45 Best Games for Low-End PCs and Laptops

Looking for the best games for low-end PCs that don't require powerful hardware but still deliver engaging gameplay? In this article, we've gathered 45 excellent games for weak computers that will run smoothly even on old laptops and budget builds. You'll find strategies, shooters, RPGs, indie hits, and timeless classics. Whether you prefer dynamic action, atmospheric adventures, or tactical puzzles, there's a game here for every taste.

Undertale is a true gem among indie games, perfectly suited for low-end PCs. This 2D RPG by Toby Fox offers a deep storyline, memorable characters, and an incredibly captivating soundtrack.

The way the game uniquely breaks the fourth wall made quite a splash back in the day. Moreover, your choices, especially in battles, directly influence the storyline. Undertale has multiple endings. Styled with retro graphics, the game doesn’t require powerful hardware, and its size is only a few hundred megabytes.

If you enjoyed Undertale, you should definitely try Deltarune—a spiritual successor from the same developer. The game retains its signature style, music, and unique approach to combat but develops a different, equally interesting and deep story. Deltarune also runs well on low-end PCs and is available for free.

Stardew Valley is one of those games you can sink hundreds of hours into. This pixelated RPG-farming simulator offers a cozy rural life atmosphere: you can grow crops, take care of animals, and interact with villagers. However, there are also plenty of thrills—mines filled with monsters will definitely test your skills.

Developed by indie creator ConcernedApe, the game was inspired by classic Harvest Moon. It requires minimal resources, and its simple yet pleasant style makes it an excellent choice for a low-end PC or laptop. If you're looking for something engaging and meditative, this is a great option. Plus, Stardew Valley has a co-op mode, so you can farm with friends or even your significant other.

Another cozy pixelated farming RPG with a focus on role-playing elements and character development—Fields of Mistria. Expect a charming world, various activities, a deep relationship system with villagers, and vibrant retro-style graphics. It's currently in early access.

The Age of Decadence is a hardcore isometric RPG. It features a deep role-playing system, a non-linear story, and a harsh world inspired by the decline of the Roman Empire. There are no "right" decisions—every action affects the story, and complex dialogues and diplomacy are often more important than battles.

The game's replayability is outstanding due to its variety of choices and endings. While relatively short, The Age of Decadence offers an incredibly rich experience. The graphics may be minimalistic, but the immersive world and thoughtful mechanics more than make up for it. If you enjoy games where every choice and conversation matters, and battles are truly challenging, this is an excellent option for a low-end PC.

Fallout 2 is a classic isometric RPG that remains one of the best post-apocalyptic games. It offers a deep role-playing system: you can solve problems peacefully, master diplomacy, or embrace chaos by destroying everything in your path.

Despite its age, Fallout 2 plays wonderfully. It has an incredible atmosphere, great humor, an excellent storyline, and memorable characters. The battles can be tough at first, but once you get the hang of them, they become enjoyable. Thanks to pixel graphics and low system requirements, the game runs smoothly even on the weakest PCs, allowing you to immerse yourself in the harsh but captivating world of the Wasteland.

Beyond Good & Evil is a cult classic, one of the pioneers of the action-adventure genre. You step into a fascinating sci-fi world full of mysteries and conspiracies as the brave journalist Jade. On one hand, the game features dynamic combat, stealth missions, and puzzles; on the other, it offers charming characters, emotional moments, and unexpected plot twists.

Even though the game was released in 2003, it still looks great. And the soundtrack—simply amazing! If you love atmospheric adventures with charismatic characters and engaging gameplay, Beyond Good & Evil is a fantastic choice for a low-end PC. Last year, Ubisoft released a 20th-anniversary edition with enhanced graphics and updated achievements. However, the re-release is more demanding on hardware.

The Banner Saga is a tactical RPG with stunning 2D visuals inspired by Norse mythology. The game combines deep turn-based combat mechanics, a non-linear story, and tough moral choices that influence the fate of the main characters, their clan, and the world around them.

The game's artists did an incredible job with its visual style. The landscapes are breathtaking, and everything else—characters, animations, cutscenes—is beautifully drawn. Moreover, the game runs well on low-end PCs. If you enjoy atmospheric worlds, serious narratives full of hardships, and strategic elements, this adventure is a must-try. There are also a second and third installment—just as captivating and beautifully crafted. Highly recommended!

Vampire: The Masquerade — Bloodlines is a cult-classic RPG that offers a unique chance to play as a vampire in the dark setting of the World of Darkness. Players can choose from various clans, each with unique abilities, leading to vastly different gameplay experiences.

