The best laptop аnd low-end PCs games

If a PC or laptop doesn't meet the requirements to run new games, don't be discouraged. There are many great titles that were created long ago but remain popular thanks to their visual style, engaging gameplay, captivating stories.

Moreover, some of the 20 projects listed below surpass most modern releases in many ways.

Castle Crashers

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Let's start with a very entertaining arcade game. It somewhat resembles Magicka, and we recommend playing it cooperatively with friends for the best experience. The main distinguishing feature is that Castle Crashers excels in its simplicity and the crazy action happening on screen. It's perfect for spending a few fun evenings.

Specifically, each player becomes a knight, the goal is to rescue kidnapped princesses. At the start, the user can choose one of several characters, each with unique attributes, mainly focused on their magic. The character then develops by upgrading their stats. Depending on how you allocate points, you can become a warrior, archer, mage, or a mix of these.

Another notable feature is the variety of locations, enemies, bosses, weapons. Additionally, players can change pets, which provide special positive effects. Some of these pets need to be found in the levels, so keep an eye out!

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The Wolf Among Us

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This title is like a TV series where players must make decisions that influence the storyline. You take on the role of the Wolf, a composite character from various fairy tales. Other characters are also fairy tale figures in human form. Mysterious events occur in this unusual world, and as a detective, the player must investigate them. It’s an interesting, captivating task.

If you primarily play for the story, this is the game for you. It may not impress anyone with its gameplay mechanics, but it excels at evoking emotions and a desire to unravel the complex plot. A sequel to The Wolf Among Us, a fan favorite, is expected in 2024, so now is the perfect time to step into the Wolf’s shoes, start investigation.

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Slay the Spire

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The best card roguelike. The developers created a unique project that perfectly combines elements of the roguelike genre + collectible card games. There are four classes to choose from, each with its own unique cards, significantly changing the combat style. Additionally, each class can find especially powerful colorless cards useful in almost any deck.

The game starts with a basic deck and one artifact. As you progress, the deck transforms into something completely unique. A run ends in either victory or defeat, the player starts again, building a new combination each time. So it goes, over and over.

Dozens of hours can pass, yet the events, enemies, cards, artifacts continue to mix differently. However, now the player consciously forms specific builds. That’s only for one class...

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Heroes of Might and Magic III HD Edition

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A classic turn-based strategy game that has achieved cult status. The title transports users to a fantasy world full of diverse heroes, creatures, unique artifacts, captivating storylines.

One of the main strengths is the deep tactical component. Every battle requires careful planning, strategic thinking. The variety of factions and units allows players to choose different playstyles and experiment with various tactics.

Excellent music, graphics create an atmosphere that immerses players in a magical world of adventures. The title remains relevant today thanks to rich gameplay + multiplayer mode.

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Hades

Image: Ensiplay

Hades is unique because it is a story-driven roguelike. Such games are rare, as it is much easier to fill a roguelike with narrative through disconnected notes, environmental elements, and other things that don’t create a cohesive story. Here, there is a full narrative conveyed through excellent dialogues with numerous characters. Their reactions to the player’s actions are particularly delightful, such as the weapons they use or the enemies they die to.

The player is the son of Hades, trying to escape from Tartarus. To do this, the player must overcome numerous deadly enemies, traps, but help comes from relatives on Olympus. Choose weapons, blessings from the gods to your liking and set off on another attempt to reach the surface.

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BioShock Infinite

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This project immerses us in the amazing world of Columbia, floating in the skies. A city full of mysteries, dangers awaits the hero. One of the main strengths of the game is its captivating story. The tale of detective Booker DeWitt + the girl Elizabeth grabs your attention from the first minutes and doesn't let go until the very end.

The visual style, graphics are stunning in their level of detail, beauty, especially for the year of release. The gameplay combines dynamic shootouts with the use of unique abilities, making each battle interesting, diverse. Excellent voice acting and music add a special atmosphere.

BioShock Infinite addresses important themes such as politics, religion, personal freedom, offering not only entertainment but also deep philosophical reflections.

