thrill of uncovering the secrets hidden within the bunker. It’s a short 5-hour ride but one that will have you sitting on your toes all along.
13. Walking Dead Series
Speaking of horror games, I think it’s only fair to mention the infamous Walking Dead series here. It’s easily the best graphic adventure game I’ve ever played and trust me, it keeps you going till you’ve reached the very end of it. You play as Lee Everett, a guy with a bit of a sketchy past who ends up taking care of a young girl named Clementine in a world that’s gone totally post-apocalyptic and overrun by zombies. Your main mission is to survive in this crazy mess, and it’s no cakewalk.
What makes The Walking Dead really stand out is how it’s all about character development and choices. The decisions you make shape the story and trust me, they matter. Whether you’re trusting someone, saving a life, or making some super tough calls, it all affects how the story unfolds. The definitive edition offers all 4 seasons of the game, with each season averaging around 10-12 hours. But BOY does time fly when you are playing this game! It’s definitely worth it if you have an active Game Pass subscription.
14. Legend of Tianding
Up next, we have Legend of Tianding, an action-packed sidescrolling adventure game that takes you back to early 20th-century Taipei. The game puts you in the shoes of a Taiwanese Robin Hood, Liao Tianding, a legendary outlaw fighting against the Colonial Japanese authorities. The story of the game is said to be based on real-life events brilliantly portrayed in the style of traditional Chinese manga.
But it’s the epic combat system that outshines all – you can pull off wicked aerial combos, swipe weapons from your foes, and even zip around the battlefield with your trusty waist sash and grappling hook. It makes you feel a like real Kung-Fu master! And let’s not forget the epic boss battles. You’ll go head-to-head with deadly warriors, greedy businessmen, and even military big-shots, each requiring you to plan your approach with absolute care. It’s a short one with the main questline taking around 5 hours to complete and 10 if you are aiming for the completionist.
15. Slayers X
If you are a fan of classic old-school first-person shooters like Doom, you are in luck. We have fresh from the oven, Slayers X! A blast from the past that takes you back to the good’ol 90s shooter mods and puts you in the shoes of Zane, an X Slayer, determined to take on the evil organization, Psyko Sindikate, who are hell-bent on destroying humanity with a mysterious Hackblood weapon.
Now, if you don’t have the stomach to digest some seriously 90’s graphics and gore-filled gunplay, simply skip this game. But if you do – Slayers X will get your heart pumping with its fast-paced combat as you mow down enemies with a diverse array of weapons, from Double Pistols to the Glass Blasters and more much. But what’s more interesting is the fact that Slayers X is actually a game made in the 90s – released just now. You can finish this game in one sitting as the main story only takes around 5 hours including the side quests.
16. Metal Helsinger
In a similar vein to Slayers X, we also have Metal Helsinger – a game specially designed for fans of Doom, Heavy Metal and Chaos! It’s a rhythm-based FPS title that’s all about wreaking havoc in hell and mowing down every demon who dares stand in your way. Your ability to shoot to the beat is what makes Metal Hellsinger shine. The more in sync you are with the rhythm, the more the music intensifies, and the more destruction you unleash. For a beginner, it can be a pain to master the rhythm but once you are in flow, it becomes addicting.
You’re armed to the teeth with a wide variety of demonic weapons, each with its own ultimate ability, which adds some extra flavor to the demon-slaying action. If you love fast-paced FPS action with a taste for heavy metal music, you will have a blast playing this game. It only takes around 4-5 to finish the main story but twice, if you want to explore it all.
17. The Gunk
While we are still exploring space, there’s one more game I need to talk about The Gunk! It’s a pretty short 4-5 hour space adventure that puts you in the shoes of Rani, a young astronaut and her crew who finds themselves on an untouched planet teeming with life, seemingly holding the key to unimaginable riches and, well, evil alien creatures. The game has you exploring this massive and gorgeous world to uncover the secrets to its past life while eliminating the gunk parasite with the help of your trusty power glove.
As you progress through the game, you will learn about your crew members and their past life stories which will strengthen your bond. At the heart of The Gunk is the struggle to cleanse the planet from the parasite and uncover its mysteries. The game’s narrative is deeply mixed with the exploration of lush forest areas, dark caves, and forgotten societies of the jungle. It’s a super short adventure that lasts around 4 to 5 hours but it’s great for someone who loves a more relaxing take on action-adventure games.
