The world of PC gaming has grown exponentially in recent years, with developers and publishers releasing new and exciting games almost every day. However, as the quality of games improves, so too does their size, with some games requiring over 100GB of hard drive space. For gamers with limited storage space, this can be a major issue, as they may have to choose between deleting beloved games and trying out new ones.
But fear not, as there are plenty of amazing PC games that come in small packages, with file sizes under 5GB. These games offer the same level of entertainment, challenge, and immersion as their larger counterparts, without requiring a huge amount of storage space.
In this article, we’ll take a look at some of the best PC games under 5GB. From platformers to RPGs, survival games to puzzle games, there’s something for every type of gamer. We’ll explore the gameplay, storylines, and unique features that make these games stand out from the crowd.
Whether you’re a casual gamer or a die-hard fan, these games will provide you with hours of entertainment, challenge, and excitement. So, if you’re low on space but still want to experience the best of PC gaming, be sure to check out these amazing games.
Limbo
Limbo is a puzzle-platformer game that was developed by Playdead and released in 2010. The game’s black and white visuals, haunting soundtrack, and challenging gameplay have made it a popular title among gamers.
In Limbo, players take on the role of a young boy who wakes up in the middle of a forest and must navigate through a dangerous world to find his missing sister. The game’s puzzles are designed to be challenging, but not impossible, and require players to think creatively in order to progress.
One of the reasons why Limbo is so popular is its unique art style. The game’s use of black and white graphics, with occasional splashes of color, gives it a distinct and haunting atmosphere. The game’s sound design is also exceptional, with an eerie soundtrack that adds to the overall feeling of unease.
Another reason why Limbo is so popular is its gameplay. The game’s puzzles are challenging, but not frustratingly so, and the game’s controls are intuitive and responsive. The game also manages to tell a compelling story without the use of any dialogue, relying instead on the player’s interpretation of the events and the environment.
Overall, Limbo is a must-play game for anyone who enjoys puzzle-platformers or is looking for a unique and immersive gaming experience. Its stunning visuals, haunting soundtrack, and challenging gameplay make it a standout title that has rightfully earned its place in the pantheon of great indie games.
Limbo Pros and Cons
Pros
- Engaging and atmospheric puzzle-platformer
- Unique black-and-white visual style
- Challenging puzzles that require creative thinking
- Well-designed and immersive environments
- Impressive sound design and ambient soundtrack
Cons
- Can be frustrating at times due to difficult puzzles
- Relatively short gameplay length
- Limited replayability once puzzles are solved
- Minimal narrative and character development
Stardew Valley
Stardew Valley is a farming simulation game that was developed by ConcernedApe and released in 2016. The game’s charming graphics, relaxing gameplay, and addictive nature have made it a fan favorite among gamers.
In Stardew Valley, players inherit a run-down farm and must turn it into a thriving agricultural business. The game’s open-ended nature allows players to take their time and build their farm at their own pace, whether they want to focus on crops, livestock, or artisanal goods. The game also offers a variety of side quests and social interactions with other characters in the game, adding to the overall depth and richness of the experience.
One of the reasons why Stardew Valley is so popular is its relaxing gameplay. The game’s soothing soundtrack, coupled with the gentle sound of watering crops and tending to animals, makes for a calming and meditative experience. It’s the perfect game for those who want to unwind after a long day or just need a break from more action-packed titles.
Another reason why Stardew Valley is so addictive is its sense of progression. As players improve their farm, they gain access to new tools, crops, and livestock, which allows them to further expand their business. The game also offers a variety of seasonal events and festivals, which adds to the sense of achievement and keeps the game feeling fresh.
Overall, Stardew Valley is a must-play game for anyone who enjoys simulation and strategy games or is looking for a relaxing and immersive gaming experience. Its charming graphics, relaxing gameplay, and addictive nature make it a standout title that has rightfully earned its place as one of the best indie games of all time.
Stardew Valley Pros and Cons
Pros
- Immersive and relaxing farming simulation
- Extensive customization options for your farm and character
- Rich and diverse cast of characters with unique stories
- Engaging and rewarding gameplay mechanics
- Seasonal events and festivals add variety and excitement
- Multiple avenues for progression and goals to achieve
- Supportive and active modding community
Cons
- Can be time-consuming and addictive
- Initial learning curve for newcomers to the genre
- Graphics may appear simplistic to some players
- Some repetitive tasks in the late game
- Multiplayer experience may have occasional connectivity issues
Hotline Miami
Hotline Miami is a top-down shooter game that was developed by Dennaton Games and released in 2012. The game’s brutal and stylish gameplay, combined with its vibrant visuals and 80s-inspired soundtrack, have made it a cult classic among gamers.
