Looking for free, low-requirement PC games? Check out these top 30 games that you can enjoy without putting a strain on your computer’s specs!
Free PC games have always generated a lot of interest, and it is understandable, since in addition to being free, they usually have low requirements, and they are very fun when they do not fall into the “pay to win” category. This is a very important issue, since there is no point in downloading free games if they are going to end up being more expensive than a standard game due to the micropayments they have integrated.
In this article we want to share with you a selection of 30 free PC games that not only have fairly affordable requirements, but are also quite playable even if we don’t want to spend a single cent on them. In some cases the experience will be perfect, while in others we may have to make a little extra effort to advance without paying, but without falling into excesses that ruin the fun.
Before we get into the selection of free games we’ve made, I want to highlight an important point, and that is that all the games we’ve collected in this article work well on a mid-range 2012 PC made up of at least the following components:
Free PC games have always generated a lot of interest, and it is understandable, since in addition to being free, they usually have low requirements, and they are very fun when they do not fall into the “pay to win” category. This is a very important issue, since there is no point in downloading free games if they are going to end up being more expensive than a standard game due to the micropayments they have integrated.
In this article we want to share with you a selection of 30 free PC games that not only have fairly affordable requirements, but are also quite playable even if we don’t want to spend a single cent on them. In some cases the experience will be perfect, while in others we may have to make a little extra effort to advance without paying, but without falling into excesses that ruin the fun.
Before we get into the selection of free games we’ve made, I want to highlight an important point, and that is that all the games we’ve collected in this article work well on a mid-range 2012 PC made up of at least the following components:
- Windows 7 64-bit.
- Core i5 2000 series or FX 6300 series processor.
- 8 GB RAM.
- GeForce GTX 660 or Radeon HD 7850graphics card with 2 GB.
The approximate cost of a PC with these specifications today does not exceed 100 euros on average , so yes, we fulfilled our promise, they are free games that we can enjoy without spending money on micropayments and that work well on any mid-range PC built in the last eight years .
We’ve published an update to this guide with a selection of 40 free PC games . There are new additions, and most of the ones we’ve chosen have very affordable requirements , so don’t miss it. However, if you’re worried about the requirements because you have a low-powered PC, stick with this article, as we won’t exceed the limit we’ve set for this 2012 reference computer.
Free PC Games: 30 Titles You Shouldn’t Miss.
1.- Destiny 2
A first-person action title with small, very fun RPG touches to which I have dedicated countless hours . In fact, I started playing it when I had to buy it and I got all its expansions.
It is one of the best games of its kind, ideal for those who do not want complications and prefer to enjoy their free time without having to deal with large doses of frustration, since the penalty is minimal.
Without a doubt one of the best free games out there right now, as it offers a lot of content and is perfectly playable without micropayments. You should give it a try, if you haven’t already. You can download it on Steam .
Minimum requirements
- Windows 10.
- Intel Core i3-3250 or AMD FX 4350.
- 6 GB RAM.
- GeForce GTX 660 or AMD Radeon HD 7850.
2.- Let it Die
Highly recommended, in fact it is one of the new free PC games that I liked the most, and also one of the most demanding. On a technical and playable level it combines concepts from Dark Souls and Code Vein , but it has managed to build its own personality and presents an original and well-executed concept.
It’s an action game, but the role-playing component plays a significant role, as does fatigue, which in this case is represented by the heartbeat of the protagonist. If our character gets tired, he will end up exposed to enemy attacks, so we can’t just go around attacking like crazy, we have to plan and execute our movements well.
If you liked the Dark Souls franchise and are looking for something similar but with a very marked touch of originality, don’t hesitate, Let it Die is your best option. You can download it for free through Steam.
Minimum requirements
- Windows 10.
- Intel Core i3 Gen 2 or AMD FX 4000.
- 6 GB RAM.
- GeForce GTX 650 or AMD Radeon HD 7770.
3.- Guild Wars 2
Another of the best free PC games currently available for PC, in this case within the MMORPG genre . It came onto the market in 2012, but thanks to the improvements that ArenaNet has been introducing, it has experienced a very positive evolution, both technically and in terms of content and gameplay.
