16 Best RPG Games For Low-End PC and Laptop
What are the best RPG games to play on low-end PCs and laptops? These games are ideal for a much better performance.
The technology in the gaming landscape has been advancing faster than ever. And with it, we started to see the first examples of the next generation of gaming. From mesmerizing visuals to incredible gaming mechanics, especially the best RPG games are becoming even more immersive like Cyberpunk 2077 with mods.
That being said, one can never fully appreciate the advancements in the world of gaming without experiencing the old gems. These gaming gems might not be very appealing in terms of visuals. But the best RPG games are a delight to play on low end-PCs!
Best RPG Games for Low-End PC and Older Systems
Our list provides you with a great list of the best RPG games that run well on older systems. If your system doesn’t boast 16 GBs of RAM under shiny RGB lighting, this list is for you. Let’s dive in and have a look at the best RPG games for laptops and low-end systems.
16. Pillars of Eternity
It is good to start with an RPG classic. Pillars of Eternity takes all the best inspirations from the titans of the RPG genre. The isometric RPG offers deep character customization in a strong and deep narrative.
It also runs amazingly well on older systems. Even though it came out back in 2015, its isometric graphics successfully stood the test of time. That’s why it is one of the best RPG games for older PCs.
15. Deus Ex
While the fantasy setting goes hand in hand with RPGs, some of the best games of this genre actually take place in a dystopian future. For example, Deus Ex is a groundbreaking action RPG title set in a dystopian future and focuses on themes like cyberpunk and transhumanism.
The incredibly successful game offers solid gameplay formulas along with an immersive atmosphere filled with conspiracy theories.
It is also an ideal RPG game to play on older PCs. While it might not visually appealing for graphics lovers, it will still offer a great experience for laptop owners.
14. Salt and Sanctuary
This 2D platformer offers RPG elements in a gothic atmosphere. It also provides challenging gameplay that offers high risk and high combat. Since it adopts a 2D visual style, it also does not put a heavy workload on your PC as well. On the other hand, do not let the humble graphics of Salt and Sanctuary mistake you. That’s because it plays well even on the oldest laptops and low-end PCs.
13. Neverwinter Nights
For those who are acquainted with Dungeons and Dragons or The Forgotten Lands, Neverwinter Nights offers an incredible adventure. You will love every second of your time during your gaming sessions.
That’s because the title provides a deep narrative set in a complex world. Its immersive atmosphere manages to captivate you despite its outdated graphics. That’s why Neverwinter Nights is one of the best RPG games for low-end PCs.
12. Baldur’s Gate
Talking about role-playing games without Baldur’s Gate would be impossible. This legendary RPG title features a deep narrative, complex lore, and engaging tactical combat. It is one of the most celebrated titles in the world of RPGs. Moreover, you can even play it on your mobile phone thanks to its minimal size.
That said, the world of Baldur’s Gate will take you on an unforgettable adventure in spite of its old graphics.
11. Mass Effect Trilogy
Mass Effect Trilogy features some of the most memorable characters in the gaming landscape. This sci-fi RPG trilogy is the ultimate RPG experience for those who want to indulge in extreme escapism. The world of Mass Effect is brilliantly designed. So every quest, interaction, and scene will keep you invested in the wonderful world of Mass Effect.
Moreover, it is definitely one of the best RPG games to play on low-end PCs and older laptops. That’s because Mass Effect Trilogy does not have demanding system requirements.
10. Gothic
Another cult classic RPG is Gothic. The veterans of the RPG genre know the influence of Gothic on other games. This incredibly immersive RPG means a lot to veteran gamers. That’s because it is home to some of the most memorable atmospheres in the history of gaming.
Moreover, it is possible to do many things in the dark and gritty world of Gothic. From archery to thievery, faction quests to delving into magic combat, Gothic hits all the sweet spots as an RPG. And for those who own a low-end PC, it is one of the best RPG games to play.
9. Dragon’s Dogma
With the sequel on the way, Dragon’s Dogma has everything to keep you excited for an RPG game. The title takes all the right inspirations from the RPG classics. And it offers a wonderful experience set in a dark fantasy world. Its combat formulas and open-world exploration result in a delightful experience that will stay with you for a long time.
And thanks to its humble yet great graphics, it will not exhaust your system as well. Dragon’s Dogma system requirements are not that demanding. So feel free to get it from Steam and start playing on your veteran laptop.
8. Disco Elysium
ZA/UM’s magnum opus, Disco Elysium invites you to a complex, branching narrative that just keeps on giving. Thanks to the innovative skill system of the game, you will love every second of your Disco Elysium sessions.
Keep in mind that you will read a ton of text during your Disco Elysium journey. But its captivating narrative and unique visual style will keep you invested for sure.
7. Fallout: New Vegas
There is no better game set in a post-apocalyptic world than Fallout: New Vegas. Crafted by the talented minds of Obsidian Entertainment, Fallout: New Vegas is simply the best post-apocalyptic RPG that you can play in 2023. While its graphics might not satisfy your eye, the massive modding support does wonders for the visuals of the game.
It is among the classic RPGs that you can play on older laptops. Even if your PC does not have what it takes to run AAA titles, we believe that it will have no issues running Fallout: New Vegas.
6. Dark Messiah of Might and Magic
For many, Dark Messiah of Might and Magic has the best first-person medieval combat. The game takes players to the world of Ashan, which is the setting for other Might and Magic games. It is developed by one of the most decorated studios in the world of gaming, Arkane Studios.
The players take the role of Sareth and dive into a perilous quest of retrieving a powerful artifact. During the process, they can create their characters however they want.
5. Dragon Age: Origins
Dragon Age: Origins is one of the RPGs that play even though it came out back in 2009. 14 years after its debut, Dragon Age: Origins still plays extremely well as its graphics successfully stood the test of time. It features group combat that encourages players to create tactics and strategies.
Thanks to its humble system requirements, Dragon Age: Origins is a must-play RPG that you can play on your laptop or a low-end PC.
4. Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic
Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic, simply known as KOTOR, takes players to the galaxy far away. Even though a remake of this cult classic RPG was announced, Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic is one of the most essential RPGs that you need to play. If you consider yourself a fan of the genre, do not miss out on KOTOR.
As it was released back in 2003, it only requires 512 MB RAM, which should be no issue even in some of the oldest systems. That’s why Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic is one of the best RPGs for low end PC systems.
3. The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion
The open-world RPG from Bethesda Entertainment made its debut back in 2006. It features long gameplay in the fictional fantasy world of Tamriel. It is also extremely rich in terms of sidequests and diverse landscapes.
The classic RPG also comes with massive sprawling forests, desolate swamps, and tall mountains filled with quests and mysteries. For fantasy enthusiasts who somehow never played Oblivion, the time is right to jump into it. And since it was released more than 17 years ago, the game runs well on some of the oldest PCs.
2. The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim
Here it is, the masterpiece of RPGs and the magnum opus of Bethesda Entertainment. Indeed, The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim is one of the best RPGs in video game history. Released back in November 2011, if you somehow never gave Skyrim the chance it deserved, it is time to enter this cold land in turmoil, filled with dragons and lost legacies.
Even though it still looks well in 2023, The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim is a perfect RPG to play on low-end PC and laptops.
1. Vampire: The Masquerade – Bloodlines
Developed in Valve’s Source Engine, Vampire: The Masquerade – Bloodlines is a flawed masterpiece for many RPG fans. This amazing RPG game takes players to the World of Darkness and allows them to become a vampire. Unlike ancient times, Vampire: The Masquerade combines the ancient vampire narrative with the modern days.
