PC gaming is one of the best ways to play older games that still stand up to today’s standards. These games often have low specs because basic technology has far exceeded the requirements needed from them in the past. Modern indie games also use low specs since they aren’t trying to cash in on every single polygon in the background, just an appealing art style.

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So what Steam games can you find that you can play on any PC? You don’t need the highest-end PC to experience greatness, and low system requirements allow you to round up some friends to experience games together. These are the eight best Steam games with low system requirements.

8 Terraria

Explore With Friends On Any PC

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Terraria

Action Adventure Sandbox Released May 16, 2011 Developer(s) Re-Logic Publisher(s) 505 Games Platform(s) PC, Xbox 360, Xbox One, Xbox Series S, Xbox Series X, Vita, iOS, Android, macOS, Linux, 3DS, Stadia, PlayStation 3, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Nintendo Switch Powered by Expand Collapse

If you’re looking for a game that has a similar crafting method to Minecraft but has more bosses and challenges to go after with your friends, then Terraria will fit the bill. This game can run on a potato making it easy to play with anyone no matter what kind of setup your group has.

The game has plenty of creative weapons and utility items that can be crafted or found as you explore the different biomes in the overworld. You can use magic wands, grappling hooks, and the traditional melee weapon to get rid of the nasty creatures that come out at night. There are even exclusive bosses depending on what kind of infection your world has.

7 Half-Life 2

The Peak Of PC

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Half-Life 2

Shooter Released November 16, 2004 Developer(s) Valve Publisher(s) Valve Franchise Half-Life Platform(s) PC, Xbox 360, Xbox (Original), PS3, macOS, Linux, Android Powered by Expand Collapse

If you’re looking for a bit more action in your PC games, then Half-Life 2 can look fantastic no matter what your system specs are. The game offers excellent gunplay and a fast-paced story that keeps you moving along from one set piece to the next. The game also has plenty of variety from boat sequences, to zombies, the game even lets you control alien ants on the beach.

The neat thing about older PC games is that you can install them into any modern PC and crank the graphics up without breaking a sweat. Eventually, technology just far exceeds what used to be considered heavy in the past.

6 Stardew Valley

Farming And Romance

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Stardew Valley

RPG Simulation Released February 26, 2016 Developer(s) ConcernedApe Publisher(s) ConcernedApe Platform(s) PC, Xbox One, Android, iOS, PS4, Switch Powered by Expand Collapse

If you’re not looking for action, then perhaps what you need is something to help you relax. Stardew Valley is the original cozy game that mixes farming with romance. There are plenty of characters that you can get to know and even fall in love with as you grow your crops and upgrade your land.

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The gameplay loop is easy to get into and has enough content to keep you occupied for months as you grow crops, sell your wares, and use the money to upgrade your equipment. Eventually, you will even be able to renovate the community center and mark your place in town.

5 Left 4 Dead 2

Co-op And Mods Galore

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Left 4 Dead 2

Shooter Released November 17, 2009 Developer(s) Valve Publisher(s) Valve Platform(s) PC, Xbox 360, Linux, macOS Powered by Expand Collapse

While the first Left 4 Dead has even lower system requirements, the best recommendation is Left 4 Dead 2 due to the extra content. Left 4 Dead 2 has plenty of mods on the Steam Workshop page that you can easily download to access even more campaigns, weapons, and characters.

Left 4 Dead 2 also has plenty of multiplayer content that you and your friends can enjoy. Some have you working together to outrun tanks while others pit you against another team of four who will use the power of the special infected to stop you from reaching the safe house. With low specs, it’s easy to get a group together.

4 Undertale

Story Rich For Low Specs

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Undertale

RPG Released September 15, 2015 Developer(s) Toby Fox Publisher(s) Toby Fox, 8-4 Platform(s) PS4, PS Vita, Xbox One, Switch, PC Powered by Expand Collapse

A story-rich game that can run on any system is Undertale. This game is so low spec that it can run on any machine which is great considering the game is a pillar for the indie game community. This is a feel-good game you’re going to wish you could go in with a fresh mind since every twist and turn just hits harder the first time you experience it.

Undertale also has plenty of dialogue across multiple routes that will let you know the characters of the underground inside and out. Even when you’re done their charisma is going to lure you back in for a second round.

3 Fallout New Vegas

The Definitive Fallout Experience

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Fallout: New Vegas

RPG Released October 19, 2010 Developer(s) Obsidian Entertainment Publisher(s) Bethesda Platform(s) PS3, Xbox 360, PC Powered by Expand Collapse

Considered the best Fallout game of all time, the specs needed to run Fallout New Vegas have long been left behind in the dust. However, this just makes the game easier to run on any modern hardware. Fallout New Vegas has plenty of character customization, an easy level-up system to get used to, and a satisfying combat to fool around with.

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The setting for New Vegas also stands tall among the Fallout games with a post-apocalyptic Vegas that has been rebuilt from the ashes. The game also gives you plenty of ways to tackle challenges with the ability to defeat the final boss using only your speech skills.

2 The Elder Scrolls III: Morrowind

The Strangest Elder Scrolls Game

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The Elder Scrolls III: Morrowind

RPG Released May 1, 2002 Developer(s) Bethesda Game Studios Publisher(s) Bethesda Softworks Platform(s) PC, Xbox (Original) Powered by Expand Collapse

Considered one of the weirdest games in the Elder Scrolls Franchise, The Elder Scrolls III: Morrowind has plenty of unique creatures to do combat with and plenty of memorable moments. This includes falling wizards and the defeat of the Lord of the Sixth House, Dagoth Ur.

Morrowind may sometimes feel a little clunky due to the game’s aging controls, but it is well worth the play-through if you thought Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion played it too safe. Morrowind is also one of the easiest Elder Scrolls games to run on any PC with the bare minimum of specs. If you love fantasy and adventure, check it out.

1 Balatro

Are You Good At Card Games?

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Balatro

Strategy Digital Card Game Roguelike Released February 20, 2024 Developer(s) LocalThunk Publisher(s) Playstack Platform(s) PC, PS4, PS5, Switch, Xbox One, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S Powered by Expand Collapse

Balatro takes an old concept and turns it into something new. This rogue-like has you building unique decks by upgrading cards to combine them with different joker cards to multiply your score. It’s all about seeing that number go higher and higher.

The game has plenty of replayability and offers a challenge that will keep your eyes glued to the computer screen. Luckily, as an indie game, it doesn’t have the beefiest specs which means you can enjoy it from any PC build without having to worry about being cut off due to your hardware. It’s one of the best rogue-like games you should try your hand at.

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