There’s no doubt that Guild Wars 2 ‘s graphical quality remains superb, and this is impressive not only because of its age, but also because it’s limited to DirectX 9. This has both an advantage and a disadvantage: it runs very well even on older computers , such as the base configuration we’ve indicated, but it’s not able to take advantage of current hardware.
In its free version, it allows access to a large amount of content and can keep you hooked for a long time . We can acquire improvements with gems, a paid currency that we can get with gold (in-game currency), without having to resort to real money. Micropayments do not have a significant impact on Guild Wars 2. You can download it from the official ArenaNet website .
Minimum requirements
- Windows 7.
- Core 2 Duo or Athlon X2 64.
- 6 GB RAM.
- GeForce 8600 GT or Radeon 2600 XT graphics card with 512 MB.
4.- Path of Exile
A title that needs no introduction, and without a doubt one of the best free action role-playing games . We are looking at a true work of art that has improved enormously over the years, and that has been accumulating a lot of content.
Its approach is the same as that found in the Diablo franchise, in fact the perspective is identical (isometric), but Path of Exile is much more than a simple clone of the well-known Blizzard saga. It has managed to develop its own essence thanks to its excellent technical section and its design, which opts for a much more serious and gloomy aesthetic.
It offers very large scenarios, many adventures and different characters (duelist, witch, hunter, templar, warrior, shadow and heiress) with many customization options. The loot is very important, but luckily the micropayments only affect cosmetic content. It is also available on Steam.
Minimum requirements
- Windows 7.
- Intel or AMD quad-core CPU.
- 6 GB RAM.
- GeForce GTX 650 or AMD Radeon HD 7770 graphics card.
5.- League of Legends
Another of the best free games out there that also needs no introduction. By now we all know this game very well, but it is a must-have that cannot be missing from any selection of the best free games for PC.
In my case, I started playing it shortly after it made the jump to free-to-play, but it took me several months to get the necessary practice to really enjoy it, which is totally normal, since it’s a MOBA and until you start to acquire skill, you don’t start to like it .
The basic idea behind League of Legends is simple: ward versus ward on Summoner’s Rift with one goal: destroy the opposing team’s Nexus. Riot Games has introduced a host of new characters over the past few years, as well as new maps, modes, and gameplay-affecting elements, but micropayments still have a minimal impact and you can enjoy the game without spending a cent.
To start playing, you just have to create an account and download it from the official Riot Games website . The only negative note is the strong presence of toxic users . If you are a newcomer, keep this in mind, you will need patience to enjoy League of Legends.
Minimum requirements
- Windows 7.
- 3GHz CPU with SSE2 instructions.
- 2 GB RAM.
- GeForce 8400 GT or Radeon 2400 graphics card with 512 MB.
6.- Warframe
It’s a great classic that seems to stand the test of time. The updates it has received, both technically and in terms of content, have kept it as one of the best cooperative action role-playing games that we can find right now under the “free to play” model.
Its possibilities, both in terms of content and gameplay, are so enormous that if you start right now you will have months of adventure and fun ahead of you . Unlike other free titles, the Warframe community is quite good , I would dare say even better than Guild Wars 2.
You can download it for free through Steam, and don’t worry, it will work perfectly on your PC if you meet the minimum requirements we indicated at the beginning.
Minimum requirements
- Windows 7.
- Core i5 750 or AMD FX 4100.
- 4 GB RAM.
- DirectX 11 compatible graphics card.
7.- Star Wars: The Old Republic
It has suffered over time, that’s for sure, but it still offers very solid value, especially for fans of the Star Wars franchise . Its technical quality has improved thanks to the updates it has received, but it shines above all for the content it offers, for its setting and for its gameplay.
A very affordable title that you can enjoy even with a computer that is inferior to the one we have used as a base, and that can be played perfectly even if you don’t spend a cent.
Do you want to start playing it? Well, be patient, you must first create an account through this link .
Minimum requirements
- Windows 10.
- AMD Athlon 64 X2 or Core 2 Duo.
