Introduction to the best single-player games for budget systems
It can be difficult to find budget-friendly single-player games that don’t sacrifice graphics or gameplay. Many gamers are forced to purchase an expensive gaming PC or laptop in order to enjoy the best single-player gaming experience. However, this doesn’t have to be the case! In this blog post, we will recommend some of the best budget-friendly single-player games for PCs and laptops. So whether you are on a tight budget or not, you can still enjoy some amazing gaming experiences! Without further ado, let’s get into Esports Maps’ top picks for the best single-player games for budget systems.
Slay The Spire
Slay the Spire is a roguelike deck-building game that had an early release in 2017 and an official release in 2019. The game tasks players with building a deck of cards that they can use to battle their way through various levels, while also collecting new cards and items along the way. A new take on the roguelike genre, and a fresh up-to-date game versus most of the other games on this list, Slay the Spire is a great choice for budget system gamers. The game is also incredibly replayable, as each run is different based on the cards you collect.
Minimum System Specifications:
- OS: Windows XP, Vista, 7, 8/8.1, 10
- Processor: 2.0 Ghz
- Memory: 2 GB RAM
- Graphics: 1Gb Video Memory, capable of OpenGL 3.0+ support (2.1 with ARB extensions acceptable)
- Storage: 1 GB available space
Stardew Valley
Stardew Valley is an infamous farming simulation game that was released in 2016. The game allows players to build their own farm, while also managing their time and resources in order to make the most of their farm. The extremely cute nature of the game as well as the ability to run it on most systems has made Stardew Valley incredibly popular. Additionally, you are able to play with your friends online in the same world. A solid choice and a modern classic that can be played on nearly any machine.
Minimum System Specifications:
- OS: Windows Vista or greater
- Processor: 2 Ghz
- Memory: 2 GB RAM
- Graphics: 256 mb video memory, shader model 3.0+
- DirectX: Version 10
- Storage: 500 MB available space
FTL: Faster Than Light
Faster Than Light, or FTL, is a space simulation game that was released in 2012. The game puts players in the shoes of a spaceship captain and allows them to explore the galaxy, battle enemies, and make choices that affect the outcome of the game. FTL is an incredibly unique and budget-friendly game that is possible to sink countless hours into. For such a “simple” game, FTL is an incredibly complex and charming game that can be played on nearly any system.
Minimum System Specifications:
- OS:Windows XP / Vista / 7
- Processor:2 GHz
- Memory:1 GB RAM
- Graphics:1280×720 minimum resolution, OpenGL 2.0 Support, and recommended dedicated graphics card with 128 MB of RAM
- Hard Drive:175 MB HD space
Rimworld
Rimworld is a colony simulation game that was released in 2013. The game allows players to build and manage their own colonies, while also dealing with various challenges such as raids, diseases, and food shortages. There is more than initially meets the eye to Rimworld, as the game is complex, deep, and offers a lot of replayability. If you are looking for a budget-friendly game that will keep you entertained for hours on end, Rimworld is a perfect choice! There are hundreds of mods you can download off the Steam Workshop for free to help craft the experience you want.
Minimum System Specifications:
- OS: Windows 7
- Processor: Core 2 Duo
- Memory: 4 GB RAM
- Graphics: Intel HD Graphics 4000 or other shader model 4.0
- Storage: 1 GB available space
The Elder Scrolls III: Morrowind
Morrowind is an open-world action RPG that was released in 2002. The fourth game in the Elder Scrolls universe, the game is set on the fictional island of Vvardenfell. Players have free rein to explore the island and interact with its inhabitants, following the incredible storylines and scenes throughout the world. Morrowind is a classic in the RPG genre, and for good reason. Create your character and experience the OG Bethesda RPG experience.
Minimum System Specifications:
- OS: Windows ME/98/XP/2000
- Processor: 500 MHz Intel Pentium III, Celeron, or AMD Athlon
- Memory: 256 MB
- Graphics: 32MB Direct3D Compatible video card with 32-bit color support and DirectX 8.1
- DirectX®: 8.1
- Hard Drive: 1GB free hard disk space
- Sound: DirectX 8.1 compatible sound card
Company of Heroes
Company of Heroes is a real-time strategy game that was released in 2006. The game is set during World War II and allows players to control various units as they battle their way through enemy territory. A truly classic RTS, Company of Heroes was one of the first games to truly capture the essence of WWII, before the huge wave of WWII games. The title is budget-friendly, system friendly, and offers a great single-player gaming experience for new and old RTS fans alike.
Minimum System Specifications:
- OS: Windows® XP or Vista
- Processor: 2.0 Ghz Intel Pentium IV or equivalent or AMD Athlon XP or equivalent
- Memory: 512 MB RAM
- Graphics: DirectX 9.0c compatible 64MB video card with Pixel Shader 1.1 support or equivalent and latest manufacturer drivers
- Storage: 1 GB available space
- Sound Card: DirectX® 9.0c compatible 16-bit
- Additional Notes: Supported Video Cards: NVIDIA: NVIDIA GeForce 3 series or better with latest manufacturer drivers (excluding the GeForce 4 MX series), ATI: ATI Radeon 9500 series or better with latest manufacturer drivers.
The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion
Yep. Another Elder Scrolls – and for good reason! Oblivion is the descendant title from Morrowind, featuring an even bigger open-world RPG experience. Released in 2006, Oblivion is set in the fictional province of Cyrodiil. The massive map in Oblivion is even larger than Skyrim’s. There is so much to explore as a player within Oblivion from storylines to easter eggs. There are also many side-quests and tasks to take on, giving players hundreds of hours of gameplay. Both Morrowind and Oblivion are available for budget prices and offer an incredible single-player gaming experience that is hard to come by.
Minimum System Specifications:
- OS: Windows XP, Windows 2000, Windows XP 64-Bit
- Processor: 2 Ghz Intel Pentium 4 or equivalent
- Memory: 512 MB
- Graphics: 128 MB Direct3D compatible video card and DirectX 9.0 compatible driver
- DirectX®: DirectX 9.0c
- Hard Drive: 4.6 GB
- Sound: DirectX 8.1 compatible
Portal 1 & 2
Portal is a puzzle-platformer game that was released in 2007 by Valve. An amazingly charming game where you are the subject of a science program called Aperture Science. – The game tasks players with solving puzzles by using the “portal gun” to create portals that connect two different areas. Portal 2, released a little later in 2011, allows users to play in a co-op experience not seen in the first edition. Portal is a top choice for those looking for a challenging and unique gaming experience on a low-end system.
Minimum System Specifications:
- OS: Windows® 7 (32/64-bit)/Vista/XP
- Processor: 1.7 GHz Processor
- Memory: 512MB RAM
- Graphics: DirectX® 8.1 level Graphics Card
Conclusion: The best single-player games for budget systems
These are just a few of the budget-friendly single-player games that are available for PCs and laptops. So if you’re looking for a great gaming experience without spending a lot of money, be sure to check out these games! If you’re looking for more games to play on lower-end systems, be sure to check out our other guides such as The Best FPS games for Budget Systems or The Best Mobile Card Games.
Thanks for reading!
