5 Games Like Counter-Strike for Low-End PC

Counter-Strike has always ranked among the most popular and engaging online shooters out there. However, with the release of CS2, the game received a major graphics overhaul, which, unfortunately, made it partially or completely unplayable on lower-end PCs. Not everyone is ready to upgrade their system or invest in an expensive upgrade just to play CS2, and that’s perfectly understandable. The good news? You can still enjoy similar gameplay with these five games like Counter Strike for low-end PCs.

Team Fortress 2 | 2007

One of the top games like Counter-Strike that runs even on mid-to-low-spec machines is the timeless classic Team Fortress 2. Valve’s team-based online shooter has remained a staple for pure deathmatch fun and a go-to free-to-play option that works on almost any PC.

While Team Fortress 2 has a more cartoonish setting and relies on mechanics built for class-based matches, its core gameplay is strikingly similar to CS2. The main difference is figuring out the roles, traits, and items unique to each class — but once you’re past that, it’s classic team-based combat with an added strategic twist due to the variety of playstyles.

Minimum system requirements:

1. OS: Windows 7 (32/64-bit)/Vista/XP
2. Processor: 1.7 GHz Processor or better
3. Memory: 512 MB RAM
4. DirectX: Version 8.1
5. Storage: 15 GB available space

Rainbow Six: Siege | 2015

If you're after a game that mirrors CS2 not only in gameplay but in setting and tone, Rainbow Six: Siege puts a tactical spin on the classic counter-terrorist formula — and it’s surprisingly light on system demands.

It’s affordable (just $20 on Steam) and features a vibrant community — with about 120K players indulging in Ubisoft’s team-based shooter every day. An ability to have a similar type of deathmatches, which are slightly more dynamic here, puts Rainbow Six: Siege among the best alternatives of games like CS2 for a low-end PC setup.

Minimum system requirements:

1. OS: Windows 10/11 (64-bit versions)
2. Processor: AMD Ryzen 3 1200 @3.1 GHz, Intel Core i5-4590 @3.3 GHz, or better
3. Memory: 8 GB RAM
4. Graphics: AMD RX 560 (4 GB), Intel ARC A380 (6 GB), NVIDIA GeForce GTX 960 (4 GB), or better
5. Storage: 86 GB available space

Warface: Clutch | 2013

Thisfree-to-play online FPS is loved for both PvP and PvE modes, offering a mix of class-based combat scenarios. Warface is a great way to sharpen your shooting skills in a game like CS2 environment, while also diving into 16s original game modes, five unique classes, and a rewarding weapon unlock system.

It’s playable with just 4 GB of RAM and a GeForce GTS 450, which is impressively accessible by today’s standards. While it’s not played by as many players (with a daily count of under 1K), the game is actively supported, with its latest major update titled Clutch.

Minimum system requirements:

1. OS: Windows 7/8/10
2. Processor: Core i3-530 / AMD Athlon II X3 415e
3. Memory: 4 GB RAM
4. Graphics: GeForce GTS 450 / Radeon HD 5750
5. DirectX: Version 11
6. Storage: 35 GB available space

Paladins | 2018

If you are looking for an online shooter that allows you to explore different play styles, Paladins might just be your thing. A very diverse experience in terms of gameplay, in Paladins you pick one of the fifty available champions, each customizable, to battle five-on-five skirmishes.

This is a very dynamic, fast-paced FPS that’s set in a more cartoonish, fantasy-inspired setting. The gameplay drags you in and doesn’t let go, motivating you to figure out various tactics. All in all, it is a great way to expand your horizons.

Minimum system requirements:

1. OS: Windows 7 64-bit or newer
2. Processor: Core 2 Duo 2.4 GHz / Athlon X2 2.7 GHz
3. Memory: 4 GB RAM
4. Graphics: Nvidia GeForce 8800 GT
5. Storage: 30 GB available space

Valorant | 2020

Valorant might as well be your best choice on this list if you're looking for games like CSGO for a low-end PC. Stylistically, it sits somewhere between Team Fortress 2 and CS2, while leaning more towards the tactical gameplay of the latter.

It combines precision shooting with unique agent abilities, offering a fresh, competitive twist on the classic formula without demanding high-end hardware. But the best thing is that Riot Games developed Valorant with performance in mind. Therefore, it’s fully optimized to run on low-spec machines right out of the box.

Minimum system requirements:

1. OS: Windows 10/11 64-bit
2. Processor: Core 2 Duo E8400 / Athlon 200GE
3. Memory: 4 GB RAM
4. Graphics: Intel HD 4000 / Radeon R5 200
5. Storage: 50 GB available space

Bottom Line

If your budget allows, upgrading to a PC that can handle CS2 will provide the best possible experience. As an alternative, you can also try and tweak the most optimal CS2 settings for low-end systems to see if you can squeeze more performance out of your current setup.

But if that’s not an option and your budget doesn't allow you to buy a new PC, don’t worry — there are still games like CS2 for a low-end PC setup that you can enjoy. Hope this list comes in handy, and if you’re a console player, be sure to check out our roundup of games like Counter-Strike for PS5 (PS4).