Last Updated on: 26th December 2023, 12:41 pm
Top 10 best video games for the greatest PC games that are heavily compressed can be found without a powerful computer, which may surprise you. It’s not a coincidence that some Twitch games can run on very low-end PC hardware. Developers occasionally compromise gameplay quality in favor of graphics.
They take these actions to improve their consumer base and usability. Before their desktop or laptop computer overheats, players frequently spend hundreds of hours playing these games.
Most of these games can be played at high settings on a well-built PC, or the frame rate can be increased at low settings. You can play a lot of great PC games on macOS even with minimal specs.
Low-end PC games are a thriving subculture within this massive gaming business. While video cards such as the GTX 1050 may not be able to run the newest AAA games, they nevertheless provide consumers with thousands of other options, and the list is growing daily.
The Top 10 Best Video Games
1. The Forest
Minimum System Requirements:
Operating System | Windows 7 |
Processor | Intel Dual-Core 2.4 GHz |
RAM | 4 GB |
Graphics Card | NVIDIA GeForce 8800 GT; ATI Radeon HD 3850 |
Storage | 5 GB |
The Forest is a survival horror game that follows Eric’s life on a treacherous island trying to find his missing son. It incorporates the standard elements of the genre, such as crafting tools, building shelter, and finding food, while also dealing with cannibals. The gameplay and story are solid, and a sequel called Sons of the Forest is expected to launch in February 2023.
2. 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 |
Hotline Miami follows a nameless protagonist who receives cryptic messages to kill everyone. Set in the late ’80s, the top-down shooter is drenched in neon lights and video game eccentricities. The killer shoots their way through a building’s floors, leaving behind a trail of blood, guts, and bonus points. Hotline Miami is not just one of the best low end PC games, but also one of the greatest projects of all time.
3. Portal 2
Minimum System Requirements:
Operating System | Windows XP/Vista/7 |
Processor | Intel Pentium 4 Processor 3.0 GHz; AMD Athlon 64 X2 |
RAM | 2 Gb |
Graphics Card | ATI Radeon X800; NVIDIA GeForce 7600; Intel HD Graphics 2000 |
Storage | 8 Gb |
Valve is known for optimizing its games, including Portal 2, to run well on low-end PC games. The game is engaging and entertaining with a hilarious storyline, great voice acting, and unique gameplay. There is a separate cooperative storyline that can be played with a friend. The game can run smoothly on low settings.
4. Disco Elysium
Minimum System Requirements:
Operating System | Windows 7+ |
Processor | Intel Core 2 Duo |
RAM | 2 Gb |
Graphics Card | DirectX 11 Compatible Card with 512MB Dedicated Memory as a Minimum |
Storage | 20 Gb |
Disco Elysium, a highly decorated RPG from ZA/UM, featuring an amnesiac detective solving a murder case. With a story that reveals different facets of the protagonist, the game, which is presented in an isometric angle, is reminiscent of old-school ’90s RPGs and focuses on world-building, dialogue, and political ideologies. The player’s choices impact the protagonist’s thoughts and beliefs. Disco Elysium is a story-driven experience with fantastic writing, unforgettable characters, and impactful choices, although it may not be for everyone, despite its accessible specs.
5. 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 |
Crystal Dynamics’ 2013 Tomb Raider reboot is approaching its 10-year anniversary and is still considered a great game. While the sequels have surpassed it in some ways, the original game’s consistent quality, good visuals, fun gameplay, and passable storyline make it a great option for anyone seeking an action-packed game. Tomb Raider is also well-optimized for PC and can be played on most modern systems, even with low settings.
6. 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 |
Among Us is a fun multiplayer game that doesn’t need high-end requirements. With its cute 2D art style and mini-game-like structure, it is a very appealing multiplayer game. It features tasks on a map that players need to complete while trying to avoid getting killed by an imposter and maintain their innocence. Despite its simple design, Among Us is a highly engaging and entertaining game.
7. Subnautica
Minimum System Requirements:
Operating System | Windows Vista SP2, 64-bit |
Processor | Intel Haswell 2 cores/4 threads @ 2.5Ghz |
RAM | 4 Gb |
Graphics Card | Intel HD Graphics 4600 |
Storage | 20 Gb |
Subnautica is a low-spec PC game that requires slightly more power than some others, but it still has relatively low system requirements compared to similar open-world games from its release year of 2018. The game entered early access in 2014, making it a great option for budget PC users seeking an immersive 3D experience with a reasonably-sized map for exploration. The game follows Ryley Robinson, who crash-lands on planet 4546B and must scavenge for resources in the ocean to survive and find a way off the planet. The game offers beautiful and nightmarish sights.
8. 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 |
Batman: Arkham Asylum, City, and Origins are good games that can be played on low-end PCs and are also affordable. Arkham Asylum, despite having a smaller playground than its sequels, has a strong and focused campaign, with visually impressive Gothic and stylish architecture. The game has an influential combat system that inspired other games like Middle-earth: Shadow of Mordor, Mad Max, and Remember Me.
9. 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 |
For RPG fans with low-end computers, Fallout 1-3 and New Vegas are great choices. Despite their age, all four games have timeless strengths, with Fallout 1 and 2 having excellent storytelling. Fallout 3 is still Bethesda’s strongest entry in the series, and mods have extended its lifespan. New Vegas combines the world-building and quest design of Fallout’s isometric era with the modern sensibilities of its 3D era. It can be enjoyed without any mods, but the modding scene is also worth exploring.
10. 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 |
Compared to other low-spec games, Age of Empires 2 Definitive Edition is a fantastic strategic game that needs a little bit more processing power. However, low-end machines can also run the original and HD versions, which are also accessible. The game has new campaigns and game modes, along with quality-of-life enhancements and a combination of city-building and war management. It is regarded as one of the best strategy games ever made.
Even if your computer is not equipped with a high-end setup, you may still enjoy some of the most popular games, either by yourself or with friends and family.