Summary
Although the GTX 1050 Ti has become a “classic” among older GTX graphics cards, the more robust modern entries of the RTX 50 series have certainly showcased the full graphical potential gaming could offer at the moment. At first glance, the distance between these generations means the GTX 1050 Ti might not even be capable of running more modern titles. However, fans might be surprised to learn it might only be a matter of knowing which games to run first.
With the right tinkering with settings, a GTX 1050 Ti could still play modern games released in the 2020s. And while these experiences certainly won’t offer anything as robust as their RTX counterparts, this opportunity would still help players at least enjoy what modern gaming could offer. However, in that regard, just what modern games are must-tries on a GTX 1050 Ti?
Considered by many as theOverwatchkiller with its familiar take on the hero team-up shooter with superheroes,Marvel Rivalsis an exhilarating ride on a fan-favorite genre. Set in the disjointed union of two universes courtesy of a duo of power-hungry Doctor Dooms,Marvel Rivalsplayers take on the role of heroes whose missions to save their homes come in the form of payload escorts and point captures. The game is lauded for its accessibility, such as skins that don’t come at exorbitant prices and straightforward gameplay loops that remain enjoyable for players.
TheMarvel Rivalsformulashines in its attention to detail, courtesy of accompanying comics and Battle Passes that explore its multiversal lore. Heroes are segregated into tank-like Vanguards, DPS-focused Duelists, and supportive Strategists - all fall into sub-niches based on playstyles that ensure each team can be set up differently whenever players switch heroes upon death. Despite compatibility issues,Marvel Rivalscan run decently on a GTX 1050 Ti. While not certainly showcasing the best of graphics, it can still give players room to do their heroics across destructible environments while yelling for someone to take down that pesky Iron Man.
Fans of survival horror may fondly remember the wayNemesis has relentlessly pursued Jill Valentine in a condemned Raccoon CityinResident Evil 3, with players now allowed to relive these horrors with a fresh coat of blood-red paint withResident Evil 3 Remake. Set once more in Raccoon City, Jill Valentine’s seemingly ordinary investigation towards Umbrella Corporation brings her in the middle of a city-wide outbreak - complete with a Tyrant named Nemesis designed to hunt her. Contrary to the “cinematic” fixed angles of the original that evoked a sense of nostalgia with its picturesque depictions of a city in chaos,RE3 Remake’s modernized gameplay lets players live through Jill’s desperate journey for escape.
And as though catering to the nostalgia crowd,Resident Evil 3 Remakeis surprisingly friendly to older devices. The game plays at a respectable average of ~60 FPS at Low, with Medium and High not far off with their ~50 FPS. And while lower graphics do dispel the game’s upgraded graphics with reduced textures, they’re more than enough for players to revel in a livelier (or an even undead-er) version of Raccoon City before inevitably escaping it.
Despite being the sequel of 2015’sHelldivers, 2024’sHelldivers 2was a smash hit for its horde-style co-op gameplay. As with the previous title,players take on the role of Helldiversas they defend Super Earth from various threats such as the Bugs, the Cyborgs, and the Illuminate. As with the first game, players select their loadouts and starting positions as well as Stratagems that give them an advantage in battle.
While its compatibility with the 1050 Ti does mean a sacrifice in terms of overall graphics, players might not even notice the difference with how high-stakes every Operation tends to be. Despite the level of difficulty, players are forced to work together to ensure they finish their Missions. And with the clock constantly ticking against them alongside enemies that never seem to disappear, ever “losing” fight inHelldivers 2will remain an exhilarating time for players looking for a good time.
Cyberpunk 2077manages to move forward from a buggy release and end up being one of themost celebrated open-world titlesin recent memory, especially with its flexible gameplay and an intriguing sci-fi story. Set in the metropolis of Night City, players take on the role of V and begin in one of three scenarios - all of which end up with them gaining access to the engram of a legendary terrorist and rockstar whose consciousness starts to clash with them. This predicament takes them on a tour around the city, a journey that will give players time to bask in the glory of a well-defined world with a backstory that feels “theirs.”
Gameplay can happen through straightforward combat, tinkering with tech, or even hacking both enemies and their environments. While players can use a wide variety of weapons with special environmental properties, V can even double-jump, slide, take cover and sprint - turning combat into a thrill-fest. Although compatible with the 1050 Ti, players ofCyberpunk 2077shouldn’t expect to go ultra with the title - which does mean suffering a bit from a graphical breakdown. Regardless, the sheer scope of Night City alongside the number of things players could do inside it will manage to immerse players in no time.
Despite criticisms towards its general gameplay and monetization,Diablo 4indeed attempts to up the ante with its new Spiritborn Class and improved Paragon System - giving players more ways to equip themselves to deal with the new threat that is Lilith and the game’s more active PVP component. Although not as fast-paced asDiablo 3, the more “grounded” look ofDiablo 4certainly amps up the feeling of grim and dread associated with the franchise - monsters and hordes remain a staple, and the environment emphasizes a more dire atmosphere.
Although playing with the 1050 Ti doesn’t immediately evoke a sense of dread, it’s still capable ofhighlighting the sheer chaos and carnage of fighting hordesand even fellow players. 1080p Medium and FSR 2 provides ~60 FPS. And while High and Ultra let players experience the game with ~40 and ~30 FPS, respectively, they might not be as fulfilling for players who want to relish in the game’s freshly-melancholic visuals.
