26 best low-end PC games that run on budget laptops in 2023
Whether you own a budget laptop or an old computer, you can still enjoy gaming! Here are the top low-end PC games.
A gamer's life is not a fairytale. Each year, as technology advances, so do the system requirements for new titles. Despite the fact that even fridges have the specs to run The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim, many players are still stuck with old laptops that are great...by 2012 standards.
Fortunately, there are many excellent games that run on low-end PCs, and we've created this list to prove it. Even if your computer's fastest component is a processor fan, you'll find something to suit your taste here. Trust us; you don't need a super-powerful computer to belong to PCMR.
This article was updated on June 20th, 2023. We have added 6 PC games with low requirements to the list!
Best games for low-end PCs with 1GB RAM
We do not discriminate against dinosaur computers. Everyone deserves a smooth gaming sesh, so here's what will most certainly work on any battlestation.
Into the Breach
Although Into the Breach is a simple 2D strategy, it doesn't mean it is boring. This low-end PC game guarantees hours of exciting and challenging gameplay thanks to unusual mechanics combining the principles of turn-based and puzzle games.
Moreover, each mission can be done in several ways, giving you room for experimentation. Overall, it's an excellent title that runs smoothly, even on budget laptops. It feels good not to have to worry about frame rates dropping.
Super Meat Boy
The next pick on our list is Super Meat Boy, a demanding platformer where you need to rescue your girlfriend from Dr. Fetus (we must say, his name is truly interesting). However, it's not the plot that made it a timeless classic, but its insane level of difficulty and low minimum requirements.
Your low-end PC will be enough to run it without any problems, but you need to master the controls to finish some of the levels, as they're as creative as they're crazy. Remember that you should equip yourself with a gamepad because playing it with a keyboard is a hassle.
Hotline Miami 2: Wrong Number
Players are generally concerned about the sequels of successful games, and Hotline Miami 2: Wrong Number wasn't an exception. However, this fast-paced action with pixel graphics destroyed all doubts.
It manages to deliver everything we liked before: bloodshed, brutality, gunplay, close combat, and a fantastic soundtrack. Additionally, it provides larger maps, making it difficult to beat the game.
To The Moon
This indie game is a prime example that there's no need for beautiful graphics or sophisticated gameplay to create a memorable experience. To The Moon tells the story of two doctors who travel through the memories of people on their deathbeds to make their unfulfilled wishes come true.
This time, they strive to fulfill dying Johnny's dream of flying to the moon. Not only is the plot incredibly moving, but also the soundtrack perfectly complements it. Without a doubt, it's a must-play for fans of story-driven games which play on low-end PCs.
Among Us (Included with PC Game Pass)
When writing about low-spec games, we couldn't have forgotten about Among Us. Despite its initial launch in 2018, the title became a global hit two years later during the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The title's essence is quite simple. You and 4–15 other players are on a spaceship, trying to complete your tasks. But in your crew, one or more impostors strive to sabotage your mission by killing everyone in the process. It's definitely one of the best multiplayer games that run on potato PCs.
If you want to give Among Us a shot, you'd be happy to hear that it's available in the ever-growing library of PC Game Pass, a Microsoft subscription service. It's worth mentioning that the first month costs only $1 for new members. Still not convinced? See the list of the best indie games accessible via Game Pass.
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Dragon Age: Origins (Included with PC Game Pass)
This one will be perfect for enthusiasts of fantasy settings. Dragon Age: Origins is an RPG game with a semi-open world that casts you as a Grey Warden, a member of the legendary order of warriors. Evil comes back to haunt the residents of Thedas, and only you can save them from suffering.
The ultimate edition contains the expansion, Awakening, and nine content packs. However, the best thing is that even budget laptops can run the game, thanks to relatively low minimum system requirements.
Tomb Raider (2013)
Who would have thought you didn't need a powerful PC to join Lara Croft on an epic adventure in the first installment of a rebooted trilogy? Now that you do, there's nothing stopping you from trying it out.
Tomb Raider transports you to a mysterious island where you must fend for yourself in the midst of the wilderness. The gameplay focuses mainly on exploration, fighting enemies, and solving puzzles. Undoubtedly, watching the protagonist grow from a young explorer to a resolute heroine is truly delightful.
