These days, many of the most anticipated games launch as “Early Access” titles on Steam, making a gaming PC almost a necessity to play them. However, gaming PCs vary greatly in price, and not everyone can afford the highest-end models. Because of this, it’s valuable to find games that run well and still look good on less powerful, budget-friendly computers-often called “potato PCs.” Luckily, you don’t always need a top-of-the-line system to enjoy visually appealing games.
Let me be upfront about my setup. Even though I write about video games professionally, my personal gaming PC isn’t very powerful – it’s definitely not a top-of-the-line machine. I’ve always been a console gamer, and I’ve put my money there. Games like *The Sims 4* run okay on my average PC, but my previous computer was… well, let’s just say I understand what it’s like to have a really basic gaming setup. I used to be in the same boat! So, if you’re searching for a game that will look good and perform well on an older or less powerful computer, I can help.
3. Terraria
If you enjoy pixel art, *Terraria* is a beautiful game that doesn’t require a powerful computer to run. This open-world survival game features bright colors and detailed pixel graphics, creating a wide range of stunning environments for players to discover. It has overwhelmingly positive reviews on Steam and remains incredibly popular with a large player base, even after more than 14 years.
The game’s age proves it’s been well-refined, but it also means it doesn’t require a powerful computer to run. Terraria’s recommended specs are only 4GB of RAM (with a minimum of 2.5GB), and it even works on Windows Vista! Seriously, even older or less powerful computers can run Terraria smoothly and still look great.
2. A Short Hike
People often describe the art style of *A Short Hike* as looking like a watercolor painting, and it’s a perfect comparison. I played this lovely game on my older laptop – it was fine for basic tasks like writing, but not really designed for gaming. Even with its limitations, the game’s bright colors and beautiful environments really stood out. Simply flying around the world is enjoyable, and a great way to relax.
Released in 2019, *A Short Hike* is an indie game with a charming pixel art style that doesn’t require a powerful computer to run. You only need 2GB of RAM and 500MB of free space, and it’s compatible with Windows 7. Though it’s a brief experience, it’s visually stunning and tells a sweet story, making it accessible to almost anyone with a PC.
1. Cuphead
Whether you enjoy the look of *Cuphead* is a matter of personal preference, but it’s undeniably distinctive. The game features beautiful, hand-drawn animation that intentionally evokes the style of classic cartoons. Don’t let the charming visuals fool you, though – *Cuphead* is a difficult but engaging platformer. And the good news is, it doesn’t require a powerful computer to run.
Despite having the highest minimum system requirements of the games we tested, it’s still quite accessible. *Cuphead* only needs 3 GB of RAM and can even run on an older Intel Core2 Duo processor. This means you don’t need a powerful, modern gaming PC to enjoy its stunning, hand-drawn art style.
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2025-09-21 15:40