You do not need a monstrous PC to experience some of the platform’s finest content. Today, we will discuss the top PC games with minimal system requirements.
Playing PC games makes it abundantly clear that graphics are not everything. It is not a coincidence that many of the most streamed games on Twitch have low PC requirements. Occasionally, developers will sacrifice gameplay quality for visuals. It’s an unfair trade-off, but it’s the harsh truth.
A person can play these games for hundreds of hours until their laptop or desktop computer overheats. The majority of these games can be played at maximum settings, or the frame rate can be increased by lowering the settings. Many of these games are also compatible with macOS. These are exceptional PC games with low system requirements.
Mark Sammut last updated this page on October 5, 2022. PC gaming is adaptable and welcoming. Initially, the idea of assembling a computer may appear daunting and expensive, but the beauty of the scene is its adaptability in terms of cost. This extends beyond the plethora of GPUs and CPUs available on the market, as stores like Steam offer countless options to almost everyone, regardless of their system. A few more low-end PC games have been added to this article.
Hotline Miami
| Minimum System Requirements | |
|---|---|
| Operating System | Windows XP/Vista/7 |
| Processor | 1.2GHz processor |
| RAM | 512 MB |
| Graphics Card | DirectX 8-compatible graphics card with at least 32MB of video memory |
| Storage | 250 MB |
| Steam Page |
In Hotline Miami, players assume the role of an unnamed protagonist who receives cryptic messages generally interpreted as “go here and kill everyone.” Set in the late 1980s, the top-down shooter is saturated with neon lights and video game quirks that encourage players to disregard the motivations behind their actions. As the killer moves through the floors of a building, they leave a trail of blood, guts, and bonus points.
As simple as the formula may appear on paper, Hotline Miami has a great deal of depth, both in the way stages must be approached and in the story that drives the carnage. Perhaps most importantly, the game is extremely enjoyable to play, and it has not aged a bit since its release in 2012. Hotline Miami is not only one of the greatest low-end PC games of all time, but also one of the greatest projects ever.
Portal 2
| Minimum System Requirements | |
|---|---|
| Operating System | Windows XP/Vista/7 |
| Processor | Intel Pentium 4 Processor 3.0 GHz; Athlon 64 X2 |
| RAM | 2 GB |
| Graphics Card | ATI Radeon X800; NVIDIA GeForce 7600; Intel HD Graphics 2000 |
| Storage | 8 GB |
| Steam Page |
Valve does an excellent job of optimizing their games, with nearly all of them running smoothly on low-end PCs. Portal 2 is not an exception, although the game’s graphics can be quite impressive. Even with the settings turned down, Portal 2 is one of the most engaging and entertaining puzzle adventures ever created. The majority of players come to experience Portal’s hilarious narrative and stellar voice acting, only to be completely captivated by the game’s innovative gameplay.
Even better, Portal 2 can be played cooperatively with a friend, thanks to a completely separate cooperative storyline. This means that there are twice as many things to see and do in Portal 2, and the game should run smoothly with minimal requirements.
Among Us
| Minimum System Requirements | |
|---|---|
| Operating System | Windows 7 SP1+ |
| Processor | A CPU that supports SSE2 |
| RAM | 1 GB |
| Graphics Card | N/A |
| Storage | 250 MB |
| Steam Page |
It can be difficult to find enjoyable multiplayer games with minimal system requirements, but there are some real gems out there. Among Us is a great example of the fact that graphics and gameplay elements do not need to be incredibly complex for a video game to be enjoyable. With its adorable 2D art style and mini-game-like structure, Among Us provides players with a fun gameplay loop that is enhanced by a multiplayer mechanic.
In addition to the “tasks” scattered throughout each map, players will also have to avoid a player-killing imposter while maintaining their innocence.
Tomb Raider (2013)
| Minimum System Requirements | |
|---|---|
| Operating System | Windows XP/Vista/7/8 |
| Processor | Intel Core2 Duo E6300 1.86 Ghz; AMD Athlon64 X2 2.1 Ghz 4050+ |
| RAM | 1 GB; 2 GB on Vista |
| Graphics Card | AMD Radeon HD 2600 XT; NVIDIA GeForce 8600 |
| Storage | 12 GB |
| Steam Page |
The reboot of Tomb Raider by Crystal Dynamics will soon celebrate its 10-year anniversary. While the sequels are superior in a number of ways, Lara Croft’s first “contemporary” adventure from 2013 is arguably the best, and it does not outstay its welcome. This game satisfies the needs of those seeking an action-packed title with good visuals, enjoyable gameplay, and a passable plot.
