The best PC games of 2026 (that don’t need a graphics card)

This is the eighth year running that I’ve written a roundup of the best new games for low-power PCs. And before now, I felt like it might be losing its relevance. After all, the Steam Deck doesn’t have a discrete graphics card, and plenty of new laptops are coming out with tons of integrated graphical oomph.

But with the RAM crisis apparently sending PC value backwards by years, it might actually be more helpful than ever to point out that you don’t need a four-figure machine to get some PC gaming joy. So, without further ado, here are the games I found in the first half of 2026 that are worth checking out… and will practically run on a potato. Looking for more? Check out the same roundup from the last few years, too.

Easily the breakout indie hit of the year thus far, Mina the Hollower comes from the legendary studio behind Shovel Knight. Inspired by classic top-down Zelda adventures and the surprisingly vibrant palette of the Game Boy Color, this game puts you into the role of a mouse who’s equal parts Mrs. Brisby and Simon Belmont.

Mina the Hollower has Yacht Club Games’ signature mix of retro sensibilities and absolutely super-tight controls, with a bit of RPG-esque updates that let you customize your run and the powers unlocked by various trinkets. Metroidvania fans will love it, even with the top-down perspective, though its dedication to old-school sensibilities won’t be everyone’s cup of tea.

Mina the Hollower is $20 on Steam. It’s also available on Humble, GoG, and all three consoles.