No gaming PC? 4 free games to have fun with

The gaming world divides people into two camps. First, there are those who own a complete setup with a brand-new computer, a powerful graphics card, and a curved monitor. Then there are those who don't own a flashy machine but still want to spend hours playing.

Today, the sheer number of video games available makes it impossible to try out all the new releases. With games like Fortnite and Baldur's Gate 3, players are constantly bombarded with a flood of images, storylines, and plot twists. To break up this routine, there are much simpler and more relaxing games. For example, you'll discover numerous options for playing Solitaire in this article.

Note that all of these games can be played on a slightly older computer, or even on a mobile device, provided you have a decent internet connection. They are slower and more deliberate than both older and modern video games . It's a chance to take a little break and revisit a few years ago, back when Spider Solitaire was the favorite game of absent-minded office workers!

Indeed, Solitaire, in its classic form, has existed for hundreds of years. Likewise, the concept of a game of Solitaire is extremely simple: you just fill the foundation piles by moving tiles in the columns. However, winning every time is considerably more difficult. In fact, it's impossible! Here's a selection of the best versions of this game to keep you entertained for hours, completely free.

Classic Solitaire

Everyone knows classic Solitaire, the famous card game where you stack cards according to rules of shape and color. This game can be played alone, with a standard deck of cards, on a computer, or even on a smartphone.

The most classic version of Solitaire is played with five columns, four foundation piles, and a draw pile. Depending on the version, the draw pile may consist of one or three cards, which increases the difficulty.

The cards are moved by alternating colors, meaning that a red Jack can be placed on top of a black Queen. The game ends when all the foundation piles are filled in ascending order, from Ace to King.

Solitaire on Windows is over thirty years old! It's a timeless classic. The game itself doesn't require extraordinary technical resources, as it's easy to program. Over time, many modifications have been made, including the ability to undo moves to improve one's chances.

Spider Solitaire

There's a reason why Spider Solitaire remains one of the most popular versions worldwide. This variant of the game was included in the Windows XP suite. Back then, ultra-fast internet connections . Having fun on your computer often meant switching between Solitaire and the pinball game included in the software!

Spider Solitaire is simply a variation of classic Solitaire, but with two 52-card decks, for a total of 102 cards. The player has a draw option that allows them to draw four cards simultaneously, for a total of four draws. This draw method encourages players to use their cards sparingly to achieve the main objective: filling the eight foundation piles in ascending order from Ace to King.

Spider Solitaire is simply one of the most enjoyable variants to play. With an 80% win , this type of game is perfectly suited for a long, relaxing session. It's important to note that there is no time limit on the number of games played.

Lone Scorpio

Scorpion Solitaire is a perfect variant for those seeking a new challenge. The game starts similarly to the classic version, but with some very specific constraints: a draw pile of only three cards and unique movement rules. These offer a new challenge and encourage players to think strategically.

Scorpion is played with a 52-card deck. It consists of 7 columns of 7 cards, several of which are face down. The player's objective is to create four descending sequences, from king to ace, taking into account the suit and rank of the cards. To make things more challenging, Scorpion includes a simple draw pile of three cards. It is recommended to use the draw pile only later in the game.

Furthermore, it is possible to move a stack of cards if the top card of the pile is lower and matches the suit of the top card of the new column. A king is absolutely required to start an empty column.

Scorpio requires careful thought. It's easy to get stuck if you misjudge the moves. Ideally, you should turn over the cards first, as each one offers a new clue to solving the puzzle.

Solitaire Addiction

Be warned, Addiction is a game of patience that can really test your nerves. Here, the concept of foundation piles, so central to all Solitaire games, is forgotten. Instead, it's a 4x13 card grid. The goal is to create horizontal sequences across the grid. In any case, Addiction Solitaire offers a fun alternative to the classic game. 

There are four empty spaces on the grid. Movement in this game follows fairly strict rules, as a card can only be moved if the card to its left is immediately higher. The best strategy is to focus on one row at a time, as this allows you to get an overview.

It's very easy to quickly find yourself without options in the game, especially if all the cards are to the left of the Kings area. Fortunately, the game offers a three-fold shuffle to ensure a more exciting and fair game. This shuffle doesn't affect cards already placed in chronological order starting with the 2.

Want to play games without a gaming PC? Here's how

There are so many fascinating games to play during a relaxing break, without needing to be a high-tech gamer. Solitaire games, for example, are perfectly suited to a travel situation. 

While it's less enjoyable to play on mobile, it's perfectly possible with a good internet connection. However, you should avoid connecting to public Wi-Fi to protect yourself from cybersecurity risks.