21 best low-end PC games that run on budget laptops in 2022

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.

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.

Minimum System Requirements: OS Windows Vista, Processor 1.7+ GHz or better, Memory 1 GB RAM, Graphics Must support OpenGL 2.1 or higher; Intel HD 3000 or better, Storage 400 MB available space

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.

Minimum System Requirements: Windows XP / Vista / 7 (Windows 8 is not officially supported); 1.4GHz or faster; 1 GB RAM; Graphics Card made within the last 4 years (Pixel Shader 3.0, Vertex Shader 3.0); DirectX 9.0c; 300 MB; Controller Support: Microsoft Xbox 360 Controller or Direct Input compatible controller

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.

Minimum System Requirements: OS: Microsoft® Windows® Vista / 7 / 8; Processor: 2.4 GHz; Intel Core 2 Duo or better; Memory: 1 GB RAM; Graphics: OpenGL 3.2 compatible GPU with at least 256MB of VRAM; DirectX: Version 9.0c; Storage: 600 MB available space; Additional Notes: PS4 or Xbox 360 Controller or Direct Input compatible controller

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.

Minimum System Requirements: OS:Windows 98, XP, Vista, 7, 8, 10; Processor:Intel Pentium III 800 MHz; Memory:512 MB RAM; Graphics:1024×768 High Color +; DirectX®:9.0; Hard Drive:100 MB HD space

Minit

Imagine being able to play indie games for only sixty seconds at a time. Well, that’s the concept behind Minit. It’s an original adventure that resets every minute, but there’s a twist.

Your progress in the plot and collected items are kept. Therefore, each attempt gives you a better idea of what to do. Don’t let the minimalistic graphics discourage you from giving it a go. It’s a unique experience absolutely worth living through.

Minimum System Requirements: OS: Windows XP/Vista/7/8/8.1/10 x86/x64; Processor: Intel Pentium D 830 (2* 3000) or equivalent / AMD Athlon 64 4000+ (2600) or equivalent; Memory: 1 GB RAM; Graphics: GeForce 7600 GS (256 MB) / Radeon HD 2400 PRO (256 MB); Storage: 200 MB available space

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.

Minimum System Requirements: OS: Windows 7 SP1+; Processor: SSE2 instruction set support; Memory: 1 GB RAM; DirectX: Version 10; Storage: 250 MB available space

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.

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.

Minimum System Requirements: OS: Windows XP (SP3) or Windows Vista (SP1) or Windows 7; Processor: Intel Core 2 Single 1.6 Ghz Processor (or equivalent) or AMD 64 2.0 GHz Processor (or equivalent); Memory: 1GB (1.5 GB Vista and Windows 7); Graphics: ATI Radeon X850 256MB or NVIDIA GeForce 6600 GT 128MB or greater (Windows Vista: Radeon X1550 256 MB or NVidia GeForce 7600GT 256MB); DirectX®: DirectX (November 2007); Hard Drive: 20 GB HD space; Sound: Direct X Compatible Sound Card

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.

Minimum System Requirements: OS Windows Vista, Processor 2 Ghz, Memory 2 GB RAM, Graphics 256 mb video memory, shader model 3.0+, DirectX Version 10, Storage 500 MB available space

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.

Minimum System Requirements: OS Windows 7+, Processor Intel i5+, Memory 2 GB RAM, Graphics Nvidia 450 GTS / Radeon HD 5750 or better, Storage 500 MB available space, DirectX 9.1+ or OpenGL 3.2+

Undertale (Included with PC Game Pass)

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.

Minimum system requirements: Windows XP, Vista, 7, 8, or 10; 2 GB RAM; 128MB; 200 MB available space

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!