Minimum System Requirements: OS:Windows XP Service Pack 3, Windows Vista,7,8 (32bit/64bit); Processor: Dual core CPU: AMD Athlon64 X2 2.1 Ghz (4050+), Intel Core2 Duo 1.86 Ghz (E6300); Memory: 1GB (2GB on Vista); Graphics: DirectX 9 graphics card with 512Mb Video RAM: AMD Radeon HD 2600 XT, nVidia 8600; Storage: 12 GB HD space
Torchlight 2
When writing about low-spec games, we couldn't forget Torchlight 2. Falling within the hack-and-slash genre, it presents a diverse and expansive world teeming with adversaries and valuable treasures. You can even team up with your friends to blaze through hordes of foes together.
It's also worth mentioning that it supports modes, which let you tailor the experience to your own preferences. This way, you can spend hours playing without getting tired. It's definitely one of those games like Diablo that you simply can't ignore.
Best games for low-end PC with 2GB RAM
It's surprising how many exciting titles can run on a PC without a graphics card.
Stardew Valley (Included with PC Game Pass)
It's hard for many people to understand the phenomenon of Stardew Valley. How can this indie sandbox RPG be successful when it lacks stunning graphics and extraordinary visual effects? Well, its gameplay is super addicting, resulting in players spending long hours on farm management on their first try. Apart from cultivating crops, you can fish, mine raw materials, or even go to the dungeons in search of valuable treasures. Without a doubt, it's a gem among laptop games.
If taking care of plants and animals is your thing, you should definitely check out the list with other titles similar to Stardew Valley. Each demonstrates a different take on the farm sim genre, so everyone will find something for themselves.
Dead Cells (Included with PC Game Pass)
Do not underestimate this indie gem just yet. It may seem like another platformer with roguelike elements, but here it is on the list of best laptop games. Your mind will change in no time as you get completely sucked into the beautifully illustrated levels and hunt for better weapons. Dead Cells is extremely fun, and thanks to its procedurally generated mazes, you will play it repeatedly without getting bored.
Undertale
Let's face it, Undertale is not the most visually stunning. However, despite its looks, it is considered one of the greatest indie games of recent years. It takes you to a realm full of strange creatures (and tons of skeletons!), and your task is to find a way out.
As in classic RPG games, you can try to avoid fighting or battle your enemies mercilessly. Moreover, thanks to the pixel art, you don't have to worry about running Undertale, even on a PC without a graphics card.
Civilization V
You don't have to be a fan of turn-based strategies to enjoy Civilization V. Its compelling gameplay offers tons of possibilities. Even after hundreds of hours, you can still discover something new.
The best part is that it's a low-spec game, so many players can rise and fall as rulers of various nations. In case you're worried about playing the older installment, it was received much warmer than Civilization VI. Plus, you can get The Complete Edition for pennies!
Darkest Dungeon
Darkest Dungeon is a turn-based RPG in a dark fantasy setting that'll glue you to the monitor for... hundreds of hours! The developers have provided players with a truly complex team management system in general, not just for low-end PC games.
But what really distinguishes the work of Red Hook Studios from other role-playing games is, among other things, the fact that the characters have to face not only monsters but also their fears and phobias. Frankly, darkness can sometimes be more of a threat than enemies.
Papers, Please
In Papers, Please, players take on the role of an immigration inspector in the fictional Arstotzka. Your main task is to check documents at the border to ensure that nobody enters the country illegally.
Moreover, you must be meticulous because each mistake carries a fine, and your family counts on you to provide for them. They surely would be disappointed to live without food and heating. Maybe it's not the best-looking indie game, but the playability and its original concept make up for it.
Borderlands 2
Well, there are probably no players who wouldn't recognize this title. The second installment of the popular FPS game series is often considered the best one due to the engaging story and the iconic villain, Handsome Jack, who singlehandedly carries the narrative.
Furthermore, Borderlands 2 is a solid shooter experience that is highly entertaining, especially in multiplayer mode. It will work well online, as well as offline, in the form of a traditional couch co-op. However, if you're more of a lone wolf, nothing is stopping you from looting Pandora through and through on your own. Alternatively, you can also read about other great recommendations for fans of single-player FPS.
Portal 2
Portal 2 remains a timeless classic that continues to captivate gamers of all ages and experience levels. It presents a series of mind-bending puzzles that revolve around placing portals in the right place.
Aside from its engaging single-player campaign, the game also offers a cooperative mode where you and a friend can put your analytic skills to the test. With its innovative mechanics and riveting storyline, it proves to be an excellent choice for owners of low-end PCs.