Tomb Raider is well optimized for PC, and it should run on the majority of (relatively) modern systems. On low settings, the game is playable on a laptop with Intel HD Graphics 3000 and a moderately capable processor. Lara may occasionally lag behind, but she will run.
Loop Hero
| Minimum System Requirements | |
|---|---|
| Operating System | Windows 7/8.1/10 x64 |
| Processor | Intel Core2 Duo E4500 2.20 GHz; AMD Athlon 64 X2 Dual Core 3600+ |
| RAM | 2 GB |
| Graphics Card | NVIDIA GeForce 7300 GT 512 MB; Radeon X1300 Pro 256 MB |
| Storage | 200 MB |
| Steam Page |
Loop Hero is an excellent strategy game with a novel premise and strong nostalgic undertones. With a chiptune soundtrack and graphics reminiscent of the SNES era, this procedurally-generated RPG world does not require powerful PC hardware to run smoothly. However, players with high-end PCs should not overlook this game simply because it has a retro appearance and feel.
Loop Hero’s intricate world allows players to “influence a world” rather than simply control a single character. The game requires players to lay down cards, create paths, manage resources, and “strategize for the future.” It is challenging, deceptively simple, and a welcome change of pace for those seeking a mental workout.
Batman: Arkham Asylum GOTY Edition
| Minimum System Requirements | |
|---|---|
| Operating System | Windows XP/Vista |
| Processor | Intel Pentium 4 3.0 GHz; AMD Athlon 64 3500+ |
| RAM | 1 GB; 2 GB on Vista |
| Graphics Card | ATI Radeon X1300; NVIDIA GeForce 6600 |
| Storage | 9 GB |
| Steam Page |
Batman: Arkham Asylum, City, and Origins are all excellent games for low-end PCs, and they are also quite inexpensive. Arkham Asylum may place players in a smaller-scale environment than its predecessors, but this results in a strong and focused campaign. Visually, the 2010 game has aged exceptionally well due in part to its Gothic and elegant architecture.
Arkham Asylum is one of the best and most influential action video games ever created. Middle-earth: Shadow of Mordor, Mad Max, and Remember Me were inspired by Rocksteady’s combat system, but none of these games are as good as Arkham Asylum.
Fallout: New Vegas
| Minimum System Requirements | |
|---|---|
| Operating System | Windows XP/Vista/7 |
| Processor | Intel Dual Core 2.0 GHz; Athlon 64 X2 Dual Core 5800+ |
| RAM | 2 GB |
| Graphics Card | ATI Radeon 1300XT; NVIDIA GeForce 6600 GT |
| Storage | 10 GB |
| Steam Page |
Fallout 1-3 and New Vegas are safe choices for RPG enthusiasts with low-powered computers. All four games have timeless qualities, with the narratives of Fallout 1 and 2 aging particularly well. Fallout 3 is arguably Bethesda’s strongest entry in the series, and mods have significantly increased the game’s longevity.
New Vegas serves as a bridge between the isometric and 3D eras of Fallout, combining the intricate world-building and quest design of the former with the modern sensibilities of the latter. Obsidian’s role-playing game can be enjoyed without mods, although the modding community should not be ignored.
Age Of Empires 2 Definitive Edition
| Minimum System Requirements | |
|---|---|
| Operating System | Windows 10 |
| Processor | Intel Core 2 Duo; AMD Athlon 64×2 5600+ 2.8 GHz |
| RAM | 4 GB |
| Graphics Card | NVIDIA GeForce® GT 420; ATI™ Radeon™ HD 6850; Intel® HD Graphics 4000 |
| Storage | 30 GB |
| Steam Page |
Age of Empires 2 Definitive Edition requires slightly more horsepower than the majority of games recommended in this article; however, the 1999 original game and its HD version are readily available and can be played on a toaster. A contender for the title of greatest strategy game of all time, AOE 2 combines city-building and war management to create a potentially infinite experience.
