So, you have an older PC that’s still chugging along. Even when your components have seen better years, you’ll find that there are still plenty of great games that you can run. Multiple titles across many genres have low-spec requirements, so an older rig shouldn’t necessarily stop you from enjoying iconic entries in the gaming world.

Related: The Best Modern Retro Video Games

If you’re not sure where to start or you have limited space, you’ll want to stick to games that are not just smoothly handled by your PC, but also worth the purchase. Here are some of the best titles, both old and new, that won’t fry your hardware.

Updated on April 13, 2023, by Sachi Go: As games continue to expand and seem like they are more and more demanding on hardware components, it's always a relief to find that there are plenty of titles out there that have relatively low system requirements. These games, whether newly released or seeing double digits in age, stand the test of time and offer great gaming experiences without requiring the beefiest of setups. Here are some of the best old PC games.

15 Fallout: New Vegas

The skyline of the New Vegas Strip shines in the distance at night

Minimum Requirements

Graphics

ATI 1300 XT (256 MB)

Memory

2 GB RAM

Processor

Dual Core 2Ghz

One does not simply get into the Fallout series without checking out Fallout: New Vegas. Despite being succeeded by more graphically impressive entries, this still manages to feel the most alive even without mods. Not only is the gameplay very enjoyable, but you get a robust story with interesting NPCs, companions, side quests, and impactful choices.

There are so many ways for you to play New Vegas in terms of both your build and moral compass. Your affiliations matter, your choices have consequences, and even your clothing affects how you are perceived in certain locations. It’s a great RPG at its heart, and it doesn’t hurt that you get to enjoy VATS and power armor, too.

14 Persona 3 Portable

Pharos greets the player at the SEES dorm at night

Minimum Requirements

Graphics

1 GB

Memory

4 GB RAM

Processor

Intel i3-540 / AMD Phenom II X4 940

Persona 3 Portable was, as the name implies, originally created solely for the PlayStation Portable. Due to its popularity, the series' resurgence with Persona 5 Royal, and lots of cross-platform demand, P3P was finally released for PC, Xbox, and the Nintendo Switch.

Even with the remasters many improvements to graphics, sound, and gameplay, your PC should have no trouble running it because much of the gameplay is primarily 2D. The only 3D parts are dungeon and boss battles, which look great but don’t hog your system resources for frames thanks to the turn-based format. Fight Shadows, eat ramen, and go to High School! What more do you need?

13 Dragon Age: Origins

The Warden faces Mistress Woolsey, Seneschal Varel, and Captain Garavel in the throne room of Vigil's Keep

Minimum Requirements

Graphics

256 MB

Memory

1 GB RAM

Processor

1.8 Ghz

Dragon Age: Origins stands the test of time thanks to having one of the best storylines in RPGs. The branching narratives and choices here are unparalleled by its peers, with the world state of succeeding games massively affected by how you choose to play the game. If you want a game that actually makes you feel like an important part of the worldbuilding, this is the one for you.

The combat system may take some getting used to, but the tactical top-down interface is really meant to make you think about every party member and your plan. Even with age, its stylistic medieval fantasy world still holds up and asks very little of your PC.

12 Minecraft

Steve stands on a rocky ledge overlooking a village

Minimum Requirements

Graphics

Intel HD 4000

Memory

4 GB RAM

Processor

Intel Core i3-3210 / AMD A8-7600

Minecraft is a no-brainer when it comes to games that are endlessly enjoyable and quite forgiving on older builds. Of course, this only refers to the vanilla game. Although there are packs that are built for optimization and lower-end rigs, you might expect a blazing inferno with little to no frames per second if you’re going to mod your game with all the shaders and textures you can think of.

Related: Minecraft: Best Performance And Optimization Mods

Thankfully, Minecraft is perfectly enjoyable even without all of that. The sandbox nature of the game makes it great whether you want something relaxing or exciting, especially if you’ve got some pals that want to jump in with you.

11 Citizen Sleeper

The top of the hub of Erlin's Eye, with operator showing stable vitals

Minimum Requirements

Graphics

DirectX 11 compatible (512MB)

Memory

4 GB RAM

Processor

Any x64 processor

If you prefer a more relaxed gaming session that you can enjoy with just a few clicks or a controller attached, you may want to get Citizen Sleeper. It's a very immersive TTRPG-style game that manages to create a beautiful world without too many graphically demanding assets.

This one is for players that love science fiction and engaging tales that stick with you long after the game ends. The RNG mechanics mixed with player choice make for an enjoyable ride all within a crisp UI that older PCs should handle with ease.

10 Undertale

Frisk stands in the middle of a bed of yellow flowers

Minimum Requirements

Graphics

128 MB

Memory

2 GB RAM

Processor

2 GHz

Undertale is a 2D RPG with pixel graphics that your PC should have no trouble running. Its gameplay is engaging, compelling, and worth multiple replays. Whether you go for a pacifist or violent route, there is plenty to do in this game, and you’ll likely clock in a good number of hours finishing the story. It’s absolutely worth it, too, because it manages to be both funny and heartrending at once.

This game is fun and gripping, managing to be one of the best RPGs out there without the flashy graphics that others rely on.

9 The Elder Scrolls 5: Skyrim (Special Edition)

the Dragonborn holds a shield up as he faces a dragon breathing fire at him

Minimum Requirements

Graphics

NVIDIA GTX 470 1GB / AMD HD 7870 2GB

Memory

8 GB RAM

Processor

Intel i5-750 / AMD Phenom II X4

What list would be complete without Skyrim? If you have a rig that’s older than five years, you may be better off getting the Special Edition. You’ll still have an awesome and full experience without the additions that come with the Anniversary Edition, which might stutter and have plenty of frame drops on lower-spec rigs.

