You don’t need a high end GPU to enjoy great action games on Steam.
Some of the best action experiences ever made run perfectly fine on older hardware, budget laptops, or PCs without a dedicated graphics card. This list focuses on action games that are well-optimized, lightweight ,and still feel responsive and fun in 2026.
No “barely runs at 20 FPS” picks ,these are games that actually play well on low-end systems.
Best Action Games for Low-End PCs: Top picks
- Hades
Smooth performance, fast combat, and stunning art style without heavy system demands. Hades runs great on modest hardware ,while delivering some of the best action gameplay available.
Why it’s perfect for low-end PCs:
Optimized engine and lightweight visuals.
- Hotline Miami
Fast, brutal, and endlessly replayable ,tight controls and instant restarts make it one of the purest action games you can play on almost any PC.
Why it runs well:
2D visuals with extremely low system requirements.
- Katana ZERO
Precision based action with lightning-fast combat and minimal visual overhead. Every fight rewards timing and execution.
Why it works:
Stylish pixel art that’s easy on hardware.
- Dead Cells
Fluid combat, responsive controls ,and excellent performance even on older systems ,Dead Cells proves that 2D action can feel just as intense as 3D.
Why it belongs:
Incredibly optimized and endlessly replayable.
More Recommended Action Games for Low-End PCs
- Half Life 2
A classic that still delivers great gunplay and physics based action ,and it runs smoothly on nearly any PC released in the last decade.
Why it still matters:
Legendary FPS design with minimal requirements.
- Left 4 Dead 2
Fast paced co-op action with excellent optimization ,Even low end PCs can handle chaotic zombie hordes without issue.
Why it’s ideal:
Scales extremely well on weaker hardware.
- Cuphead
Challenging, fast paced action with hand drawn visuals that don’t demand much from your system.
Why it runs well:
2D animation with lightweight performance needs.
- Broforce
Explosive ,chaotic action that’s easy to run and fun to play solo or with friends. It’s simple, loud, and highly replayable.
Why it fits:
Low system requirements with nonstop action.
- Devil May Cry 4
Stylish third person action that runs far better than you’d expect on low end PCs when settings are adjusted.
Why it works:
Older engine with strong optimization.
- Risk of Rain
Fast paced action with roguelike elements that runs smoothly even on very weak systems.
Why it belongs:
Lightweight visuals with intense gameplay.
- Max Payne
Bullet-time gunplay, tight action ,and extremely low system requirements by today’s standards.
Why it still holds up:
Classic action that runs anywhere.
- Enter the Gungeon
Fast twin stick shooting, tight dodge mechanics ,and excellent optimization. Runs great on almost any setup.
Why it rounds out the list:
High-skill action without hardware demands.
Related Steam Pages:
- Hades Steam page.
- Hotline Miami Steam page.
- Katana ZERO Steam page.
- Dead Cells Steam page.
- Half-Life 2 Steam page.
- Left 4 Dead 2 Steam page.
- Cuphead Steam page.
- Broforce Steam page.
- Devil May Cry 4 Steam page.
- Risk of Rain (2013) Steam page.
- Max Payne 2: The Fall of Max Payne Steam page.
- Enter the Gungeon Steam page.
You Can check our steam games collection here:
Related Articles:
You can check the Complete Guide to Action games on steam here.
You Can Also check the Best First-Person Shooter Games on Steam.
Also the Best Free Action Games on Steam.