System Requirements for Top 10 PC Games
Not sure your current gaming hardware can handle the latest and greatest titles? Checking out the game system requirements before you buy can save a lot of headaches. It’s also helpful when you’re looking for guidance as you’re buying a new PC or upgrading your current gaming rig.
In this article, we included the “minimum” and “recommended” requirements for many of the top PC games out there, which are important to know as you shop and set your expectations. You can obviously play games at the minimum requirements, but it's typically better to meet or exceed the developer’s recommended requirements to future-proof your gaming setup.
1. GTA 5 system requirements
GTA 5 is the latest installment in the Grand Theft Auto series, and it follows the hilarious adventures of three protagonists in a fictionalized version of Southern California called San Andreas. This open-world game features a lengthy single-player campaign and seemingly endless other tasks and objectives to pursue when you get tired of the main story.
Here are the GTA 5 requirements via Rockstar:
Minimum GTA 5 system requirements
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OS: Windows 8.1 64-Bit, Windows 8 64-Bit, Windows 7 64-Bit Service Pack 1
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Processor: Intel® Core™ 2 Quad CPU Q6600 2.40 GHz (4 CPUs) or AMD Phenom 9850 Quad-Core Processor (4 CPUs) 2.5 GHz
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RAM: 4GB
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Video card: NVIDIA® 9800 GT (1GB), AMD HD 4870 (1GB)
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DirectX: 10, 11
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Sound card: 100% DirectX 10 compatible
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HDD space: 65GB
Recommended GTA 5 system requirements
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OS: Windows 8.1 64-Bit, Windows 8 64-Bit, Windows 7 64-Bit Service Pack 1
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Processor: Intel Core i5 3470 @ 3.2 GHz (4 CPUs) or AMD X8 FX-8350 @ 4 GHz (8 CPUs)
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RAM: 8GB
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Video card: NVIDIA GTX 660 (2GB) or AMD HD7870 (2GB)
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DirectX: 10, 11
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Sound card: 100% DirectX 10 compatible
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HDD space: 65GB
HP gaming PC recommendations
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HP OMEN 16 laptop PC: Sleek laptop gaming model designed for easy portability.
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HP Victus 15L gaming desktop TG02-0355z: Affordable desktop entry with room to customize.
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HP OMEN 45L gaming desktop GT22-0465xt: Performance option with robust starting specs and features.
GTA 5's gameplay mixes third-person shooting, driving, and cinematic storytelling in detailed environments ranging from cityscapes to desert paths. The multiplayer component, GTA Online, has become massively popular, too, with its own missions and story beats.
2. Valorant system requirements
Valorant (sometimes styled in all-caps) is a free-to-play competitive first-person shooter (FPS). Set in the relatively near future, the game’s narrative is based on a “First Light” event and a new element called “Radianite.” Humans exposed to the element begin developing special abilities and a variety of new factions arise as a consequence.
Here are the Valorant requirements via Riot Games:
Minimum Valorant system requirements
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OS: Windows 7/8/10 64-bit
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Processor: Intel Core 2 Duo E8400 or AMD Athlon 200GE
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RAM: 4GB
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VRAM: 1GB
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Video card: Intel HD 4000 (Shader Model 5.0) or AMD Radeon R5 200
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DirectX: N/A
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Sound card: N/A
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HDD space: 10GB
Recommended Valorant system requirements
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OS: Windows 7/8/10 64-bit
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Processor: Intel i3-4150 or AMD Ryzen™ 1200
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RAM: 4GB
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VRAM: 1GB
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Video card: NVIDIA GeForce GT 730 or AMD Radeon™ R7 240
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DirectX: N/A
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Sound card: N/A
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HDD space: 10GB
HP gaming PC recommendations
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HP OMEN 17 laptop PC: High-powered laptop with a generous display.
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HP Victus 16 laptop PC: Affordable and portable gaming laptop.
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HP OMEN 25L gaming desktop GT15-0345st: A fresh desktop with a clean look
Valorant gameplay emphasizes teamwork as it blends some retro shooter elements with specialist hero characters that each express different abilities. The matches typically take place on a single map, which makes the game’s hardware requirements a bit less demanding.
3. Elden Ring system requirements
One of the most critically acclaimed games of 2022, Elden Ring was created by FromSoftware with extensive conceptual input from Game of Thrones author George R. R. Martin. The game serves as a sort-of spiritual successor to the challenging and beloved Dark Souls series. It was also helmed by the same director, Hidetaka Miyazaki, along with Yui Tanimura, also known for his work on the Dark Souls franchise.