Minimum System Requirements: OS Windows® Vista SP2/ Windows® 7, Processor Intel Core 2 Duo 1.8 GHz or AMD Athlon X2 64 2.0 GHz, Memory 2GB RAM, Graphics 256 MB ATI HD2600 XT or better, 256 MB nVidia 7900 GS or better, or Core i3 or better integrated graphics, DirectX® version 9.0c, Hard Drive 8 GB Free, Sound: DirectX 9.0c-compatible sound card

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.

Minimum System Requirements: OS Windows XP, Memory 2 GB RAM, Graphics Open GL 3.2+ Compliant, Storage 2 GB available space, 1080p 16:9 recommended

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.

Minimum System Requirements: a 64-bit processor and operating system; OS: Windows XP or later; Processor: 1.5 GHz Core2Duo; Memory: 2 GB RAM; Graphics: OpenGL 1.4 or better; Storage: 100 MB available space; Additional Notes: Minimum 1280×720 screen resolution

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.

Minimum System Requirements: OS: Windows XP SP3; Processor: 2.4 GHz Dual Core Processor; Memory: 2 GB(XP)/ 2 GB(Vista); Hard Disk Space: 13 GB free; Video Memory: 256 MB; Video Card: NVIDIA GeForce 8500 /ATI Radeon HD 2600; Sound: DirectX 9.0c Compatible

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!

Minimum System Requirements: Windows 10 64bit, Processor Intel Core 2 Duo or AMD Athlon 64×2 5600+, Memory 4 GB RAM, Graphics: NVIDIA® GeForce® GT 420 or ATI™ Radeon™ HD 6850 or Intel® HD Graphics 4000 or better with 2 GB VRAM, DirectX Version 11, Storage 30 GB available space, 2GB of video memory + 4GB of system memory.

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.

Minimum System Requirements: OS Windows 10, 8, 7, Vista (64 Bit), Processor Dual core 3Ghz+, Memory 4 GB RAM, Graphics DirectX 10.1 capable GPU with 512 MB VRAM – GeForce GTX 260, Radeon HD 4850 or Intel HD Graphics 5500, DirectX Version 11, Storage 3 GB available space, Normal sprite resolution, Low quality compression, 1080p resolution

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.

Minimum System Requirements: OS Windows 7, Processor Intel Core 2 Duo E5200, Memory 4 GB RAM, Graphics GeForce 9800GTX+ (1GB), DirectX Version 10, Storage 9 GB available space, 1080p 16:9 recommended

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!

Minimum System Requirements: OC Windows 7, Processor Intel Core i3-3210 3.2 GHz / AMD A8-7600 APU 3.1 GHz or equivalent, Memory 4GB RAM, Graphics Intel HD Graphics 4000 (Ivy Bridge) or AMD Radeon R5 series (Kaveri line) with OpenGL 4.4*, Nvidia GeForce 400 Series or AMD Radeon HD 7000 series with OpenGL 4.4, Storage 1GB for game core, maps, and other files

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.

Minimum System Requirements: OS Windows Vista 64-bit or newer, Processor Intel Core i3-2100T @ 2.50 GHz / AMD Phenom II X3 B73, Memory 4 GB RAM, Graphics DirectX 11 Compatible, Storage 45 GB available space, Sound Card DirectX Compatible Sound Card

Subnautica (Included with PC Game Pass)

“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.

Minimum System Requirements: OS Windows Vista SP2 or newer, 64-bit, Processor Intel Haswell 2 cores / 4 threads @ 2.5Ghz or equivalent, Memory 4 GB RAM, Graphics Intel HD 4600 or equivalent – This includes most GPUs scoring greater than 950 points in the 3DMark Fire Strike benchmark, DirectX Version 11, Storage 20 GB available space

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!

Minimum System Requirements: OS Windows 7, Processor Intel Core2 Duo E8400, 3.0GHz or AMD Athlon 64 X2 6000+, 3.0GHz or higher, Memory 3 GB RAM, Graphics Geforce 9600 GT or AMD HD 3870 512MB or higher, DirectX Version 11, Storage 4 GB available space

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.