The 13 Best Mac Games for Apple Users

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Austin Carroll is a writer and web designer from Eugene, Oregon. He's been at HGG for five years and maintains an active role designing and develop... Read more

Reviewed by Benjamin Barr

When you think computer gaming, chances are PC is the platform that comes to mind. That’s because Microsoft dominated the market for the better part of the past two decades. But – things are changing. Macs are becoming the go-to machine for all kinds of activities, and game developers are creating multi-platform titles to meet the demand. The result? The best Mac games for Apple users.

The best Mac games vary greatly in type, from free-to-play megahits, to affordable indies, to everything in between. You can choose from RPGs, FPS’, MOBAs, and more; you’re only limited by your computer’s specs and the time you have available. This article takes you through the best Mac games to showcase all the top options currently available. Simply pick your favorite and jump right in!

13 Best Mac Games

Let’s start with a comprehensive list of the 13 best Mac games currently on the market.

1. Rust

Our pick for one of the best multiplayer games for Mac

• Website: https://rust.facepunch.com/
• Platform: Mac, PC, Linux
• Genre: Online, Survival, Sandbox
• Developer: Facepunch Studios
• Release: 2013

Rust is an online sandbox game based around wilderness survival. Your goal is to stay alive as long as you can, managing both your health and sustenance meters along the way. To survive, you must use every resource at your disposal, including weapons, crafting materials, and scavenged loot. The game is online only and other players roam the same lands as you. Will they be your downfall, or have you got what it takes to survive the journey?

2. Fortnite

Our pick for one of the best battle royale games for Mac

• Website: https://www.epicgames.com/
• Platform: Mac, PC, PS4, Xbox One, Switch, iOS, Android
• Genre: Battle Royale, Shooter, Sandbox
• Developer: Epic Games
• Release: 2017

Fortnite is the blockbuster battle royale shooter that’s taken the world by storm (pun most definitely intended). The game is available for every major platform, including Apple’s MacOS and iOS systems. Hop aboard the battle bus and dive into the world of Fortnite to engage in shootouts, construct fortresses, and fight for victory royale. Think you’ve got what it takes to be the last man standing?

3. League of Legends

Our pick for one of the best MOBA games for Mac

• Website: https://na.leagueoflegends.com/
• Platform: PC, Mac
• Genre: MOBA
• Developer: Riot Games
• Release: 2009

Released over a decade ago, League of Legends has defied all the odds. Available exclusively for PC and Mac, this MOBA game remains among the most popular titles in the world… for a reason. Join the game to become a summoner, then assume control of a champion as you battle across the map. Choose your lane and take down your enemy’s defenses while protecting your own. It’s a high stakes battle, and only one team takes the crown.

4. Rocket League

Our pick for one of the best racing games for Mac

• Website: https://www.rocketleague.com/
• Platform: Mac, PC, Linux, PS4, Xbox One, Switch
• Genre: Racing, Sports
• Developer: Psyonix
• Release: 2015

Rocket League is a racing/sports game unlike anything else on the market. Players start the game by hopping into a vehicle and entering the arena. Your primary goal? Get the ball in the other player’s goal while protecting your own. The catch? The vehicles are rocket-powered, and the arena is full of obstacles and mayhem galore! Play with your friends on Mac, PC, or console, and enter the arena today.

5. Kerbal Space Program

Our pick for one of the best simulation games for Mac

• Website: https://www.kerbalspaceprogram.com/
• Platform: PC, Mac, Linux, PS4, Xbox One
• Genre: Space Flight Simulation
• Developer: Squad
• Release: 2015

Begin the game by assuming control of a Kerbal Commander on Planet Kerbin. Your job? Oversee the planet’s space program by researching, constructing, and launching your own spacecraft. With all sorts of different blueprints and an authentic physics engine, the sky’s the limit! Kerbal Space Program is one of the best games for Macbook Pro and one of the best games for iMac on the market.

6. Civilization VI

Our pick for one of the best strategy games for Mac

• Website: https://civilization.com/
• Platform: Mac, PC, Linux, Switch, iOS
• Genre: Turn-based strategy
• Developer: Firaxis Games
• Release: 2016

Civilization VI is the newest release in the popular turn-based series by Firaxis Games. While there are some exciting new mechanics in place, the basic theme remains the same. Begin the game in the early days of civilization as one of over 20 famous historical leaders. Using your prowess and skill, expand your empire through diplomacy, scientific achievements, and military might. Emerge as the sole superpower and lead the world into the 21st century.