Here are the Elden Ring requirements via Bandai Namco:
Minimum Elden Ring system requirements
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OS: Windows 10
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Processor: Intel Core i5-8400 or AMD Ryzen 3 3300X
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RAM: 12GB
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VRAM: N/A
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Video card: NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1060 (3GB) or AMD Radeon RX 580 (4GB)
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DirectX: Version 12
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Sound card: Windows-Compatible Audio device
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HDD space: 60GB
Recommended Elden Ring system requirements
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OS: Windows 11/10
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Processor: Intel Core i7-8700K or AMD Ryzen 5 3600X
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RAM: 16GB
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VRAM: N/A
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Video card: NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1070 (8GB) or AMD Radeon RX VEGA 56 (8GB)
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DirectX: Version 12
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Sound card: Windows-Compatible Audio device
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HDD space: 60GB
HP gaming PC recommendations
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HP OMEN 17 laptop PC: Strong laptop specs and customization options.
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HP OMEN 25L gaming desktop GT15-0258z: Powerful AMD desktop hardware suite.
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HP OMEN 45L gaming desktop GT22-0266z: State-of-the-art desktop cooling and design.
Elden Ring’s game world, the Lands Between, is enormous. The game encourages an open approach, allowing you to play however you want within the available classes. Want to create a stealthy samurai-like build? How about a magic-wielding witch? Or maybe you want a tank-y warrior? It’s all up to you as you work your way toward becoming an Elden Lord.
4. Call of Duty: Warzone system requirements
With roots in 2019’s Call of Duty: Modern Warfare, the free-to-play Call of Duty: Warzone is a standalone addition that serves as a free-to-play battle royale gameplay. There are story elements connected to other games in the series, but the focus is primarily on last-man-standing FPS combat.
Here are the Call of Duty: Warzone requirements via Activision:
Minimum Warzone system requirements
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OS: Windows 10 64-bit (v.1709 or higher)
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Processor: Intel Core i3-4340 or AMD FX-6300
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RAM: 8GB RAM
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VRAM: N/A
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Video card: NVIDIA GeForce GTX 670, GeForce GTX 1650, or AMD Radeon HD 7950
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DirectX: Version 12
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Sound card: DirectX Compatible
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HDD space: 175GB
Recommended Warzone system requirements
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OS: Windows 10 64-bit latest update
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Processor: Intel Core i5-2500K or AMD Ryzen R5 1600X processor
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RAM: 12GB
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VRAM: N/A
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Video card: NVIDIA GeForce GTX 970 / GTX 1660, or AMD Radeon R9 390 / AMD RX 580
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DirectX: Version 12
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Sound card: DirectX Compatible
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HDD space: 175GB
HP gaming PC recommendations
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HP OMEN 16.1 inch gaming laptop PC: Compact and powerful gaming laptop.
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HP Victus 15L gaming desktop TG02-0355z: Affordable desktop with loads of storage.
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HP OMEN 45L gaming desktop GT22-0450t: Stylish build and excellent RAM capabilities.
Call of Duty: Warzone emphasizes teamplay and large player lobbies, with squads of up to four members and maps that can support up to 150 players – or 200 during special events. The quantity isn’t a problem with a strong internet connection, but Warzone includes a lot of content on install.
5. Red Dead Redemption 2 system requirements
The beloved third (yes third, because we’re counting Red Dead Revolver) installment in the Red Dead series, Red Dead Redemption 2 is actually a prequel to Red Dead Redemption. Players primarily experience the game through Arthur Morgan, a member of the Van der Linde gang.
Here are the Red Dead Redemption 2 requirements via Rockstar Games:
Minimum Red Dead Redemption 2 system requirements
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OS: Windows 10 - April 2018 Update (v1803)
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Processor: Intel Core i5-2500K or AMD FX-6300
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RAM: 8GB
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VRAM: N/A
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Video card: NVIDIA GeForce GTX 770 (2GB) or AMD Radeon R9 280 (3GB)
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DirectX: N/A
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Sound card: DirectX compatible
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HDD space: 150GB
Recommended Red Dead Redemption 2 system requirements
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OS: Windows 10 - April 2018 Update (v1803)
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Processor: Intel Core i7-4770K or AMD Ryzen 5 1500X
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RAM: 12GB
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VRAM: N/A
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Video card: NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1060 (6GB) or AMD Radeon RX 480 (4GB)
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DirectX: N/A
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Sound card: DirectX compatible
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HDD space: 150GB
HP gaming PC recommendations
-
HP OMEN 25L gaming desktop GT15-0245m: Highly customizable desktop PC.
