GamingInAfrica
Best Action Games for Budget and Low-End PCs in 2023
⇒IntroΞ Not every PC is a gaming beast, but that shouldn’t stop us gamers from enjoying some of the very best action ever games made on our low end PC’s.
“In a gaming world increasingly focused on demanding titles like ‘Cyberpunk 2077,’ ‘The Last of Us,’ and ‘Star Wars: The Last Jedi’ with their high hardware requirements, it’s easy for gamers with low-end PCs to feel left out. However, there exist is a solid plethora of action-packed games that can run on a wide range of systems. These games can be enjoyed on hardware spanning from decade-old GPUs and CPUs to integrated graphics. While it’s true that these games can not match the graphical fidelity of the latest and greatest action titles, they can still provide an enjoyable gaming experience.
The outlined games each have their specified Minimum requirement, but generally any low end PC and up made in the last decade with integrated graphics and 4GB of RAM should get the Job done. Now onto the List.
5. Just Cause 2
OFFICIAL MINIMUM REQUIREMENT FROM STEAM
CPU: Dual-core CPU with SSE3 (Athlon 64 X2 4200 / Pentium D 3GHz)
RAM: 2GB System Memory
GPU: DX10 compatible graphics card with 256 MB of memory
SIZE: 10GB of free drive space
Just Cause 2, developed by Avalanche Studios and published by Square Enix, is a dream come true for fans of open-world action games. Released in 2013 on PS3, Xbox 360, and PC, this adrenaline-fueled adventure immerses players in a sprawling open world filled with chaos and excitement.
In Just Cause 2 players will be inserted into the role of Rico Rodriguez, a skilled operative on a mission to overthrow the dictator of panau, a fictional country in South Eastasia. The game revolves around building up a revolution to end the regime, by asssisting rebel factions and primarily sabotaging the regimes infrastructure.
This game is kind of a mix between Spider Man and GTA, yeah, crazy but it works. The game’s main protagonist Rico Rodriguez possesses a powerful grappling hook on his right hand which he uses to anchor himself unto buildings and moving vehicles to traverse the different beautiful biomes of Panau. The game offers a diverse array of weaponry and vehicles, complemented by the aforementioned grappling hook.
When it comes to achieving objectives the game leaves the “how to” part up to the player, which greatly enhances the flexibility and gameplay. The graphics are decent, falling in line with what one would typically expect from games at the end of the Xbox 360/PS3 lifecycle.
4. State of Decay
OFFICIAL MINIMUM REQUIREMENT FROM STEAM
CPU: Intel Core 2 Duo E6600 / Athlon X64 3400
RAM: 4GB System Memory
GPU: GeForce GTX 470 / Radeon HD 5850 / Intel HD 4600
SIZE: 4158 MB available space
State of Decay is a Microsoft Xbox original released in June 2013 for the Xbox360 and PC. State of Decay is a Zombie based action open world game. The game emphasizes resource management, and base building, with the primary aim of sustaining and expanding your community of survivors.
State of Decay doesn’t really have an expansive storyline, like other games on the list, it has a very linear story, where you take the role of survivors during the post apocalyptic apocalypse, task with ensuring not just the survival but the expasnion of the community.
In ‘State of Decay 1,’ you’re not playing a superhero or a highly trained operative; you’re an ordinary survivor trying to stay alive in the midst of a zombie apocalypse. The game takes place in the fictional Trumbull Valley, a region that’s been overrun by the undead. Your task is not to defeat armies of the living dead but to manage a group of survivors, making tough decisions to ensure their survival.
This isn’t just about fending off zombies. You’ll need to scavenge for resources, build and fortify your base, and establish relationships with other survivors. The choices you make impact the story and the people you encounter, adding depth and unpredictability to the gameplay.
The game’s open-world environment is dynamic and unforgiving, providing a realistic sense of survival. As you venture out into the world, you’ll encounter not only zombies but also hostile human factions, making every decision a potential life-or-death choice.
While ‘State of Decay 1’ may not boast the high-end graphics of today’s titles, its focus on storytelling, survival mechanics, and immersive open-world gameplay makes it a classic in the world of zombie-themed video games.”
3. Call of Duty Black Ops1
OFFICIAL MINIMUM REQUIREMENT FROM STEAM
CPU: Intel® Core™2 Duo E6600 or AMD Phenom™ X3 8750 or better
RAM: 2GB System Memory
GPU: Shader 3.0 or better 256MB NVIDIA® GeForce® 8600GT / ATI Radeon® X1950Pro or better
SIZE: 12GB
Call of Duty: Black Ops is a blockbuster first-person shooter developed by Activision and released on the PS3, Xbox 360, and PC in November 2010. Call of Duty has always been the go-to game for fans of the first-person shooter genre. While Black Ops 1 may seem a bit dated, the Call of Duty charm still endures, offering a captivating story along with impressive gameplay, audio, and graphics.
The story of Call of Duty: Black Ops is centered around the chaos of the Cold War era. You assume the role of Alex Mason, a covert American CIA agent. The game follows the unraveling of a series of conspiracies aimed at plunging the world into nuclear war, orchestrated by the game’s antagonist, a Soviet named Dragovich.