- 4 GB RAM.
- GeForce 610 or Radeon HD 7450 graphics card.
8.- CrossOut
This is an MMO game that brings a breath of fresh air to the genre. We find ourselves in a post-apocalyptic setting that is very reminiscent of the Mad Max universe , where our car is the protagonist and the action reaches truly frenetic levels.
We have the possibility to create unique cars using a large number of parts , improve them and access a very rich and varied armament that includes everything from classic firearms to drills, chainsaws and drones. The social component is also quite marked, since we can trade and collaborate with other players.
At the hardware level it is not at all demanding and yet it has a fairly good technical section . The micropayments will not limit you in an important way, but you must keep in mind that you will have to dedicate time to it if you want to advance. We can also find it on Steam.
Minimum requirements
- Windows 10.
- Quad-core CPU.
- 4 GB RAM.
- DirectX 11 compatible graphics card.
9.- Starcraft II
One of Blizzard’s great classics. It offers a good amount of content completely free of charge and is still as fun and challenging as the first day.
If you haven’t played it yet, you don’t know what you’re missing. Not only is it one of the best free PC games out there right now, it’s also one of the best in its genre ( real-time strategy ).
The free version of this game includes the Wings of Liberty campaign (story mode), multiplayer mode, and the ability to reach Commander Rank 5.
It runs perfectly on the PC type we have described and has a very solid community. To play Starcraft II you need a Blizzard account and the Battle.net application.
Minimum requirements
- Windows 10.
- AMD Athlon 64 X2 or Core 2 Duo.
- 2 GB RAM.
- GeForce 7600 GT or Radeon HD 2600 XT graphics card.
10.- Counter-Strike 2
This is a game that needs no introduction. It is true that it is much more demanding on hardware than the previous installment, but it makes up for it with superior graphics and can be played quite well with the reference equipment, as long as we adjust the graphic quality levels to low to give priority to fluidity, which in the end is the most important thing in this title.
The ideal scenario, if we have the base PC configuration that we have used as a reference, is to play it in 1080p with low quality and FSR 2 in quality mode. If we play in lower resolutions we can eliminate the use of FSR 2 and slightly increase the graphic quality. In the end, the ideal scenario is for you to try out different configurations yourself and choose the one that best suits your preferences.
This game is CPU-intensive, so upgrading to a more powerful processor can make a significant difference to how smoothly it runs . A Core i5-2000 and FX 6300 are above the minimum requirements.
Minimum requirements
- Windows 10.
- Quad-core CPU.
- 8 GB RAM.
- DirectX 11 compatible graphics card with 1 GB of graphics memory.
11.- Team Fortress 2
An old acquaintance that has given us not just hours or weeks, but years of fun . It never goes out of style, that’s for sure, and that’s possible because it’s still very fun and addictive.
It’s all about unbridled, light-hearted action. It’s great, especially if you play it with friends, and very accessible even for newcomers.
If you have a computer at the level of the PC we have indicated, you will be able to move it in a totally optimal way . It is available on Steam.
Minimum requirements
- Windows 10.
- 7GHz CPU.
- 512 MB RAM.
- Graphics card compatible with DirectX 8.1.
12.- DOTA 2
For many, it is the MOBA par excellence, that is, superior to League of Legends. What can I say, it is a matter of taste , although in my case it is true that I enjoy RIOT’s title more.
If you’re looking for a MOBA with a classic base, well finished and full of possibilities but you’re tired of League of Legends, or you simply want to try something new, don’t hesitate, DOTA 2 is your best option.
You can download it for free on Steam, and yes, it runs perfectly on the device we mentioned at the beginning of the article. Micropayments do not affect gameplay at all.
Minimum requirements
- Windows 10.
- Dual-core CPU.
- 4 GB RAM.
- GeForce 8600 GT or Radeon HD 2600 graphics card.
13.- Smite
It is a very curious reinterpretation of the MOBA genre, as it is played in third person with a perspective that shows our champion (or “hero”) from behind his back.
A very fun and busy game that offers a highly recommended experience , even if you are not a fan of the genre and have never touched a MOBA.
