Best Game Pass Games for a Low-End PC

Thanks to Game Pass’s cloud streaming service, gamers can play virtually any AAA title regardless of a device’s specifications. However, the service has also curated an extensive selection of classic, indie, and even current-gen games suitable for low-end PCs. In this list, we’ve handpicked ten low-spec Game Pass games that require no expensive CPU, GPU, or RAM and can be played on most non-gaming laptops.

What Constitutes a Low-End PC?

To define a low-spec PC, it’s essential to consider the evolving performance standards of modern gaming. Generally, most mid-tier gaming PCs manufactured from 2017 to early 2020 may now be deemed low-end in comparison to the demands of new-gen graphics. Systems older than this timeframe are even less likely to smoothly run most current-gen titles due to the significant increase in performance expectations. This trend is especially noticeable with the upcoming release of advanced graphics cards like the Radeon RX 7800 XT and GeForce RTX 4060, which push the standards even higher for mid-range performance.

For the purposes of this list, a low-spec PC is characterized by the following criteria:

• CPU: AMD Ryzen 3 2200U with Radeon Vega Mobile Gtx
• Graphics Card: AMD Radeon Vega 3 Graphics or NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1050
• RAM: 8 GB
• Operating System: Windows 10

Play Soccer Without Actually Playing Soccer

• CPU: Intel Core 2 or AMD Athlon 64 X2
• Graphics Card: Intel GMA X4500 or NVIDIA GeForce 9600M GT
• RAM: 4 GB
• Operating System: 64-bit Windows 10 or 11

While a low-spec PC may not meet the requirements for installing EA Sports FC 24 or PES 2024, Game Pass has a solution for gamers. Dive into the immersive sports experience of Football Manager 2024, satisfying the craving to immerse in the virtual atmosphere of a soccer stadium. Unlike traditional soccer simulators, FM24 puts players in the role of a club manager. They have control over decisions regarding player actions, timing, and optimal formations for the match. Core gameplay mechanics, such as substitutions, allow fans to approach soccer strategy like a chess grandmaster.

6 Planet of Lana

Be a Ghibli Character

• CPU: Intel Core i5
• Graphics Card: GeForce GTX 660
• RAM: 4 GB
• Operating System: Windows 10

The word “gorgeous” perfectly encapsulates the visuals of Planet of Lana. However, this game’s beauty doesn’t stem from high-resolution, next-gen graphics or heavily detailed textures. Instead, Planet of Lana’s stunning aesthetics lies in its hand-painted, Ghibli-inspired world. The game’s environments and characters are meticulously drawn by hand, offering players an unparalleled experience. The added benefit? Hand-painted visuals are not as demanding as modern-day graphics, meaning that almost any low-end PC could effortlessly run Planet of Lana. This makes it an excellent option for Game Pass subscribers without a gaming laptop or PC.

5 Death’s Door

An Isometric Matrix of Photogenic Creatures

• CPU: Intel Core i5-8250U, AMD Phenom II X4 965, or equivalent
• Graphics Card: GeForce MX 150 or Radeon R7 260X
• RAM: 8 GB
• Operating System: Windows 10 (64-bit)

Death’s Door demonstrates that an isometric indie action-adventure game can be just as captivating as a AAA title. If players are seeking intense combat, captivating visuals, an engaging storyline, and plenty of replay value, Death’s Door belongs at the top of wish lists. This Game Pass title is undemanding on any CPU, GPU, and RAM while providing smooth and top-notch gameplay.

Right from the start, players are immersed in a mysterious world where players must battle magical and mythical creatures. The game features a well-balanced progression system, allowing gamers to enhance their character and take on increasingly challenging bosses, with some roguelike elements sprinkled in. If players enjoyed Death’s Door, be sure to give Tunic a try on Game Pass. It’s an award-winning souls-inspired indie game that will keep them coming back for more.

4 Fallout 76

Don’t Fall Out of the Multiplayer Loop

• CPU: Intel Core i5-6600K 3.5 GHz, AMD Ryzen 3 1300X 3.5 GHz, or equivalent
• Graphics Card: NVIDIA GTX 780, AMD Radeon R9 285, or equivalent
• RAM: 8 GB
• Operating System: 64-bit Windows 7, 8, or 10

One of the challenges of owning a low-end PC is often being unable to join the fun with multiplayer games. However, this isn’t the case if players fire up Fallout 76. With an active community and continuous updates from the developer, including new seasons every few months, Fallout 76 offers an engaging multiplayer experience. The good news is that Fallout 76 isn’t a demanding game, and an average laptop can smoothly run it on any graphic setting.

If gamers enjoyed Fallout 76 on Game Pass, they might want to explore other installments of the franchise as well. Starting with Fallout 1, 2, and 3 could be a good introduction. Alternatively, fans could delve into Fallout Tactics and New Vegas if they are interested in experimenting with different gameplay styles.

3 Limbo

Darkness, Dream, Duality

• CPU: Intel Pentium 4 2.00GHz
• Graphics Card: Any GPU from 2019 onward (and even some integrated graphics cards)
• RAM: 512 MB
• Operating System: Windows XP or better

For those in search of a narrative platformer, Limbo presents an excellent option. Its 2D visuals, predominantly black and white, are easily handled by any PC. However, players never find the graphics lacking. On the contrary, the game appears gorgeous, polished, and somewhat eerie. Hailing from a small indie studio that boasts acclaimed titles like Inside, Limbo tells the tale of a nameless boy searching for his sister in a perilous world filled with monstrous creatures. Along the way, he must contend with challenges such as giant spiders, mind-controlling plants, and intricate environmental puzzles to achieve his objective.

2 Stranded Deep

No One Can Survive. Give Up

• CPU: X64 Quad Core CPU 2.0GHz+
• Graphics Card: 2GB VRAM
• RAM: 8 GB
• Operating System: Windows 7 or better

While the gaming industry is abuzz with the successful launch of Sons of the Forest on PC, players might be pondering whether it’s feasible to play a AAA-like survival game on a low-spec, aging laptop or personal computer. Fortunately, the answer is yes. By downloading Stranded Deep through a Game Pass subscription, fans can treat themselves to a comparable experience: physics-based survival gameplay complete with crafting, cooking, and a campaign.

Stranded Deep may not be pumped up on steroids, but its naturally engaging gameplay is just as gratifying as high-end titles. Gamers embark on their journey on a deserted island (hence the name) and gradually construct a base while attempting to find a means of escape. The game presents various life-threatening situations that a stranded individual could encounter in real life: hunger, thirst, extreme weather, wild animal attacks, and more. Thus, survival hinges on possessing genuine survival skills and knowledge.

1 Stardew Valley

Feel Free to Farm, Forage, or Fight on a Family Farm

• CPU: Intel Core 2 Duo E8400
• Graphics Card: Graphics card with 256 MB video memory
• RAM: 2 GB
• Operating System: Windows 7 or better

They say a perfect game doesn’t exist, but Stardew Valley comes pretty close to perfection. Even after more than eight years, the game maintains an active community, with players eagerly replaying the campaign or expanding their farms without any complaints. With the 1.6 update hitting PC, there’s no better time to join the fandom and become a sword-master farmer.

Stardew Valley was developed by just one person, Eric Barone, who crafted the entire universe as a solo programmer, writer, composer, and character designer. Despite being an indie game, Stardew Valley doesn’t feel like one; it’s an addictive, immersive farming simulator that can keep gamers engaged for years on end.

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