I've got a pretty basic computer. I'm hesitant to install a video cards due to a scratch on the motherboard and last time I installed an older video card I had, my computer shorted killed a hard drive.
So, until I upgrade the mobo, I'm just laying low (power) on graphics.
That being said, I'm kinda interested in dabbling with computer games.
Are there any good "simple" builder games available on Steam for Windows? Does Steam look at my system components and tell me what games are compatible?
No, steam won't stop you from installing something you can't play, but there's plenty of games even a low-end system will play fine.
If you don't mind, would you let us know what processor/ram/graphics you do have? That'll help people make some recommendations.
If you aren't sure, you can find the processor and ram by right-clicking on "This PC/My computer" and choosing Properties. It'll say something like "Intel Core i5-3220 CPU @ 1.75Ghz" and "Installed Memory: 8Gb" or equivalent.
It's a bit harder to find the graphics card, but not much. Right click on "this PC/My Computer" again, but this time choose "manage". On the left side choose "Device Manager." Now, in the tree that's displayed, find "Display Adapters." For example, the computer I'm using now says "Nvidia Quadro K5000M."
There are a lot of indie games that should for you. Especially if you don't mind 2d. With that said, how about Mine craft? It is the OG of the builder genre. Not on steam but can be made to run one lower pcs well enough.
Steam has a larger library than any console ever. There are going to be thousands of choices. Many aren't great but you can return them if play less than 2 hours.
Another spot to look is GOG (good old games). They have a pc client like Steam and most their games are older so lower specs are fine. Great thing about GOG is that they optimize old stuff for newer operating systems. No fooling around get a WIN 98 game to work on win 7+.
I am not at my PC now (Challenge prepping, woot!) but I will see what examples I can find
2011/2012 Gateway DX4860-UB33P. 8GB of memory and quad-core 3GHz Intel Core i5-2320 (Socket LGA 1155) Intel HD Graphics 2000
The one complaint I have about Steam is that AFAICT there's no way to decline a game update. If it finds a new one, it's going to install it, no matter what you do.
This is mainly annoying for games with mods. I like to play KSP, and whenever a new version comes out it usually takes a few days to a week for the modding community to catch up and support the new version. I'd really prefer to be able to defer an update until after the mods exist for it.
I use GoG instead of Steam, that's all I got.
KSP is a perfect example of a game I'd be interested. Just fun, simple, physics/builder games that I can play for a bit, laugh at, and turn off.
I just got Besiege. I don't know if your pc will run it but it is a must have in this category.
codrus wrote: The one complaint I have about Steam is that AFAICT there's no way to decline a game update. If it finds a new one, it's going to install it, no matter what you do.
Mine don't update automatically. Don't recall what I changed to make that happen. KSP was the reason I did it though. I'll look into my settings when I get home.
GameboyRMH wrote: I use GoG instead of Steam, that's all I got.
I use GoG over steam when possible, but have and use both.
codrus wrote: The one complaint I have about Steam is that AFAICT there's no way to decline a game update. If it finds a new one, it's going to install it, no matter what you do. This is mainly annoying for games with mods. I like to play KSP, and whenever a new version comes out it usually takes a few days to a week for the modding community to catch up and support the new version. I'd really prefer to be able to defer an update until after the mods exist for it.
I know there is a way to roll back to a previous update because I have done it before to play around with some game mods.
Also Pheller, did you make sure you have a large enough power supply for an upgraded video card? I did the math and my oem PSU was barely enough for the stock configuration. My brother gave me a video card and i had to get a new power supply to support it.
My computer is pretty basic, but I can play stuff like ETS2 with the graphics toned down. Surprisingly can run Spintires with alot of the graphics cranked up. No issues with Rfactor and most mods although some cars and tracks bog down too much.
singleslammer wrote: I just got Besiege. I don't know if your pc will run it but it is a must have in this category.
This. This game has come up on grm before. It's incredible. If you look up besiege portable auschwitz......the things people have gotten the game to do are intense.
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