Playing games on a PC is amazing; however, what if you don’t have a high-end graphics card? Frankly speaking, building an expensive gaming PC can lead to a hole in a pocket. Especially these days when the prices of graphics cards are approaching the sky.
Now, what to do? Well, not to worry because there are games that will run smoothly even without requiring a graphics card on a PC. There are lots of wonderful PC games that can run very well on even weak PCs and without any fancy graphic cards at all. This list is your best guide when looking for the best PC games without graphics cards in 2024.
So, let’s get started.
Top PC Games Without Graphics Cards in 2024
Playing games on PC within a limited budget does not mean you can’t enjoy them. It doesn’t matter if you are a casual player or a pro, these games will serve you with the least interruptions on your low-end old computer. So, let’s explore the world of PC gaming without needing a high-end GPU.
1. Among Us
The social deduction game, Among Us, became a sensation. It is perfect for playing on low-end PCs due to its low graphics and minimum system requirements. Gather your friends and play as either crewmates or impostors in an attempt to identify the bad guy.
This game is fun and very addictive. The simple 2D graphics make Among Us perfect for low-end PCs. Amongst other things, it’s about social deduction and deceitfulness; making it a good game for playing with friends so that all can have fun and get crazy.
Minimum System Requirements –
CPU – Intel i3 4330 or equivalent
RAM – 2 GB
Free Disk Space – Minimum 2 GB
Download Among Us
2. Valorant
Valorant is a popular FPS game, released in June 2020 following a massive success. This game relies on the CPU rather than on graphics cards, making it one of the best PC games for low-end PCs without graphics cards. This allows players to have significant flexibility in adjusting graphics settings to achieve their preferred balance between visuals and frame rate.
It can be played with any integrated GPU coming with nowadays modern processors. It is designed to work with even low-end hardware, even though it looks too good to be played on low-end PCs.
Minimum System Requirements –
CPU – Intel Core 2 Duo E8400 or AMD 200GE or above
RAM – 4GB
Free Disk Space – Minimum 5 GB
Download Valorant
Read Also: How to Uninstall Valorant on Windows 11/10?
3. Minecraft
Minecraft is the greatest sandbox game ever made where you can create anything imaginable. Its blocky art style has become iconic over time because of its low resource requirements which makes it great for running on low-end computers.
In Minecraft, players can do whatever they want: from exploring caves to building castles – the possibilities are endless. This simple-looking yet charmingly designed visual will provide you with an excellent choice for those who want the best PC game without a graphics card.
Minimum System Requirements –
CPU – Intel Core i3 3210 or AMD A8 7600 APU or equivalent
RAM – 4 GB
Free Disk Space – Minimum 2 GB
Download Minecraft
Read Also: Discover The 12 Best Minecraft Seeds for 1.20
4. FTL: Faster Than Light
FTL: Faster Than Light is a spaceship simulation roguelike that changes every time you play it. Explore galaxies by managing your team, upgrading your ship, and making tough decisions along the way. With minimalist graphics, this is an ideal option for lower-end PC users.
It includes hand-drawn visuals that allow smooth performance on most PCs. It can function remarkably well with most of the PCs/laptops having integrated graphics cards.
Minimum System Requirements –
CPU – A processor with a speed of 2.0 GHz and above
RAM – 1GB
Free Disk Space – 500 MB
Download FTL: Faster Than Light
5. Team Fortress 2
TF2 aka Team Fortress 2 is a first-person shooter that relies on teamwork and features quirky characters and fast-paced gameplay. This cartoonish design makes it playable on most computers.
Select from different classes, each having individual pros and cons, to fight for the objectives of the game mode. Even though it’s old, it’s still popular and can perform well on low-end PCs without graphics cards.
Minimum System Requirements –
CPU – A processor with a speed of 1.75 GHz and above
RAM – 512 MB
Free Disk Space – 15GB
Download Team Fortress 2
Read Also: 15 Best Shooting Games for Android That You Cannot Miss.
6. Terraria
If you like games such as Minecraft, then you can try “Terraria”. It’s a 2D platformer where you can explore, build, and fight monsters in a randomly generated world. Players are encouraged to create vast landscapes; forge weapons and armor; construct large buildings using various materials while also fighting off numerous types of enemies.
Its simple visuals are the reason that makes it playable on laptops without powerful graphic cards.
Minimum System Requirements –
CPU – A processor with a speed of 2.0 GHz and above
RAM – 2.5 GB
Free Disk Space – 200 MB
Download Terraria
7. Limbo
Limbo is a gloomy atmospheric game about a boy who has lost his sister. Having minimalistic graphics and straightforward control schemes makes it ideal for low-end PCs as well. It’s just a short but very memorable experience that deserves playing through.
Although there are no high-end graphics card requirements for the 2D side-scrolling genre; the detailed environments and lighting effects may prove too much for some integrated graphics cards. It is a short yet fascinating game that is worth trying.
