What Logical Increments Tier is Required to Run 8 MORE of the Most Popular Steam Games?

At Gaming News, we understand that navigating the ever-evolving landscape of PC gaming hardware can be a daunting task. With new titles releasing and existing popular games constantly being updated, ensuring your system is capable of delivering an optimal gaming experience is paramount. Following the significant interest in our previous exploration of Logical Increments PC build tiers and their correlation with popular Steam titles, we are revisiting this crucial topic. Our aim is to provide an even more comprehensive guide, detailing the specific Logical Increments tiers necessary to power 8 additional highly-played games currently dominating the Steam charts, focusing on achieving specific, desirable performance metrics. We delve deep into the requirements, ensuring you have the clarity to make informed decisions about your next PC upgrade.

Understanding Logical Increments and Performance Tiers

Before we dissect the specific game requirements, it’s essential to establish a firm understanding of the Logical Increments tier system. This widely respected framework categorizes PC build configurations into distinct performance levels, ranging from entry-level systems suitable for basic tasks and lighter gaming, all the way up to enthusiast-grade machines capable of handling the most demanding AAA titles at their highest graphical settings and resolutions. Each tier represents a carefully curated balance of components – CPU, GPU, RAM, storage, and motherboard – designed to offer a specific price-to-performance ratio.

The beauty of the Logical Increments system lies in its clarity and its focus on real-world performance. Instead of getting lost in the minutiae of individual component specifications, users can quickly identify a tier that aligns with their budget and their desired gaming experience. For the purpose of this article, we will be focusing on achieving smooth, high-fidelity gameplay, generally targeting 1080p resolution with high to ultra graphical settings, and 60+ frames per second (FPS) where feasible, or 1440p resolution with similar graphical fidelity for higher tiers.

Methodology: Selecting and Testing Popular Steam Games

Our selection of games for this detailed analysis is based on current Steam player counts and overall popularity, ensuring relevance for a broad audience of PC gamers. We’ve chosen titles that represent a diverse range of genres and graphical demands, from fast-paced esports titles to visually stunning open-world adventures. For each game, our analysis considers the commonly accepted hardware requirements for achieving a satisfactory gaming experience, extrapolating these to the corresponding Logical Increments tier. We’ve focused on identifying the minimum tier necessary to avoid significant performance bottlenecks and deliver a consistently enjoyable experience, while also highlighting the benefits of stepping up to higher tiers for enhanced visual fidelity and frame rates.

The performance metrics we consider are crucial:

• Resolution: Primarily targeting 1080p (Full HD) and 1440p (Quad HD), as these are the most common resolutions for PC gaming.
• Frame Rate (FPS): Aiming for a consistent 60 FPS as the benchmark for smooth gameplay. For competitive titles, higher frame rates (90+ FPS) are often desirable.
• Graphical Settings: Focusing on “High” to “Ultra” presets to showcase the visual potential of modern games.
• Specific Game Features: Considering demanding features like ray tracing, complex physics simulations, and detailed asset rendering.

The Next Wave of Popular Steam Games and Their Logical Increments Tier Requirements

Let us now delve into the specifics of eight more highly popular Steam games and the Logical Increments tiers that will allow you to experience them at their best.

1. Elden Ring

FromSoftware’s critically acclaimed action RPG, Elden Ring, is renowned for its expansive open world, intricate combat, and stunning visual design. While not the most technically demanding game on the market, its vast environments and detailed character models can still put a strain on hardware, especially when aiming for stable frame rates and high graphical settings.

• Logical Increments Tier Required: Excellent
  • To comfortably play Elden Ring at 1080p resolution with high to ultra settings and a consistent 60 FPS, we recommend the Excellent tier from Logical Increments. This tier typically features a robust mid-range to high-end CPU, such as an Intel Core i5 or AMD Ryzen 5 from recent generations, paired with a powerful GPU like an NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3060 or AMD Radeon RX 6700 XT. This combination provides ample processing power and VRAM to handle the game’s complex world rendering, detailed textures, and particle effects without significant stuttering. You’ll be able to explore the Lands Between with fluid animations and enjoy the breathtaking vistas without compromise.
• Benefits of Higher Tiers (Superb, Extreme): Stepping up to the Superb or Extreme tiers will allow for smoother performance in highly populated areas, potentially enabling higher resolutions like 1440p with high settings, or achieving even higher frame rates at 1080p, which can be beneficial for precise combat timing. Ray tracing, if implemented, would also be more feasible on these higher-tier systems.

