If you have an 8GB RAM laptop with an Intel Core i5 processor and Intel Iris Xe graphics, you might think your gaming options are limited to competitive titles like Valorant. The good news is that there are plenty of enjoyable story-based single-player games you can play without needing a dedicated gaming GPU.
For an i5-1135G7 laptop with Intel Iris Xe graphics and 8GB dual-channel RAM, games such as Batman: Arkham Asylum, Dark Souls Remastered, and older Call of Duty titles are a good match. You can also explore a much larger selection of action, RPG, adventure, and indie games by adjusting resolution and graphics settings.
What Can You Expect From 8GB RAM Gaming?
8GB of RAM is still enough for many older and lightweight PC games. The bigger limitation on this type of laptop is usually the integrated Intel Iris Xe GPU, rather than the RAM itself.
Since the laptop already has 4GB + 4GB dual-channel memory, the integrated graphics can benefit from the increased memory bandwidth. This is important because Iris Xe uses shared system memory rather than having dedicated VRAM like a gaming GPU.
For many games, 720p or 900p on Low settings can provide a much smoother experience than trying to run everything at 1080p High.
Best Story-Based Games for an 8GB RAM i5 Laptop
1. Batman: Arkham City
If you’re already enjoying Batman: Arkham Asylum, Arkham City is an obvious next choice. It expands the combat, exploration, stealth, and detective mechanics while offering a much larger environment.
2. Tomb Raider (2013)
Tomb Raider is an excellent story-driven action game with exploration, shooting, puzzles, and cinematic sequences. With reduced graphics settings, it can be a reasonable choice for older integrated graphics hardware.
3. BioShock Infinite
If you want a strong single-player story, BioShock Infinite is worth checking out. It combines first-person shooting with an interesting narrative and atmospheric world.
4. Mass Effect 2
Mass Effect 2 is a fantastic option if you enjoy character-driven stories and RPG gameplay. Its relatively old hardware requirements make it much more suitable for an 8GB laptop than many modern AAA games.
5. The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim
Skyrim can provide dozens or even hundreds of hours of single-player gameplay. The original version is considerably easier to run than many modern open-world games.
6. Fallout: New Vegas
If you want exploration, quests, dialogue choices, and RPG progression, Fallout: New Vegas is a great fit. Its age also means you don’t need a powerful gaming PC to enjoy it.
7. Portal 2
For something different, try Portal 2. It combines clever puzzles, humor, exploration, and a memorable story while being extremely light compared with modern AAA games.
8. Half-Life 2
Half-Life 2 remains one of the best single-player FPS experiences available. It is also exceptionally easy to run on modern laptops.
9. Dishonored
Dishonored is a great choice if you like stealth and action. You can approach missions in different ways, making it especially fun if you prefer experimenting rather than simply following a linear path.
10. Sleeping Dogs
If you enjoyed GTA 5, Sleeping Dogs is worth considering. It combines an open-world city with driving, shooting, melee combat, and a story-focused campaign.
More Games Worth Trying
Depending on your preferred settings and the game’s optimization, you can also look at:
- Batman: Arkham Origins
- Darksiders
- Darksiders II
- Dark Souls II
- Dark Souls Remastered
- Left 4 Dead 2
- Dead Space (2008)
- Mass Effect
- Mass Effect 2
- Mass Effect 3
- Borderlands 2
- Far Cry 3
- Assassin’s Creed II
- Assassin’s Creed Brotherhood
- Assassin’s Creed Revelations
- Prince of Persia: The Forgotten Sands
- Mirror’s Edge
- Spec Ops: The Line
- The Walking Dead: Season One
- Life Is Strange
Will Upgrading From 8GB to 20GB Make a Big Difference?
Upgrading from 8GB (4GB + 4GB) to 20GB (4GB + 16GB) can help with multitasking and some memory-heavy games, but don’t expect it to magically transform the laptop into a gaming machine.
The most important thing is maintaining good memory performance. Your current 4GB + 4GB dual-channel setup is particularly useful for an integrated GPU like Iris Xe.
With 20GB, the system may have more available memory for Windows, browsers, background applications, and games. However, the gaming improvement can be relatively small if a game is already limited by the Iris Xe graphics performance.
For gaming, I’d prioritize:
Dual-channel RAM → correct memory speed → GPU limitations → CPU limitations.
If you upgrade, using a compatible 8GB + 8GB or 16GB + 16GB configuration can be preferable to an unmatched 4GB + 16GB setup when your laptop supports it, although the exact behavior depends on the laptop’s memory controller and configuration.
How to Get Better Performance From Intel Iris Xe
A few simple changes can make a noticeable difference:
Lower the Resolution
Try 1600×900 or 1280×720 if 1080p isn’t delivering a comfortable frame rate.
Use Low or Medium Settings
Start with Low settings and increase individual options one at a time. Texture quality, shadows, reflections, and ambient effects can have a significant impact.
Keep the Laptop Plugged In
Many laptops reduce CPU and GPU power when running on battery. Gaming while plugged in can provide better and more consistent performance.
Close Unnecessary Background Programs
Browsers with many tabs and other applications can consume several gigabytes of RAM before you even launch a game.
Update Intel Graphics Drivers
Keeping the Intel graphics driver updated can help with compatibility and performance in some games.
Final Thoughts
An Intel Core i5-1135G7, Intel Iris Xe, and 8GB dual-channel RAM laptop isn’t designed for demanding modern AAA games, but it can still be a surprisingly capable machine for older AAA titles and story-based games.
Since you’ve already played GTA 5, the older Call of Duty: Modern Warfare trilogy, Batman: Arkham Asylum, and Dark Souls Remastered, I’d especially recommend trying Batman: Arkham City, Tomb Raider (2013), Sleeping Dogs, BioShock Infinite, Dishonored, Fallout: New Vegas, and Mass Effect 2 next.
The RAM upgrade to 20GB may improve overall system responsiveness and multitasking, but don’t expect a huge FPS increase solely from adding RAM. Your Iris Xe graphics will remain the main factor determining how demanding a game you can play.