What “minimum” really means
The minimum column describes the weakest hardware the publisher expects to boot the game and keep it playable. In practice that usually means the lowest graphics preset, a 1080p or lower resolution — sometimes with dynamic resolution scaling pulling it down further — and a frame rate target of around 30 frames per second. Many spec sheets state these assumptions in a footnote; many do not.
Minimum is a floor, not a promise. Busy scenes, large open areas and late-game content are often heavier than the opening hour, so a machine that sits exactly on the minimum line may dip below a comfortable frame rate when things get demanding. If you only just meet the minimum, expect to spend time in the settings menu.
What “recommended” really means
The recommended column is the hardware the developer considers a good-quality experience. It commonly targets medium to high settings at 1080p and 60 frames per second, although some modern titles use recommended to describe 1440p play, and some list several extra tiers such as “High”, “Ultra” or “Ray tracing”. PlayStation Studios releases on PC, for example, often publish tiered tables that separate resolution and frame-rate targets, which makes them easier to compare with your own setup.
Because the definition changes from publisher to publisher, always read the small print under the table. A recommended spec aimed at 1080p/60 and one aimed at 1440p/60 are not the same bar.
| Column | Usual preset | Usual resolution | Usual frame-rate target |
|---|---|---|---|
| Minimum | Low | 720p–1080p | ~30 FPS |
| Recommended | Medium–High | 1080p (sometimes 1440p) | ~60 FPS |
| Extra tiers (Ultra / RT) | High–Ultra, ray tracing | 1440p–4K, often with upscaling | 60 FPS or higher |
Reading a spec sheet line by line
| Line | What it tells you | What to watch for |
|---|---|---|
| OS | Supported operating system, almost always 64-bit Windows 10 or 11 | 32-bit Windows is no longer supported by most new releases |
| Processor | A reference Intel and AMD chip | Compare generation and core count, not just the model number |
| Memory | System RAM in GB | 16 GB is now common even at minimum for large games |
| Graphics | A reference NVIDIA and AMD card, sometimes Intel Arc | VRAM matters as much as the card model |
| DirectX / API | Required graphics API such as DirectX 12 or Vulkan | Older GPUs may lack the required feature level |
| Storage | Install size, sometimes “SSD required” | Leave extra room for patches and shader caches |
The reference parts on a spec sheet are examples, not the only parts that work. A processor or graphics card of a similar performance class from the same era will usually behave similarly. Our GPU & CPU guide explains how to place your parts into comparable classes.
Operating system and API lines
These lines are easy to skim past but they are hard limits. If a game requires DirectX 12 and your graphics card only supports older feature levels, no settings change will help. The same applies to operating systems: games built for 64-bit Windows will not install on older 32-bit systems. On Linux and on the Steam Deck, compatibility depends on Valve's Proton layer, and the Steam store shows a Deck compatibility rating for many titles.
Which column should you aim for?
- Low
- Cost
- ~30
- FPS target
- Short
- Headroom
Targeting minimum
- Pro: cheapest path into a game, or a way to keep older hardware useful.
- Pro: fine for slower-paced, turn-based or story-led games.
- Con: little headroom for patches, mods or demanding late-game areas.
- Con: stutter and long load times are more likely.
- Mid
- Cost
- ~60
- FPS target
- Good
- Headroom
Targeting recommended
- Pro: the experience the developers tuned the game around.
- Pro: smoother frame pacing and room for upcoming releases.
- Con: hardware costs rise quickly above the mainstream tier.
- Con: still may not cover high refresh rates or 4K.
A practical rule: if your hardware lands between the two columns, you will usually get a good experience with a mix of medium settings and upscaling. If any single component sits below minimum — particularly VRAM, RAM or an “SSD required” line — treat that as the item to fix first.
Where to find official requirements
The most reliable sources are the publisher's own product page and the “System Requirements” section on a game's Steam store page. Console-maker publishers, including PlayStation, frequently post detailed PC spec tables at launch and update them after major patches. Requirements can change after release, so re-check before buying if a game has had significant updates.
Quick check
Plug your parts into the Will It Run? calculator to see which components sit below minimum, between the columns, or at recommended.