2. Cyberpunk 2077

Despite its initial launch challenges, Cyberpunk 2077 has transformed into a visually stunning and deeply immersive open-world RPG. Its dense urban environments, complex NPC interactions, and advanced graphical features, particularly ray tracing, make it a benchmark for PC hardware.

• Logical Increments Tier Required: Superb (for Ray Tracing Enabled)
  • To truly experience the visual fidelity of Cyberpunk 2077, especially with ray tracing enabled for its impressive lighting and reflections, we advise targeting the Superb tier. This level usually includes a high-end CPU like an Intel Core i7 or AMD Ryzen 7, coupled with a potent GPU such as an NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3070/4070 or AMD Radeon RX 6800 XT/7800 XT. This configuration is crucial for driving the demanding ray tracing effects and maintaining playable frame rates at 1080p with high settings. Without these components, enjoying ray tracing in this title can lead to a significantly compromised experience.
• Logical Increments Tier Required: Excellent (without Ray Tracing)
  • If you are content with playing Cyberpunk 2077 at 1080p resolution with high settings but without ray tracing, the Excellent tier should suffice. The capabilities of an Intel Core i5/AMD Ryzen 5 and an NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3060/AMD Radeon RX 6700 XT will provide a solid foundation for smooth gameplay, allowing you to explore Night City with good visual detail and acceptable frame rates.
• Benefits of Higher Tiers (Extreme, Outstanding): The Extreme and Outstanding tiers are where Cyberpunk 2077 truly shines, particularly for 1440p or 4K gaming with ray tracing. These builds, featuring top-tier CPUs and GPUs like the RTX 4080/4090 or RX 7900 XTX, unlock the game’s full visual potential, offering near-cinematic experiences with buttery-smooth frame rates.

3. Apex Legends

Apex Legends, a free-to-play battle royale sensation, demands high frame rates for its fast-paced, competitive gameplay. While visually appealing, its primary focus is on responsiveness and clarity.

• Logical Increments Tier Required: Good (for High FPS at 1080p)
  • For Apex Legends, achieving a competitive edge requires high and consistent frame rates. To play at 1080p resolution with medium to high settings and target 144+ FPS, the Good tier is a solid starting point. This tier typically includes a capable mid-range CPU (Intel Core i5/AMD Ryzen 5) and a GPU like an NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1660 Super or AMD Radeon RX 580. While this tier provides a good experience, it might require some settings adjustments in particularly action-heavy scenarios.
• Logical Increments Tier Required: Very Good (for Ultra Settings and High FPS)
  • To enjoy Apex Legends at 1080p resolution with ultra settings and consistently high frame rates (144+ FPS), or to explore 1440p with high settings and 60+ FPS, the Very Good tier is recommended. This tier typically features a more powerful CPU (Intel Core i5/AMD Ryzen 5) and a stronger GPU such as an NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3060 or AMD Radeon RX 6600 XT. This configuration ensures smooth gameplay even during intense firefights, providing a significant advantage.
• Benefits of Higher Tiers (Excellent and above): For those aiming for extremely high refresh rate monitors (240Hz+) or 1440p at very high frame rates, the Excellent tier and above will provide the necessary headroom. These builds offer the processing power and graphical muscle to push frame rates consistently above 200 FPS in many scenarios, crucial for esports enthusiasts.

4. Valorant

Valorant, Riot Games’ tactical hero shooter, is designed to be accessible to a wide range of hardware, prioritizing smooth performance and competitive clarity over cutting-edge graphics.