The Definitive Edition focuses primarily on implementing quality-of-life improvements, the majority of which enhance the gameplay in small but welcome ways. In addition to a few new campaigns and game modes, this package is not merely a visually enhanced version of a timeless classic.
Darkest Dungeon
| Minimum System Requirements | |
|---|---|
| Operating System | Windows XP |
| Processor | N/A |
| RAM | 2 GB |
| Graphics Card | Card that supports Open GL 3.2+ |
| Storage | 2 GB |
| Steam Page |
Those who enjoy challenging gameplay and strategic elements should prioritize Darkest Dungeon. At times, this gritty, macabre RPG is blatantly unfair, bombarding players with bad luck and RNG-generated madness. Even the most intelligent and well-prepared players may find themselves desperately clinging to life due to the game’s mechanics.
Due to its charming 2D visuals and side-scrolling gameplay, Darkest Dungeon does not require a powerful computer to run smoothly. The game’s lack of complex particle effects combined with its hand-drawn and occasionally simplistic visuals allow players with low-end PCs to participate in the fun. It also has a fairly active modding community, so there are numerous customization options.
Undertale
| Minimum System Requirements | |
|---|---|
| Operating System | Windows 7/8/10/Vista/XP |
| Processor | N/A |
| RAM | 2 GB |
| Graphics Card | 128 MB VRAM |
| Storage | 200 MB |
| Steam Page |
There is a great deal of debate in the gaming community regarding whether expressive graphics and gameplay are required for a game to be considered truly great. Undertale firmly establishes itself as an independent game that proves a game can have a fantastic story, enjoyable gameplay, and engaging characters with minimal visual effects.
Toby Fox created an extraordinarily imaginative world that spawned a massive cult following due to its colorful cast of characters, incredible soundtrack, and fast-paced, dodge-based gameplay elements. Anyone who hasn’t played Undertale is seriously missing out, and the game’s ability to run smoothly on even the most basic PCs gives nearly everyone a chance to experience it.
Game Dev Tycoon
| Minimum System Requirements | |
|---|---|
| Operating System | Windows XP SP3 |
| Processor | 2 GHZ dual-core CPU |
| RAM | 2 GB |
| Graphics Card | Hardware accelerated graphics with dedicated memory |
| Storage | N/A |
| Steam Page |
The tycoon game genre is both more popular than ever and extinct. There are numerous titles, especially in the mobile market, that attempt to replicate the experience but lack its charm. Game Dev Tycoon, a game about developing video games and becoming a major developer in a historical replica of the game industry, is one of the best options (at least, in the PAL Regions).
In terms of creating actual video games, Game Dev Tycoon lacks complexity, but as a business simulator, it is incredibly solid. The game is straightforward to navigate after a few attempts, despite the fact that it is initially quite difficult. The best part is that it can run not only on low-end PCs, but also on less expensive Chromebooks purchased from the Google Play Store. It is enjoyable, addictive, and playable on almost any device.
Monster Train
| Minimum System Requirements | |
|---|---|
| Operating System | Windows 7 |
| Processor | Intel Core i3 |
| RAM | 4 GB |
| Graphics Card | Integrated Graphics Processor |
| Storage | 2 GB |
| Steam Page |
Monster Train is one of the best deckbuilding roguelites on the market, with only Slay the Spire being subjectively superior. In terms of visual complexity, the game is as simple to operate as any other card game on the market. The majority of devices should be able to run the game and display it similarly to high-end systems.
The game is incredibly addictive, combining traditional deck-building with a sort of tower defense element. It offers dozens of possible deck combinations that can be drafted during a run. Additionally, successful runs are considerably easier to achieve than in other games, with the challenge coming from the game’s more difficult difficulties. Clearing every possible combination at the most difficult level is a daunting and enticing challenge. The Monster Train is undoubtedly an enjoyable ride.