Disco Elysium
Next up is Disco Elysium, widely regarded as one of the greatest RPGs of all time. It puts you in the shoes of a troubled detective with amnesia who strives to solve a convoluted murder mystery. Throughout your journey, you'll face many important decisions that shape the story, leading to a variety of possible endings.
The most impressive feature is an intricate dialogue system that allows you to immerse yourself in the character fully. All these elements make it a standout choice among the best games for low end PC.
Best games for low-end PC with 4GB RAM
Have more faith in your 10-year-old laptop. It shouldn't have any problems running these low-specs PC games.
Age of Empires II: Definitive Edition (Included with PC Game Pass)
One of the GG.deals staff encountered this real-time strategy game series in 2003. Even though the difficulty level exceeded the capabilities of a teenager, the gameplay was so enjoyable that it was hard to break away from it. A remaster of arguably the best installment in the franchise, Age of Empires II: Definitive Edition will keep you hooked for a long while, like in the good old days. Enough talk; it's time to conquer more nations!
Factorio
Factorio is one of the most interesting economic strategies we've ever encountered. As you can guess from the name, production will allow you to build and manage a factory. However, it's not an easy task.
We have to search for the necessary raw materials, constantly optimize production lines, and maintain manufactory safety. The myriad possibilities make Wube Software's title a perfect companion for long nights. Definitely, it's one of the best laptop games.
Hollow Knight (Included with PC Game Pass)
Hollow Knight will most certainly appeal to all fans of platformers and of the Dark Souls series. Boss battles and exploration of the map full of mysterious realms are incredibly mesmerizing. Despite its stunning graphics, the game is a perfect choice for owners of budget laptops.
Already fell in love with this production? You might want to check out our list of the best metroidvania games for Hollow Knight fans.
Minecraft (Included with PC Game Pass)
The list of the best low-spec games would have been incomplete without Minecraft. Mojang's sandbox with an open world offers endless possibilities. For example, you can even build a working calculator with all the available tools! Despite Minecraft being over ten years old, it continues to evolve and remain relevant. The servers are bursting at the seams!
Pillars of Eternity 2: Deadfire (Included with PC Game Pass)
Pillars of Eternity 2: Deadfire is highly challenging, being one of the very few titles that support friendly-fire mechanics, which may result in repeating some NPC fights. Moreover, the main storyline takes over 60 hours, meaning that Obsidian Entertainment still hides many secrets for you to discover. It's impressive how one of the best isometric games on Steam is playable on a low-end PC.
Subnautica
"No way you can play this game without a graphics card! It looks too good. My potato PC won't be enough!" That might be your initial thought until Subnautica starts running. As with other survival games, the player's main task is to stay alive and get out of the place they have been thrown against their will.
However, its most unusual feature is the setting... Water everywhere! For the vast majority of the time, you'll be exploring the world, gathering resources, and creating vehicles that will allow you to travel to increasingly dangerous locations.
Cuphead
Designed in the animation style of the 1930s, Cuphead is a 2D action game that will get blood, toil, tears, and sweat out of you but, fortunately, not out of your old laptop. It doesn't forgive any mistakes, and even with the help of your friend, it's tough. However, if by any chance you beat it, there's also The Delicious Last Course, a DLC with a new playable character and challenging bosses!
Far Cry 3
The Far Cry series has gained a reputation for its intriguing antagonists. While this trend began in the second game, it was Far Cry 3's unhinged Vaas Montenegro who truly captivated a broad audience.
As an FPS, the gameplay revolves around eliminating enemies using a vast arsenal of weapons. However, players are also free to employ various tactics, allowing for stealthy approaches instead of engaging in direct gunfights. Undoubtedly, it stands as one of the best laptop games available.
Outlast 2
Fearless players seeking a thrilling adventure should consider picking up Outlast 2, acclaimed as one of the top survival horror titles. Its story follows Blake Langermann, a cameraman trapped in a remote Arizona village. His only mission is to find his wife and escape this nightmarish place.
While it doesn't reinvent the gameplay mechanics of its predecessor, it still offers an experience that will keep you on the edge of your seat. Armed with a camera and devoid of any means of self-defense, you must rely on your resourcefulness to survive. Overall, it unquestionably deserves its position among the best low end pc games.
That's it when it comes to the best games for low-end PCs. Have you played any of them? Feel free to share your thoughts in the comment section below.
And remember, you do not need to have the latest hardware to play games and enjoy them to their fullest. The passion and joy of gaming are more important than high specs, resolutions, and expensive parts.