• Logical Increments Tier Required: Fair (for 1080p High Refresh Rate)
  • Valorant is remarkably well-optimized. To play at 1080p resolution with high settings and achieve 144+ FPS, even the Fair tier is often sufficient. This tier, featuring a basic but capable CPU (Intel Core i3/AMD Ryzen 3) and an entry-level discrete GPU (like an NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1050 Ti or AMD Radeon RX 560), will comfortably run the game. However, for the smoothest experience and to consistently hit higher frame rates, particularly with competitive play in mind, a slight step up is beneficial.
• Logical Increments Tier Required: Good (for Maximum Performance)
  • To ensure Valorant runs at its absolute best, aiming for the Good tier is advisable. This will guarantee 1080p resolution with max settings and consistently high frame rates (200+ FPS), even in the most chaotic moments. The combination of a solid mid-range CPU and a dedicated GPU in the Good tier provides ample power for smooth, lag-free gameplay, which is critical for competitive players.
• Benefits of Higher Tiers: While not strictly necessary for Valorant, higher tiers will provide an even smoother experience and allow for higher resolutions or the use of more demanding graphical features if they were to be implemented in future updates. The primary benefit of higher tiers for Valorant would be future-proofing and enjoying other, more graphically intensive games.

5. Red Dead Redemption 2

Rockstar Games’ Red Dead Redemption 2 is a masterpiece of open-world design, boasting breathtaking visuals, intricate details, and a massive, dynamic world. It remains one of the most graphically demanding titles available.

• Logical Increments Tier Required: Very Good (for 1080p High Settings)
  • Experiencing the vast and detailed world of Red Dead Redemption 2 at 1080p resolution with high settings and a stable 60 FPS requires a capable system. We recommend the Very Good tier. This tier typically features a strong mid-range CPU (Intel Core i5/AMD Ryzen 5) and a GPU like an NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3060 or AMD Radeon RX 6600 XT. This setup provides enough power to render the game’s stunning landscapes, detailed character models, and complex weather effects smoothly.
• Logical Increments Tier Required: Excellent (for 1440p High Settings)
  • To push Red Dead Redemption 2 to 1440p resolution with high settings and a consistent 60 FPS, the Excellent tier is the minimum requirement. This configuration, usually involving an Intel Core i5/AMD Ryzen 5 and an NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3060 Ti or AMD Radeon RX 6700 XT, offers the necessary graphical horsepower and VRAM to handle the game’s taxing visual demands at this higher resolution.
• Benefits of Higher Tiers (Superb, Extreme): For those aspiring to play Red Dead Redemption 2 at 4K resolution or with ultra settings, the Superb and Extreme tiers are essential. These builds, equipped with top-tier CPUs and GPUs (RTX 4070/4080/4090 or RX 7800 XT/7900 XT/7900 XTX), will allow you to truly immerse yourself in the game’s unparalleled visual fidelity, with smooth frame rates even in the most demanding environments.

6. Microsoft Flight Simulator

Microsoft Flight Simulator is arguably the most graphically demanding simulation game ever created, aiming for photorealism by rendering the entire planet with incredible detail.

• Logical Increments Tier Required: Extreme (for 1080p High Settings)
  • To experience Microsoft Flight Simulator at 1080p resolution with high settings and a playable (though not always consistently high) frame rate, the Extreme tier is highly recommended. This tier typically includes a powerful CPU (Intel Core i7/AMD Ryzen 7) and a high-end GPU such as an NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4070 or AMD Radeon RX 7800 XT. The game is notoriously CPU-intensive, especially in dense urban areas and during complex flight maneuvers, making a strong processor crucial. The GPU is also vital for rendering the stunning global scenery.
• Logical Increments Tier Required: Outstanding (for 1440p/4K and Enhanced Detail)
  • For those who wish to push Microsoft Flight Simulator to its limits, enjoying 1440p or even 4K resolution with ultra settings and improved visual detail, the Outstanding tier is practically a necessity. This top-tier configuration, featuring the absolute best CPUs and GPUs available (e.g., Intel Core i9/AMD Ryzen 9 and NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4080/4090 or AMD Radeon RX 7900 XTX), is required to achieve the smoothest possible experience in this visually spectacular, yet incredibly demanding, simulator. Expect a significant investment for the ultimate flight simulation experience.
• Benefits of Higher Tiers: Given the nature of this simulator, any increase in component power will directly translate to a better visual experience and smoother flight, especially when utilizing add-ons or flying through complex weather systems.

7. Call of Duty: Modern Warfare III (Multiplayer)

The latest iteration in the popular Call of Duty franchise, Modern Warfare III, offers fast-paced multiplayer action. While it features impressive visuals, the focus remains on delivering high frame rates for competitive play.