In Hotline Miami, players take on the role of a nameless protagonist who is tasked with carrying out a series of brutal assassinations. The game’s fast-paced and intense gameplay requires quick reflexes and strategic planning as players navigate through each level, taking out enemies using a variety of weapons and tactics.
One of the reasons why Hotline Miami is so popular is its unique and stylized visuals. The game’s vibrant color palette, combined with its retro-inspired graphics, give it a distinct and memorable look that sets it apart from other top-down shooters. The game’s use of violence and gore also adds to its shock value and makes it a standout title among gamers who enjoy more extreme and adult-themed games.
Another reason why Hotline Miami is so popular is its challenging gameplay. The game’s difficulty curve is steep, with each level becoming progressively more difficult as players advance through the game. However, the game’s quick restart feature and fast-paced gameplay make it addictive and rewarding for those who are willing to put in the effort to master its mechanics.
Overall, Hotline Miami is a must-play game for anyone who enjoys top-down shooters or is looking for a stylish and intense gaming experience. Its unique visuals, brutal gameplay, and challenging difficulty curve make it a standout title that has rightfully earned its place in the pantheon of great indie games.
Hotline Miami Pros and Cons
Pros
- Intense and fast-paced top-down shooter
- Stylish retro visuals with a unique 80s aesthetic
- Challenging gameplay that requires strategy and precision
- Memorable and atmospheric soundtrack
- Engaging storyline with twists and turns
- Varied and creative level design
- Replayability through different playstyles and mask abilities
Cons
- High difficulty level may not appeal to all players
- Violent and graphic content that may not be suitable for everyone
- Steep learning curve for newcomers
- Occasional frustration due to trial and error gameplay
- Some may find the story confusing or disjointed
Papers, Please
Papers, Please is an immigration simulation game that was developed by Lucas Pope and released in 2013. The game’s unique premise, coupled with its challenging gameplay and moral dilemmas, have made it a critically acclaimed title among gamers.
In Papers, Please, players take on the role of an immigration officer who is tasked with processing applications and documents for immigrants trying to enter the fictional country of Arstotzka. The game’s mechanics require players to check each applicant’s documents and make sure that they are valid, while also dealing with other challenges such as terrorists, smugglers, and corrupt officials.
One of the reasons why Papers, Please is so popular is its compelling narrative. The game’s story unfolds as players progress through each day of their work, and the decisions they make have a direct impact on the fate of the characters they encounter. The game’s moral dilemmas also add to the depth and richness of the experience, forcing players to make difficult choices and deal with the consequences of their actions.
Another reason why Papers, Please is so popular is its challenging gameplay. The game’s mechanics require players to be fast and accurate in their processing of documents, while also dealing with a variety of distractions and obstacles. The game’s difficulty curve is steep, but the sense of satisfaction that comes from successfully completing each day’s work is incredibly rewarding.
Overall, Papers, Please is a must-play game for anyone who enjoys simulation and strategy games or is looking for a unique and challenging gaming experience. Its compelling narrative, moral dilemmas, and challenging gameplay make it a standout title that has rightfully earned its place as one of the best indie games of all time.
Papers, Please Pros and Cons
Pros
- Unique and thought-provoking gameplay
- Compelling story with moral dilemmas
- Engaging and immersive atmosphere
- Addictive and challenging puzzle elements
- Realistic and detailed pixel art style
- Varied and branching paths leading to different outcomes
- Impressive attention to detail in the game world
Cons
- Can be mentally and emotionally draining
- Repetitive gameplay elements
- Some may find the interface overwhelming
- Not suitable for players seeking action-packed gameplay
- Limited replayability once story paths are explored
Undertale
Undertale is a role-playing game that was developed by Toby Fox and released in 2015. The game’s unique gameplay mechanics, coupled with its emotionally resonant story and memorable characters, have made it a beloved title among gamers.
In games like undertale Undertale, players take on the role of a human who has fallen into the underground world of monsters. The game’s mechanics require players to navigate through a series of encounters with monsters, with the option to either fight them or spare them. The game’s combat system is unique in that it allows players to choose between different attacks and strategies, depending on whether they want to fight or spare their opponents.
