Don't have a Monster PC? Here's a list of Games that Run on a Potato PC (and laptop)
The history of games is a long one, and boy how it's changed. From the early days of Pong to playing Crysis on a Steamdeck, it sometimes feels like you're always chasing that next upgrade - which almost feels like a dirty word in 2026 thanks to increasing RAM and SSD pricing.
Well, the good news is, there's plenty of games that you could play on a potato - and if you're bored of waiting to hear that Skyrim has finally been released on potatoes - here's a small selection we think you'd enjoy.
(Just fyi, the requirements are pulled from Steam or from game dev/publisher!)
Stardew Valley
Requirements - OS: Windows Vista or higher | CPU: 2Ghz | RAM: 2GB | Graphics: 256mb video memory
It's a cult-classic for a reason and pretty much the king of low-end gaming, with almost zero reason to worry about your machines specs. Offering plenty to sink hours into, it has an overwhelming amount of positive reviews to back it up.
A super cosy farming-life sim, which is often compared to games like Animal Crossing & Terreria - you take over your grandfather's old farm and aim to rebuild, restore, and revamp the local town.
Terraria
Requirements - OS: Windows XP, Vista or higher | CPU: 2Ghz | RAM: 2.5GB | Graphics: 128mb video memory
Speaking of Terraria, here it is. Still trucking after many years, and one of Steam's most played games - just missing the top 50 as I write this... not bad for a 2011 release. It's somewhat like a 2D pixel-art Minecraft but with more chaotic RPG-ness offering a blend of exploring, building, combat, and offering varied biomes and unique fights.
A sentient world created by gods, you arrive as a champion - tasked to fight back against what's looming & ready to destroy the world.
Portal and Portal 2
Portal Requirements - OS: Windows 7, XP, Vista or higher | CPU: 1.7Ghz | RAM: 512GB | Graphics: DirectX 8.1 level graphics card
Portal 2 Requirements - OS: Windows 7, XP, Vista or higher | CPU: 3Ghz | RAM: 2GB | Graphics: 128mb video memory
These are two iconic games from Valve, full of humour, semi-frustrating puzzles, and beautiful storytelling. Built on the Source Engine, they'll still run smooth on older hardware, although Portal 2 has some improved aspects - so you may have to dial down the shadows or resolution.
You play as Chell, a test subject, at Aperture Science Enrichment Center - and you're guided by GLaDOS in #2 and helped by Wheatley in #2. No spoilers here, but things aren't what they seem, and everything will - of course - go a bit... wrong.
Balatro
Requirements - OS: 64-bit, Windows 7-11 | CPU: Intel Core i3 | RAM: 1GB | Graphics: OpenGL 2.1 compatible
Addictive & hypnotic deckbuilding - inspired by poker, but way more crazed - create rules, break rules, manipulate them to suit your own needs to get high scores. There's a reason why this game sucks people in and makes them lose hours of their evenings. Plus, it's even on mobile, so if you really need to play it on the move - you probably need to seek help.
Half-Life 2
Requirements - OS: Windows 10 x32bit | CPU: Intel Core i3-4330 | RAM: 1GB | Graphics: Intel HD Graphics 4600
Yet another timeless Valve game, able to run on modest hardware - you play as Gordon Freeman - exploring the dystopian city of Ravenholm 20 years after the Black Mesa incident, led by Alyx Vance & Dr Eli Vance, brought to fight back with his trusty crowbar in hand (don't worry there's other weapons)!
The strong, silent type, Freeman is a icon for PC gaming - dodging headcrabs, sailing airboats, and looking good whilst doing it!
Among Us
Requirements - OS: Windows Vista or higher | CPU: 2Ghz | RAM: 2GB | Graphics: 256mb video memory
The game that spawned a thousand memes, this boomed into popularity for it's simple artstyle and immense replayability. You play in a spaceship as crewmates completing tasks, but at least one of you is an imposter - set to kill people off without being discovered & thrown out of the airlock.
You can either use those big gamer brains to calculate and deduce who is the baddy - or you can descend into screaming and shouting, serving serious Mario Kart vibes.
Roblox
Requirements - OS: 64-bit Windows 10/11 or High Sierra | CPU: 1.6Ghz | RAM: 1GB | Graphics: DirectX 10 level graphics card
A massive online digital playground where you can create or enjoy other folks creations. Role-playing, racing, puzzles, you name it - it's probably been made - and if not, well, why not try doing it yourself?! And the best bit, it's free to play - yeah, of course there's some content you can purchase, but if you want to have a dabble and try it for yourself - the only cost is your electricity bill.
Team Fortress 2
Requirements - OS: Windows 7, XP, Vista | CPU: 1.7Ghz | RAM: 512GB | Graphics: DirectX 8.1 level graphics card
TF2, thanks again, Valve, is yet another banger of a gamer that's still got a cult player base. The ol' RED VS BLU cartoon style online team-based shooter, fighting over territory in a fun-filled war with a hat-based economy - don't ask.
If you've played other online us vs them, you'll be able to pick this up pretty well, with 9 classes to pick from & learn.
The Witcher 3
Requirements - OS: 64-bit Windows 7 | CPU: Intel Core i5-2500K/AMD A10-5800K | RAM: 6GB | Graphics: GTX 660/Radeon HD 7870
You'll absolutely need to do some tweaks if you've got really low-end hardware, but, The Witcher 3 is still enjoyable if you're willing to step down your settings. Playing as Geralt of Rivia, you must find your adopted daughter who is being hunted by the Wild Hunt - using magic & swords, and your dashing good looks, to explore the world, fight monsters, and all that good stuff.
If you need it, here's a guide: https://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=3294091054
Bioshock Infinite
Requirements - OS: Windows Vista Service Pack 2 32-bit | CPU: Intel Core 2 DUO 2.4 GHz / AMD Athlon X2 2.7 GHz | RAM: 2GB | Graphics: GT 8800/Radeon HD 3870/Intel HD 3000
If you're after a visually stunning game, most people would agree that Bioshock Infinite scratches that itch plenty. A beautiful world and rich story, you can take your time to explore and enjoy every inch possible. OK, it's not a huge open-world sandbox kinda game, and it's not got a huge amount of replayability - although, giving it a couple of plays does allow you to enjoy some foreshadowing & understanding the voxophones a little more.
The list could go on, and on, but the above is a short list of some popular games from the last couple of decades that are still worth a play today. In our quest to bring you this, we also found this handy list: https://pastebin.com/MTCXZxCN
Shout to https://www.reddit.com/r/lowendgaming/, which is also full of handy suggestions and tips for optimising lower end PCs and laptops.
