PCGameBenchmarks
The Nightmare

The Nightmare

1982Easy to run

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.

The Nightmare 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

The Nightmare estimated FPS at 1080p across 14 GPUs and 4 quality presets
GPUlowmediumhighultra
RTX 5090999 fps999 fps999 fps819 fps
RTX 4090999 fps999 fps936 fps761 fps
RX 7900 XTX999 fps999 fps840 fps683 fps
RTX 5080999 fps990 fps792 fps644 fps
RTX 4080 Super999 fps930 fps744 fps605 fps
RTX 4070 Ti919 fps735 fps588 fps478 fps
RTX 4070788 fps630 fps504 fps410 fps
RX 7800 XT694 fps555 fps444 fps361 fps
RTX 3080675 fps540 fps432 fps351 fps
RTX 4060 Ti638 fps510 fps408 fps332 fps
RTX 3070581 fps465 fps372 fps302 fps
RTX 4060525 fps420 fps336 fps273 fps
RTX 3060450 fps360 fps288 fps234 fps
GTX 1660 Super326 fps261 fps209 fps170 fps

1440p performance

The Nightmare estimated FPS at 1440p across 14 GPUs and 4 quality presets
GPUlowmediumhighultra
RTX 5090999 fps945 fps756 fps614 fps
RTX 4090999 fps878 fps702 fps570 fps
RX 7900 XTX984 fps788 fps630 fps512 fps
RTX 5080928 fps743 fps594 fps483 fps
RTX 4080 Super872 fps698 fps558 fps453 fps
RTX 4070 Ti689 fps551 fps441 fps358 fps
RTX 4070591 fps473 fps378 fps307 fps
RX 7800 XT520 fps416 fps333 fps271 fps
RTX 3080506 fps405 fps324 fps263 fps
RTX 4060 Ti478 fps383 fps306 fps249 fps
RTX 3070436 fps349 fps279 fps227 fps
RTX 4060394 fps315 fps252 fps205 fps
RTX 3060338 fps270 fps216 fps176 fps
GTX 1660 Super245 fps196 fps157 fps127 fps

4K performance

The Nightmare estimated FPS at 4K across 14 GPUs and 4 quality presets
GPUlowmediumhighultra
RTX 5090630 fps504 fps403 fps328 fps
RTX 4090585 fps468 fps374 fps304 fps
RX 7900 XTX525 fps420 fps336 fps273 fps
RTX 5080495 fps396 fps317 fps257 fps
RTX 4080 Super465 fps372 fps298 fps242 fps
RTX 4070 Ti368 fps294 fps235 fps191 fps
RTX 4070315 fps252 fps202 fps164 fps
RX 7800 XT278 fps222 fps178 fps144 fps
RTX 3080270 fps216 fps173 fps140 fps
RTX 4060 Ti255 fps204 fps163 fps133 fps
RTX 3070233 fps186 fps149 fps121 fps
RTX 4060210 fps168 fps134 fps109 fps
RTX 3060180 fps144 fps115 fps94 fps
GTX 1660 Super131 fps104 fps84 fps68 fps

Minimum Hardware

Graphics Card
Minimum required

2 GB Graphic Card

amazon
Shop GPU
Processor
Minimum required

Intel I3

amazon
Shop CPU
Memory
Minimum required

2 GB

amazon
Shop RAM

* Amazon links are affiliate links. We may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.

Genres

Role-playing (RPG)Adventure

About

"The Nightmare," released in 1982, is a classic adventure and role-playing game that immerses players in a compelling narrative. The player is trapped in a haunted castle crafted by their subconscious, facing the challenge of escaping within eight hours. Known for its unique premise and psychological themes, this game stands out among early RPGs, offering a blend of exploration, puzzles, and a tense atmosphere.

When it comes to PC performance, "The Nightmare" is quite accessible. Players can enjoy smooth gameplay and reasonable FPS on entry-level systems featuring a minimum GPU score of around 2000. With only 2 GB of RAM required, most modern setups can easily run this game at standard graphics settings, making it ideal for those looking to experience classic RPGs without needing top-tier hardware.

If you appreciate retro RPGs with intriguing storylines, "The Nightmare" is definitely worth your time. Its engaging gameplay and unique concept make it a noteworthy title in gaming history, appealing to both nostalgic players and newcomers who might be seeking a distinctive gaming experience.

Performance profile

Released in December 1982, The Nightmare 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.

RPGs like The Nightmare stress VRAM during long sessions — texture streaming, mods and open-world traversal inflate memory use over time. 8 GB VRAM is a practical floor; 12 GB+ is worth the headroom at 1440p and above.

Extremely light — The Nightmare 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

You're not sure if your mysterious surroundings are real, or merely an apparition, but you're trapped within a dark castle - the abode of the depths of your subconscious. The heavy iron door behind you is sealed and there is only one means of escape. You must retrieve your mind's eye, located within the tunnel of death, and return with it to the iron door. Then, and only then, may you return to reality. You'll hear piercing screams from within the castle walls and the sound of footsteps - not always your own. The Nightmare takes you from the depths of the dungeon, up flights of stonecold steps, into three other vast castle floors, all riddled with mysterious chambers, fearsome creatures and amazing treasures. A psychopathic killer is on the loose, and a mangy rat pack, in search of food, is eager to end your quest. Beware, too, of other gruesome creatures, standing guard to your mind's eye. A grotesque gargoyle and a headless man, beheaded and confined in the castle by former occupants, are but two of them. However, wonderful magic, once in your possession, will see you beyond these frightening obstacles. A glistening silver cross, a book that warns of things to come, a quarter-staff that destroys stone and a magical ring that penetrates otherwise impassable barriers, are just a few you may find. Take everything you find - you never know when it may aid you in the search for your mind's eye. Remember, reality awaits your return!

Screenshots

Related Games