The Best Games You Can Play On Older PCs

Summary

• 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 May 11, 2025, by Mohamed El Ouardighi: Video games are always evolving and can be demanding on hardware, but it’s reassuring that many titles in 2025 still come with relatively low system requirements you can enjoy without needing the latest setup!

19

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.

18

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?

17

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.

16

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!

15

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.

14

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.

13

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.

12

Dead Cells

Dead Cells is a standout gem in its genre, offering fast-paced action with a strategic edge and a rogue-lite adventure. With its multitude of levels to explore, challenging combat scenarios, and platforming puzzles, each run feels fresh and presents its own unique challenges — that’s one of the game’s greatest strengths.

If you’re seeking a relaxing gaming experience, Dead Cells is not be the right choice for you so don’t be fooled by its beautiful pixel art design; this game demands skill and will test you, sometimes even punishing mistakes. However, the sense of accomplishment it provides is unparalleled, and exploration is incredibly rewarding.

11

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.

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.