Session Length
Best 30-minute sessions Games
Medium sessions, good for a lunch break
48 games ranked by 30-minute sessions intensity
Palia
Windows
CozyCraftingExplorationWhimsicalOpen world
Europa Universalis IV
WindowsmacOSLinux
Map scaleSandboxSpreadsheet territoryMethodicalMulti-hour deep dives
Crusader Kings II
WindowsmacOSLinux
Map scaleSandboxSpreadsheet territoryMulti-hour deep divesDiplomacy
Stellaris
WindowsmacOSLinux
Territory controlMap scaleExplorationSandboxSci-fi technology
Victoria 3
WindowsmacOSLinux
Territory controlMap scaleSandboxSpreadsheet territoryMulti-hour deep dives
NOBUNAGA'S AMBITION: Awakening
Windows
Map scaleWarfare emphasisMethodicalTerritory controlSpreadsheet territory
Shadow Empire
Windows
Map scaleAsync communityMethodicalResource managementTech/research trees
Field of Glory: Empires
Windows
Map scaleTurn-based combatMethodicalResource managementTech/research trees
Terra Invicta
Windows
Map scaleSandboxMethodicalResource managementTech/research trees
ROMANCE OF THE THREE KINGDOMS XIV
Windows
Warfare emphasisDiplomacyMap scaleTurn-based combatMethodical
Sins of a Solar Empire®: Rebellion
Windows
Map scaleSandboxExplorationBase managementResource management
Steel Division 2
Windows
Map scaleSandboxMethodicalReal-time combatTerritory control
Strategic Mind: The Pacific
Windows
Warfare emphasisSolo contemplativeMethodicalTurn-based combatTerritory control
Sid Meier's Civilization® IV
WindowsmacOS
Map scaleLocal multiplayerMethodicalResource managementTech/research trees
Sid Meier's Civilization® V
WindowsmacOSLinux
Map scaleTurn-based combatResource managementMethodicalTerritory control
Sid Meier's Civilization®: Beyond Earth™
WindowsmacOSLinux
Map scaleExplorationMethodicalTech/research treesTurn-based combat
Old World
WindowsmacOSLinux
Map scaleSandboxMethodicalResource managementTech/research trees
Galactic Civilizations IV
Windows
Map scaleExplorationSandboxSci-fi technologySpreadsheet territory
Pandora: First Contact
Windows
Tech/research treesSpreadsheet territoryTerritory controlCity/empire buildingMap scale
ENDLESS™ Space - Definitive Edition
WindowsmacOS
Map scaleExplorationSandboxMethodicalResource management
Warhammer 40,000: Gladius - Relics of War
WindowsLinux
Map scaleMethodicalTech/research treesSpreadsheet territoryTerritory control
Millennia
Windows
Map scaleMethodicalResource managementTech/research treesTurn-based combat
Thea: The Awakening
Windows
Fantasy mythologyDialogue choicesRoguelike loopsResource managementTech/research trees
Interstellar Space: Genesis
Windows
Map scaleTurn-based combatExplorationSandboxOpen world
Fallen Enchantress: Legendary Heroes
Windows
City/empire buildingTurn-based combatExplorationSandboxSolo contemplative
Distant Worlds: Universe
Windows
Map scaleSandboxResource managementTech/research treesSpreadsheet territory
Aggressors: Ancient Rome
Windows
Map scaleTurn-based combatMethodicalTech/research treesSpreadsheet territory
Production Line : Car factory simulation
Windows
Automation designSandboxCity/empire buildingResource managementEconomic depth
Going Medieval
Windows
City/empire buildingSandboxBase managementResource managementEmergent narrative
Against the Storm
Windows
City/empire buildingSandboxOpen worldAutomation designRoguelike loops
Norland
Windows
City/empire buildingOpen worldSandboxResource managementBase management
Cities: Skylines
WindowsmacOSLinux
City/empire buildingSandboxBase managementResource managementEconomic depth
Prison Architect
WindowsmacOSLinux
SandboxCity/empire buildingBase managementResource managementEmergent narrative
Workers & Resources: Soviet Republic
Windows
SandboxOpen worldResource managementTech/research treesBase management
ISLANDERS
WindowsmacOS
City/empire buildingMinimalistMeditativeBase managementResource management
Dorfromantik
Windows
Puzzle solvingCity/empire buildingTurn-based combatSandboxMinimalist
Urbek City Builder
Windows
City/empire buildingSandboxVoxelMinimalistBase management
Age of Empires II: Definitive Edition
Windows
City/empire buildingResource managementWarfare emphasisBase managementSolo contemplative
Into the Breach
WindowsmacOSLinux
Turn-based combatPixel artMethodicalPuzzle solvingSci-fi technology
XCOM: Enemy Unknown
WindowsLinux
Base managementTurn-based combatMethodicalSci-fi technologySolo contemplative
Offworld Trading Company
WindowsmacOS
Base managementCity/empire buildingExplorationCompetitive rankedResource management
Slay the Spire
WindowsmacOSLinux
Deck buildingTurn-based combatSolo contemplativeSkill masteryExploration
FTL: Faster Than Light
WindowsmacOSLinux
Dialogue choicesSci-fi technologyResource managementSolo contemplativeRoguelike loops
Armello
WindowsmacOSLinux
Map scaleCompetitive rankedTurn-based combatTerritory controlDeck building
Renowned Explorers: International Society
WindowsmacOSLinux
ExplorationDiplomacyRoguelike loopsMethodicalTurn-based combat
For The King
WindowsmacOSLinux
Open worldLocal multiplayerRoguelike loopsCo-op chaosTurn-based combat
DARK SOULS™ III
Windows
Skill masteryExplorationOpen worldMelee combatTense
Monster Hunter: World
Windows
Open worldExplorationSkill masteryMMO socialCo-op chaos