Gaming has become so big globally that it has grown to be more than a hobby to a lot of people. They identify themselves as a gamer, a persona they wear proudly as they participate in numerous communities online. When you are a gamer, you build up loyalty to a platform, whether that’s a console, PC, or mobile. But apart from the arguments about what platform is the best or which makes you a “proper gamer,” the most important thing for anyone to consider is: do you have the hardware to play what you want?
This particularly applies to PC gamers. The hardware you have can make a huge difference to the type of games you can enjoy and how good they look while you do it.
So, the critical question is, do you need the best gaming computer to enjoy online gaming? The short answer is not necessarily.
There are older retro games that will look and work fine on a generic laptop. Additionally, there are some workstations with their own dedicated GPUs that will allow you to play games. However, if you want to play the modern AAA PC games and are adamant you want sharp detail levels, then a gaming PC is a must. For example, gaming is much different from gambling online. You could be looking for casino games for New Zealand players, and it wouldn’t be that important to have a modern PC for that activity.
Games You Can Play Without a Gaming PC
If you don’t have a gaming PC, you may be wondering what your options are. Independent games are an excellent way to spend your free time, and there is a range of them you can enjoy whether you are using a desktop PC that’s a decade old, or a laptop intended for business.
Here are some games you can enjoy without a gaming PC:
Banished
Banished is an indie game that works excellent on onboard graphics and low-end GPUs. It is a relaxing, chilled-out type game where your role is to oversee a band of pilgrims to a new land. You will need to build a village, trade with the wider world, and manage resources to help your people live.
Darkest Dungeon
Darkest Dungeon is a dark game tactical roleplaying game that requires you to explore deep into the catacombs, tunnels, and winding pathways of your ancestral estate as you try to overcome pure Lovecraftian evil. It’s a massive game that can last hundreds of hours if you want it to, and it doesn’t take up much of your system’s resources. You just need at least 2GB of RAM and a GPU from the last decade to play.
Kingdom: New Lands
Kingdom: New Lands is another excellent option if you don’t have a gaming PC. This is a management game but a straightforward one. There are three controls: left, right, and down. With these, you can manage a warring kingdom against hordes of enemies as they try and breach your defences.