Games that fit into a five-minute gap

Not every game needs an hour. Some of my favorites are the ones I can open for the length of a single train stop and close without guilt. The trick is finding games with real save points and no punishing timers.

Arcade games are the obvious fit. Coin Strike gives you a whole satisfying level in under a minute, and it never pressures you to keep going. Cozy sims like Garden of Gears work differently but just as well, since progress ticks along whether you're watching or not.

What I avoid on short trips are games that demand a long uninterrupted run. Racing games are borderline, since a single race is short but the battery cost is high. Strategy games are usually a no unless I've got a proper block of time.

Build yourself a small folder of these. When you've got two spare minutes, having the right game ready beats scrolling social media every time.