PC gaming is one of the best ways to play older games that are still up to today's standards. These games often have low specs because the underlying technology has far exceeded the requirements of the past. Even modern indie games use low specs because they aren't trying to profit from every single polygon in the background, just from an attractive art style.
So, what Steam games can you find that you can play on any PC? You don't need the most powerful PC to experience greatness, and the low system requirements allow you to gather some friends to try out the games together. These are the eight best Steam games with low system requirements.
8 Terrariums
Explore with friends on any PC
If you are looking for a game that has a similar crafting method to Minecraft but has more bosses and challenges to take on with your friends, then Terraria is the right choice. This game can be run on a potato, making it easy to play with anyone, regardless of your group setup.
The game has a ton 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 take out the nasty creatures that come out at night. There are even unique bosses depending on the type of infection your world has.
7 Half Life 2
The Peak of the PC
If you're looking for a little more action in your PC games, then Half-Life 2 can look fantastic regardless of your system's specs. The game offers excellent gunplay and a fast-paced story that moves you from set piece to set piece. The game also has a lot of variety, from boat sequences to zombies, the game even lets you control alien ants on the beach.
The great thing about old PC games is that you can install them on any modern PC and boost the graphics effortlessly. Ultimately, technology far surpasses what was considered bloat in the past.
6 Stardew Valley
Agriculture and romance
If you're not looking for action, then maybe you need something to help you relax. Stardew Valley is the original and cozy game that combines farming with romance. There are many characters you can meet and even fall in love with as you grow your crops and improve your land.
The gameplay loop is easy to follow and has enough content to keep you busy for months as you grow crops, sell your goods, and use the money to upgrade your equipment. Eventually, you’ll even be able to renovate the community center and mark your place in town.
5 Left 4 Dead 2
Co-op and mods galore
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 a bunch 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 a ton 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 special infected to stop you from reaching the shelter. With low specs, it's easy to put together a group.
4 Subtitle
Rich history for low specs
A game with a rich story that can run on any system is Undertale. This game has such low specs that it can run on any machine, which is great considering the game is a mainstay for the indie gaming community. This is a game that makes you feel good and want to go into it with a fresh mind, as every twist hits you even harder the first time you experience it.
Undertale also has a ton of multi-route dialogue that will get you to know the characters of the underground inside and out. Even when you're done, their charisma will draw you back for a second round.
3 Fallout New Vegas
The definitive Fallout experience
Considered the best Fallout game of all time, the specs needed to run Fallout New Vegas have long been left in the dust. However, this does make the game easier to run on any modern hardware. Fallout New Vegas has plenty of character customization, an easy-to-get-to level-up system, and satisfying combat to enjoy.
The setting of New Vegas is also unique among Fallout games with a post-apocalyptic Vegas that has been rebuilt from the ashes. The game also offers you multiple ways to tackle challenges with the ability to defeat the final boss using only your language skills.
The Weirdest Elder Scrolls Game
Considered one of the strangest games in the Elder Scrolls series, The Elder Scrolls III: Morrowind has plenty of unique creatures to battle and plenty of memorable moments. Including the fall of the mages and the defeat of the Lord of the Sixth House, Dagoth Ur.
Morrowind can feel a little clunky at times due to the game's dated controls, but it's worth playing if you think 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?
Balatro takes an old concept and turns it into something new. This rogue-like has you building unique decks by powering up cards to combine with different wild cards to multiply your score. It’s all about watching that number climb higher and higher.
The game has a lot of replayability and offers a challenge that will keep you glued to your computer screen. Fortunately, being an indie game, it does not have the beefiest specs, which means you can enjoy the game on any PC without having to worry about being cut off due to your hardware. It is one of the best rogue-like games that you should try.