Hawaii seems like the last place players would expect to play aLike a Dragongame - all the more a game likeLike a Dragon: Infinite Wealthwhere series staple Kazuma Kiryu goes on an adventure with the rather wilder and more youthful Ichiban Kasuga. Their seemingly ordinary trip to Hawaii is interrupted when they’re dragged into yet another conspiracy - the perfect avenue to demonstrate the game’s perfect combination of the franchise’s more modern mechanics.Infinite Wealthreturns with a more intentional turn-based combat system, complete with an improved Class System where most Classes have uses both inside and outside combat. Relationships between party members are emphasized, as stronger bonds through interactions correlate to more powerful supporting moves. And on the plus side, seeing Kiryu’s signature street fighting be reflected in a more tactical light is delightful.
While playingInfinite Wealthwith the 1050 Ti is certainly possible, the lack of graphical depth at higher settings does defeat the game’s wealth of detail - especially with its new tropical setting. However, the game still performs decently at around ~80 FPS at Medium settings, with turn-based fights remaining as engaging as ever, and thenumber of activities and vibrant visualsacross playthroughs more than making up for the graphics card’s visual lackings.
Recent Game of the Year contenderMetaphor ReFantazioproves Atlus’s tried-and-tested turn-based appeal isn’t just applicable to its acclaimedPersonaandShin Megami Tenseiseries. Set just after the assassination of the king of the United Kingdom of Euchronia,Metaphor ReFantazioplayers become contenders to a country about to be thrown into a civil war. AlthoughPersonaandMegami Tenseiare known for their philosophical takes on life,Metaphor ReFantazioadds a politically charged story. And whileMetaphor’sblend of real-time and turn-based combat involving Archetypes(one’s manifestation of insecurities) vastly resemblesPersona’s system, the game spices things up by allowing mixing and matching of abilities and a more flavorful take in securing the advantage in combat.
The fresh coat of medieval fantasy that Atlus has laid overMetaphor ReFantaziomakes it a perfect choice for players who want a decent RPG experience with their GTX 1050 Ti. And although ~60 FPS is only achievable on 1080p Low settings, the game’s flashy HUD superimposed with the game’s stylish medieval premise can make the title quite a refreshing RPG experience.
Created by FromSoft as a “successor” to its acclaimedSoulsfranchise,Elden Ringexpands the “git gud” difficulty ofDark Soulsinto a vast open world whose backstory was created by none other than George R. R. Martin. Set in the Lands Between, players take the role of a Tarnished as they have to repair the eponymous Elden Ring and turn into the new Elden Lorde. The game retains the characteristic difficulty ofDark Soulscomplete with spells and weapon abilities, but its open-world gameplay means players can stumble into environments whose enemies end up too strong for their current builds - or perhaps challenging enough for them to dare fight.
The vastness ofElden Ring’s map comes with a familiar vagueness in its lore, encouraging players to explore the Lands Between and get invested in its environments. Players who appreciate the challenge ofDark Soulscan enjoyElden Ringeven with a dated 1050 Ti. And while playing with the graphics card will certainly not provide ultra performance,Elden Ring’s exhilarating combatcan more than make up for whatever visuals the 1050 Ti might lack.
Building upon the success ofMonster Hunter: WorldisMonster Hunter Rise, a riveting 2022-2023 release thatadds more action toWorld’s more intuitive mechanics. The game now introduces the Palamute that players can ride into battle, while Wirebugs give players better mobility - adding a fresh dose of verticality to fights that often involve huge monsters. With the Wirebug having different interactions with weapons, players ofRisecan expect vastly different approaches to monster hunting with this new item - all the while maintaining sleeker and faster-paced combat.
While the GTX 1050 Ti can’t play the modern beast that isMonster Hunter Wilds, it can comfortably provide a spectacular experience forMonster Hunter Rise- its smoothness in particular is a much-needed comfort given the game’s faster-paced mechanics. Although playing on 1080p Low settings certainly trades graphics for performance, 1080p High can definitely provide a crispier experience with lush greens and effects while still comfortably reaching around the high 40s FPS.
While Larian Studios is already known for the acclaimed success ofDivinity: Original Sin 2, the developers took their narrative depth and gameplay flexibility to the next level withBaldur’s Gate 3. Set in Faerun centuries after the events ofBaldur’s Gate 2, players find themselves in the middle of a Mindflayer invasion - wherein they have to find the cure for an Illithid tadpole inside their heads before they become Mindflayers themselves… or succumb to the temptations of their new psionic powers.
Being a direct adaptation ofDungeons & Dragons,gameplay inBaldur’s Gate 3seamlessly incorporates the turn-based intensity ofD&Dmechanics and its customization options - with both Subclass and Multiclass options, combined with Feats and other Traits, giving players quite a plethora of ways to replay a session. Combined with the fact thatBaldur’s Gate 3runs rather smoothly with ~60 FPS on 1080p Low FSR and decently at Medium (~40 FPS) on a GTX 1050 Ti (barring some stuttering in high-intensity combat and time pre-loading shaders and other details), and players can end up with quite a wild ride - whether or not they’re heavy into stories or just in it for the joyous gameplay experience.
