Not everyone has the luxury of owning a high-end gaming laptop, but that doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy a rich gaming experience. In fact, there are plenty of games out there that are not only entertaining but also have low system requirements, making them perfect for non-gaming laptops. Here’s a look at some great games that you can play without needing a powerful gaming rig.

1. Stardew Valley

If you’re in the mood for something relaxing, Stardew Valley might just be the perfect game for you. This indie farming simulation game is reminiscent of classic titles such as Harvest Moon and offers hours upon hours of gameplay as you tend to your farm, explore caves, and get to know the locals in your town.

2. Undertale

Undertale is an inventive role-playing game where your choices matter. With its charming 8-bit graphics, this game can easily run on most laptops. Undertale challenges standard RPG tropes with a unique combat system and story progression that relies heavily on player choice.

3. Terraria

For those who love crafting and exploration, Terraria offers a sandbox experience with plenty of depth. The game features pixel graphics that should have no trouble running on non-gaming laptops and provides an almost endless amount of gameplay with its building, crafting, and combat mechanics.

4. Papers, Please

Papers, Please is a thought-provoking game where you play as an immigration officer at the border of a fictional country during political turmoil. The game’s retro graphics ensure it can run on almost any machine, and its engaging storyline will keep you invested.

5. Cuphead

Known for its challenging gameplay and beautifully hand-drawn animations, Cuphead is reminiscent of 1930s cartoons. Don’t be fooled by its appearance; while it may look demanding, Cuphead is surprisingly well-optimized for lower-end systems.

6. FTL: Faster Than Light

This top-down strategy game is perfect for short but intense gaming sessions where quick thinking and planning are crucial to surviving in space with your spaceship and crew.

7. Hotline Miami

If you are up for fast-paced action and don’t mind some pixelated gore, Hotline Miami offers an intense arcade-style experience coupled with an addictive soundtrack that should run smoothly on any non-gaming laptop.

8. Portal and Portal 2

These two games from Valve are classics that blend puzzle-solving with a gripping narrative. Both Portal games have been around for a while now so they’ll run without trouble on most modern laptops—and they offer some of the best gameplay experiences in the genre.

By looking beyond the latest AAA titles and giving these great alternatives a try, you can turn any non-gaming laptop into a portal to countless hours of fun—no high-spec machine required! Whether your interest lies in farming simulators or action-packed adventures, there’s something out there for every kind of gamer to enjoy without stressing over system requirements.