Stardew Valley
| Minimum System Requirements | |
|---|---|
| Operating System | Windows XP/Vista/7 |
| Processor | 2 GHz CPU |
| RAM | 2 GB |
| Graphics Card | 256 MB VRAM and supports shader model 3.0+ |
| Storage | 500 MB |
| Steam Page |
As with tycoon games, farming games are typically suitable for low-end devices. The game’s objectives are simple on the surface, but contain multiple levels of complexity to keep players interested. Of course, it is impossible to discuss the genre without mentioning the best game in it: Stardew Valley. This game wears a variety of hats beyond the core farming gameplay loop, and it accomplishes everything it attempts with ease.
Stardew Valley’s minimum requirements for running on low-end computers include Windows Vista as the operating system, among other quaint settings. If that doesn’t indicate that this game is compatible with any platform, I don’t know what will. Stardew Valley is frequently on sale, so avid and casual PC gamers have no excuse for not purchasing it.
Slay The Spire
| Minimum System Requirements | |
|---|---|
| Operating System | Windows 7/8/10/Vista/XP |
| Processor | 2 GHz CPU |
| RAM | 2 GB |
| Graphics Card | 1 Gb VRAM and supports OpenGL 3.0+ |
| Storage | 1 GB |
| Steam Page |
Slay the Spire is one of the best roguelites of all time and is largely responsible for the development of the deckbuilding subgenre. The game is simple and easy to learn, but the deck-building process is so complex that each character’s performance can vary drastically between attempts. For instance, the mage equivalent in The Defect can use elemental orbs to succeed, or it can grab a handful of Claws and rip enemies to shreds. It’s so much fun to experiment, and a supercharged run is a phenomenal source of dopamine.
For low-end PCs, the game’s style is the deciding factor. It does not resemble a typical card game in appearance, but it plays like one. Even the most sluggish PCs can launch the game with minimal effort. Fans of the genres that Slay the Spire flirts with should absolutely check it out.
Fortnite
| Minimum System Requirements | |
|---|---|
| Operating System | Windows 7/8/10 |
| Processor | Core i3-3225 3.3 GHz |
| RAM | 4 GB |
| Graphics Card | Intel HD Graphics 4000 |
| Storage | 26 GB |
| Epic Games Store Page |
Numerous factors contributed to the success of Fortnite. Epic capitalized on the battle royale craze just as it was gaining momentum, arguably creating the definitive IP for the subgenre. This mode’s free-to-play status attracted individuals who were on the fence about purchasing a game like PUBG. Both the battle royale mode and Save the World feature intuitive and addictive gameplay, while Fortnite’s penchant for cross-promotion has extended the game’s popularity.
All of these factors contributed to cement license’s meteoric rise, but the significance of the PC game’s low system requirements cannot be overstated. Fortnite has become the de facto “casual” game due to the accessibility of its content and availability. Essentially, anyone can play this (extremely popular) album.
Genshin Impact
| Minimum System Requirements | |
|---|---|
| Operating System | Windows 7/8.1/10 |
| Processor | Intel Core i5 equivalent |
| RAM | 8 GB |
| Graphics Card | NVIDIA GeForce GT 1030 |
| Storage | 30 GB |
| Genshin Impact Download Site |
Genshin Impact is an extremely popular free-to-play action role-playing game that utilizes a gacha system to unlock characters. The game set in Teyvat has been steadily expanding its world, story, and cast of characters, and Mihoyo’s project has a bright future. Now, Genshin Impact requires a bit more horsepower than the majority of low-spec PC games mentioned in this article, but the requirements are surprisingly manageable for an open-world game with a wealth of content.
Even though its graphics and map density cannot compete with those of games like The Witcher 3 or Grand Theft Auto 6, Genshin Impact is visually appealing and offers a wide variety of locations and plotlines.
Torchlight 2
| Minimum System Requirements | |
|---|---|
| Operating System | Windows XP SP3/Vista/Windows 7 |
| Processor | 1.4 GHz |
| RAM | 1 GB |
| Graphics Card | 256 MB RAM and supports DirectX 9.0c minimum |
| Storage | 1.7 GB |
| Steam Page |
Torchlight 2 was released in 2012 and gained attention for providing a traditional hack-and-slash experience, unlike the controversial Diablo 3 launch version. Naturally, it is not surprising that a ten-year-old game can be played on a PC equivalent to a toaster, especially one that was not particularly demanding when it debuted. Torchlight 2 is still a fantastic dungeon crawler and a must-play for anyone eager to acquire as much digital loot as possible, despite its age.