One of the reasons why Undertale is so popular is its emotionally resonant story. The game’s narrative explores themes of friendship, love, and sacrifice, and the decisions players make throughout the game have a direct impact on the fate of the characters they encounter. The game’s memorable cast of characters, including Sans, Papyrus, and Toriel, have become iconic among gamers and have helped to cement Undertale’s place as a classic RPG.
Another reason why Undertale is so popular is its unique gameplay mechanics. The game’s combat system allows players to choose between different attacks and strategies, giving them a greater sense of agency and control over their experience. The game also features multiple endings, depending on the choices players make throughout the game, making it incredibly replayable and rewarding for those who want to explore all of its secrets.
Overall, Undertale is a must-play game for anyone who enjoys RPGs or is looking for a unique and emotionally resonant gaming experience. Its memorable cast of characters, unique gameplay mechanics, and emotionally resonant story have made it a standout title that has rightfully earned its place as one of the best indie games of all time.
Undertale Pros and Cons
Pros
- Unique and innovative gameplay mechanics
- Deep and emotional storytelling
- Memorable and well-developed characters
- Multiple paths and endings that encourage replayability
- Thoughtful and impactful moral choices
- Exceptional soundtrack that complements the game perfectly
- Creative blend of humor, charm, and darkness
Cons
- Pixel art style may not appeal to everyone
- Some puzzles may be challenging or frustrating
- Combat system may feel simplistic to some players
- Lengthy dialogue sequences may feel slow-paced for some
- Not suitable for players seeking high-intensity action
Inside
Inside is a puzzle-platformer game that was developed by Playdead and released in 2016. The game’s atmospheric setting, haunting visuals, and challenging puzzles have made it a critically acclaimed title among gamers.
In Inside, players take on the role of a boy who is navigating through a dark and foreboding world filled with dangers and puzzles. The game’s mechanics require players to solve puzzles, avoid traps, and use their environment to progress through each level. The game’s unique gameplay mechanics, coupled with its haunting atmosphere, create a sense of tension and unease that is unmatched in other puzzle-platformer games.
One of the reasons why Inside is so popular is its masterful use of atmosphere and visuals. The game’s monochromatic color scheme, coupled with its haunting soundtrack and minimalist storytelling, create a sense of dread and unease that is unmatched in other games. The game’s attention to detail in its visual design, from the way the characters move to the way the environment reacts to their presence, adds to the richness and depth of the experience.
Another reason why Inside is so popular is its challenging puzzles. The game’s mechanics require players to think outside the box and use their environment in creative ways to progress through each level. The game’s puzzles are challenging but not overly frustrating, making it a satisfying experience for those who enjoy puzzle-platformer games.
Overall, Inside is a must-play game for anyone who enjoys puzzle-platformer games or is looking for a unique and haunting gaming experience. Its masterful use of atmosphere and visuals, coupled with its challenging puzzles, have made it a standout title that has rightfully earned its place as one of the best indie games of all time.
Inside Pros and Cons
Pros
- Visually stunning and atmospheric art style
- Engaging and immersive gameplay
- Intriguing and thought-provoking storyline
- Well-designed puzzles that challenge the player
- Impressive sound design that enhances the experience
- Emotionally impactful and ambiguous narrative
- Attention to detail in animations and environmental storytelling
Cons
- Short playtime, may leave some players wanting more
- Minimal dialogue and exposition, requiring interpretation
- Some puzzles may be frustrating or obscure
- Not suitable for players seeking action-packed gameplay
- Some may find the ending unsatisfying or confusing
To the Moon
To the Moon is an indie adventure game that was developed by Freebird Games and released in 2011. The game’s emotionally resonant story, memorable characters, and beautiful soundtrack have made it a beloved title among gamers.
In To the Moon, players take on the role of two doctors who travel through the memories of a dying man in order to fulfill his final wish of going to the moon. The game’s mechanics require players to solve puzzles and interact with the environment in order to progress through the story. The game’s unique gameplay mechanics, coupled with its heartfelt storytelling, create a sense of emotional depth and resonance that is unmatched in other adventure games.