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To the Moon

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To the Moon is for those seeking depth, emotion. The project captivates with a plot + depth. The characters are realistic and easily evoke empathy, while unexpected plot twists hold your attention until the very end. The musical score is another key element. The soundtrack perfectly complements the atmosphere, enhances the emotional impact.

The gameplay focuses on exploration, interaction with the surrounding world. Many might be put off by the graphical aspect, but it’s something you can quickly get used to. By the middle, it even creates a cozy atmosphere.

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Cuphead

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Cuphead is inspired by 1930s cartoons. It amazes with hand-drawn animation and a lively jazz soundtrack. These elements create a unique atmosphere that you won't find in other titles.

The main strengths of Cuphead, after style, are difficulty, engaging gameplay. The game challenges even the most experienced players with numerous exciting bosses + levels. Each boss fight is unique, requiring strategy, precise actions, teaching players patience and the pursuit of perfection.

Cuphead features a deep cooperative mode, allowing two players to play on the same screen. This makes the title ideal for playing with a friend, adding fun + interaction.

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Battlefield: Bad Company 2

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Battlefield: Bad Company 2 is a first-person shooter loved by players for thrilling gameplay, amazing destructibility.

One of the main features of the title is dynamic multiplayer. Players can fight on expansive maps using vehicles, weapons, adding variety, tactical depth to the battles. The ability to destroy the environment allows gamers to change the landscape and buildings, making each battle unique + unpredictable.

The single-player campaign offers an engaging story with interesting characters, unexpected twists. The graphics + sound design are top-notch, creating a fully immersive atmosphere and adding realism to combat scenes.

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Need for Speed: Most Wanted

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Need for Speed: Most Wanted is one of the most thrilling games in the racing genre. The title attracts attention with dynamic gameplay and the captivating atmosphere of street racing. One of the undeniable strengths is the variety of cars and the ability to customize them.

Many players fondly remember the police chases, full of comedic situations. The excitement, adrenaline don't fade away, as some boss races are extremely challenging (do you also remember Vic + Kamikaze?). The soundtrack deserves special mention, perfectly complementing the dynamics, raising the adrenaline level.

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Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2

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Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 is one of the most impressive first-person shooters. It won the hearts of players with captivating storyline, high-quality graphics, excellent shooting mechanics. The campaign offers a rich, dynamic story full of unexpected twists + tense moments. Players can immerse themselves in the world of special operations, global conflicts, feeling like part of an elite unit.

One of the main strengths of MW2 is multiplayer mode. It offers a huge variety of maps, weapons, and other game modes, making each match unique. Well-thought-out leveling, customization systems allow users to tailor classes to their individual style, adding depth and a strategic element.

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Tyranny

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One of the best CRPGs that went unnoticed. It’s strange to see that Pillars of Eternity from the same developers gained much more popularity, even though it falls short of Tyranny in many aspects.

In this game, you take on the role of a Fatebinder. Yes, that’s literally a profession. Someone is causing trouble in a military camp? Approach them, learn the circumstances (or don’t), and make any decision you see fit. The user has the option to act justly, follow the letter of the law, or terrorize everyone with absolute power. Of course, others might disagree with you, and the character can then use their combat skills.

Let’s talk about the most important aspects for a game like this: the plot is worthy, the variability is mind-blowing, the companions are acceptable. Obsidian, as always, has excelled in developing the factions, the main character’s relationships with them. The main distinguishing feature from Pillars of Eternity is that there is less text, it’s of higher quality, and there are fewer moments when you want to skip it.

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Dragon Age: Origins

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Dragon Age: Origins reflects the transitional period between genres like no other title. Half of the game screams CRPG, while the other half strives to be a more modern action RPG. Surprisingly, it takes the best from both, making the project almost timeless. If the graphics were updated to today’s standards, DAO would be more engaging than the vast majority of modern games in the same genre.

The well-developed universe, memorable characters, interesting plot, moderately challenging combat system in the form of tactical action create a magnificent cocktail that BioWare concocted during its prime.

Special mention goes to the Awakening expansion. We highly recommend playing it after the main campaign. It is a direct continuation of the main storyline, executed at the highest level.