The RPG’s cartoonish art style is timeless, much like how the early Borderlands games appear destined to always be aesthetically pleasing. Moreover, Torchlight 2’s gameplay appears to be ageless, allowing players to enjoy its classic approach to combat.
Spelunky
| Minimum System Requirements | |
|---|---|
| Operating System | Windows 7/8/Vista/XP |
| Processor | Intel Core 2 Duo 2.8 GHz (E7400) |
| RAM | 2 GB |
| Graphics Card | 3D support |
| Storage | 200 MB |
| Steam Page |
Spelunky is one of the definitive independent PC and console games. The game belongs in the same league as The Binding of Isaac, Cave Story, and Super Meat Boy in terms of influence. It is a game with an infinite number of ways to make the player struggle and an equal number of ways to help the player succeed. Sometimes Spelunky Guy’s luck isn’t on his side, but when it is, it is so rewarding.
Spelunky 2 is an expansion of the original game’s classic appeal, but it may require a more modern system to function. Spelunky’s HD port on Steam, on the other hand, is still compatible with Windows XP. The game runs flawlessly and holds up remarkably well. It is worth checking out, or purchasing the sequel if your device is capable of running it smoothly.
Celeste
| Minimum System Requirements | |
|---|---|
| Operating System | Windows 7/8/10 |
| Processor | Intel Core i3-380M 2.53 GHz |
| RAM | 2 GB |
| Graphics Card | Intel HD Graphics 4000 |
| Storage | 1200 MB |
| Steam Page |
In the year of its release, Celeste was regarded as the leading independent video game. It received numerous awards in 2018 for its exceptional platforming. In this difficult game, players guide Madeline as she attempts to climb a mountain while avoiding obstacles. The visuals are exquisite, and the gameplay is nearly flawless.
It does not take much to get Celeste up and running, and while the game’s difficulty may deter some players, its story is well worth the effort.
Team Fortress 2
| Minimum System Requirements | |
|---|---|
| Operating System | Windows XP/Vista/7 |
| Processor | 1.7 GHz CPU |
| RAM | 512 MB |
| Graphics Card | N/A |
| Storage | 15 GB |
| Steam Page |
Team Fortress 2 is available for free on the Steam Store, and it continues to be one of the most popular games on the platform. It is a multiplayer first-person shooter developed by Valve, the renowned creators of Counter-Strike: Global Offensive, Half-Life, and Portal. If it weren’t for TF2, games like Overwatch may not exist.
Even if a player has a simple integrated graphics card like the Intel HD Graphics 630, he or she will likely meet Team Fortress 2’s minimum and recommended specifications. Although it was released in 2007, the gameplay still holds up well.
Terraria
| Minimum System Requirements | |
|---|---|
| Operating System | Windows 7/8/10/Vista/XP |
| Processor | 2.0 GHz CPU |
| RAM | 2.5 GB |
| Graphics Card | 128 MB VRAM and supports shader model 2.0+ |
| Storage | 200 MB |
| Steam Page |
Indie game Terraria is like Minecraft in two dimensions. The game’s vibrant 2D pixel art complements its themes, as players can dig and construct virtually anywhere they choose. This indie darling debuted in 2011 and is compatible with nearly every remotely modern system, as well as computers with obsolete operating systems such as Windows XP or Vista.
At this point in its existence, Terraria has more than demonstrated its longevity, having evolved into a complete and addictive experience that can keep someone coming back for years.
World Of Warcraft Classic
| Minimum System Requirements | |
|---|---|
| Operating System | Windows 7 64-bit |
| Processor | Intel® Core™ i5-760 2.80 GHz; AMD FX-8100 2.80 GHz |
| RAM | 4 GB |
| Graphics Card | NVIDIA GeForce GT 440 1 GB; AMD Radeon HD 5670 1 GB; Intel HD Graphics 4000 |
| Storage | 15 GB |
| WoW Page |
WoW Classic is very appealing to players who wish to revisit the original World of Warcraft in its vanilla state. Travel back in time to a time before World of Warcraft’s numerous expansions complicated the plot and created player imbalances.