One of the reasons why To the Moon is so popular is its emotionally resonant story. The game’s narrative explores themes of love, loss, and regret, and the decisions players make throughout the game have a direct impact on the fate of the characters they encounter. The game’s memorable cast of characters, including the dying man Johnny, his wife River, and the two doctors Eva and Neil, have become beloved among gamers and have helped to cement To the Moon’s place as a classic adventure game.
Another reason why To the Moon is so popular is its beautiful soundtrack. The game’s music, composed by Kan Gao, is a haunting and emotional piano score that perfectly complements the game’s storytelling. The soundtrack has become a fan favorite and has helped to elevate the emotional impact of the game’s narrative.
Overall, To the Moon is a must-play game for anyone who enjoys story-driven adventure games or is looking for a heartfelt and emotional gaming experience. Its emotionally resonant story, memorable characters, and beautiful soundtrack have made it a standout title that has rightfully earned its place as one of the best indie games of all time.
To the Moon Pros and Cons
Pros
- Emotionally captivating and heartfelt storyline
- Beautiful and immersive pixel art graphics
- Memorable and well-developed characters
- Thought-provoking themes and philosophical exploration
- Immersive and evocative soundtrack
- Engaging and clever puzzle-solving gameplay
- Impressive storytelling that unfolds as you progress
Cons
- Limited interactivity, primarily a narrative-driven experience
- Relatively short playtime, around 4-6 hours
- Not suitable for players seeking action or fast-paced gameplay
- Minimal replay value once the story is experienced
Braid
Braid is a puzzle-platformer game that was developed by Jonathan Blow and released in 2008. The game’s unique time-bending mechanics, beautiful hand-drawn visuals, and philosophical storytelling have made it a critically acclaimed title among gamers.
In Braid, players take on the role of a character named Tim who is on a mission to rescue a princess. The game’s mechanics require players to manipulate time in order to solve puzzles and progress through each level. The game’s time-bending mechanics, coupled with its clever and challenging puzzles, create a gameplay experience that is unlike anything else in the puzzle-platformer genre.
One of the reasons why Braid is so popular is its innovative gameplay mechanics. The game’s time-bending mechanics allow players to manipulate time in order to solve puzzles and progress through each level. The game’s puzzles require players to think creatively and outside the box in order to find solutions, making it a challenging and satisfying experience for those who enjoy puzzle-platformer games.
Another reason why Braid is so popular is its beautiful hand-drawn visuals. The game’s artwork, created by David Hellman, is a stunning and detailed hand-drawn art style that perfectly complements the game’s philosophical themes. The game’s story explores themes of regret, time, and the nature of reality, and the game’s visuals help to elevate the emotional impact of the story.
Overall, Braid is a must-play game for anyone who enjoys puzzle-platformer games or is looking for a clever and innovative gaming experience. Its unique time-bending mechanics, beautiful hand-drawn visuals, and philosophical storytelling have made it a standout title that has rightfully earned its place as one of the best indie games of all time.
Braid Pros and Cons
Pros
- Innovative and unique time-manipulation gameplay
- Beautiful hand-drawn visuals and art style
- Challenging and intellectually stimulating puzzles
- Deep and thought-provoking narrative
- Impressive level design with multiple layers of complexity
- Engaging and atmospheric soundtrack
- Varied and creative use of time mechanics throughout the game
Cons
- Puzzles can be frustrating and require precise timing
- Some may find the storytelling and symbolism confusing
- Not suitable for players seeking fast-paced or action-oriented gameplay
- May require trial-and-error approach in certain puzzle sections
- Limited replayability once puzzles are solved
Ori and the Blind Forest
Ori and the Blind Forest is a platform-adventure game that was developed by Moon Studios and released in 2015. The game’s stunning visuals, emotional storytelling, and challenging gameplay have made it a beloved title among gamers.
In Ori and the Blind Forest, players take on the role of a guardian spirit named Ori who sets out on a journey to save the forest of Nibel from a dangerous threat. The game’s mechanics require players to solve puzzles, navigate through challenging platforming sequences, and unlock new abilities in order to progress through the story. The game’s difficulty and complexity create a gameplay experience that is both satisfying and challenging for players.
One of the reasons why Ori and the Blind Forest is so popular is its stunning visuals. The game’s art style, which features hand-painted backgrounds and vibrant colors, is breathtaking and immersive. The game’s visuals help to create a sense of wonder and awe in players, and the game’s unique and imaginative environments are a joy to explore.