It currently has a huge community of players, works perfectly on the base team and has no micropayments that affect gameplay. However, it is better to start it with friends.
Minimum requirements
- Windows 10.
- Intel Core 2 Duo or AMD Athlon 64 X2 CPU.
- 4 GB RAM.
- GeForce 8800 GT or Radeon HD 3870 graphics card.
14.- Shadow Warrior Classic Complete
A remake of the late 90s classic that brings all the content of the original while keeping all its charm. One of the best free games of its kind, offering a perfect retro look, frenetic gameplay and guaranteeing hours and hours of fun .
On a technical level, this is probably the least demanding title of all the free games we have collected in this article, as it will run without problems even on configurations without a dedicated graphics card.
We can get it for free, and without DRM , at Good Old Games .
Minimum requirements
- Windows XP.
- 7GHz CPU.
- 1 GB RAM.
- Graphics card compatible with DirectX 9.0c.
15.- Killer Instinct
There are also free games in the one-on-one fighting genre , and this is one of the best of its kind. On a technical level it is a real treat, both for the modeling of the characters and for the level of detail in the scenarios.
It is true that it has some more noticeable shortcomings than other free games we have listed so far, such as the limited character selection, but we can enjoy it for a while, play through all the characters thanks to the rotations and finally buy only those that interest us or that we like.
It offers good performance if we follow the configuration we gave you at the beginning, and we can get it in the Microsoft Store.
Minimum requirements
- Windows 10.
- Intel Core i5 750 or AMD Phenom II X4 965 CPU.
- 4 GB RAM.
- GeForce GTX 480 or Radeon HD 5870 graphics card.
16.- World of Tanks
It’s one of the most popular free games on this list, and also one of the most complete and most popular. Right now it has a user base of approximately 110 million players . Impressive, right?
The graphic quality of both the tanks and the scenarios has improved a lot over time and with the arrival of the latest patches, and the action (with RPG overtones) is quite fluid and very well done. Fun and recommendable.
Micropayments have gained importance over time, but they are not that annoying . It plays perfectly on the base machine and we can get it on Steam.
Minimum requirements
- Windows 10.
- Intel Core i3 Gen 3 or AMD FX 4000 CPU.
- 4 GB RAM.
- GeForce GTX 460 or Radeon HD 6790 graphics card.
17.- Fortnite
Another game that needs no introduction. Epic Games has found its “golden goose” in Fortnite, and the truth is that whether we like it more or less, we must admit that it is addictive, fun and full of possibilities.
The performance of this game on the base machine is good, even at 1080p resolution , so you won’t have anything to worry about.
The micropayments are very significant, but they are mainly focused on the aesthetic aspect and we can enjoy Fortnite in an acceptable way without having to spend any money. It is available through the Epic Games Store .
Minimum requirements
- Windows 10.
- Intel Core i3 Gen 2 or AMD FX 4000 CPU.
- 8 GB RAM.
- Intel HD 4000, Radeon Vega 8 or GeForce GT 630 graphics card.
18.- Paladins
An excellent alternative to Blizzard’s Overwatch. Action-packed with well-resolved technical aspects, full of color and detail with very charismatic characters.
It plays perfectly with the hardware we’ve listed, in fact it almost completely fits into their recommended requirements , and micropayments have minimal impact.
Like many of the other free games we’ve mentioned, it’s available on Steam. We can play it perfectly alone, but if we start right now it’s more fun to do it with friends.
Minimum requirements
- Windows 10.
- Intel Core 2 Duo or AMD Athlon 64 X2 CPU.
- 4 GB RAM.
- GeForce 8800 GT or Radeon HD 3870 graphics card.
19.- Albion Online
An open-world MMORPG game that offers us a medieval fantasy setting where sword and magic go hand in hand. On a technical level it is nothing revolutionary, but its design and artistic direction make up for it and give it a cartoon-like touch that in the end is quite attractive.
The best thing about this game is that it’s a lot of fun, and that it’s based on a style of play that’s truly unique, since unlike what we find in other titles of this genre, we don’t have a rigid class system that forces us to be one thing. We can be whatever we want, whenever we want.