Being a first-person shooter, Call of Duty: Black Ops places heavy emphasis on intense action and firefights. The game boasts a plethora of historically accurate weapons, providing a high degree of flexibility in approaching different scenarios, whether through stealthy tactics or all-out gunfights. Squad-based teamwork is pivotal here, and AI teammates add an extra layer of dynamism to your approach to objectives. Vehicular action is commonplace, with different missions requiring the use of vehicles such as helicopters, boats, and motorcycles.
The setting of Black Ops is incredibly dynamic, ranging from the crowded cities of Cuba to the jungles of Vietnam, the freezing climate of the Arctic, the Soviet Union, and the U.S., among many others. This constant change of scenery ensures the game never feels stale.
Despite being an late 2010s game, the graphics still hold up today.
2. Sleeping Dogs
OFFICIAL MINIMUM REQUIREMENT FROM STEAM
CPU: Core 2 Duo 2.4 GHz or Althon X2 2.7 GHz
RAM: 2GB System Memory
GPU: DirectX 10 or 11 compatible Nvidia or AMD ATI card, ATI Radeon 3870 or higher, Nvidia GeForce 8800 GT or higher
SIZE: 15GB
Sleeping Dogs is an action-adventure open world phenomenal, developed by United Front Games and published by Square Enix. The game was released back in August 2012, on the PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, and PC. In the world of countless generic open-world action games, Sleeping Dogs is a breath of free air, combining a captivating storyline with impressive gameplay, audio, and graphics.
The game’s narrative unfolds in the sprawling and vibrant metropolis of Hong Kong. You are put into the shoes of Wei Shen, an secret undercover cop tasked with infiltrating and dismantling the criminal organizations that plague the city.
The game’s storyline revolves around Wei Shen’s challenging double life, balancing his role as a cop with his allegiance to the criminal underworld. As you progress, you’ll encounter a web of intrigue, grapple with betrayals, and face moral dilemmas, all against the backdrop of the bustling streets of Hong Kong.
Sleeping Dogs takes an interesting approach to gameplay. While it’s firmly grounded in the open-world action genre, where you can wander every corner of the city, with a variety of vehicles at your disposal, this game brings a unique focus on martial arts combat. As Wei Shen, you’ll engage in gut wrentching hand-to-hand combat, making use of martial arts techniques, counters, and brutal takedowns. This combat system sets Sleeping Dogs apart from other open-world titles. Think GTA, but only in Hong Kong with mix martial fights.
In addition to combat, ‘Sleeping Dogs’ offers a variety of gameplay elements. You can explore the city, engage in high-speed chases, and even participate in street races. The game also presents opportunities for romance and dating, providing a well-rounded gaming experience. As for the game’s visuals, even though it’s a title from 2012, the graphics continue to impress. Its visuals are still sharp with highly detailed textures
1. Far Cry3
OFFICIAL MINIMUM REQUIREMENT FROM STEAM
CPU: Core 2 Duo 2.4 GHz or Althon X2 2.7 GHz
RAM: 2GB System Memory
GPU: DirectX 10 or 11 compatible Nvidia or AMD ATI card, ATI Radeon 3870 or higher, Nvidia GeForce 8800 GT or higher
SIZE: 15GB
Far Cry 3 is a thrilling open-world shooter developed by Ubisoft, initially released for PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, and PC in November 2012. It’s a title that has solidified its place as a pinnacle in the first-person shooter genre, known for its immersive story, exceptional gameplay, stunning audio, and impressive graphics.
The game transports players to the Rook Islands, a lush and perilous tropical paradise, and puts them in the shoes of Jason Brody, a tourist who must quickly adapt to survive when his vacation goes horribly wrong.
Jason’s journey unfolds in the heart of the Rook Islands, and his transformation from a naive tourist into a battle-hardened warrior is a central theme. The narrative explores themes of madness and the consequences of violence, all against the backdrop of a vibrant yet dangerous tropical paradise.
“Far Cry 3” offers a dynamic gameplay experience. It’s an open-world first-person shooter with a focus on exploration, combat, and survival. Players have access to a wide array of weapons, from traditional firearms to more unconventional options. The game also encourages strategic planning, allowing you to approach situations stealthily or head-on, depending on your playstyle.
The game introduces a captivating cast of characters, including the charismatic and unhinged Vaas Montenegro. The compelling storyline is a rollercoaster of emotions, filled with twists and moral choices that impact the game’s outcome.
Visually, ‘Far Cry 3’ still holds its own, with stunning landscapes and attention to detail. The game’s setting is a character in itself, offering breathtaking vistas and immersive environments.
Even if you’re gaming on a budget or rocking a low-end PC, there’s still a lot of gaming to be had. Although it’s tempting to watch others play the latest games on YouTube or Twitch, it’s comforting to know that we can squeeze out a decent gaming experience from our humble setups, so even though we hope to upgrade our PC one day to play the likes of Last of us on high settings, but for for now, let’s enjoy these games that keep us company until that faithful day comes.
Captain Aturoh
"Gamer-in-chief, on a mission to elevate the cause."
