15 PC Games You Can Play Without a Graphics Card and Still Have Fun

If your computer doesn’t have the needed graphics card to play the PC games, need not to worry.  If you have a graphics card, but it’s outdated or broken, and you can’t afford to buy a new one, you might think that you have to give up on PC gaming altogether. But don’t worry, there’s still hope. You can still play some awesome PC games without a graphics card in 2024.

A graphics card is essential for playing high-end games that have advanced graphics, animations, and effects. But all games do not require a graphics card to run. In fact, there are many games that can run on integrated graphics, which are built into your CPU or motherboard. These games are usually less demanding but still offer plenty of fun and entertainment.

So, without any further ado, let’s get to know these top computer games that can be played without a graphics card. 

Top 15 PC Games That Don’t Need A Graphics Card In 2024

These games are from different genres, such as action, adventure, racing, strategy, and more. 

1. Assassin’s Creed

The first playable game among the best PC games without graphics card is the first installment of the best modern-day game franchise. Ubisoft’s Assassin’s Creed has spawned eight games in the main series, with several tie-ins, graphics novels, and side-sequel games for mobile and other portable consoles. It is also one of the famous games that can be played without a graphics card.

Assassin’s Creed, the first in the series, was released in 2007 and demanded highly extensive specs be played. The new processors can now fulfill most of the GPU requirements. Though playing the game without a graphics card may cost you a high-definition experience; however, the game’s fantastic storyline and action-filled adventures would compensate for that.

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2. Need For Speed: Most Wanted

There have been tens of future installments in the most beloved racing game franchise, but this one remains my favorite of all time. I still play it while my i7-powered laptop can hold a bunch of games with high-end graphics. But street racing and evading cops on this one is an experience of a kind. Released in 2005, NFS: Most Wanted is the most applauded game of the franchise, which set records at release.

While the original system requirements demanded an NVIDIA GeForce2 MX or an ATI Radeon 7500, the Intel i-series and AMD’s Ryzen processors would smoothly help you play the game without a graphics card.

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Also Read: 10 Best Game Recorder Software For Windows

3. Counter-Strike 1.6

It has been almost two decades since the game was released, but are world championships held for the same. It is highly popular among young masses and has a cult following, which is unlikely to diminish even in the future. Though the game has been overshadowed by its successor Counter-Strike: Global Offensive and PUBG, all still love the old one. It is one of the good games to play without a graphics card on your Windows PC.

Given its old age, CS 1.6 is probably one of the best playable PC games without a graphics card. No stutters, no crashes, no resolution issues; CS 1.6 would run as fast and smooth on any modern PC, and no other game might give you the adventure and thrill like this one.

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4. Age of Empires 1-3

This was the first game that settled the way of success for Microsoft in the gaming industry. If it hadn’t been for Age of Empires, we might haven’t got Xbox. This game laid grounds for future simulation games for all platforms, with Clash of Clans being one of the most famous ones. That’s why it ranks in the games without graphics card for PC list.

The game allowed players to build entire civilizations, the elements of which were inspired by true historical ages such as the Stone Age, Iron Age, etc. The recipient of the Computer Strategy Game of the Year, it can be played over relatively low specifications even for modern PCs quite smoothly. Though the first three installments are playable games on PC without a graphics card, the soon to be released Age of Empires IV won’t be included in the list.

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5. Call of Duty

Yes, COD has become a global franchise with much better games having detailed graphic design work and more realistic and practical shooting experiences; Call of Duty remains unforgettable. The first reason is that it follows the traditional WWII storyline and that too on multiple war fronts. Honestly, if CoD: WWII had not launched in 2017, the franchise would have lost its roots. The other reason being the detailing developers went through to create war scenarios and ensure classical 1940s weapons were used by different military units.

Released back in 2003, the game’s graphics are very compatible with modern-day PCs, making it a playable PC without a graphics card. You can also smoothly run its successors CoD 2 and CoD 3, without having a dedicated GPU.

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6. Max Payne 2: The Fall of Max Payne

The highly anticipated sequel to Max Payne, The Fall of Max Payne, did not disappoint me at all. I played the game years after its release when better alternatives were available, but this one got into me. Everything about this game is to be loved, from its darker tone and a gripping narrative to the intense atmosphere and exciting storyline. Thankfully, I can still play this game on PC without a graphics card and enjoy the nostalgia of powerful gun battle action.