18. Grim Fandango Remastered
Next up, we have Grim Fandango Remastered, an absolute gem of a game, especially for those who appreciate a fantastic blend of dark humor, film noir, and adventure. It’s a remastered version of the classic adventure game from the late nineties, that’s still as fun and funky! Set in the Land of the Dead, you play as Manny Calavera, a travel agent for the recently departed souls. This unique premise alone sets the stage for a one-of-a-kind adventure.
The game is loved for its dark humor and quirky characters that you meet along the way. This remastered version of the game stays true to the roots of the original while enhancing the graphics and the gameplay to make it more fun for modern players. The writing is top-notch, and the voice acting is superb, making every character feel unique and full of personality. It’s a fun bit of point-and-click puzzle adventure that takes around 10 to hours to finish depending on how long you solve the puzzles.
19. Death’s Door
Speaking of souls and the afterlife, we have yet another delightful indie action-adventure title that is worth mentioning here. I am talking about Death’s Door, a game where you step into the role of a crow who works as a reaper in a bureaucratic afterlife. But when a soul you’re responsible for is stolen, it sets you on an epic journey through mysterious realms filled with quirky characters, formidable bosses, and a rich, interconnected world.
While it may seem cute, Death’s Door offers intense combat with fluid animation and responsive moves that allow for some epic battles. And the wide variety of weapons and abilities at your disposal keeps you ready to take on an array of cleverly designed enemies and bosses. The exploration is also a core mechanic of this game as the world is filled with secrets, shortcuts, and hidden pathways that only a true explorer can find.
20. Citizen Sleeper
Next up, we have Citizen Sleeper, yet another awesome-looking RPG title that offers an innovative gameplay experience. In this game, you play as a sleeper, a digital brain in an artificial body owned by a mega-corporation. They’re itching to get you back, but you’re not going down without a fight. Citizen Sleeper draws inspiration from Tabletop Roleplaying games, and it shows. The Dice, Clocks, and Drives keep you in control, letting you choose your path through this depressing yet intriguing world.
This RPG isn’t about following quests, but rather making your own story with the help of these dice rolls and drives. You will be building friendships, making tough choices, and uncovering the secrets of this world. You’ll need to hack into the station’s cloud, uncover secrets, and explore hidden data to try and survive the next cycle of death. You can finish this game in less than 7 hours or you can explore it all in 12 hours for absolute completion.
21. Celeste
Now, this game can be as short as 6 hours or as long as 35+ hours, depending on what you want to achieve. Celeste is an incredibly engaging platformer that puts you in the shoes of Madeline, a young girl with a dream to summit the mysterious Celeste Mountain. The gameplay is all about precision platforming. You’ll have to jump, dash, and climb your way through a series of tough levels, and trust me, they can get seriously challenging.
But what sets Celeste apart is its storytelling. Along the way, you’ll uncover Madeline’s personal struggles and the game beautifully explores themes like mental health and self-acceptance. You will come across all types of characters along the way, each with their own advice and suggestions. What I love about Celeste is that it makes Platforming accessible to all thanks to its adjustable difficulty that makes it easy for beginners but challenging for hardcore platformers. And everything just becomes much better Celeste’s gorgeous art style and killer soundtrack!
22. Overcooked 2
Last but not least, we have Overcooked 2! An incredibly fun and chaotic cooperative cooking game that’s perfect for playing with friends or family. You and your team of chefs and cooks have to prepare various dishes in crazy kitchens filled with obstacles and ever changing layouts. It’s a super hectic game that’s easy to pick for beginners but hard to master.
The sequel comes packed with new recipes, levels, and mechanics, such as throwing ingredients and dynamic kitchens, keeping the gameplay fresh and fun. Overcooked 2 is all about testing your communication and coordination skills, leading to lots of shouting, strategizing, and hilarious mishaps. It will keep you hooked for around 8 to 10 hours with its main levels but you can stretch it all the way up to 20+ hours, if you want to achieve every possible achievement in this game.
