Archon
Can your GPU run this game?
Estimated FPS across quality settings and resolutions
Search for your GPU above to see a full FPS breakdown at every quality and resolution.
Archon FPS by GPU
Estimated framerates for 14 reference GPUs · pick a resolution and quality
Full benchmark grid · 14 GPUs × 4 qualities × 3 resolutions
1080p performance
| GPU | low | medium | high | ultra |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| RTX 5090 | 999 fps | 999 fps | 999 fps | 999 fps |
| RTX 4090 | 999 fps | 999 fps | 999 fps | 999 fps |
| RX 7900 XTX | 999 fps | 999 fps | 999 fps | 999 fps |
| RTX 5080 | 999 fps | 999 fps | 999 fps | 999 fps |
| RTX 4080 Super | 999 fps | 999 fps | 999 fps | 999 fps |
| RTX 4070 Ti | 999 fps | 999 fps | 999 fps | 999 fps |
| RTX 4070 | 999 fps | 999 fps | 999 fps | 999 fps |
| RX 7800 XT | 999 fps | 999 fps | 999 fps | 999 fps |
| RTX 3080 | 999 fps | 999 fps | 999 fps | 999 fps |
| RTX 4060 Ti | 999 fps | 999 fps | 999 fps | 999 fps |
| RTX 3070 | 999 fps | 999 fps | 999 fps | 988 fps |
| RTX 4060 | 999 fps | 999 fps | 999 fps | 892 fps |
| RTX 3060 | 999 fps | 999 fps | 941 fps | 765 fps |
| GTX 1660 Super | 999 fps | 853 fps | 682 fps | 554 fps |
1440p performance
| GPU | low | medium | high | ultra |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| RTX 5090 | 999 fps | 999 fps | 999 fps | 999 fps |
| RTX 4090 | 999 fps | 999 fps | 999 fps | 999 fps |
| RX 7900 XTX | 999 fps | 999 fps | 999 fps | 999 fps |
| RTX 5080 | 999 fps | 999 fps | 999 fps | 999 fps |
| RTX 4080 Super | 999 fps | 999 fps | 999 fps | 999 fps |
| RTX 4070 Ti | 999 fps | 999 fps | 999 fps | 999 fps |
| RTX 4070 | 999 fps | 999 fps | 999 fps | 999 fps |
| RX 7800 XT | 999 fps | 999 fps | 999 fps | 884 fps |
| RTX 3080 | 999 fps | 999 fps | 999 fps | 860 fps |
| RTX 4060 Ti | 999 fps | 999 fps | 999 fps | 813 fps |
| RTX 3070 | 999 fps | 999 fps | 912 fps | 741 fps |
| RTX 4060 | 999 fps | 999 fps | 824 fps | 669 fps |
| RTX 3060 | 999 fps | 882 fps | 706 fps | 574 fps |
| GTX 1660 Super | 800 fps | 640 fps | 512 fps | 416 fps |
4K performance
| GPU | low | medium | high | ultra |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| RTX 5090 | 999 fps | 999 fps | 999 fps | 999 fps |
| RTX 4090 | 999 fps | 999 fps | 999 fps | 994 fps |
| RX 7900 XTX | 999 fps | 999 fps | 999 fps | 892 fps |
| RTX 5080 | 999 fps | 999 fps | 999 fps | 841 fps |
| RTX 4080 Super | 999 fps | 999 fps | 973 fps | 790 fps |
| RTX 4070 Ti | 999 fps | 961 fps | 769 fps | 625 fps |
| RTX 4070 | 999 fps | 824 fps | 659 fps | 535 fps |
| RX 7800 XT | 907 fps | 725 fps | 580 fps | 472 fps |
| RTX 3080 | 882 fps | 706 fps | 565 fps | 459 fps |
| RTX 4060 Ti | 833 fps | 667 fps | 533 fps | 433 fps |
| RTX 3070 | 760 fps | 608 fps | 486 fps | 395 fps |
| RTX 4060 | 686 fps | 549 fps | 439 fps | 357 fps |
| RTX 3060 | 588 fps | 471 fps | 376 fps | 306 fps |
| GTX 1660 Super | 426 fps | 341 fps | 273 fps | 222 fps |
Where to buy
Archon
affiliate
Minimum Hardware
* Amazon links are affiliate links. We may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Genres
About
Archon: The Light and the Dark, released in 1983, is a unique blend of strategy and action that takes inspiration from chess while adding fantasy elements to enhance the gameplay. Developed by Free Fall Associates, the game allows players to control both light and dark pieces on a chessboard-like arena, where battles are fought in real-time rather than turn-based, making it a notable entry in the gaming world for its innovative approach to traditional gameplay.
When it comes to PC performance, Archon is quite accessible and does not require high-end hardware to run smoothly. The minimum GPU requirement is an entry-level graphics card with a benchmark score of around 300, which means players can expect decent FPS even on older systems. With just 1 GB of RAM needed, players can easily optimize graphics settings for a smooth gaming experience on modest setups.
Given its solid rating of 79/100, Archon is definitely worth playing for fans of strategic gameplay. The combination of chess mechanics and real-time battles creates a compelling challenge that can engage both casual and dedicated gamers alike. If you're interested in classic titles with a twist, Archon should be on your list.
Performance profile
Released in November 1983, Archon predates modern GPU acceleration as we know it today. It runs effortlessly on virtually any current hardware, including integrated graphics and entry-level laptops — framerate is limited by the engine, not the GPU.
Simulation titles like Archon are heavily CPU-dependent — physics, AI and world state dominate the frame budget. Prioritise a CPU with strong single-thread performance and fast RAM over raw GPU power.
Extremely light — Archon runs at 60 FPS 1080p on any integrated GPU (Intel Iris Xe, AMD Radeon Graphics) or a decade-old discrete card like the GTX 1050. A current-gen RTX 4060 pushes 4K Ultra without effort.
Storyline
Archon is loosely based after the game of chess, but with the added trait that pieces do not simply kill other pieces-when an individual piece attempts to kill an opposing player's piece, a battle screen ensues, and a fight occurs. Generally, but not always-stronger pieces are able to overcome weaker pieces. Fights can also result in double-kills, where each piece involved in the battle is killed. Other additions to the game include special abilities held by certain pieces, as well as a Spellcaster piece, which acts as the leader of each side.
