13 best games that run smoothly on low-end PCs
These games can be played on a low-end PCs (collage: RBC-Ukraine)
If you don’t have a high-powered gaming computer, that doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy a compelling game. Developers have released — and continue to release — projects that run seamlessly, even on less powerful PCs, according to Gamegatehq.
Into The Breach
From the creators of the space simulator FTL: Faster Than Light, this turn-based game can best be described as chess with kaiju. In Into The Breach, players protect cities from underground monsters. Even a low-spec computer can handle it smoothly.
The game is captivating yet challenging — often requiring sacrifices to survive another day. With randomly generated upgrades, exciting challenges, and the chance to unlock combat robots, Into The Breach promises to hold your interest for a long time.
Into The Breach (Photo: Steam)
Owlboy
It is a colorful platformer puzzle game that took nine years to develop. The puzzles aren’t overly complex, but solving them still brings satisfaction. The true appeal of Owlboy lies in its memorable, lovingly crafted characters. It’s an easy game to play on a low-spec computer.
Owlboy (Photo: Steam)
Starbound
A 2D game centered on planetary exploration where you create your adventure. You can build complex fortifications, study alien species, search for treasure, battle fierce enemies, or assemble the perfect crew for your spacecraft.
Starbound allows you to play solo or with a friend in various races. Numerous mods add even more variety to the experience.
Starbound (Photo: Starbound)
80 Days
It is an adventure with a meticulously crafted storyline that tasks you with traveling the world in 80 days. More than 150 cities are available for exploration, each with its characters, secrets, and storylines. Managing money and items is crucial, as is deciding your next destination — a daunting task with the world at your feet.
80 Days (Photo: Steam)
Devil Daggers
In Devil Daggers, there is only you and endless hordes of demons that you must kill to the end. The project is a tribute to classic first-person shooters, where the most important thing is to shoot accurately and run fast.
Devil Daggers (Photo: GameSpot)
The Binding of Isaac: Rebirth
The Binding of Isaac: Rebirth transforms a remarkable game into something truly grand, especially if you purchase additional content. Like the original, Rebirth is a unique shooter with randomly generated locations where you navigate the depths of a forgotten basement. You encounter your deepest fears here, confronting them with hundreds of bizarre items.
You can play for dozens of hours and still find something new each time. With unlocked characters, challenges, and co-op play options, The Binding of Isaac: Rebirth stands out as a game with one of the highest replayability rates.
The Binding of Isaac: Rebirth (Photo: Yahoo)
Undertale
Undertale, at first glance, is a deeply thoughtful game where any battle can be avoided using the gift of persuasion. This is essential, as many characters simply don’t want to be killed — they’re too unique.
The project is partly a shooter, occasionally breaking the invisible fourth wall between the player and the events on screen, evoking a range of powerful emotions.
Undertale (Photo: Nintendo)
Borderlands
An open-world shooter where you gather weapons to upgrade your gear. You can do this solo or with up to three friends.
The humor in Borderlands may feel a bit dated, but the thrill of taking down a boss for valuable loot still delivers an adrenaline rush.
Borderlands (Photo: Medium)
Shadowrun: Dragonfall
Shadowrun: Dragonfall is the perfect game for those wanting to dive into the nostalgic world of classic RPGs. It’s reminiscent of Fallout or Divinity: Original Sin but set in a cyberpunk genre.
The game is appealing for its tactical options that unfold during turn-based combat, but its most compelling feature is the well-crafted storytelling.
Shadowrun: Dragonfall (Photo: Steam)
Celeste
Technically, Celeste is a hardcore platformer. Like classic 8-bit games, it’s designed to challenge players with its difficulty. However, unlike others in the genre, Celeste cares for its users. The storyline justifies the challenges here: the protagonist aims to overcome mental illness, and the difficult climb up the mountain is essential to their healing.
When players face setbacks, the game encourages them to return and continue. But if you're up for testing your nerves, Celeste offers additional levels and collectibles that can keep you engaged for many evenings.
Celeste (Photo: GameSpot)
Flinthook
It is a platformer about a space pirate trying to steal treasure. Primarily, you navigate randomly generated locations using a grappling hook.
Flinthook might seem cute and innocent, but dodging enemies and environmental hazards while navigating its intricate levels is no easy task.
Flinthook (Photo: Nintendo)
Hearthstone
Hearthstone has its pros and cons, but for a free card game available on most modern and older platforms, it’s surprisingly challenging to master.
The game offers impressive animation, numerous tactical options, and, as a bonus for Warcraft fans, a host of intriguing characters. Even years after its release, Blizzard continues to add new cards and modes to Hearthstone.
Hearthstone (Photo: Blizzard Entertainment)
Darkest Dungeon
If you enjoy gothic horror and turn-based RPGs, Darkest Dungeon is an ideal choice. You lead a group of adventurers exploring monster-filled caves.
You must manage your heroes' stress levels to keep them from going mad or perishing. Additionally, each character can acquire new traits, both positive and negative, which affect their effectiveness in various ways.
Darkest Dungeon (Photo: Steam)
