While gaming, I noticed that some games pushed my CPU harder than others. After some research, I found that strategy and simulation games are usually the most CPU-intensive. Here’s everything I’ve learned.
What Is a CPU-Intensive Game?
A CPU-intensive game relies strongly on the processor to manage tasks like AI, physics, and real-time world simulation.
- AI behavior
- Physics simulations
- Real-time calculations
- Background processes
- Large-scale environments
These games often feature complex systems, vast worlds, and strategic elements that require strong CPU performance.
Examples include:
- Microsoft Flight Simulator
- Cities: Skylines
- Total War series
What does the CPU Do in a gaming PC?
In gaming, the CPU:
- Handles game logic
- Controls AI and physics
- Manages data between GPU, RAM, and storage
- Runs background processes
A strong processor keeps gameplay smooth, especially in open-world or highly detailed games with many background tasks.”
What Makes a Game CPU Intensive?
A game becomes CPU-intensive when it needs more computing power than graphical performance to run well. Common reasons:
- Advanced AI
- Real-time strategy calculations
- Physics and weather systems
- Large-scale unit or city management
Benchmark Testing Your CPU for Gaming
Use tools like:
- Cinebench
- Geekbench
- 3DMark
These measure your CPU’s ability to handle gaming tasks and help detect potential bottlenecks.
Games That Are More CPU-Than GPU-Dependent
Certain games rely heavily on the CPU because of complex AI and in-game simulations.
- Civilization VI
- Total War: Warhammer III
- Cities: Skylines
- Football Manager
Welcome to Bottleneck City: CPU-Intensive Games List
1. Microsoft Flight Simulator 2020
Massive world simulation, real-time weather, and flight physics.
2. Star Citizen
Advanced AI and seamless space simulation.
3. Arma 3
Realistic military sim with complex environments and physics.
4. Total War: Warhammer II
Large armies, deep AI, and tactical combat.
5. Assassin’s Creed Odyssey
Dense NPC interactions and dynamic systems.
6. No Man’s Sky (PC/VR)
Procedural universe generation and real-time planet simulation.
7. Watch Dogs: Legion
Crowded city, deep AI routines, and system interactions.
8. Far Cry 5
Open-world systems, environmental effects, and dynamic AI.
9. DCS World (PC/VR)
Flight physics and accurate military simulation.
10. Boneworks (VR)
Physics-driven combat and object interactions.
11. Blade and Sorcery (VR)
Physics-based melee combat and environmental interactions.
12. Monster Hunter: World
Dynamic environments and multiplayer syncing.
13. Cities: Skylines
Detailed city management with complex simulation systems.
14. Battlefield V
Large maps, destructible environments, and multiplayer physics.
15. Cyberpunk 2077
Dense cityscapes, AI, and in-game systems.
16. Civilization VI
Turn-based strategy with many AI opponents and systems.
17. World of Warcraft
Multiplayer world with dynamic updates and background tasks.
18. Modded Half-Life: Alyx (VR)
Mods add CPU-demanding features like advanced physics.
19. Modded Minecraft
Mods increase AI, systems, and world mechanics.
20. Modded Skyrim (PC/VR)
Heavy mods can make Skyrim far more CPU-reliant.
21. Call of Duty: Warzone
Battle royale with massive player counts and interactions.
22. StarCraft II
Real-time strategy with fast AI and unit handling.
CPU vs GPU-Intensive Games
| Type | Examples |
| CPU-Intensive | Cities: Skylines, Total War, Civilization VI |
| GPU-Intensive | Cyberpunk 2077, Assassin’s Creed Valhalla, RDR2 |
| Both | Red Dead Redemption 2, Cyberpunk 2077, Half-Life: Alyx |
Free CPU-Intensive Games
Even free games can be heavy on the CPU:
- Dota 2
- League of Legends
- War Thunder
- Path of Exile
- Team Fortress 2
Other CPU-Intensive Tasks (Outside Gaming)
- Video editing (Adobe Premiere Pro)
- 3D rendering (Blender)
- Running virtual machines
- Compiling software
- Scientific simulations (MATLAB)
FAQs
1. What Games Use The CPU the Most?
Games like Microsoft Flight Simulator, Cities: Skylines, and Total War: Warhammer III demand high CPU power for real-time physics, AI control, and large-world simulations. These titles heavily rely on the processor more than the graphics card.
2. Which Games Use Many CPU Cores?
Star Citizen, Civilization VI, Total War: Warhammer III, and Cities: Skylines utilize multiple CPU cores efficiently. These games benefit from CPUs with more threads, helping distribute AI, physics, and simulation tasks across many cores for better performance.
3. What Is Considered CPU-Intensive?
A CPU-intensive game or app depends on strong processing power. This includes AI calculations, physics, massive environments, real-time data handling, and strategic simulations. Such workloads push the processor harder than the GPU, demanding higher core count and speed.
4. Which Games Are GPU-Intensive?
Cyberpunk 2077, Red Dead Redemption 2, Metro Exodus, and Assassin’s Creed Valhalla are GPU-heavy. These games use advanced graphics, lighting, ray tracing, and visual effects that require powerful graphics cards to maintain smooth frame rates and visual fidelity.
5. Do Games Use 100% CPU?
Most games don’t use 100% CPU all the time. However, CPU-intensive titles may push your processor close to maximum, especially if the GPU isn’t the bottleneck. Background apps and poor optimization can also increase CPU usage during gaming.
6. What CPU Can Run All Games?
While no CPU is future-proof forever, high-end processors like AMD Ryzen 9 7950X or Intel Core i9-13900K can run nearly all modern games smoothly. They offer strong multi-core performance and fast clock speeds for demanding tasks and gameplay.
7. How Many Cpu Cores Does Gta V Use?
GTA V can utilize up to 8 CPU cores but works well with 4 to 6 cores. The game uses multi-threading to manage AI, physics, and game logic, offering better performance on CPUs with more threads and high speed.
8. Is Cyberpunk 2077 Cpu-Intensive?
Yes, especially in dense city areas. Cyberpunk 2077 uses a lot of CPU power for AI routines, background systems, traffic simulation, and real-time interactions. A strong CPU ensures smoother gameplay alongside your GPU for stable frame rates.
9. What Apps Are Cpu-Intensive?
CPU-heavy apps include Adobe Premiere Pro, Blender, MATLAB, Android Studio, and virtual machines. These use your processor for rendering, simulation, compiling, or multitasking. They benefit from multi-core CPUs with high clock speeds and large cache sizes.
10. Is Gta V Cpu Or Gpu Intensive?
GTA V uses both CPU and GPU heavily. The CPU handles AI, environment logic, and physics, while the GPU renders visuals and effects. A balanced system with a decent CPU and a strong GPU delivers the best performance.
Conclusion
CPU-intensive games demand a strong processor to run smoothly. Whether you’re flying a plane in Microsoft Flight Simulator or managing an empire in Total War, a good CPU makes all the difference. Choose your hardware wisely for a better gaming experience.