• Logical Increments Tier Required: Good (for 1080p High Settings and High FPS)
  • To enjoy Call of Duty: Modern Warfare III multiplayer at 1080p resolution with high settings and achieve a consistent 60+ FPS, the Good tier is a solid choice. This tier, typically featuring a mid-range CPU (Intel Core i5/AMD Ryzen 5) and a GPU like an NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1660 Super or AMD Radeon RX 580, will provide a fluid and responsive experience.
• Logical Increments Tier Required: Very Good (for 1080p Ultra and High Refresh Rates)
  • For players who want to maximize their performance and enjoy 1080p resolution with ultra settings and high refresh rates (120+ FPS), the Very Good tier is recommended. This build, often including an Intel Core i5/AMD Ryzen 5 and an NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3060 or AMD Radeon RX 6600 XT, ensures that the game runs smoothly even during intense combat, providing a competitive advantage.
• Benefits of Higher Tiers (Excellent and above): If you are aiming for 1440p resolution with high settings and high frame rates, or utilizing very high refresh rate monitors (144Hz+) for competitive play, stepping up to the Excellent tier or above is beneficial. These configurations will ensure that your system is not a bottleneck and can keep up with the fast-paced action, providing the smoothest possible gameplay experience.

8. Baldur’s Gate 3

Larian Studios’ Baldur’s Gate 3 is a sprawling, narrative-driven RPG that offers immense depth and visual fidelity. Its detailed environments, complex character models, and numerous interactive elements make it a moderately demanding title.

• Logical Increments Tier Required: Very Good (for 1080p High Settings)
  • To immerse yourself in the rich world of Baldur’s Gate 3 at 1080p resolution with high settings and a smooth 60 FPS, we recommend the Very Good tier. This tier, typically featuring a capable mid-range CPU (Intel Core i5/AMD Ryzen 5) and a GPU like an NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3060 or AMD Radeon RX 6600 XT, will provide a solid experience. You’ll appreciate the detailed character models, intricate spell effects, and well-rendered environments.
• Logical Increments Tier Required: Excellent (for 1440p High Settings)
  • For a more visually stunning experience, particularly at 1440p resolution with high settings, the Excellent tier is advisable. This configuration, often including an Intel Core i5/AMD Ryzen 5 and an NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3060 Ti or AMD Radeon RX 6700 XT, will allow you to fully appreciate the game’s visual artistry and maintain consistent frame rates. The increased VRAM and processing power are particularly beneficial for the game’s numerous detailed scenes and complex combat encounters.
• Benefits of Higher Tiers (Superb and above): If you plan to play Baldur’s Gate 3 at higher resolutions like 1440p with ultra settings, or explore 4K gaming, the Superb and Extreme tiers will be necessary. These builds offer the graphical prowess to handle the game’s most demanding visual elements, ensuring a consistently high-fidelity and smooth playthrough.

Making the Right Choice: Aligning Tiers with Your Gaming Goals

As we’ve seen, the Logical Increments tier system provides a clear roadmap for understanding the hardware required to enjoy popular Steam games at specific performance levels. It’s crucial to remember that these are general guidelines, and individual experiences can vary based on specific component models within a tier, driver updates, in-game optimization, and background processes running on your system.

When deciding which tier is right for you, consider these factors:

• Your Primary Resolution: Are you gaming at 1080p, 1440p, or 4K? Higher resolutions demand significantly more graphical power.
• Your Desired Frame Rate: For general gaming, 60 FPS is often the standard. For competitive titles, higher refresh rates (120 FPS, 144 FPS, or more) are paramount.
• Graphical Settings Preference: Do you prioritize playing on “Ultra” settings, or are you content with “High” or even “Medium” to achieve smoother frame rates?
• Future-Proofing: Are you looking for a system that will remain capable for the next few years, or are you comfortable upgrading more frequently?
• Your Budget: This is often the most significant limiting factor, and the Logical Increments tiers are designed to offer excellent value at each price point.

By carefully assessing your needs against the recommended tiers for these popular Steam games, you can make an informed decision that will maximize your gaming enjoyment and ensure your PC is ready for the challenges and delights that modern PC gaming has to offer. At Gaming News, we are dedicated to providing you with the insights you need to stay ahead in the ever-evolving world of gaming.