The game features a deep RPG system, an intricate storyline, and multiple ways to approach situations—ranging from diplomacy to sheer brutality. Its noir Los Angeles atmosphere, intense dialogues, and non-linear progression make it an unforgettable experience.

Despite its age, Bloodlines remains one of the best vampire-themed RPGs. It runs well on low-end PCs, though some technical issues may arise that aren't hardware-related. Thankfully, these can be fixed with fan patches.

Dragon Age: Origins is a classic party-based RPG from BioWare, offering an epic storyline, tactical battles, and an intriguing fantasy world full of contradictions.

The nonlinear story of saving the world, where choices truly matter, will stay with you for a long time. Especially thanks to the characters. The way the game approaches building relationships with companions is still considered a benchmark.

Although the game was released in 2009, it still holds the title of one of the best in the genre. Due to its age, it runs well even on weak PCs. However, if you haven’t upgraded your hardware in the last ten years, you'll need to lower the graphic settings.

The Witcher is an atmospheric RPG that started the legendary series about Geralt of Rivia. While many played The Witcher 3: The Wild Hunt, most missed the first game. However, the game has much to offer: a detailed story with great twists and complex moral choices, a dark world, and charismatic characters.

Although the graphics and animations are outdated, the first "Witcher" still captivates with its depth. Additionally, it runs great on weak PCs, so if you want to explore the origins of the series and immerse yourself in the grim atmosphere of a witcher's life, this game definitely deserves attention.

Thronebreaker: The Witcher Tales is an exciting mix of card strategy and RPG in the Witcher universe. As Queen Meve, the ruler of Lyria and Rivia, you will lead an army and make difficult decisions.

The game offers a deep story, nonlinear quests, and a unique card-based combat system based on the rules of Gwent, but with tactical innovations. Due to its modest system requirements, Thronebreaker is perfect for weak PCs, and its story will provide dozens of hours of captivating adventure in the Witcher universe.

Balatro is a unique card roguelike puzzle, where classic poker turns into a strategic game with unusual mechanics. You will need to make card combinations, improve them with jokers and bonuses, and plan your tactics to pass through series of rounds and earn as many points as possible.

The game combines simple rules with deep strategy, and its minimalist pixel graphics and low system requirements make Balatro a great choice for weak PCs. Many have become hooked on it, and it even became a contender for the title of "Game of the Year" at The Game Awards. A serious achievement for indie developers and a good reason to give this game a try.

Graveyard Keeper is a dark yet humorous pixelated simulation of a medieval cemetery, perfect for low-end PCs. You will manage a graveyard, tend to graves, engage in trade, alchemy, and even conduct questionable experiments, facing moral dilemmas along the way. Often with a touch of dark humor.

The game resembles Stardew Valley but with a darker atmosphere and a satirical take on medieval customs. Thanks to its pixel art and low system requirements, Graveyard Keeper is ideal for a leisurely yet engaging experience on a low-end PC or laptop.

Hotline Miami is a stylish top-down action game combining fast-paced gameplay, neon 80s aesthetics, and a cult soundtrack. Each mission is a rapid run through levels where speed, tactics, and quick reflexes are crucial: one hit can kill an enemy, but it can also kill you.

If you're looking for a hardcore, adrenaline-pumping action game with a unique atmosphere, this game is definitely worth your attention. And you don't need a top-tier PC to enjoy some good old ultraviolence.

Mount & Blade: Warband is a massive sandbox set in a grim medieval world where the player starts as a simple adventurer. Through battles, sieges, and intrigues, the hero can become a knight, a commander of an army, or a ruler. The game world lives its own life, and the player can join wars or create their own kingdom. The leveling system, character editor, and a variety of weapons make the game captivating. Mods significantly expand the gameplay, allowing you to immerse yourself in the game for hundreds of hours.

Disco Elysium is a deep RPG with a focus on dialogue, detective investigation, and a role-playing system without traditional combat. You play as an amnesiac alcoholic detective who must unravel a complex case in a dark yet captivating world. Your decisions, skills, and even inner thoughts shape the story, offering a unique gaming experience.

Thanks to its stylish isometric graphics and low system requirements, Disco Elysium runs well even on low-end PCs. If you value complex dialogues, philosophical reflections, and the freedom of role-playing, this game is a true gem. However, it's worth noting that the developers themselves are going through tough times. The studio's leadership essentially ousted the original core of authors. Therefore, many of them are urging players not to buy the game. Whether to do so is up to you.

Cuphead is a hardcore side-scrolling platformer inspired by 1930s cartoons. The game stands out with its unique hand-drawn art style, jazz soundtrack, and challenging yet rewarding boss battles. The gameplay requires precision, quick reflexes, and memorization of enemy attack patterns, making each victory especially satisfying.