It’s very undemanding in terms of hardware and the truth is that it’s a blast to play. It offers a huge amount of hours of gameplay, is very fun and addictive, and has a very well-crafted PvP system that makes it one of the best games of its kind.
Minimum requirements
- Windows 10.
- Intel or AMD CPU with SSE2 instructions.
- 4 GB RAM.
- DirectX 10 compatible graphics card.
20.- Lost Ark
It’s a game that I tried at the time and I really liked it, but I had so many games piled up that I ended up putting it aside. Not because it’s a bad game, but because it came at a time when I had other priorities.
To sum up, it’s a fairly simple and easy-to-play action RPG that has very good graphics and is not very demanding. The design is also great, and the combat is spectacular, and the same applies to the armor and weapon sets.
If you like the genre, you’ll like this title, and you’ll be able to play it very well with the equipment referenced in this article. It has quite a few micropayments that offer specific advantages, but it can be played well without having to spend a cent, you’ll just have to be more patient and dedicate more time to it.
Minimum requirements
- Windows 10.
- Intel Core i3 or Ryzen 3 CPU.
- 8 GB RAM.
- GeForce GTX 460 or Radeon HD 6790 graphics card.
21.- The Sims 4
A title that needs no introduction. This life simulator will allow us to unleash our imagination and create a whole world of our own choosing where our Sims can live and interact with each other as we wish. The possibilities are almost endless, and we will have many hours of fun.
The basic game, which is the one we can get for free , includes a lot of content and is well worth it. If we want to access more things we will have to pay, but this is not essential, this title can be played perfectly in its free version.
As far as requirements go, it’s a very simple game on a technical level and it works wonderfully with the reference computer. The graphics are nothing out of this world, but they do the trick and, thanks to the cartoon-like aesthetic, everything looks better than it would if it opted for a more realistic approach.
Minimum requirements
- Windows 10.
- Intel Core i3 Gen 2 or AMD Ryzen 3 CPU.
- 4 GB RAM.
- GeForce 6600 GT or Radeon HD X1300 graphics card.
22.-Eternium
This game is not very well known, but it is actually very affordable on the hardware level and is a lot of fun. We have an action RPG title with a classic approach that allows us to choose between three classes: mage, warrior and bounty hunter. Each class has its own skills and can use different equipment.
It resembles the Diablo saga in many ways, but it has its own personality and offers a large amount of content that will keep us hooked for many hours. On a technical level it is simple but it worked, it has areas where the setting is very well cared for and the combats are quite spectacular despite its limitations.
It’s not at all demanding in terms of hardware, and it plays great on a typical PC. If you like the genre, you should give it a try.
Minimum requirements
- Windows 10.
- Intel Pentium D or AMD Athlon 64 X2 CPU.
- 4 GB RAM.
- GeForce 8800 GT or Radeon HD 3870 graphics card.
23.- Conqueror´s Blade
This is an MMO-type game focused on tactical action that, frankly, has improved a lot over time and is spectacular. The gameplay is centered around our hero, but we will also have to lead battalions of units to achieve victory.
The defense of castles and fortresses, the use of weapons and the huge number of possibilities that this game offers make it a real delight, especially for fans of this type of title. Micropayments are present and are quite extensive, but you can play acceptably without having to resort to them.
Graphically, it is at a good level and this is reflected in the game requirements , but don’t worry, you can play with the reference PC by adjusting the graphic quality and resolution.
Minimum requirements
- Windows 10.
- Intel Core i3 Gen 3 or Ryzen 3 CPU.
- 8 GB RAM.
- GeForce GTX 650 or AMD Radeon HD 7770 graphics card.
24.- Brawlhalla
This game offers us a very simple and fun approach, full-on action for up to 8 players both locally and online . We can choose different characters, and the latest update has introduced some of the most legendary characters from the Star Wars franchise.
The gameplay is quite fast-paced, which makes combat very fast and fun. On the other hand, the game is constantly evolving , which means frequent updates and new characters, as well as bug fixes and various improvements.
