PC games don’t always need dedicated graphics cards. Despite AAA titles pushing boundaries, some games can run on basic PCs.
Whether it’s an integrated GPU or an Intel HD Graphics 530, some games can smoothly run on low-end PCs, even on laptops.
Surprisingly, games like Stardew Valley and Destiny 2 join this list. These games run smoothly without any high-end system.
The concept of PC gaming is integrally related to dedicated graphics cards. The general thought is that to play games on a PC, one should have a high-end GPU. That’s not always the case. Players can roam around in the in-game worlds of PC games without a graphics card. Even some of the most renowned titles are included on this list, allowing you to play them without a dedicated GPU.
Whether you have a budget issue, or you are trying to enjoy the fun of integrated graphics cards, the gaming world has plenty of games to offer. From five-person shooters to farming simulators, the range is also impressively wide.
Here’s a comprehensive list of popular games one can play without a graphics card:
Genre: Action RPG
GPU: Intel UHD 620 or equivalent
Genshin Impact is one of the most visually impressive open-world RPGs to play on PC. This miHoYo game has been running smoothly since its release in 2020. Despite featuring a stunning open world, the game runs smoothly on low-end PCs, including laptops. Therefore, the vibrant world of Teyvat can be explored without lag and glitches, regardless of the PC setup one owns.
Genre: Online FPS/MMO
GPU: Intel HD Graphics 530
Destiny 2, one of the biggest names in the world of first-person shooters, can be played without any dedicated GPU. Its fan base is not only because of its free-to-play nature but also because players can dive into this game without any high-end PC setup. Maybe it’s a little hard to believe, but Bungie's FPS game runs smoothly on integrated graphics cards.
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Genre: Farming Simulation
GPU: Any integrated GPU
Stardew Valley is one of 2016’s finest farm-life simulation games that one can run on minimum system requirements. This game offers hundreds of hours of engaging gameplay without requiring gamers to spend a lot. Therefore, irrespective of what system you have, there are no boundaries to dive into and experience hundreds of hours of farming, fishing, mining, and romance in Stardew Valley.
Genre: Narrative RPG
GPU: Integrated Intel Graphics
Disco Elysium is for fans of detective games. This 2019 game delivers a deep and interesting detective story without requiring a graphics card. The game follows the story of a detective who has lost his memory and is trying to find his identity in the haunting post-revolutionary city. This game doesn’t require a dedicated GPU, so that any system can run it without any trouble.
Genre: Retro FPS
GPU: Integrated Graphics
Next comes Ultrakill, a 2020 single-player shooter that emphasizes movement and stylish techniques as key components. The core theme of the game is similar to that of DOOM and Quake. However, the best part of this blood-soaked shooter is not its retro visuals, but its compatibility with every hardware. Ultrakill runs equally well on every setup. Therefore, players can dive into the game without worrying about their system.
Absolutely, you can enjoy PC games without a dedicated graphics card. Indeed, modern AAA games constantly push hardware boundaries, and they typically require advanced systems. However, that’s not the entire scenario. The gaming industry has multiple titles optimized for a broader audience.
Even if games like GTA or COD don’t generally run on basic systems, the above-mentioned games will smoothly run on whatever PC you have. These games feature impressive graphics, a great gameplay experience, and, most importantly, post-launch support from developers.
To summarize the entire discussion, one can say that it’s not always necessary to have a high-end PC for gaming. Most games are now optimized to run on dedicated GPUs, but a few can still run on basic systems. So, if you have a budget issue but still want to start your gaming journey, titles like Stardew Valley, Ultrakill, and Disco Elysium will offer you the expected gameplay experience.
These above-mentioned titles prove that compelling gameplay, art direction, and storytelling don’t need high-end dedicated graphics cards to shine. They can make their place even with the lowest system requirement.
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1. What are the best PC games of 2025 that don’t require a graphics card?
Ans: This is a common question. Some of the best PC games in 2025 that run well without a graphics card include Stardew Valley, Ultrakill, Destiny 2, and a few more. All of these games are optimized for integrated graphics cards.
2. Can I play popular games like Minecraft, Valorant, or Stardew Valley without a graphics card in 2025?
Ans: Yes, Minecraft, Valorant, and Stardew Valley remain highly accessible without a graphics card. These games run smoothly on basic PCs, provided you adjust settings to low or medium for optimal performance in 2025.
3. What are the minimum system requirements for top PC games that run without a graphics card?
Ans: Most games playable without a graphics card require at least an Intel i3 or Ryzen 3 CPU, 4-8GB RAM, and integrated Intel UHD or AMD Vega graphics.
4. Are there any new 2025 PC games that run smoothly on low-end PCs or laptops?
Ans: Yes, several indie and strategy games released in 2025 are optimized for low-end PCs, including pixel-art adventures, turn-based tactics, and lightweight simulators.
5. How can I improve performance or graphics in PC games without a dedicated GPU?
Ans: Lowering in-game resolution and graphics settings, updating drivers, closing background apps, and enabling performance modes can significantly boost frame rates and stability when playing PC games on integrated graphics.