5 Great PC Games With Low System Requirements

Portal 2, released in 2011 by Valve, is a puzzle platformer that enthralls players with its ingenious design and humorous storytelling. The game picks up where its predecessor left off, putting you back in the boots of Chell as she navigates the perilous halls of the Aperture Science Laboratories.

Pros:

• Engaging puzzles that challenge the mind without feeling impossible.
• Hilarious and well-written dialog, primarily delivered by the AI characters GLaDOS and Wheatley.
• Cooperative multiplayer mode adds another layer of fun and challenge.

Cons:

• Some might find the cooperative mode reliant on good communication skills with your partner.
• The game's graphics are somewhat dated compared to modern standards, though still very serviceable.

Stardew Valley, developed by ConcernedApe and released in 2016, is a farming simulation/RPG hybrid that takes heavy inspiration from the Harvest Moon series. The game starts you off with a small plot of land inherited from your grandfather, and it’s up to you to turn it into a thriving farm.

Pros:

• Endless gameplay possibilities with farming, fishing, mining, and socializing with villagers.
• Charming pixel art style that is both nostalgic and easy on the system's resources.
• A highly active modding community adds new content and features regularly.

Cons:

• The pace of the game might be too slow for players looking for action-packed experiences.
• Some in-game tasks can become repetitive after a while.

Hotline Miami, launched in 2012 by Dennaton Games, is a high-octane, top-down shooter set in the late '80s. With a neon-soaked aesthetic and a pounding soundtrack, this game is an adrenaline rush from start to finish. You play as an anonymous protagonist on a spree of violence, receiving mysterious phone calls instructing you to eliminate targets.

Pros:

• Fast-paced, intense gameplay that requires tactical thinking and quick reflexes.
• Unique, retro-inspired visuals contribute to the game's engaging atmosphere.
• A superb soundtrack that perfectly complements the chaotic action.

Cons:

• The game’s difficulty can be frustrating, particularly for newcomers.
• The story is somewhat abstract, which might not appeal to everyone.

Undertale is a 2015 indie RPG created by Toby Fox that defies the norms of the genre. You control a human child who has fallen into a world of monsters, and your actions determine the course of the story. What's unique is the game’s combat system, allowing you to resolve conflicts non-violently.

Pros:

• An innovative approach to the RPG genre, allowing for pacifist, neutral, and violent playthroughs.
• A deeply engaging story with memorable characters and multiple endings based on your actions.
• A fantastic soundtrack composed by the developer himself that enhances the emotional impact of the game.

Cons:

• The simplistic graphics may not appeal to everyone, particularly those used to more visually sophisticated games.
• The game’s quirky humor might not resonate with all players.

Among Us, from InnerSloth, burst onto the scene in 2018 and became a viral sensation in 2020. This multiplayer game puts players on a spaceship, where they must complete tasks while trying to root out the impostors among the crew. The impostors’ objective, meanwhile, is to eliminate crewmembers without getting caught.

Pros:

• Simple yet addictive gameplay that can lead to hours of fun with friends.
• Works seamlessly on low-end PCs and can also be played on mobile devices.
• Regular updates and a thriving community keep the game fresh and engaging.

Cons:

• The experience heavily depends on having a good group of friends or finding a decent online lobby.
• Some players may find the game repetitive after a while, especially if playing solo.