The best laptop games offer great things in small packages. You don't need the fancy graphics cards and superpowered GPUs of the best gaming laptops for these games, since they work just fine with relatively relaxed computer specifications. That means you don't need to worry about chunky file size or demanding specs here. You'll even be able to play a fair few of them on your Macbook if you're an Apple person, as long as you have Steam, Epic Games, or Origin installed on your machine. Macs can make decent gaming machines, and this list will prove it.
Whether you're all about fast-paced online multiplayer games or story-rich single player experiences, the best games to play on a laptop don't sacrifice quality or performance despite their friendlier size. There's something here for everyone, so let's take a look at the best laptop games that you can take with you on the go.
10. The Sims 4
Developer: Maxis
Glarch! The beloved life simulator first charmed its way into our hearts in the early 2000s, and it's bigger and better than ever in The Sims 4. The array of expansions available allows you to play the way you want, whether you're dreaming of living on a rustic farm in Cottage Living or have lofty aspirations of siring a legion of powerful vampires, werewolves, or magic-wielding spellcasters. Some might argue that The Sims 2 is the elite entry in the series, but The Sims 4 loads much quicker and is still constantly being updated in 2023.
9. Marvel Snap
Developer: Second Dinner
Superhero fans, look no further than virtual playing card collector game Marvel Snap. Featuring famous faces from across the MCU, you can play it on your laptop as well as your smartphone. The simple interface makes it easy to dip in and out of for quick six-minute rounds, and collecting cards is as simple as it is satisfying – especially when you finally round off your deck with an especially elusive card. There's no multiplayer mode just yet, but you can learn more about the game in our Marvel Snap review for a more in-depth look at exactly how it works.
8. Stardew Valley
Developer: ConcernedApe
When it comes to farming sims, it doesn't get more placid than Stardew Valley. Taking over your late grandfather's farm, you'll be creating your own character to carry on his legacy and start building your own. The cutesy pixel RPG has become a steadfast favorite since its 2016 launch, and one key thing about it for those looking for the best laptop games is its very undemanding system requirements. You don't need fancy specs or a gaming-level graphics card to play it, so Stardew Valley is a great option for anyone looking for a beautiful little game to get stuck into that won't make your laptop wheeze.
7. Hades
Developer: Supergiant
Fast-paced and frenetic godly action awaits you in one of the best roguelikes ever, Hades. The expansive story puts you through your paces as Zagreus, the one and only son of Hades, fights his way through the levels of the underworld to reach the land of the living. You'll spend hours battling hordes of Hell's finest as the plot unfolds, but you won't have to worry about your machine overheating in the process. It's a surprisingly detailed game for one that runs so smoothly on laptops, with its performance on a Macbook Air from 2013 showing that there's still fun to be had with it even on outdated equipment.
6. Cult of the Lamb
Developer: Massive Monster
If you've always dreamed of leading a flock of devoted followers under the guidance of a primordial monster, boy do we have the game for you. Cult of the Lamb is the unholy union of Animal Crossing and a roguelike, seeing your adorable woolly hero traversing treacherous realms to defeat the Bishops of the New Religion and usher in the return of The One Who Waits. As well as fighting your way through a number of foes, you'll be rescuing followers and bringing them into the cult's fold. Manage your cult grounds well and keep your followers happy, or risk mutiny as they one by one turn their backs on you. It's a fun (if not rather dark) indie gem, and you can pick it up on your laptop to play wherever you go.
5. PUBG Battlegrounds
Developer: Krafton
This free-to-play survival title is not only one of the best battle royale games, but one of the best laptop games to boot. You'll spawn on a battlefield and have to beat your enemies to gather loot, supplies, and weapons to help you stay alive long enough to be the last soldier standing. Go at it stealthily or charge in headfirst; the choice is yours. Thanks to cross-progression, you can play it on either your smartphone or your laptop for even greater portability, and its deceptively small file size means that you won't be stressing your machine out either way.
4. Life Is Strange
Developer: Dontnod
Life is Strange is more than your average point and click adventure. The surprisingly emotional journey introduces you to photography student Maxine Caulfield as she grapples with her newfound powers of rewinding time. It's not long until they get her involved in something far greater than her family's personal troubles, suddenly finding herself navigating a sinister mystery unfurling at her high school. Equal parts immersive adventure and tense murder mystery, the player-led choices system makes for branching relationships, multiple endings, and in general means that you have a greater sense of control over how Max's story plays out. It's a surefire winner for anyone looking for the best laptop games to provide strong narratives in relatively small file sizes.
3. Minecraft
Developer: Mojang Studios
Classic sandbox game Minecraft should need no introduction. The iconic blocky adventure is available on various platforms, including box PC and Mac versions that allow you to experience the best-selling video game no matter where you are. The good thing about Minecraft is that it's easy to pick up and play for players of most ages, meaning you won't have to shield your kid brother's eyes when you sit down to play it on your laptop. In fact, he'll probably want to join in and get building his own fantasy land, too, so it's just as well you can play it on your smartphone as well.
2. Fortnite
Developer: Epic Games
Fortnite stands out from other hero-focussed battle royales for its unique building mechanics, requiring you to approach arena combat with slightly different strategies if you want to win. With chaptered updates to introduce new character skins, battle passes, back bling and more, check out our Fortnite tips for more detailed information on making the most of this exciting online multiplayer game that remains one of the most popular and best laptop games there is.
1. Apex Legends
Developer: Respawn Entertainment
Rounding off our list of the best games to play on a laptop is Apex Legends. Much like fellow battle royale Fortnite, it boasts a series of characters with unique attributes that give them a competitive edge over others. There are a range of arenas and game modes to choose from, whether you want to go for traditional capture-the-flag antics or a quick game that takes the usual 40 minute runtime down to just 15, Apex Legends boasts something for everyone. Another title that is playable on either a laptop or your smartphone, it's easy to take with you on the go. Just bear in mind that there is no cross progression between the two versions, so you won't be able to pick up where you left off. That being said, each platform offers its own quirks and benefits, so that's not necessarily a bad thing.
On the lookout for your next gaming fix? Check out the GamesRadar team's most anticipated games 2023.