Despite its visual beauty, Cuphead doesn't require a powerful PC and runs smoothly even on low-end systems. If you enjoy tough but fair challenges reminiscent of retro games, this game is an excellent choice.

Darkest Dungeon is a hardcore turn-based roguelike with RPG elements where you manage a team of heroes exploring dark dungeons. The game's main feature is the stress system: characters not only fight monsters but also face psychological trauma, which affects their behavior in battle.

The gothic atmosphere, tough tactical decisions, and constant risk make Darkest Dungeon an incredibly engaging challenge. Thanks to its stylized 2D graphics, the game is perfect for low-end PCs, but be warned—it doesn't forgive mistakes!

Minecraft hardly needs an introduction. It's a legendary sandbox with endless possibilities where you can build, survive, explore the world, and fight enemies. The game offers different modes: from creative, where you can build grand structures, to survival, where you gather resources, fight mobs, and explore caves.

Thanks to its blocky graphics and flexible settings, Minecraft can run even on low-end PCs. If you're looking for a game where you can unleash your creativity and play endlessly, Minecraft is the perfect choice.

Among Us is a fun multiplayer game about teamwork and betrayal, perfect for low-end PCs. Players control crew members of a spaceship, completing tasks, but among them are impostors whose goal is to sabotage the mission and eliminate the rest. Essentially, it's a variation of "Mafia."

Thanks to its minimalist 2D graphics, Among Us runs even on the weakest PCs, and its engaging gameplay, based on communication, logic, and deception, makes each match unique. The game is great for fun gatherings with friends or online matches with strangers.

Child of Light is a beautiful turn-based RPG with a unique art style reminiscent of picturesque fairy tales. In this game, you play as a princess named Aurora who finds herself in the mysterious land of Lemuria. The game combines engaging combat mechanics, puzzles, and an intricate story that immerses you in the atmosphere of a child's dream.

The restrained yet charming graphics and smooth animations make Child of Light accessible to low-end PCs, and its fairy-tale atmosphere and light gameplay make it suitable for both newcomers and experienced players looking for a pleasant and easy-going experience.

Valiant Hearts: The Great War is a touching adventure that tells the stories of ordinary people against the backdrop of World War I. The game combines puzzles, platformer elements, and an emotional plot, showing the war from a human perspective through the intertwined fates of four heroes and a loyal dog.

The stylized comic graphics and simple yet engaging gameplay make Valiant Hearts accessible even for low-end PCs. If you're looking for a game that not only entertains but also makes you think about the strength of humanity in difficult times, this story will surely leave a mark on your heart.

Hades is an exciting roguelike game with action-RPG elements where you play as Zagreus, the son of Hades, and try to escape the underworld. The game offers dynamic battles, diverse abilities, and a well-thought-out story that develops with each new run.

Hades is unique in how it masterfully intertwines the story and gameplay mechanics. With each new playthrough, you become better and better, and you also interact with other characters. You can even start a romance with some of them. A beautiful soundtrack and visually pleasing art style are included.

Transistor is, on the surface, a stylish action-RPG, but in reality, it's a deep and emotional story about two lovers from the creators of Bastion, combining dynamic battles and tactical planning. You play as a singer named Red, who uses a mysterious weapon called the Transistor, which possesses incredible abilities. The game stands out with its unique combat system, allowing you to combine real-time action with turn-based tactical mode, creating unique attack combinations.

Thanks to its stunning visual style, atmospheric soundtrack, and well-thought-out gameplay, Transistor leaves an unforgettable impression. At the same time, the game is well-optimized and runs perfectly on low-end PCs, so if you enjoy unconventional RPGs with deep combat systems, this game is definitely worth your attention.

Papers, Please is an unusual simulator of an immigration inspector in the totalitarian state of Arstotzka. You will check the documents of incoming people, identify forgeries, solve moral dilemmas, and balance between duty to the country and care for your family.

The minimalist pixel art makes Papers, Please perfectly suited for low-end PCs, and the tense atmosphere, tough decisions, and unexpected twists turn passport checking into an engaging and deep gaming experience. If you enjoy games with unconventional gameplay and serious themes, this game is definitely worth your attention.

Space Rangers HD: A War Apart is an expanded edition of the cult classic space RPG, combining elements of strategy, text quests, and arcade battles. The player will explore a vast universe, trade, fight pirates and dominators, complete quests, and upgrade their ship, choosing the path of a mercenary, diplomat, explorer, or pirate.