The game has been followed by a much more detailed Max Payne 3, which compensates for the lack of detailing in action and shorter storyline found in this one.

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7. Grand Theft Auto: Vice City

There are hardly any game lovers who won’t remember the game cheat codes for the GTA Franchise installment. Vice City is one of the most popular installments of the series and has an international following. Following Tommy Vercetti’s rise to the highest ranks in Vice City’s organized crime, the game’s setup and background, as well as the action-adventure narrative, is what makes it quite enjoyable even today

While there are successors to the game, they might not be playable on a PC without a graphics card; however, Vice City would run quite smoothly without tweaking up your game settings. This is another one of the good games to play without a graphics card.

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8. Project IGI 1-2

This was the time when first-person shooter games were preferred over third-person perspectives. Blending action game themes of covert ops, espionage, and infiltration, Project I.G.I.: I’m Going In allows players to have a fantastic gaming experience. It is well-known for its graphics and sound design.

Comparatively small in storage size, the game could be easily played on PC without a graphics card, along with its sequel Project I.G.I.: Covert Strike. For those who love the game, the third installment with modern-day graphics detailing is to be released in 2021, which is currently titled Project I.G.I.: Origins.

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Also Read: 10 Best Gaming Monitors For An Amazing Gaming Experience

9. Freedom Fighters

When I first played the game, I liked the storyline a lot. A Soviet-led United States invasion in New York City. Then I played it to the end, and I began to like its exciting narrative. The only fault, all the missions were too focused on extensive shooting, overshadowing the rest of the story. Most mission sequences were infiltrations and face-to-face shootouts with enemy forces. But again, the lack of stealth and spy-like missions made it less fascinating and more enjoyable. Just kill the enemies and make your way into New York.

It’s easily playable for PC games without a graphics card and can run efficiently on basic, lower-level processors launched in the past couple of years. Despite an incomplete ending, the game’s sequel never made it to life.

10. Prince of Persia: Sands of Time Series

All games, starting from Sands of Time to Forgotten Sands, are playable on PCs without a graphics card. However, the later installments might require a few tweaks into the game’s graphics settings to avoid lags. The game is well-known for both stealth and combat action, as well as character portrayal and interface. The Prince of Persia franchise finally spawned a worldwide hit franchise based on Assassins (Assassin’s Creed), which had a small part of the game’s storyline.

11. Cricket 07

Unfortunately, EA Sports never released a cricket game after this one and dedicated itself to its more successful FIFA series. But, Cricket 07 has its long-lasting following, especially in cricket playing nations, and is one of the most famous PC games without a graphics card. In the past years, the game has subsequently lost licensing from most cricket boards, with only England, Australia, New Zealand, and South Africa still honoring those deals. Its repetitive commentaries and strange aliases assigned to other nations’ players are quite a trend on social media memes.

The game never required a high spec PC, and with the recent developments in the capacity of integrated GPUs and processors, it can be easily played without a graphics card on a PC.

12. Pro Evolution Soccer

The competitor to EA’s FIFA series developed by Konami, PES is an excitement-filled game focused on Soccer. PES allows you to play major international and continental soccer tournaments with your favorite clubs ranging from Real Madrid to Manchester United, and create the best players’ best team. The player’s face likeness has been extensively improved over the years.

While the latest versions require some dedicated GPU specs, the versions before 2014 can be played without much hassle without a graphics card. Though some users claim to play versions 2015 and 2016 without dedicated GPU, it may require you to compromise over game resolution.

To play PC games without a graphics card on low-end specs, you either need to go a bit old-school fun gaming or compromise with graphics resolution. Playing newer games on low-spec PCs with constant lags and crashes is not the right choice. The games for PC without graphics card list might be old but have a lasting fan following, and having them on your system for fun’s sake is not a bad idea. These are playable games for PC without a graphics card and will run without any lags and crashes.

13. Team Fortress 2

Team Fortress 2 was released in 2007 and has been one of the most popular games ever since. It requires the minimum graphics for playing on PC and thus makes a good game for those looking for their low end specs devices. It is a multiplayer game which can be played with your friends and others.

14. League of Legends

League of Legends is a free to play game where multiple players can play together. In a player vs player combat the teams take up different styles to win points and defeating others is set as the main goal. Players can spend on character customization and this is what makes this RPG game unique storylines. It can be easily run on PC without graphics card because of its low on system resources.