Another reason why Ori and the Blind Forest is so popular is its emotional storytelling. The game’s narrative explores themes of love, loss, and redemption, and the decisions players make throughout the game have a direct impact on the fate of the forest and its inhabitants. The game’s memorable cast of characters, including Ori, Sein, and Kuro, have become beloved among gamers and have helped to cement Ori and the Blind Forest’s place as a classic platformer.
Overall, Ori and the Blind Forest is a must-play game for anyone who enjoys platformer or adventure games. Its stunning visuals, emotional storytelling, and challenging gameplay create a gaming experience that is both immersive and rewarding. It’s a beautiful and touching game that has rightfully earned its place as one of the best indie games of all time.
Ori and the Blind Forest Pros and Cons
Pros
- Stunning and immersive hand-painted visuals
- Emotionally captivating and heartwarming storyline
- Fluid and responsive platforming mechanics
- Beautifully crafted and diverse environments
- Engaging and challenging gameplay
- Memorable and atmospheric soundtrack
- Metroidvania-style exploration with hidden secrets
Cons
- Some sections may be challenging for less experienced players
- Backtracking can feel repetitive in certain areas
- Minor technical issues and occasional frame rate drops
- Limited combat mechanics compared to other action-platformers
- Some players may find the story overly sentimental or predictable
Don’t Starve
Don’t Starve is a survival game that was developed by Klei Entertainment and released in 2013. The game’s unique art style, challenging gameplay, and endless possibilities have made it a fan favorite among gamers.
In Don’t Starve, players take on the role of a scientist named Wilson who is transported to a mysterious wilderness world. The game’s mechanics require players to gather resources, build structures, and craft tools and weapons in order to survive the harsh environment. The game’s difficulty creates a sense of tension and urgency, making every decision feel critical to the player’s survival.
One of the reasons why Don’t Starve is so popular is its unique art style. The game’s hand-drawn art style, which features dark and whimsical characters and environments, is a major draw for many gamers. The game’s art style perfectly captures the eerie and unpredictable nature of the game’s world, creating a sense of unease and wonder in players.
Another reason why Don’t Starve is so popular is its endless possibilities. The game’s procedural world generation means that each playthrough is unique, and the game’s vast crafting system and variety of creatures and resources provide players with endless possibilities for survival strategies. The game’s open-endedness creates a sense of exploration and discovery, and players are encouraged to experiment and try new things in order to survive.
Overall, Don’t Starve is a must-play game for anyone who enjoys survival games or is looking for a challenging and rewarding gaming experience. Its unique art style, challenging gameplay, and endless possibilities create a gaming experience that is both immersive and satisfying. It’s a game that encourages players to think creatively and outside the box, and the sense of accomplishment that comes with surviving in the game’s harsh world is unmatched.
Don’t Starve Pros and Cons
Pros
- Unique and visually appealing Tim Burton-esque art style
- Deep and immersive survival gameplay mechanics
- Rich and complex crafting and resource management systems
- Challenging and rewarding exploration of a dynamic world
- Wide variety of creatures, biomes, and seasons to encounter
- Engaging and unpredictable roguelike elements
- Extensive modding support for customizing the game experience
Cons
- Steep learning curve for newcomers to survival games
- Permadeath can be frustrating for some players
- Gameplay may become repetitive or monotonous in longer sessions
- Requires significant time investment to fully grasp its mechanics
- Some players may find the lack of clear objectives or story unsatisfying
Conclusion
In conclusion, there are plenty of amazing PC games that can be enjoyed even if you have limited storage space. From platformers to strategy games to survival games, there’s something for every type of gamer on the list of PC games under 5GB.
These games not only offer hours of entertainment but also prove that you don’t need a massive hard drive or a high-end gaming rig to have fun. In fact, some of the best games out there come in small packages, making them accessible to more people.
Additionally, many of these games have received critical acclaim, won numerous awards, and have loyal fan bases. They prove that great gameplay, storytelling, and immersive experiences are not necessarily tied to the size of the game file.
Finally, playing these games can also help you discover hidden gems that you may not have otherwise considered, and may inspire you to try out other titles from smaller developers in the future.
So if you’re low on space but still want to enjoy some of the best PC gaming experiences out there, don’t hesitate to check out the amazing games on this list. Whether you’re looking for a challenging platformer or an immersive strategy game, you’re sure to find something that will provide you with hours of enjoyment.