What should I look for in a gaming laptop with a $385 budget?

An RTX 2060 is a solid target in this price range. Eight gigabytes of RAM can work if the laptop has an upgradeable memory slot, but 16GB is preferable. Search the exact model number to confirm whether another RAM stick or a larger SSD can be installed.

If you have a reliable, fast internet connection, a cloud-gaming subscription could be a temporary option while you keep saving. You’d still need to own or access the games, and it won’t be ideal if your connection has high latency or data limits. For a permanent purchase, newer systems with an RTX 4060, 16GB of RAM, and a 1TB SSD are much better but usually cost considerably more than your current budget.

You could also buy an older gaming laptop from roughly three to five years ago. Lowering demanding games to 720p can make a big difference, though I’d avoid relying on unusual display-driver modifications unless you’re comfortable troubleshooting.

With around $385, you’ll probably have the best luck shopping used. Look for laptops with a GTX 1660 Ti or RTX 2060, 16GB of RAM, and an SSD. Check the condition carefully, especially the battery, hinges, keyboard, temperatures, and screen for dead pixels.