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Mass Effect 2

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The space adventures of the crew on the Normandy were good in the first game but became truly grand in the sequel. BioWare improved all elements. The combat system became more user-friendly, similar to other shooters. There are now more characters, and their quality is higher than before. The plot is intriguing, your decisions genuinely affect the fates of companions and more.

This is a cult classic because it perfected BioWare's game formula. Everything revolves around completing companion missions. The player spends a lot of time with them, getting to know them from different angles, making decisions, forming romances, simultaneously saving the galaxy.

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Portal 2

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Do you love puzzles? If so, Portal 2 will become your favorite title. As usual, Valve came up with a cool gun and built an entire project around it. It's an excellent approach from a game design perspective, but surprisingly, the narrative aspect is also top-notch. This is what players remember the game for: not only does it have challenging puzzles, but also a gripping story that can evoke both laughter and anxiety.

Regarding the first part: it also features great spatial puzzles, but the sequel perfects everything. You can get to know its predecessor either before or after playing the second part.

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Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas

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In this game, players enter a vast open world for its time, consisting of three cities and numerous rural areas. The main character, Carl Johnson, returns to Los Santos, where he helps his brother regain control of the streets.

Let's highlight the main strengths of the game. Epic missions will keep you entertained — from races where the character can easily flip over, especially in the forest areas, to territory takeovers where you win shootouts with rival gangs to show who's boss. There’s also a wide variety of cars that can be customized in special garages.

Naturally, all of this possesses a unique flair. The spirit of the ghetto is unmistakable. And, of course, we can't forget the legendary Pilot School, which is harder than all the bosses in Dark Souls.

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Fallout: New Vegas

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Fans declared New Vegas the best game in the Fallout series for a reason. Unlike Todd Howard’s creations, Obsidian truly captured the atmosphere of the first two parts. This is the key difference between this project and the third part. That's why two titles built on the same engine from almost the same assets feel completely different.

New Vegas is primarily an RPG. It gives players the opportunity to resolve conflicts in various ways using their skills. The dialogues + plot are well-developed, making the quests not feel boring. The third and fourth parts lack this because they focus on different elements, thus being loosely connected to the franchise's roots.

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Disco Elysium

Image: Ensiplay

The main genre of this title is detective. Players will investigate not only a murder case but everything around them, including themselves. For this reason, we can't divulge more without spoiling the experience.

The main strengths are the excellent storyline, fantastically well-written dialogues, and unique visual style.

The game has an element of randomness, but don't get discouraged by failures. Continue your journey as it unfolds to create a unique story. Often, what seems like a bad outcome can lead to unexpected consequences. This approach makes Disco Elysium interesting to replay.

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Minecraft

Image: Ensiplay

It seems that this cubic sandbox will always be popular among players. It simply cannot lose relevance due to intentionally symbolic graphics, incredible gameplay possibilities. Players can survive, build houses or entire settlements, mine resources, or even change the landscape of an entire region. There is even a simple storyline that requires mastering most mechanics, venturing into other worlds, defeating powerful foes.

The world of Minecraft is incredibly engaging, but there's a way to make it even more exciting: multiplayer. It's always more fun with friends! If you need more variety or are tired of the graphics, there are plenty of shaders + mods available to help.

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The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim

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TES V impresses with its vast open world, full of amazing locations — from snow-capped peaks to ancient ruins. Every journey through this world promises new discoveries, adventures.

One of Skyrim's main strengths is the ability to fully immerse yourself in the life of the character. Players can choose from numerous races, classes, customizing their hero's skills, abilities to match their playstyle. The user can pick up items, put a pot on a merchant's head, or just sit at the bar, catch up on the latest news from the innkeeper.

The combat system is diverse, flexible, allowing you to combine magic, weapons, and stealth based on preferences. The soundtrack is also worth noting, adding to the atmosphere and making every battle epic.

Equally important is the support for modifications. The modding community has created a vast number of additions, improvements, and new storylines, allowing players to enjoy Skyrim for years. You can truly live in this world.

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There are many great games that don't require high-performance hardware. In fact, there are so many that choosing from such a large number can be difficult. That’s why we’ve highlighted the most notable projects, in our opinion, that you can play even on a weak PC or laptop.

Main image by DALL-E