The latest installment in the cult series has not aged a bit since its original release over 20 years ago. In terms of gameplay, the game still feels fresh—probably because no direct analogues have appeared since then. However, due to its age, the game is not demanding and is perfect for low-end PCs. Fans believe that A War Apart broke the balance of the original second "Rangers". For a newcomer who has never encountered the series, there will be no noticeable differences. But hardcore fans were very upset at the time. There is a solution, as always, from the fans: install an unofficial patch that removes the pirate faction.

Pathologic is a cult atmospheric survival horror game with RPG elements where you must survive in a plague-ridden town. The game offers three different scenarios, each with a unique character, as you explore the town, interact with residents, and try to save as many people as possible while facing tough moral dilemmas.

Pathologic is one of those games that is hard to recommend. The game is extremely difficult, confusing, and oppressive, but it has something to offer. If you're ready for a unique gaming experience bordering on art-house, you should play it. And thanks to its low system requirements, it runs even on low-end PCs. By the way, for the convenience of players on modern systems, a reissue Pathologic Classic HD was released.

Plants vs. Zombies, by all accounts, needs no introduction. It's a classic casual strategy game where you must defend your home from a zombie army using various combat plants. The game combines simple yet engaging gameplay, multiple levels with increasing difficulty, a fun visual style, and a simple but charming story.

Thanks to its modest system requirements, Plants vs. Zombies ran well even on low-end PCs at the time of its release, and its cheerful atmosphere and variety of tactical options make the game ideal for relaxed yet engaging entertainment.

Crusader Kings 2 is a deep strategy game about medieval politics. It is dismissively called "contour maps"—and yes, there is some truth to that. But what draws players in is something else entirely. Instead of traditional territorial conquest, you must manage an entire dynasty: arrange marriages, plot intrigues, wage wars, deal with vassals, and raise heirs to the throne. It's essentially a simulator of court intrigue.

While complex, Crusader Kings 2 captivates with its non-linearity and the ability to rewrite history. And sometimes in the most bizarre and unexpected ways. The game knows how to surprise, just trust me.

Half-Life 2 is a masterpiece! A cult classic first-person shooter that has become a benchmark in the genre thanks to its deep story, revolutionary physics, and immersive atmosphere.

Despite its age, Half-Life 2 still looks impressive and runs well on low-end PCs. Interactive environments, smart enemies, and cinematic storytelling make it a must-play. And a must-replay. By the way, in honor of the game's 20th anniversary in fall 2024, a major update was released. It has become a reason for many to return to the classic, and we recommend you do the same.

Pentiment is a unique adventure game from Obsidian, designed in the style of medieval manuscripts and engravings. The player must investigate a murder in a 16th-century Bavarian monastery, interact with locals, solve puzzles, and make choices that influence the course of history.

Thanks to its hand-drawn 2D graphics and leisurely gameplay, Pentiment is perfect even for low-end PCs. If you enjoy detective stories, historical atmosphere, and deep narrative games, this game is a true work of art worth experiencing.

The Stanley Parable is an unusual and clever adventure game that breaks the fourth wall and plays with the player's expectations. You control an office worker named Stanley, who suddenly discovers that all his colleagues have disappeared and sets out to explore the empty building. A narrator's voice guides you, and you can choose to follow his instructions... or ignore them, leading to many unexpected outcomes.

The philosophical undertones, humor, and unconventional approach to gameplay turn the experience into a true experiment on free will and player interaction with the game. Thanks to its modest yet stylish graphics, it can be played even on low-end PCs or laptops.

Baldur's Gate and Baldur's Gate 2 are classic isometric RPGs with a deep role-playing system and a non-linear story. The player must gather a group of heroes, explore the vast fantasy world of Forgotten Realms, make tough decisions, and engage in tactical real-time battles.

Despite their age, Baldur's Gate remains one of the best RPGs of all time, and thanks to Enhanced Edition, the game is well-adapted for modern systems. The projects run smoothly even on low-end PCs, offering dozens of hours of exciting adventure.

If Baldur's Gate is for those ready for extremely outdated graphics and specific gameplay, then Neverwinter Nights 2 is much closer to modern RPGs. It incorporates many elements that later became the gold standard for party-based RPGs: fortress management, a deep character editor, and a romance system.

Although the game's graphics were demanding at the time of release, Neverwinter Nights 2 now runs well on low-end PCs. The rich narrative, which evolves from a classic rags-to-riches story into an epic and dramatic adventure, will captivate you for a long time. You can't play the legendary RPG on Steam, but you can on GOG.

