Find out how the GeForce GTX 1060 graphics card still delivers smooth performance in 2025, running modern AAA games while staying a best budget graphics card choice.
The GeForce GTX 1060 graphics card was one of NVIDIA’s shining stars when it launched back in 2016. It hit the sweet spot between performance and affordability, making it one of the early good ones that gamers could trust. While the GPU world has sprinted ahead with ray tracing and monster RTX cards, the GTX 1060 still stands tall today as one of the best budget graphics card choices for gamers who just want to play without emptying their wallets.
So, what can this little powerhouse still do in 2025? Let’s dive into 10 AAA games that run smoothly on the GeForce GTX 1060 graphics card and see why it’s still beloved by budget gamers everywhere.
10 Games That Run Well on the graphics card 1060 GTX
Grand Theft Auto V
A modern classic of crime, chaos, and car chases which is still popular 12 years after its release. Even now it runs at 60+ FPS on high settings, proving the 1060 still has plenty of horsepower for mayhem.
The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt
Step into Geralt’s monster-hunting boots in a massive open world filled with monsters, sorcery, and vampires. On the graphics card 1060 GTX, you’ll get a smooth 50 FPS on high settings if you keep Hairworks off (Geralt won’t mind).
Shadow of the Tomb Raider
Lara Croft’s adventures take her to jungles, tombs, and enough puzzles to keep your brain sweating. The GeForce GTX 1060 graphics card pushes it at around 50 FPS on medium-high settings, which should be more than enough for you to admire the ruins.
Red Dead Redemption 2
Arthur Morgan’s outlaw and cowboy tale takes you to the end of the Wild West era with breathtaking landscapes in a world filled with moral dilemmas. On this card, you can enjoy the story at 1080p medium pushing it up to around 50 FPS, though Arthur’s beard will grow faster than your framerate at ultra.
Read more about Red Dead Redemption 2 here.
Assassin’s Creed Odyssey
Take a tour through ancient Greece as a mercenary who can’t resist climbing everything in sight. The 1060 handles it at medium settings with roughly 50 FPS, which is perfect for sailing the Aegean and dodging arrows.
Forza Horizon 5
Race across Mexico in one of the best and most visually stunning open world driving experiences ever. With the graphics card 1060 GTX, expect a comfortable 60 FPS at 1080p high settings, which makes crashing into cacti even smoother.
Just Cause 3
Rico Rodriguez’s specialty is blowing things up in stylish slow motion. The GeForce GTX 1060 graphics card keeps up nicely with around 60 FPS on high, so you can grapple, parachute, and explode to your heart’s content.
Assassin’s Creed IV: Black Flag
Set sail as Edward Kenway in a pirate adventure filled with ship battles and sea shanties. The graphics card 1060 GTX breezes through at max settings over 60 FPS, letting you plunder and sing without lag.
Cyberpunk 2077
A neon-soaked RPG where you play as V in a futuristic city full of questionable fashion choices. On the GTX 1060 you’ll manage 30–40 FPS on low-medium settings, which is enough to enjoy the story even if the streets aren’t glowing with ray-traced glory.
Elden Ring
FromSoftware’s vast open world of boss fights that can even make you cry and landscapes that make you stare. Expect around 40–50 FPS at medium, which is plenty to roll dodge your way through despair.
Why the GeForce GTX 1060 Graphics Card Still Matters in 2025
Even though newer GPUs have taken the spotlight, the GeForce GTX 1060 graphics card remains a reliable option for anyone gaming on a budget. It consistently delivers solid 1080p performance across both modern and slightly older AAA titles. Sure, you won’t be enabling ray tracing or chasing 4K ultra settings, but that’s not really the point.
For gamers who want value for money, it is among the best budget graphics cards that checks all the right boxes. That’s why many still consider it one of the best budget graphics card options, especially for esports or AAA titles that don’t demand always RTX-level hardware.
Is the GeForce GTX 1060 Still the Best Budget Graphics Card?
The short answer: yes, if you keep your expectations grounded. It runs most games at at least medium settings at 1080p, which is more than enough for the majority of players. As long as you aren’t obsessed with ray tracing or ultra-HD everything, the 1060 gets the job done without complaints.
Of course, it has its limits. For demanding titles like Cyberpunk 2077, you’ll need to lower some settings. But when you compare the price-to-performance ratio, it’s hard to argue against calling it one of the best budget graphics card choices even in 2025.
GTX 1060 Graphics Card Price in 2025
The big question you might now be asking about the GTX 1060 graphics card is its price. In the used market, it’s still floating around as one of the most affordable options for entry-level gaming PCs.
The NVIDIA GTX 1060, released in 2016, is no longer in production, which means brand-new Founders Edition cards are essentially unavailable from official retailers. Today, if you’re looking for a genuine NVIDIA-made GTX 1060, you’ll mostly find them on second-hand or resale markets like eBay, Craigslist, or Facebook Marketplace. Still, if we talk about the approximate costs, it should be $60–$100, depending on condition and availability.
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