Not every RPG needs to be an 80-hour commitment. In fact ,some of the most memorable role-playing experiences are tightly scoped, carefully paced, and designed to respect your time. As a developer ,I’ve always believed that strong scope control is a sign of confident design. A shorter RPG forces clarity ,mechanics must serve the story, and progression must feel meaningful without filler.
Below are the best short RPG games on Steam ,each offering a complete and satisfying experience you can finish in under 20 hours.
- Tyranny
Average length: 15-20 hours
Tyranny is a masterclass in tight narrative design. Instead of sprawling across dozens of regions ,it focuses on political choices and faction alignment within a controlled setting. Every decision carries weight ,and the game avoids padding. From a systems perspective ,it’s compact but reactive—your role in the world genuinely changes how events unfold.
- The Outer Worlds
Average length :15-20 hours( main story)
The Outer Worlds deliberately trims open-world bloat. Areas are segmented ,quests are purposeful ,and companion interactions are tightly written. It delivers meaningful RPG dialogue systems without overstaying its welcome. It’s a great example of modern RPG pacing done right.
- Undertale
Average length: 6-8 hours
Undertale proves that impact isn’t tied to length. Its reactive morality system fundamentally changes encounters based on player behavior ,mechanically simple but narratively powerful ,it’s one of the strongest examples of player-driven storytelling in a compact format.
- Citizen Sleeper
Average length: 8-12 hours
Citizen Sleeper is dialogue-driven and system-light ,but deeply atmospheric. Time management ,resource tension ,and character interactions create a steady narrative pace. It’s introspective and personal-perfect for players who value storytelling efficiency over combat scale.
More Short RPG Games on Steam
- South Park :The Stick of Truth
Average length: 12-15 hours
Despite its comedic tone ,this is a tightly designed turn-based RPG. Combat systems are simple but functional ,and quests move briskly. It never inflates its runtime with unnecessary grinding ,making it one of the most efficient traditional RPG structures on Steam.
- Child of Light
Average length: 12-15 hours
Child of Light blends poetic storytelling with streamlined turn-based combat. Its progression system is clear and controlled, avoiding overcomplication. The game maintains momentum from start to finish ,which is rare in the genre.
- Sea of Stars
Average length :18-20 hours
Sea of Stars delivers classic JRPG design without the 60-hour sprawl. Combat encourages engagement through timed mechanics ,and pacing remains consistent throughout. It respects player time while still offering depth and character development.
- The Banner Saga
Average length :10-15 hours
The Banner Saga focuses heavily on narrative choice and tactical consequence ,Battles are deliberate ,and story decisions permanently affect your caravan’s survival.
It’s efficient ,tense ,and emotionally grounded proof that shorter RPGs can still feel epic.
Related Steam page
- Tyranny Steam page.
- The Outer Worlds Steam page
- Undertale Steam page
- Citizen Sleeper Steam page
- South Park™: The Stick of Truth™ Steam page
- Child of Light Steam page
- Sea of Stars Steam page
- The Banner Saga Steam page.
Why Short RPGs Matter ?
From a design standpoint ,shorter RPGs often:
- Avoid repetitive filler quests
- Maintain tighter narrative pacing
- Deliver clearer progression loops
- Encourage replayability
They’re ideal for players who want meaningful role playing without committing months to a single title.
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You can also check out the Best Story-Driven RPG Games on Steam.