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HP Victus 15L gaming desktop TG02-0325m: Affordable desktop PC with multiple color finishes.
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HP OMEN 45L gaming desktop GT22-0238m: Superior performance and customization options.
With strong Western themes, RDR2 is steeped in layers of detail. Most of the action takes place outdoors and players rely on their horse for transportation, so an elaborate bonding system provides upgrades. The game features numerous gunfight mechanics, too, as you make your way through the sweeping narrative.
6. Minecraft system requirements
Minecraft has grown into one of the most popular games of all time since its release in 2011. It’s beloved for its open-ended nature and customizability, with an emphasis on building, creativity, and exploration. You can truly make your Minecraft world your own, and there are countless mods, shaders, and seeds to change the way you play.
Minimum Minecraft system requirements
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OS: Windows 10 version 14393.0
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Processor: Intel Celeron J4105 or AMD FX-4100
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RAM: 4GB
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VRAM: N/A
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Video card: Intel HD Graphics 4000 or AMD Radeon R5
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DirectX: N/A
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Sound card: N/A
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HDD space: N/A
Recommended Minecraft system requirements
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OS: Windows 10 version 14393.0
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Processor: Intel i7-6500U or AMD A8-6600K
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RAM: 8GB
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VRAM: N/A
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Video card: NVIDIA GeForce 940M or AMD Radeon HD 8570D
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DirectX: N/A
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Sound card: N/A
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HDD space: N/A
HP gaming PC recommendations
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HP OMEN 15 laptop PC: Maximum portability and performance.
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HP Victus 15.6 inch gaming laptop PC: Affordable starting option with several color finishes to consider.
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HP Victus 15L gaming desktop TG02-0366qd: Surprisingly powerful and affordable.
The best part? Minecraft is one of the lightest games around and takes up very little space to install. That means you don’t need the beefiest gaming rig to play it.
7. Fortnite system requirements
First released in 2017, Fortnite has actually grown into a trio of titles that each have their own distinctive gameplay style: Fortnite: Save the World, Fortnite Battle Royale, and Fortnite Creative. Arena combat is a big part of all of these, it’s not the only option you have as a player.
Here are the Fortnite requirements via Epic Games:
Minimum Fortnite system requirements
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OS: Windows 7/8/10 64-bit
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Processor: Intel Core i3-3225 3.3 GHz
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RAM: 4GB
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VRAM: N/A
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Video card: Intel HD 4000
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DirectX: N/A
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Sound card: N/A
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HDD space: N/A
Recommended Fortnite system requirements
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OS: Windows 10 64-bit
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Processor: Intel Core i5-7300U 3.5 GHz or AMD Ryzen 3 3300U
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RAM: 8GB
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VRAM: 2GB
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Video card: NVIDIA GTX 960 or AMD R9 280
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DirectX: N/A
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Sound card: N/A
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HDD space: N/A
HP gaming PC recommendations
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HP OMEN 16.1 inch gaming laptop PC: Customizable laptop with AMD components.
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HP Victus 16 laptop PC: Customizable laptop for under $1,000.
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HP OMEN 40L gaming desktop GT21-0350st: Advanced graphics and cooling.
Save the World is about cooperation, building up your base, and working toward common goals, while Fortnite Battle Royale is a third-person free-for-all. Fortnite Creative is a sandbox version that allows players to create their own arenas and challenges on a private island you can share with up to 16 friends.
8. FIFA 22 system requirements
Developed and published by Electronic Arts (EA), FIFA 22 is the latest entry in the long-running FIFA soccer series. The game encompasses a huge number of players, teams, and stadiums, with a variety of different ways for soccer fans to experience the action.
Here are the FIFA 22 requirements via EA:
Minimum FIFA 22 system requirements
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OS: Windows 10 64-bit
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Processor: Intel Core i3-6100 3.7 GHz or AMD Athlon X4 880K 4 GHz
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RAM: 8GB
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VRAM: N/A
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Video card: NVIDIA GeForce GTX 660 or AMD Radeon HD 7850
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DirectX: N/A
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Sound card: N/A
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HDD space: 50GB
Recommended FIFA 22 system requirements
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OS: Windows 10 64-bit
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Processor: Intel Core i5-3550 or AMD FX 8150
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RAM: 8GB
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VRAM: N/A
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Video card: NVIDIA GeForce GTX 670 or AMD Radeon R9 270x
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DirectX: N/A
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Sound card: N/A
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HDD space: 50GB
HP gaming PC recommendations
-
HP OMEN 16 laptop PC: Well-rounded option with robust hardware.
