To those that don’t have the budget to equip their PCs with graphics cards of any kind, choosing which game to play may prove to be a challenge. Not only can’t you play the newer, graphically-demanding games of today, but you may also have a hard time running even the older ones as smoothly as those with GPUs.
With that being said, not all hope is lost for those that don’t have a graphics card. Thankfully, there are still several games out there that can run just as smoothly using the PC’s integrated graphics.
Read on and find out the best low-end PC games you can play right now even without a graphics card.
Just Cause 2
If you want to blow everything in your way to bits and feel like an overpowered soldier of destruction, then Just Cause 2 would fit you the most. This title is nonstop fun assuming that you are a fan of explosions.
Tom Clancy’s Splinter Cell
Now, if you want to take a slower, more methodical approach, then sneak your way through Splinter Cell’s superb espionage levels. This title would make you feel like a true spy and is Ubisoft’s answer to the highly-acclaimed Metal Gear Solid series of Konami.
Prince of Persia: Warrior Within
Prince of Persia: Warrior Within is the second entry in the original Prince of Persia trilogy that debuted back in 2003. This title builds on its previous iterations’ strengths while also introducing new mechanics that elevates the game even more.
Guacamelee
Guacamelee is a Metroidvania and brawler game adopting the graphical aesthetic of your favorite Sunday morning cartoons. This game fits every age and is a genuine blast to play, especially if you enjoy side-scrollers.
Prototype
Prototype is basically a Superman simulator, but you aren’t bound to any rules. Kill, cause destruction, be the menace of the town! There is no stopping Alex Mercer and his superhuman abilities brought by an unknown virus.
Beyond Good & Evil
Beyond Good & Evil is a cult classic that casts players in the role of a brave journalist named Jade as she uncovers countless mysteries behind her world’s most influential figures, Alpha Section and the Doomz. Prepare for an adventure like no other with this one.
Rayman 3
Rayman 3 is admittedly very old but still a delight to play. The third iteration of the original Rayman games took the franchise completely away from its classic 2D setting and into the 3D world. This game shouldn’t be missed by those that love 3D platformers.
Broforce
Expendables in video game form! That is the best phrase to describe Broforce. This title oozes masculinity and over-the-top action. Play as the most popular action heroes of today and blast away every enemy you see. This is best played with a mate or two with you.
Portal
What more can be said about Valve’s Portal franchise? This puzzle platforming first-person game has influenced tons of games after it and perhaps will do so still for the foreseeable future. You owe it to yourself to play this game.
Terraria
While many believe that Terraria is just a budget version game of Minecraft, it does not state the whole story. This sandbox adventure 2D game is a blast to play and you can easily lose hours and hours playing this game.
Psychonauts
Another cult-classic game is Psychonauts. While it did not sell that much back when it was first released, players now find this unique 3D platforming game one of the best of its kind. Its unique premise and gameplay mechanics make it an experience worth trying out.
Grand Theft Auto III
GTA 3 is arguably the game that took the premise of open-world to the mainstream. Its influence is still felt in the whole industry. While the game may not hold up as much as before in terms of quality, you can’t go wrong experiencing one of the OGs of open-world.
Bully
Bully feels like Rockstar’s neglected yet very brilliant child. While the famed developers have not visited the franchise for almost a decade now, it still stands as one of its best games to date. Its relatable setting and plot made it an instant classic for the teens of the previous generation.
Minecraft
Minecraft is so popular today that no more words can describe the title that hasn’t been said already. This sandbox game is endlessly fun, especially when played with friends. Just make sure that you are running the game without any mods as doing so would burn your GPU-absent PC.
Dota 2
If you enjoy MOBAs and competitive play, then you can never go wrong with trying out Dota 2. This game has endless variations – there will always be something new to discover with every match. No game is the same as this one and is genuinely a blast to play, assuming that you don’t mind a bit of toxicity.
Among Us
Among Us took the gaming scene by storm when the pandemic hit and rightfully so, considering how it is to play, especially when done so with your core group of friends. This title connected everyone when the world felt disoriented the most.
Need for Speed Underground 2
This title is perhaps the most popular NFS game. While the game doesn’t have many new elements compared to Underground 1, it still had good gameplay and graphics for the time. Boot this game up and we assure you a hit of nostalgia will kick into gear.
Assassin’s Creed
The first entry in Ubisoft’s now legendary action-adventure series – that alone should make Assassin’s Creed a must-try. In this game, players are put in the shoes of Altair during the Third Crusade in 1191 AD. Explore the vibrant open world, do various side quests, and progress the main story further.
Stardew Valley
Stardew Valley is a retro-looking game where you are free to do anything and almost everything at your own pace. This includes taking care of your farm, planting and harvesting crops, creating a family to cherish, and building friendships throughout the neighborhood.
FEZ
FEZ plays around the conventional formula of platforming games to the point that it literally blurs the line between 2D and 3D games. FEZ will hook you with its clever puzzles alone, but the soundtrack that accompanies it is epic for itself.
