Highlights

• Older PCs can still handle great games with low-spec requirements, allowing you to enjoy iconic entries in the gaming world.
• Focus on games that not only run smoothly on your PC but are also worth the purchase to make the most of limited space.
• Fallout: New Vegas, Persona 3 Portable, Dragon Age: Origins, Age of Empires 2 HD, Minecraft, Citizen Sleeper, Blasphemous, and Undertale are some of the best old PC games that won't strain your hardware.

If you're working with an older PC that's still soldiering on, don't fret. Even when your components have seen better days, there are still plenty of great games that your system can handle. Many titles across various genres come with low-spec requirements, meaning an older rig shouldn't necessarily hinder you from enjoying iconic entries in the gaming world.

If you're unsure where to begin or have limited space, it's best to focus on games that not only run smoothly on your PC but are also worth the purchase. Here are some of the best titles, both old and new, that won't strain your hardware.

Updated on January 16, 2024, by Mohamed El Ouardighi: Video games continue to expand and appear more demanding on hardware components, but it's always a relief to discover that plenty of titles out there have relatively low system requirements. Here are some of the best old PC games to start your 2024 with!

17 Fallout: New Vegas

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.

16 Persona 3 Portable

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?

15 Dragon Age: Origins

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.

14 Age of Empires 2 HD

One of the classic real-time strategy games of all time is the Age of Empires series, which has been around since the late '90s, and any PC can run it for an enjoyable gaming experience. The HD version of Age of Empires 2 brings improved graphics and introduces new features, such as additional maps for you to savor.

Much like the original game, it follows the same gameplay formula where you choose a civilization, build your empire by gathering resources, construct new buildings, create an army for defense, and engage in battles against enemies. Whether you prefer playing against AI or challenging your friends, the game caters to both. It's the nostalgic feeling and the captivating soundtrack that can easily make you spend hours in just one match!

13 Minecraft

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.

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.

12 Citizen Sleeper

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.

11 Blasphemous

Fortunately, most 2D metroidvania games run smoothly on various setups. If you appreciate pixel art, the soulslike genre, and a metroidvania that operates seamlessly on your old PC, then Blasphemous is the perfect choice. If this is your first metroidvania soulslike game, brace yourself for a challenge. These types of games aren't the easiest, and you can't adjust the difficulty – improvement comes with practice.

Blasphemous, while sharing similarities with other games in its genre, introduces a unique art style, enemy designs, and boss fights, setting itself apart and providing a distinctive gaming experience.

10 Undertale

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)

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

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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

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

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.