Thankfully, the Special Edition already has updated graphics and all the major DLCs you’ll want to play without punishing your PC. There is also an active community that uploads mods to improve combat, change your visuals, and even boost performance.

8 Valorant

Player aims down sights as Viper shoots at the right

Minimum Requirements

Graphics

1 GB

Memory

4 GB RAM

Processor

Intel Core 2 Duo E8400 / Athlon 200GE

If you’re looking for a multiplayer title that combines FPS gameplay with unique skills, then Valorant is your most reliable bet. If Overwatch and Counter-Strike had a baby, you could expect to look like this.

Related: Best Multiplayer Shooters

With continuous updates, various agents to try out, and fun game modes, it’s an engaging team shooter that isn’t very demanding when it comes to PC specs. If you’re trying to get more frames, an essential part of reflex-based real-time games, you can even get away with graphics cards like the Geforce GT 730 paired with Low settings to consistently hit no less than 60 FPS.

7 Disco Elysium

Harry and Kim stand outside the bookstore at night

Minimum Requirements

Graphics

512 MB

Memory

2 GB RAM

Processor

Intel Core 2 Duo

Disco Elysium is one of the most interesting top-down RPGs you can play on the PC today. Its art and soundtrack are gorgeous, but the story and gameplay are equally engaging gems that make it worth multiple replays. There’s a reason it’s one of the most awarded titles in its genre.

Despite its beautiful visuals, you can run the game smoothly with lower graphical settings. It doesn’t take away from the experience, and you’ll likely have a great time getting both laughs and bouts of existential pause.

6 BioShock

a crashed airplane sinks into the ocean as a lighthouse glows under the moonlight

Minimum Requirements

Graphics

128 MB

Memory

1 GB RAM

Processor

Intel Single-Core Pentium 4 Processor (2.4GHz)

Upon its release, BioShock changed gaming with its gameplay, map design, and narrative. It was a pretty groundbreaking title for its time, and it still remains one of the most enjoyable gaming experiences you can play today.

Although a Remastered edition exists, recent updates have made that version buggy for many players. Thankfully, you can still get the original game and experience the world of BioShock. It has aged pretty well, and it gets away with its graphical limitations because of the sound, art design, and gameplay elements.

5 RimWorld

Colonists tend to their daily duties on a generated map

Minimum Requirements

Graphics

Intel HD Graphics 4000

Memory

4 GB RAM

Processor

Intel Core 2 Duo

Rimworld is one of the most celebrated sandbox games out there, so it’s definitely something you want in your game library. On a distant planet, you must build your colony by handling every aspect of world-building you could think of.

There is so much to do in the base game alone, but you can even create a more vast and intricate world by getting the official expansions or checking mods created by the community. Despite the seemingly large scope of this survival experience, it requires very little of your hardware.

4 Peglin

enemy health takes a hit in a level

Minimum Requirements

Graphics

128 MB

Memory

2 GB RAM

Processor

2 GHz

Peglin manages to work well as a casual game and a challenging enough roguelike in one bundle, and its gameplay and graphics will barely even make a dent on an older rig’s hardware.

If you enjoy deckbuilding, Peggle, and Pachinko, then this is the game for you. You can easily sink a couple of hours into this game without realizing it, and that’s all due to its simple style that escapes being boring by a hair.

3 Stardew Valley

farmer tends to their pumpkin patch on their farm next to the chicken coop

Minimum Requirements

Graphics

256 MB

Memory

2 GB RAM

Processor

2 GHz

If relaxation is what you’re looking for, then enter the world of Stardew Valley. The farming simulator also mixes in some RPG and life sim elements to provide countless hours of entertainment and heartwarming content that keep you interested without being stressed.

Related: Best Farming Games To Play For Hours, Ranked

The world of Stardew Valley looks beautiful in every season, and it just feels wholesome the minute you boot the game up. Its distinctive art and soundtrack are, thankfully, very forgiving for farmers that have older PCs.

2 Tunic

A wide view of the West Garden in Tunic

Minimum Requirements

Graphics

GTX 660 / RX 460 (2 GB)

Memory

8 GB RAM

Processor

Intel i5 Quad-Core (2.7 GHz)

Tunic is a gem among the greatest isometric RPGs. It feels magical, looks beautiful, and most importantly, is absolutely fun to play. Its Zelda-like experience is a nostalgic wonder, but even players unfamiliar with it will have a great time solving challenges and exploring this universe as a little fox.

There’s a whole world of adventure waiting for you here, and it doesn’t take the latest or most hardcore specs just to arm yourself for it.

1 Slay The Spire

game over screen as player is defeated by a jaw worm

Minimum Requirements

Graphics

1 GB

Memory

2 GB RAM

Processor

2 GHz

Slay the Spire is a deckbuilding roguelike that never feels boring. You have different characters to choose from (once you unlock them) as you do your best to, well, slay the spire. The turn-based journey truly makes you feel like a hero trying to overcome that grand mountain, especially because failure is not an option.

Every time you start over, the Spire changes. You can also change things up with various relics and secrets, so no playthrough feels too repetitive. It’s a hefty goal to defeat this game, but it won’t take a beastly PC to slay it.

Next: Best Parser-Based Games From The 80s