What games run on 64-bit?

Games that run on 64-bit systems generally require more memory and processing power, so most modern games, especially those released in the past decade, are designed for 64-bit operating systems and hardware. In fact, many recent games will only run on 64-bit systems, as 32-bit architecture has become increasingly outdated for handling the complex and resource-intensive demands of modern gaming. Here’s a breakdown of what types of games require 64-bit systems and some notable examples:

1. Most Modern AAA Games

Many of the top-tier games released in recent years are designed to take advantage of the enhanced performance and memory capacity of 64-bit systems. These games often feature expansive open worlds, high-resolution textures, complex simulations, and large player bases, which require more resources than 32-bit systems can provide.

• The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt

  • The Witcher 3 is a vast open-world RPG that features highly detailed environments, complex AI, and real-time weather systems, making it one of the more demanding games in terms of memory and processing power.

• Cyberpunk 2077

  • As one of the most graphically intensive games on the market, Cyberpunk 2077 requires 64-bit systems for its huge, dynamic city, high-quality graphics, and intricate details in the environment.

• Red Dead Redemption 2

  • Rockstar's open-world western is known for its incredibly detailed environments and lifelike physics, which are only possible on 64-bit systems that can handle its large maps and complex simulation mechanics.

• Shadow of the Tomb Raider

  • This action-adventure game, part of the Tomb Raider series, features a lot of detailed 3D environments and intense combat mechanics, requiring a 64-bit processor to run smoothly on higher settings.

• Assassin's Creed Odyssey & Valhalla

  • Both of these games offer massive open worlds, tons of NPCs, and extensive side content, requiring the extra memory space and power of 64-bit systems to run properly.

2. Modern Strategy Games

Strategy games, especially real-time strategy (RTS) and grand strategy titles, often require large maps, complex simulations, and AI processing, making them great candidates for 64-bit systems.

• Total War: Warhammer II

  • Known for its huge armies and complex battlefield simulations, Total War: Warhammer II and its sequel require 64-bit systems to manage the processing of large-scale battles.

• Civilization VI

  • As a turn-based strategy game with a massive number of moving parts—cities, armies, AI-controlled civilizations—Civilization VI requires 64-bit to handle the vast number of variables, especially in late-game scenarios with many civilizations.

• Stellaris

  • A grand strategy game set in space, Stellaris involves managing large empires, deep diplomacy, and intricate economic systems. A 64-bit system ensures smooth gameplay even with large galaxy simulations and late-game complexity.

3. First-Person Shooters (FPS) & Multiplayer Games

With high-definition graphics, fast-paced action, and multiplayer components, many FPS and competitive multiplayer games are optimized for 64-bit systems. These games typically demand high frame rates and precise processing, which are better handled by 64-bit processors.

• Call of Duty: Modern Warfare (2019) and Warzone

  • The Call of Duty franchise has been transitioning to 64-bit for several years, especially for its battle royale mode (Warzone), which involves huge, dynamic maps with real-time player interactions and complex physics.

• Battlefield V

  • This game’s expansive multiplayer maps, destructible environments, and high level of detail require a 64-bit system to run smoothly, especially when playing with many players at once.

• Apex Legends

  • As a fast-paced battle royale game with high-level graphics and a growing player base, Apex Legends requires the memory capacity and CPU performance provided by 64-bit systems to handle the real-time action and massive, evolving battlefields.

• DOOM Eternal

  • The DOOM franchise has always been graphically intense, and DOOM Eternal is no exception. It demands 64-bit systems to provide the fluid frame rates and graphical fidelity needed for fast-paced combat.

4. Open-World and Sandbox Games

Games that provide vast, open worlds filled with interactive elements—whether that’s for exploration, building, or sandbox-style gameplay—require 64-bit architecture to ensure smooth performance.

• Minecraft (Java Edition)

  • While the Bedrock version of Minecraft doesn’t have specific 64-bit requirements, the Java Edition does. Its modding potential and high-resolution textures require 64-bit systems to run efficiently, especially when running resource-intensive mods or large servers.

• No Man's Sky

  • A vast space exploration game with procedurally generated planets, No Man's Sky requires a 64-bit system to load its infinite world generation and process its multiplayer features and detailed graphics.

• Grand Theft Auto V

  • GTA V offers a sprawling open-world city with vast amounts of NPCs, vehicles, and intricate detail, making it a game that demands the power of 64-bit systems to function optimally, especially with mods or online play.

5. MMORPGs (Massively Multiplayer Online Role-Playing Games)

MMORPGs require 64-bit systems due to their need for handling large online worlds with many players, complex character data, and real-time interactions across a massive game world.

• World of Warcraft

  • Blizzard transitioned World of Warcraft to 64-bit with the release of Battle for Azeroth, as the game’s massive world, number of players, and real-time systems demand the power of 64-bit processors.

• Final Fantasy XIV

  • With its detailed environments, large number of concurrent players, and real-time world events, Final Fantasy XIV also relies on a 64-bit architecture to keep performance smooth across a wide range of systems.

6. Simulators and Racing Games

Racing games and simulators often push the limits of realism with complex physics engines, high-quality graphics, and large tracks. These games need 64-bit systems to run at their best.

• Forza Horizon 4 and 5

  • The Forza Horizon series offers vast, detailed open-world environments and high-quality graphics, which require 64-bit systems to run at high frame rates and support dynamic weather systems and real-time traffic.

• Assetto Corsa

  • As a racing simulation game known for its accuracy, Assetto Corsa requires the extra performance of a 64-bit system to render high-definition tracks, car models, and handle its physics engine.

Why Do Modern Games Require 64-Bit?

• Memory Management:
  64-bit systems can handle significantly more memory than 32-bit systems (which are limited to around 4GB of RAM). With modern games often requiring upwards of 8GB to 16GB of RAM, a 64-bit system is necessary to avoid crashes and performance degradation.

• Improved Performance:
  A 64-bit CPU can process more data in parallel, resulting in better game performance, especially for tasks that require a lot of real-time computations, such as physics calculations, artificial intelligence, and graphical rendering.

• Future-Proofing:
  As game development continues to advance, games are becoming more complex, requiring better processing power, memory, and computational capacity. 64-bit systems are prepared to meet these demands and ensure smooth, uninterrupted gameplay.

Conclusion

Most modern games—especially AAA titles, MMOs, FPS, open-world games, and simulation games—are built to run on 64-bit systems. These games need the enhanced memory capabilities, processing power, and future-proofing that 64-bit architecture offers. If you're gaming on a 64-bit PC, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, or Nintendo Switch, you're already set for modern gaming experiences.

Let me know if you'd like more information or have specific questions about any game!