SUMMARY
  • Most games don't run if players don't have a high-configuration laptop.
  • However, there are exceptions that players can even run on any laptop they want.
  • We have prepared a list of multiplayer games that can be played using any laptop.

Gaming requires specific equipment. Either you need a console or a gaming PC to run games. Even if you are trying to run games on a laptop, it needs to match the minimum prerequisites for a smooth experience. The most common concept is that if your system doesn’t match that specific criteria, it won’t run games, and that’s true 90% of the time. However, there are exceptions to this rule, and in the gaming world, players can find a few titles that they can play on any laptop.

If you want to start your gaming journey and want to play co-op or multiplayer games with friends, trust me, your non-gaming laptop won’t be a trouble for you. You have multiple options, and below we have listed the best options for you to check out:

10. Terraria

terraria multiplayer gameplay
Terraria is one of those multiplayer games that can be played on any laptop. Image Credit: Steam.

If you have a low-end laptop but you still want to dive into multiplayer games, let’s dive into Terraria. This is a 2D sandbox game that revolves around exploration, building, crafting, combat, survival, and mining. If you have played Minecraft, it’s more or less the same thing. The best part is that the game is available in single-player and multiplayer game modes. 

The best aspect of Terraria is that this multiplayer game can be played even if you don’t have a gaming laptop. Therefore, no matter what type of laptop you have, this game is okay to give a try. 

9. The Darkness 2

the darkness 2 gameplay
The Darkness 2 is worth giving a try if you are looking for multiplayer games to play on a non-gaming laptop. Image Credit: Steam.

The next game that should be on the list is The Darkness 2. This 2012 first-person shooter game is the sequel to 2007’s The Darkness. This game features a few elements from RPGs, such as skill trees, experience, etc. In this game, players can access a wide range of weapons, and they can even dual-wield some of these weapons. 

However, the most exciting part is that this game can be played on any laptop and has a four-player cooperative mode.

8. Age of Empires 3

age of empire 3 gameplay scene.
Age of Empires 3 is one of the best multiplayer games to play with friends. Image Credit: Steam.

The next game that players must try to run if they want to experience a thrilling multiplayer game on a non-gaming laptop is Age of Empires 3. Released in 2005, this is a real-time strategy game and was the best-selling game of 2005. It was also one of the best-selling computer games, with over 313,000 copies sold that very year. Therefore, this is worth giving a try.

Age of Empires 3 doesn’t require players to have a high-end processor, GPU, or system requirement. Even basic laptops will be able to run this game. 

7. Team Fortress 2

team fortress 2 in-game scenes.
Team Fortress 2 must be given a try if your laptop is not compatible with high-end games. Image Credit: Steam.

The next game that is a must-mention on the list is Team Fortress 2. It is a multiplayer first-person shooter game, developed and released by Valve in 2007. The game features two teams: Red and Blue, and players can choose one of the nine available classes to participate in completing the combat-based objectives. 

No matter which you are playing, you should understand the strengths, weaknesses, and weapon sets of that particular class to make the journey smoother. If you don’t have a high-end laptop but are willing to start a multiplayer FPS game, don’t forget Team Fortress 2

6. Torchlight 2

torchlight 2 in-game world.
This dungeon-crawling multiplayer game must be given a try. Image Credit: Steam.

If you haven’t been in the gaming world for a long time, it is understandable that you have missed Torchlight 2. It was the sequel to the 2009 base game Torchlight and gathered a substantial fanbase after it was released. This action role-playing dungeon crawler game is used to spawn random dungeons and let players fight numerous types of monsters.

While this experience can be enjoyed solo, it can even be enjoyed with an entire squad. The most exciting part is players can dive into this game with basic laptops. 

5. Heroes of Might and Magic III

hheroes of might and magic iii gameplay.
Heroes of Might and Magic III is one of those multiplayer games that can be played regardless of which system you have. Image Credit: Steam.

Now if you are a turn-based game fan and looking to dive into turn-based games, but your laptop is the problem, don’t worry, the gaming world has Heroes of Might and Magic III for you to give a try. This game was released in 1999 and can be played on any laptop you have.

The game is unique because here players control a hero who commands an army of unique creatures. Players can either choose to go through seven different campaigns or play against AL or human enemies. Because it is a multiplayer game, you can even play it with your squad.

4. Overwatch

overwatch gameplay
If you are unable to play other multiplayer games on your laptop, Overwatch is worth trying. Image Credit: Steam.

Overwatch is the prequel to one of the widely renowned multiplayer FPS games, Overwatch 2. While the sequel requires high system configuration to run, Overwatch can be played with minimum requirements. Therefore, even if the basic configuration of your laptop doesn’t support the 2022 game, the 2016 game won’t probably give you much trouble playing it. 

Well, there’s one thing: if your laptop is too basic to play games, Overwatch may lag. However, it will still allow players to dive into the large roster of characters and choose a hero of their preference to dive into the game with friends. 

3. Counter-Strike: Global Offensive

cs: go players trying to eliminate others.
Counter-Strike: Global Offensive should be given a try, no matter what system you have. Image Credit: Steam.

Top FPS games like Call of Duty and Destiny games are not likely to run on low-end systems. But this option isn’t entirely closed for gamers with non-gaming laptops. Instead, they have one Counter-Strike game that they can dive into with any laptop they have. 

CS: GO was initially released in 2012, and it is one of the best tactical first-person shooter games ever made. The game offers two teams: Terrorists and Counter-Terrorists. These two teams fight against each other in different objective-based game modes. The best part is CS: GO is entirely a multiplayer game. 

2. Paladins: Champions of the Realm

paladins protagonist.
Paladins is one of those games that runs like butter in low-end systems. Image Credit: Steam.

If you are willing to start your FPS game journey with a non-gaming laptop, Paladins is the best multiplayer game option you have. A lot of gamers haven’t probably heard of this 2018 released hero-shooter game, but this is a great choice if your system isn’t an upgraded one to support high-end shooter games. 

The game was initially announced in 2012 with a different title and was scheduled to be released in 2013. However, after that initial announcement, the game went through changes multiple times and was finally released in 2018 as a free-to-play hero-shooter game. That’s another positive side of this game: players don’t need to purchase it.

1. Left 4 Dead 2

left 4 dead killing zombies.
Left 4 Dead 2 is the most recommended game that players must try on their laptops. Image Credit: Steam.

Left 4 Dead is a renowned name in the world of first-person multiplayer shooter games, and players must be aware that this is one of the finest FPS survival-horror games developed by Valve. While the base game was released in 2008, the sequel came one year later, in 2009. 

The apocalyptic setting of the game is fearsome, with hordes of undead enemies attacking to eliminate players. Though players can dive into this journey alone, having some teammates makes the game more fun. Even if you don’t have a high-end laptop, this game will run smoothly. 

These are the top games that players must try to play if they don’t have a high-end laptop. Maybe sometimes they lag a bit, but mostly your experience will be like butter.