Will my PC run it?
Running two games at once needs more memory than one. Rough numbers for RAM, GPU and laptops, and how to make it smoother.
A passthrough mod runs two full games. The host draws the scene as usual; the guest usually draws little or nothing, but still keeps its engine and world loaded. So the real limit is usually memory (RAM), not graphics.
Rough numbers
These are ballpark figures; every project and game is different.
| Typical extra cost | |
|---|---|
| Minecraft running hidden (SkyCraft-style) | about 3 GB RAM |
| A big modern game running hidden | 5–7 GB RAM |
| Windows itself | 3–4 GB |
- 16 GB RAM: fine for most two-game mods with a light guest like Minecraft. Close your browser and other apps first.
- 32 GB RAM: comfortable, including heavier guests.
- 8 GB RAM: expect heavy stuttering or crashes. Rewrites and recomps (a single program) are a better bet.
Graphics
- The host game's settings matter most, because it draws everything. If the host alone runs at 60 fps, you're usually in good shape.
- Both games must use the same graphics card. On laptops with integrated + dedicated graphics, set both games to High performance in Windows Settings → System → Display → Graphics.
Making it smoother
- Close browsers, launchers and recording software you don't need.
- Lower the host game's settings first (shadows and view distance help most).
- Turn off overlays (Discord, Steam, GPU overlays).
- Put both games on an SSD. Loading two games at once from a hard drive is slow.
- Check the project's README for frame-rate caps or "performance mode" settings.
Steam Deck, Linux and Mac
Most projects are built and tested on Windows only. A few exceptions exist: New VegasCraft was developed on Linux with Proton, and Minecraft Crossover Bridge targets Apple Silicon Macs through CrossOver. Many Rust rewrites and recomps run natively on Linux and macOS. Check the tags on each project page.