Gaming on a Budget: List of Games You Can Play Without a Graphics Card
November 12, 2024 / by Louigi Balao / 3 mins read
Building your own PC can be a complex endeavor. There's research on parts, waiting for shipments, and then the assembly itself. The problem is that some parts are prized at insane amounts, especially when it comes to Central Processing Units (CPU) and Graphics Processing Unit (GPU). Some opt to leave out the GPU until a promo kicks in, while some also go without it.
Having a dedicated PC at home is great because it opens up avenues of entertainment, streaming, productivity, and of course, gaming. But what if you don’t have a GPU? No worries! Here’s a list of games that you can still enjoy.
Yes, it's 2024, but this game is still a blast! This 2D sandbox adventure game offers a ton of depth that requires your unique creativity. In Terraria, you explore vast worlds, mine resources, craft items, and battle various enemies. The game’s charming pixel art style ensures it runs smoothly on almost any system. If you and your buddies don’t have GPUs at the moment, this game will guarantee a splendid time!
From Luigi Salas - Motion Designer Official GIPHY
Following suit is another pixelated game that resides on the farming simulation side. Yes, we are talking about Stardew Valley. For those unaware, you will begin at a run-down farm and will be tasked to transform it into a thriving paradise of corn, pumpkin, beer, and many many more. Because of its pixel art style and relaxing gameplay, it is a perfect choice for those without a dedicated graphics card.
Maybe you don’t want a chill experience but a more action-packed gaming session. Hotline Miami is a must-play as this top-down shooter offers intense difficulty, vibrant neon graphics, and a bopping soundtrack. The gameplay involves taking down enemies in various creative ways while navigating through challenging levels. Its retro-inspired graphics are not taxing on systems on lower-end hardware, making it an excellent choice for budget gamers.
A personal favorite, Battlebit Remastered is a multiplayer first-person shooter that takes inspiration from classic shooters but with its own blocky twist. Because of its low-poly graphics that remind players heavily of Minecraft, ensures that it will run efficiently an smoothly on less powerful systems. Despite its simplistic graphics, Battlebit Remastered offers engaging gameplay, funny clips, a strong community, and various modes that will keep you entertained for hours.
You don’t need high-end graphic cards to enjoy great games. The titles listed here are popular and have stood the test of time without demanding too much from the player’s hardware. And since most of these titles have great music, it is best enjoyed with headphones that can maximize your experience; headphones like the JLab Audio Studio Active Noise Cancelling On-Ear Wireless Headphones is a great starting point. If those aren't your style, check out more options at the Next Upgrade Shop!
AUTHOR
Louigi Balao
Content Writer
Louigi, better known as Gi, is a content writer for Next Upgrade’s Tech and Gaming sections. In his free time, he enjoys long strolls in his house, loves fantasizing about anime ships that will never bear fruit, and constantly complains about his scuffed Korean backdashes. If you need a quick 3 AM chit-chat, he is your guy.