15. Owlboy

Owlboy is a game that has been praised for its stunning pixel art graphics, which create a vibrant and detailed world that is full of secrets and surprises. The game also has a charming and emotional story, which explores themes such as friendship, courage, identity, and sacrifice. The game also has a memorable soundtrack, which features orchestral and chiptune music that matches the mood and atmosphere of each scene. Owlboy is a game that you can play on your PC without a graphics card in 2024, as it has low system requirements and can be optimized with various settings. 

You can enjoy the game’s beautiful graphics and gameplay without worrying about your hardware limitations. Owlboy is a game that will make you laugh, cry, and wonder as you embark on an epic adventure with Otus and his friends.

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Wrapping up –

While the latest versions require some dedicated GPU specs, the versions before 2014 can be played without much hassle without a graphics card. Though some users claim to play versions 2015 and 2016 without dedicated GPU, it may require you to compromise over game resolution.

To play PC games without a graphics card on low-end specs, you either need to go a bit old-school gaming or compromise with graphics resolution. Playing newer games on low-spec PCs with constant lags and crashes is not the right choice. The games for PC without graphics card list might be old but have a lasting fan following, and having them on your system for fun’s sake is not a bad idea. These are playable

For More On PC Games, Check-Out:

• Best Low Spec PC Games To Enjoy Without New Investment.
• 10 Best Games Like World Of Warcraft
• Best Free PC Games You Would Love To Play.

Tell Us What You Think:

Let us know in the comments which one of the above games is your favorite and whether you’ll enjoy playing them even now. For more such content, subscribe to our newsletter or follow us on our social feeds at YouTube, Twitter, and Facebook.

Frequently Asked Questions-

Q1. Can I play PC games without a graphics card?

Yes, it is possible to play PC games without a graphics card. There are multiple options to pick from, and you are ready to play them on your PC. You can also find a few free Windows 10 PC games without a graphics card.

Q2. Can I play PUBG on a PC without a graphics card?

No, PUBG requires a good GPU (Graphical Processing Unit) to be played on a PC. Check out the games from the list of top pc games without graphics cards for windows 10.

Q3. How can I play heavy games without a graphics card?

Heavy games require several things, keep your PC clean from any clutter. Change the visual settings of your Desktop and enough RAM. You can also try online games, which are free to play on the web browser.

Q4. Can I run GTA 5 without a graphics card?

Yes, you can play GTA 5 without a graphics card on your computer. But, you need to understand that it will be shifted on a low resolution as the PC requires a graphics card for the visuals. Although you can alternatively play GTA: Vice City as one of the games to play without a graphics card on your computer.

Q5. Can we play games without a GPU?

Yes, there are options to play certain games on your computer without GPU. We have listed out the best games to play without a graphics card in this blog post. Take a look at these games and find out the variety of the game genre you find for the games that can be played without a graphics card.

Q6. Can you have a PC without a graphics card?

Yes, you can have a PC without a graphics card easily. If you are not interested in using the PC for high visuals for games and other such applications, you can get a PC without a graphics card. Although it is a good idea to have a PC with a graphics card.

Q7. Is graphics card only necessary for gaming?

No, Graphics cards are used on computers for several reasons. Majorly it includes gaming, video editing, developing applications and 3D rendering.

Q8. Can I install graphics card in laptop?

Yes, if you are using the latest laptops, you can install an external graphics card with the help of multiple ports. It can be used with a bluetooth, Thunderbolt 3 or VGA port. 

Q9. How can I optimize my PC performance and settings for better gaming experience?

• Close any unnecessary programs or applications that are running in the background
• Update your drivers and software regularly
• Adjust your in-game settings, such as resolution, frame rate, graphics quality, sound quality, etc.
• Use a wired Internet connection instead of a wireless one
• Clean your PC from dust and dirt regularly
• Use a cooling pad or fan to prevent overheating

Q10. How can I download and install PC games without a graphics card?

To download and install PC games without a graphics card, you need to follow these steps:

1. Find out the minimum system requirements for the game you want to play, and make sure your PC meets them.
2. Visit the official website or platform of the game you want to play, such as Steam, Origin, Epic Games Store, etc.
3. Download the game file or installer from the website or platform.
4. Run the game file or installer on your PC and follow the instructions.
5. Launch the game and enjoy playing!