It’s a great game to play and doesn’t have any abusive micropayments. On a technical level, it’s simple but nice with its cartoon-like aesthetic, and it runs smoothly on the reference PC.
Minimum requirements
- Windows 10.
- Intel or AMD CPU.
- 2 GB RAM.
- DirectX 9 compatible graphics card.
25.- The Lord of the Rings Online
One of the oldest free games we’ll find on this list, and also one of the best in its genre. It’s true that time doesn’t pass in vain, and we can clearly see this in this game, but it keeps its essence intact and is still highly recommended.
A good MMO RPG with a huge amount of customization options, different races, classes, professions and skills, and a huge amount of things to do in a large world that we can explore with total freedom. Highly recommended, without a doubt.
Its requirements are very low, so with the reference PC we will be more than enough and we will be able to play it at maximum and with 1080p resolution or higher with total fluidity.
Minimum requirements
- Windows 10.
- Intel Pentium 4 or AMD Athlon CPU.
- 512 MB RAM.
- GeForce 3 or AMD Radeon 8500 graphics card.
26.- Valorant
Riot Games has scored a hit with this game and has shown that there is life beyond League of Legends. A first-person shooter with an intense competitive spirit that continues to attract millions of players around the world.
Valorant takes a hero shooter approach, meaning you can choose between different characters, each with specific abilities, making every fight different, something that is clearly inspired by League of Legends.
It has very low minimum requirements , so it will run without problems on the reference computer in this article.
Minimum requirements
- Windows 10.
- CPU Intel Core 2 Duo E8400 or AMD Athlon 64 X2.
- 4 GB RAM.
- GeForce Intel HD 4000, AMD Radeon R5 200 or GeForce GT 630 graphics card.
27.- Overwatch 2
A highly addictive and easy-to-play competitive multiplayer hero shooter that offers hours and hours of fun that you can enjoy with your friends or other players, although I can tell you from experience that the first option is ideal.
It does contain micropayments, but these won’t stop you from enjoying it without having to spend a cent, because they don’t have a major impact on the game.
It can be played wonderfully with the PC of this article, and despite its low level of demand it offers an artistic design and very good graphic quality.
Minimum requirements
- Windows 10.
- Intel Core i3 Gen 3 or AMD Phenom CPU.
- 6 GB RAM.
- GeForce 600 series or AMD Radeon HD 7000 graphics card.
28.- Game of Thrones Winter is Coming
A strategy game based on the popular television series that has very well-crafted cinematics, simple but well-designed graphics and well-crafted, challenging gameplay that fits well with the spirit of the series.
It has slightly more aggressive micropayments than you might want, but you can enjoy it without spending money if you don’t obsess over being the best as soon as possible. This applies to most free games with micropayments.
It will run without problems on the reference PC in this article.
Minimum requirements
- Windows 10.
- Intel Core i3 or AMD Phenom CPU.
- 4 GB RAM.
- DirectX 10 compatible graphics card with 512 MB.
29.- Once Human
It has become a true phenomenon due to its excellent setting, its careful gameplay and its multiplayer focus in a post-apocalyptic world full of possibilities that combines action with touches of role-playing and construction.
It has a very simple and intuitive control system, it is addictive, it has a good character development and a rich and varied gameplay thanks to exploration and base building. One of the best in its genre.
This game has higher requirements , but it’s so good that it deserves to be on this list. It will run acceptably on the reference PC.
Minimum requirements
- Windows 10.
- Intel Core i5 Gen 4 or AMD Ryzen 3 CPU.
- 8 GB RAM.
- GeForce GTX 650 or Radeon RX 550 graphics card.
30.- Phantasy Star Online 2 New Genesis
This action-packed MMO is the latest installment in one of the most beloved franchises in the role-playing world, born on SEGA’s veteran Master System. It can accommodate up to 32 simultaneous players, is highly entertaining, and has very polished graphics.
The gameplay is also very well-cared for, there is a great variety of classes and despite the micropayments the game is very enjoyable.
The requirements are very modest , and it runs without problems on the reference PC in this article.