PC gaming is notorious for being home to monstrous rigs capable of running AAA games at 4k resolution and 60fps. But not everyone has access to a computer with those kinds of specs. But players don't need to get their hands on some military-grade hardware to have a fun time playing PC games.
There are plenty of games that will run just fine on a lower-end or older desktop or laptop, either because they are themselves older or because they simply don't have a lot of demanding graphical elements.
11 Throw Back To Age of Empires II
One of the best RTS games of all time, Age of Empires II. First released in 1999, this game should have no problem running on almost any modern computer. This game's retro look still holds up today, with all the units and environments being detailed enough to be distinguishable, but with that muddled charm that comes with age.
Players with extremely slow computers may struggle with the seconds-perfect timing required for competitive play, but casual matches with friends or against AI will be no problem at all.
10 Team Fortress 2 Is A Well-Loved Classic
Another dated game that makes a good choice for the slower computer is Valve's FPS Team Fortress 2. This game is slightly more demanding than some of the other entries on the list but should be perfectly playable, especially at lower graphics settings.
It's an evergreen favorite for a reason, with different game modes and classes creating a casual and competitive experience with nearly infinite replayability. Its free price tag makes it even more appealing for the budget gamer.
9 Try To Survive In Don't Starve
This charming and quirky 2d survival game makes use of simple-yet-evocative assets and is a great choice for anyone looking for a lightweight option. It has a number of DLC's to explore as well, making it a good investment.
There are few times in this game where quick action is required, so even a computer that occasionally stutters should be perfectly fine. The online version is a lot more taxing, however, so anyone with a really slow computer should stick to single-player.
8 Head Into The Original Wasteland With Fallout
The first game in the iconic series first came out in 1997, making it the oldest game on this list. It remains a fun RPG, though definitely with some dated gameplay. The real challenge with this game will not be whether a computer is strong enough to run it, but rather if the computer is in fact too new.
The Steam version has some occasional issues running on Windows 10, but they are easily resolved. Once it's booted up, this game will play just as good as it did the day it came out.
7 Xenonauts Is A Great X-Com Alternative
Turn-based games are always a good option for the slower PC because even if they stutter or lose frames, the gameplay isn't impacted significantly. Xenonauts is a spiritual successor to the X-Com games, with a much more grounded and militaristic feel.
Players can fully customize their unit's loadouts, and the models and environments are much more simple than in X-Com. Anyone interested in turn-based tactical games should give it a shot.
6 Sort Everything Under The Sun In Wilmot's Warehouse
This cute and relaxing game has a very simple look and makes very few demands of a PC. The player controls Wilmot, a warehouse worker tasked with sorting dozens of different items into a warehouse for quick recall by a front desk.
The game's pace oscillates between totally relaxed and short bursts of panicked frenzy. It becomes even more fun in multiplayer, where players can work together and get in each other's way to accomplish their job duties.
5 Hand of Fate Is A Deckbuilding Roguelike
This unique take on the roguelike/deckbuilding genre has the player engaging in a card game against a mysterious figure. Each play of the cards causes an event to occur, often with a few choices or games of chance.
Every so often, combat will be initiated, and the player enters a 3d arena to take down brigands, skeletons, or some other foe. The game is a few years old and isn't too demanding on the computer, while still being a very fun experience.
4 Into The Breach Is A Great Bite-Sized Puzzle Game
Another turn-based game, this one made from pixel-art to make it even easier to process, Into the Breach is something like a chess puzzle mixed with Pacific Rim. The player commands a squad of giant mechs in a desperate battle against the Vek, enormous alien insects.
It is a roguelike game but one that has interesting mechanics around the reset, as every squad is actually using a time-travel device to escape when they would otherwise lose.
3 Minecraft Is So Popular For A Reason
Anyone reading about video games will already know about Minecraft, but it's well worth the mention. It's entirely possible to play Minecraft in a way that is incredibly demanding on a PC, but the opposite is also true.
By adjusting graphics settings, playing conservatively (that means no giant TNT contraptions), and/or installing certain graphical assistance mods, Minecraft can be played perfectly well on a slower computer.
2 The Stillness Of The Wind Is Quiet And Peaceful
This game takes place on a small farm where the elderly Talma maintains a simple homestead, everyone else from her village having left for the big city. It is a beautiful game about loss and life, and it is great for anyone looking for a story-driven game playable on even a slow computer.
The game already has a slow pace, so any incidental performance issues won't cause too many huge problems.
1 Plan A New Subway In Mini Metro
This fun little puzzle game is about building increasingly complicated subway systems to serve cities both real and fictional. The game has a pure and clean aesthetic that makes it very simple to render, and its minimalist gameplay is easy to keep track of.
It's a great game to pick up and play for just a few minutes at a time, making it great to play on the go on a small laptop or the like. Playing it while on an actual train makes the whole thing even better.