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HP Victus 16 laptop PC: Affordable laptop with performance components.
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HP OMEN 25L gaming desktop GT15-0340qd: Strong baseline specs and upgradability.
Build your own soccer club from the ground up in Career Mode, create a player from scratch in Volta Football, or compete with your own custom teams in FIFA Ultimate Team. Fortunately for fans, the game is immersive but also runs on a variety of system configurations.
9. Apex Legends system requirements
Developed by Respawn Entertainment and published by EA, Apex Legends is a free-to-play battle royale FPS with an ever-expanding cast of hero characters. Set in the same universe as the Titanfall series, Apex Legends allows for both solo combat and squad-based gameplay.
Here are the Apex Legends requirements via EA:
Minimum Apex Legends system requirements
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OS: Windows 7 64-bit
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Processor: Intel Core i3-6300 or AMD FX-4350
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RAM: 6GB
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VRAM: 1GB
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Video card: NVIDIA GeForce GT 640 or AMD Radeon HD 7730
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DirectX: N/A
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Sound card: N/A
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HDD space: 22GB
Recommended Apex Legends system requirements
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OS: Windows 7 64-bit
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Processor: Intel i5 3570K
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RAM: 8GB
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VRAM: 8GB
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Video card: NVIDIA GeForce GTX 970 or AMD Radeon R9 290
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DirectX: N/A
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Sound card: N/A
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HDD space: 22GB
HP gaming PC recommendations
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HP OMEN 16.1 inch gaming laptop PC: Good specs and large display.
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HP Victus 15L gaming desktop TG02-0325m: Affordable gaming desktop with an AMD hardware suite.
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HP OMEN 40L gaming desktop GT21-0385xt: Leading performance and specs.
Each squad is made up of three players with their own unique individual abilities and loadouts, while new characters and equipment arrive in bursts with each new season of the game. There are also limited time events, which are fun opportunities to grab special loot or try unique game modes.
10. League of Legends system requirements
Originally released in 2009, League of Legends is the foundation of one of the largest competitive gaming communities. It’s also responsible for bringing competitive gaming, aka eSports, into greater global prominence, regularly drawing tens of millions of spectators to streaming events.
Here are the League of Legends requirements via Riot Games:
Minimum League of Legends system requirements
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OS: Windows 7/8/10 64-bit
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Processor: Intel Core i3-530 or AMD A6-3650
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RAM: 2GB
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VRAM: 1GB
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Video card: NVIDIA GeForce 9600GT, AMD HD 6570, or Intel HD 4600
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DirectX: N/A
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Sound card: N/A
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HDD space: 16GB
Recommended League of Legends system requirements
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OS: Windows 10 64-bit
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Processor: Intel Core i5-3300 or AMD Ryzen 3 1200
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RAM: 4GB
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VRAM: 2GB
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Video card: NVIDIA GeForce 560, AMD Radeon HD 6950, or Intel UHD 630
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DirectX: N/A
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Sound card: N/A
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HDD space: 16GB
HP gaming PC recommendations
-
HP OMEN 17 laptop PC: Excellent graphics and display.
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HP Victus 15L gaming desktop TG02-0346st: Customizable desktop option.
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HP OMEN 40L gaming desktop GT21-0148z: High-performing option with AMD components.
With spiritual roots in World of Warcraft, League of Legends has a fantasy setting and provides a variety of different game modes. The most popular is Summoner’s Rift, where two teams of five players compete to break through defenses and destroy the nexus in the other team’s base.
Conclusion
As you can see, not every set of game system requirements is the same. Some titles need powerful hardware to run smoothly, like Call of Duty: Warzone, while others need barely anything, like Minecraft. Some take up loads of space, like Red Dead Redemption, while others take up very little, like Valorant. As long as you’re prepared and follow the above requirements, you’ll never have any trouble loading up your favorite PC games.
About the Author: Dwight Pavlovic is a contributing writer for HP Tech Takes. Dwight is a music and technology writer based out of West Virginia.