In its heyday, World of Warcraft’s PC requirements were relatively modest, although this version does require a more modern system than the majority of other games mentioned in this article. Nonetheless, owners of low-end desktops or laptops will enjoy this game, as World of Warcraft Classic requires only 2 GB of RAM and Intel HD Graphics 4000.
Postal 2
| Minimum System Requirements | |
|---|---|
| Operating System | Windows 7/8/10Vista/XP |
| Processor | Intel Pentium 3 1.13 GHz; AMD Athlon 733 MHz Processor |
| RAM | 128 MB |
| Graphics Card | 32MB GeForce 2; Radeon Video Card |
| Storage | 10 GB |
| Steam Page |
The Postal series has produced its fair share of bad games (Postal 3), but there is a reason why Running with Scissors’ franchise is still going strong more than twenty years after its debut. Prior to the release of Brain Damaged in 2022, Postal 2 was arguably the only truly good entry in the series. As a result, Postal 2 is largely responsible for the license’s goodwill.
As the infamous Postal Dude, players live in a relatively normal town, but they have the option to turn things upside down at any time. Postal 2 is violent and irreverent without apology, but it is also entertaining.
Warframe
| Minimum System Requirements | |
|---|---|
| Operating System | Windows 7 64-bit |
| Processor | Intel Core 2 Duo e6400 2.13 GHz; AMD Athlon x64 4000+ 2.1 GHz |
| RAM | 4 GB |
| Graphics Card | N/A |
| Storage | 35 GB |
| Steam Page |
Warframe requires four gigabytes of RAM, which is more than the majority of other games on this list. In comparison to other action role-playing games on the market, especially those with open-world elements, it has relatively low system requirements.
As a free-to-play game without a pay-to-win model, Warframe provides a strong incentive to participate. Players can level up their characters without engaging in microtransactions, but they can purchase in-game currency to bypass the grind.
Minecraft
| Minimum System Requirements | |
|---|---|
| Operating System | Windows 7 |
| Processor | Intel Celeron J4105 2.50 GHz; AMD FX-4100 3.6 GHz |
| RAM | 4 GB |
| Graphics Card | AMD Radeon R5; Intel HD Graphics 4000 |
| Storage | 1 GB |
| Xbox Page |
Numerous popular video games have minimal PC requirements. It is not always about frame rate or graphics, which is why Minecraft has become so popular.
This block-building game is a phenomenon, and its accessibility is a large part of its appeal. Minecraft is a game for everyone, as evidenced by its creative content and low PC requirements.
League Of Legends
| Minimum System Requirements | |
|---|---|
| Operating System | Windows 7/8/10 |
| Processor | Intel Core i3-530 2.93 GHz; AMD A6-3650 APU 3.8 GHz; supports SSE2 |
| RAM | 2 GB |
| Graphics Card | NVIDIA GeForce 9600 GT; AMD Radeon HD 6570; Intel HD Graphics 4600 |
| Storage | 16 GB |
| LoL Page |
Whether a person plays League of Legends or Dota 2, they cannot deny that the former has had a significant impact on the gaming community. League of Legends is a multiplayer online battle arena that can be difficult for newcomers to pick up, especially after the game has been on the market for so long, but it does not require a particularly powerful PC to run.
LoL is an entity unto itself; a game that dominates lives and evolves continuously. It may not cost money or hardware, but League of Legends requires time.
VALORANT
| Minimum System Requirements (30 FPS) | |
|---|---|
| Operating System | Windows 7/8/10 64-bit |
| Processor | Intel® Core 2 Duo Processor E8400 3 GHz; AMD Athlon 200GE 3.2 GHz |
| RAM | 4 GB |
| Graphics Card | Intel HD Graphics 4000; AMD Radeon R5 200 |
| Storage | 20 GB |
Despite being released in 2020, VALORANT has surprisingly low PC system requirements. This low-end favorite has become one of the most streamed games on Twitch. Its mass appeal is likely attributable to its low PC requirements and free-to-play status. Using the Unreal Engine allowed RIOT Games to focus on improving the game’s gameplay rather than its graphics.
It demonstrates that improved graphical fidelity is not always superior. VALORANT has an engaging gameplay, whereas RIOT is constantly releasing new content. Almost certainly, your budget laptop has the necessary hardware to run this wildly popular game.