Whether you can run this comes down to three components and one setting. System Requirements for Game is easier to answer once you know which.

The approach below has been checked against the current version rather than a patch from two years ago. There is a fast way and a safe way, and they are not the same thing. Give the first attempt an honest try before deciding the method does not work.

The short answer

Meeting the recommended specification gets you a stable experience at medium to high; below minimum, resolution is the lever that saves you.

Minimum versus recommended

If something here stops matching what you see on screen, the game has probably changed a value in an update. If you are short on time, the first section alone is usually enough. The community figured most of this out through repetition, and the pattern has held up well. The approach below has been checked against the current version rather than a patch from two years ago.

Most advice on this topic assumes you already know half the answer, which is exactly the problem. If something here stops matching what you see on screen, the game has probably changed a value in an update. There is a fast way and a safe way, and they are not the same thing.

Settings to turn down first

If something here stops matching what you see on screen, the game has probably changed a value in an update. Most advice on this topic assumes you already know half the answer, which is exactly the problem. There is a fast way and a safe way, and they are not the same thing.

  • Test one change at a time instead of five at once.
  • Check the version you are running before following any step-by-step advice.
  • Back up your save if the game gives you the option.
  • Write down what you changed, so you can undo it if the result gets worse.

What actually limits performance here

People often blame the game when the actual cause is a setting they changed weeks ago. The approach below has been checked against the current version rather than a patch from two years ago. If something here stops matching what you see on screen, the game has probably changed a value in an update. Small details matter more than they should here, so read the order of steps carefully.

Most advice on this topic assumes you already know half the answer, which is exactly the problem. The community figured most of this out through repetition, and the pattern has held up well. If something here stops matching what you see on screen, the game has probably changed a value in an update.

Mistakes worth avoiding

  • Changing several settings at once, then having no idea which one helped.
  • Following a guide written for an older version and assuming nothing moved.
  • Skipping the preparation step because it looks boring, then repeating the hard part four times.
  • Trusting a video thumbnail over the actual patch notes.

Frequently asked questions

Can I run it on a laptop?

Usually yes, with settings lowered and expectations adjusted. Sustained performance depends heavily on cooling.

Is more memory or a better card the better upgrade?

If you are at or below the minimum memory figure, memory first. Otherwise the graphics card is the bigger lever.

Is there a faster method?

Usually yes, and usually it is riskier. The route above trades a little speed for a much lower chance of having to start over.

If you take one thing away about system requirements for game, make it the preparation step; everything after it becomes much easier.