Spore is a unique game from legendary game designer Will Wright (William Ralph Wright), the creator of The Sims and SimCity. Released in 2008, it combines several genres: from evolution simulator to strategy and sandbox. The player progresses from a single-celled organism to a highly developed civilization conquering galaxies.

Each stage of the game (and the development of your created organism) differs in gameplay, making the experience diverse and engaging. The graphics still look great today, especially considering the visual style and creative freedom. You can enjoy the game even on an old laptop.

Pyre combines visual novel elements, tactical battles, and a powerful story of exile, hope, and redemption. The player leads a group of exiles who participate in mystical rituals—sort of "magical sports matches"—to earn a chance to return to their homeland. The unique storytelling, vibrant characters, and memorable soundtrack make Pyre truly special.

Pyre boasts stunning visuals, but this doesn't prevent it from being very friendly to low-end PCs. It's the perfect choice for those looking for a deep narrative RPG with an original combat system and an unforgettable atmosphere.

World of Goo is an indie puzzle game that has become a true classic in the genre. The game challenges the player to build whimsical structures from living droplets to overcome various obstacles and reach the goal on each level. Despite its simple mechanics, the levels become increasingly complex and inventive, with the game's physics providing interesting challenges.

The stylish cartoon graphics, unconventional humor, and mesmerizing soundtrack make the game truly memorable.

BioShock is the beginning of what became a cult series. It's a first-person shooter with a strong focus on atmospheric storytelling. The game skillfully combines elements of horror, science fiction, and philosophy, and its plot twists and overall presentation have made it a true masterpiece.

The atmosphere, art deco style, deep story... the list of merits goes on and on. And BioShock still looks impressive today, while not requiring a powerful PC—especially if you're playing the original version, not the remaster.

Reigns is a minimalist strategy game in the form of a card game where you take on the role of a monarch. Each decision affects four key parameters, and balancing them is the key to survival on the throne. At first glance, it seems simple, but behind the minimalism lies a deep satirical story about power, morality, and the inevitability of the end.

Reigns is an excellent choice for those looking for something unusual, smart, and unobtrusive. You can get hooked for an evening or keep coming back to it again and again.

Shadowrun Returns is an isometric RPG set in a cyberpunk world with elements of fantasy, based on the tabletop game of the same name. The game takes place in a world where advanced technology coexists with magic, and the streets are populated by hackers, troll shamans, and corrupt corporations.

The game offers a well-thought-out story, turn-based combat, and a deep character progression system, with a visual style that pays homage to the classics of the genre. Despite its modest system requirements, Shadowrun Returns delivers an atmospheric adventure with interesting quests and tactical battles.

Pillars of Eternity is a true tribute to classic isometric RPGs, inspired by games like Baldur's Gate and Planescape: Torment. The player must explore the dark and vibrant world of Eora, engage in political intrigue, make morally complex decisions, and engage in tactical battles with a pause feature. The game impresses with its lore, well-crafted dialogues, and freedom of choice in character and story development.

This is not just nostalgia for old RPGs, but a truly powerful and cohesive adventure where every quest matters. Thanks to its isometric view and good optimization, the game runs smoothly even on systems with modest specifications. Based on the world of Pillars of Eternity, a new game, Avowed, was created—an unusual action RPG. Earlier, we wrote about how these games are connected.

Potion Craft: Alchemist Simulator is an unusual alchemy simulator where you can become the owner of your own potion shop. Instead of the usual menus and numbers, the game offers physical interaction with ingredients: grind, boil, mix, and experiment on an alchemical map to create potions with different effects. Everything is designed in the style of medieval engravings, giving the game a unique atmosphere.

The gameplay is meditative and creative. Economics, recipes, moral dilemmas, and experiments all intertwine into an engaging cycle. And the system requirements are modest.

Tiny Glade is a relaxing building simulator with no goals or restrictions, where you create cozy medieval castles among green hills. There are no resources, enemies, or timers—just a soft visual style, pleasant music, and creative freedom.

The game is more about the feeling of coziness than traditional gameplay. A true "digital tea with honey." Due to its novelty, the game is more demanding than many others in this list, but it is still quite forgiving.

Plague Inc: Evolved is a game about creating and evolving a deadly disease—it once took the world by storm like a plague. The gameplay combines elements of strategy and biology: you must mutate the virus, adapt it to different conditions, and resist scientists' attempts to find a cure.

Visually, Plague Inc: Evolved is quite modest—most of the gameplay takes place on a world map where the epidemic spreads. The simple yet engaging mechanics make the game accessible, and the minimal system requirements allow it to run on low-end PCs.

***

That concludes our list, and we hope you found something you liked. Let us know in the comments what caught your eye!