Minimum System Requirements –
CPU – A processor with a speed of 2.0 GHz and above
RAM – 512 MB
Free Disk Space – 150
Download Limbo
8. Stardew Valley
Stardew Valley is a charming farming simulator that offers more than just seed planting. One can raise different animals, extract minerals, or even create relationships with the inhabitants of the town. With pixel art style, it runs smoothly on low-end PCs making it one of the best PC games without graphics cards.
The simplicity of this game’s pixels is its strength since it offers nostalgia and can be played very well on basic machines. It is an amazing game for anyone who wants to relax and feel good after playing.
Minimum System Requirements –
CPU – A processor with a speed of 2.0 GHz and above
RAM – 2GB
Free Disk Space – 500 MB
Download Stardew Valley
9. Hearthstone
Hearthstone is a popular digital card game that technically can run on many low-end PCs. Build your deck and engage other players in this strategic and addictive gameplay. However, the players should understand that new content and card sets are regularly added to the game which over time might increase system requirements.
That said if you have a PC with low-end hardware, Hearthstone may struggle to run the latest iterations satisfactorily.
Minimum System Requirements –
CPU – Intel Pentium D or AMD Athlon 64 X2 or above
RAM – 3 GB
Free Disk Space – 4GB
Download Hearthstone
10. Portal 2
Portal 2 is a first-person puzzle platform game that expands on the innovative gameplay of its predecessor. It casts you into the role of Chell who carries with her a portal gun that can connect different points.
Solve puzzles that will boggle your mind by using portals, ignoring gravity, and thinking outside the box. The graphics are sleek but not extravagant so it is playable on most low-end personal computers.
Minimum System Requirements –
CPU – Any x86 CPU with a minimum of 2 cores or above
RAM – 2GB
Free Disk Space – 5GB
Download Portal 2
11. Counter Strike 1.6
In Counter-Strike 1.6, engage in objective-oriented gameplay where you must employ your tactical shooting abilities as terrorists battle against counter-terrorists. This legendary team-based shooter which came out in 2003.
The beauty of this game lies in its simplicity: It has very basic visuals even when compared to other games from around that period, and therefore it does not demand computer processing resources. As a result, it can perform excellently even on an integrated graphics PC.
Minimum System Requirements –
CPU – A processor with a speed of 500 MHz and above
RAM – 1 GB
Free Disk Space – 15 GB
Download Counter Strike 1.6
Read Also: Best Android Games You Need To Play Right Now!
12. Max Payne 2
Max Payne 2 is one perfect example of a stylish action game that could run smoothly even on a low-end PC without a graphics card installed. Released in 2003, its developers targeted PCs from that period while developing it.
However, these visuals though they have a distinct comic book-style feel are not too graphically demanding as far as system requirements go. It is a good single-player game with a mesmerizing story and satisfying combat that can be replayed over and over.
Minimum System Requirements –
CPU – A processor with a speed of 1.2 GHz and above
RAM – 256 MB
Free Disk Space – 2GB
Download Max Payne 2
Read Also: Here Are The Best Free Games You Can Play on Windows 10 PC
13. Freedom Fighters
Freedom Fighters is an alternate history-based third-person shooter in which the USSR invaded New York. You are the leader of resistance and you have to fight for freedom, this is a classic game. Despite having an unfinished ending, this game’s second part was never developed.
But it’s still a 2003 game. It may appear to have low system requirements, but its optimization might not support modern integrated graphics.
Minimum System Requirements –
CPU – Intel Pentium 4 or AMD Athlon XP or above
RAM – 4 GB
Free Disk Space – 1GB
Download Freedom Fighters
14. Hotline Miami
Assemble, the fans of swift-fast action and retro vibe. Hotline Miami features pixelated visuals in an art style that looks great and is super light on resources. Don’t be fooled by the retro look – this neon-soaked world is filled with violence and bloodshed.
At its core, Hotline Miami has fast-paced gameplay and tactical combat. To make your way through enemy-filled areas requires quick reflexes and thinking ahead. It is among the best PC games one could play without having a graphics card.
Minimum System Requirements –
CPU – Intel Core 2 Duo or above
RAM – 1 GB
Free Disk Space – 1GB
Download Hotline Miami
15. Disco Elysium
Disco Elysium is an RPG with lots of dialogue. In this game, you are a detective who loses his memory, collects evidence in murder cases, and deals with the intricacies of a mesmerizing city.
The focus lies on human relationships, skill tests, and delving into a complex world from a detective’s viewpoint. It depends on the CPU more than graphics hardware, which makes it perfect for people without an expensive video card.
Minimum System Requirements –
CPU – Intel Core 2 Duo or above
RAM – 2 GB
Free Disk Space – 20 GB
Download Disco Elysium
Read Also: 10 Best Free PC Games Downloading Sites in 2024
Conclusion
There, you have it! All the games listed can be played on a PC without a graphics card. Playing games on a PC without a graphics card is possible, with lots of fun too.
So, whether you have an older low-end PC or are on a tight budget, these low-end PC games without graphics cards have your back. So, what are you waiting for? Just dive in and enjoy these games.