7. Diablo 3

Our pick for best RPG for Mac

• Website: https://us.diablo3.com/
• Platform: Mac, PC, PS4, Xbox One, Switch
• Genre: RPG
• Developer: Blizzard Entertainment
• Release: 2012

The Diablo series has defined a generation of RPGs and hack-n-slash games, and Diablo 3 continues that legacy. Choose from one of several fantasy characters, including Wizards, Barbarians, Necromancers, and more. Then return to Tristram on a new adventure to uncover the Prime Evil’s latest plans, and save the world from a reign of terror. You’ll need to complete quests, slay enemies, and dungeon crawl your way to victory.

8. Shovel Knight

Our pick for one of the best indie games for Mac

• Website: https://yachtclubgames.com/
• Platform: Mac, PC, Linux, PS4, Xbox One, Switch, 3DS, Vita
• Genre: Platform Adventure
• Developer: Yacht Club Games
• Release: 2014

Released in 2014, Shovel Knight quickly swept the gaming world with its beautiful retro graphics, classic mechanics, and addictive gameplay. Take control of Shovel Knight as he traverses through the game world in search of his lost lover. Destroy the Knights of the Order of No Quarter and The Enchantress to free the world from their insidious grip. Emerge victorious to fulfill your knighty duties and complete the saga.

9. Counterstrike: Global Offensive

Our pick for one of the best FPS games for Mac

• Website: http://www.counter-strike.net/
• Platform: Mac, PC, Linux, PS3, Xbox 360
• Genre: Online FPS
• Developer: Valve Corporation
• Release: 2012

Hands down one of the best MacOS games, Counterstrike: Global Offensive is an exciting FPS that pits you against an enemy team for an old-fashioned shootout. The game features an abundance of exciting maps, weapons, characters, and modes that are sure to delight new and old fans alike. Best of all? The game recently dropped its price tag and is now completely free to play!

10. Elder Scrolls Online

Our pick for one of the best Mac games on Steam

• Website: https://www.elderscrollsonline.com/
• Platform: Mac, PC, PS4, Xbox One
• Genre: MMORPG
• Developer: ZeniMax Studios
• Release: 2014

If you’re a fan of Bethesda’s action-packed RPG adventures, you’ll dig their foray into the online gaming world! Join over 10 million other players in this epic online adventure where you can explore, battle, craft, and engage in endless quests to your heart’s content. The game features a beautiful storyline that takes players across the land of Tamriel, and the choices you make along the way shape your destiny. A world without limits awaits.

11. Littlewood

• Website: https://store.steampowered.com/
• Platform: Mac, PC, Linux
• Genre: RPG
• Developer: Sean Young
• Release: 2019

If you’re seeking one of the best video games for Mac, Littlewood is shaping up to be a great choice. Littlewood is an indie RPG heavily inspired by Harvest Moon and Runescape. Explore the vast world, level your skills, collect items, then return to your cute little town for rest. Word on the street is that Littlewood is set for a summer 2019 release.

12. Crossroads Inn

• Website: http://crossroadsinngame.com/
• Platform: Mac, PC, Linux
• Genre: Adventure Sim
• Developer: Kraken Unleashed
• Release: 2019

Crossroads Inn is an adventure sim that has players assume the role of a tavern keeper. Build and manage your small business, entertain your guests, and become known all across the land of Delcrys. Crossroads Inn is slated for a 2019 launch, and it’s already shaping up to be one of the best simulation games for Mac.

13. A.N.N.E

• Website: https://www.gamesbymo.com/
• Platform: Mac, PC, Linux
• Genre: RPG
• Developer: Gamesbymo
• Release: 2019

You’re an adventurer who has landed on the breathtaking planet of Gomi. Your mission? Retrieve A.N.N.E. and make it out alive. Along the way, you’re free to explore the world on foot or via spacecraft, and engage in missions as you like. This stunning shooter-meets-platformer adventure could very well emerge as one of the best computer games for Mac.

What are Mac Games?

Mac games are simply video games designed to run seamlessly on the MacOS platform. This means you can install the games natively and play them on your iMac and Macbook devices. Now, Macs are not typically considered the best gaming platform due to their focus on slim designs and high processing power, not graphics capabilities. Moreover, they don’t support the same customization options that PC and Windows machines offer. But… this is all beginning to change.

Although they’re not designed with gaming in mind, Apple incorporates only the best components in their machines. This means that even bare-bones models are capable of running many of today’s popular titles. Moreover, as the industry shifts to cloud-based solutions, Macs are actually an ideal option for gaming due to their powerful internals and intuitive designs. Plus, the Mac ecosystem is beginning to open up and allow more third-party integrations. Combined with their ability to dual boot Windows, Macs are truly looking better than ever!

General Thoughts on Mac Games

We’ve penned some additional thoughts on Mac games to give you a deeper look at all the nuances involved. Let’s have a closer look.

1. MacOS is a rising star.

Apple as a whole has always tried to separate itself from the rest of the tech world, but the digital curtain is slowly lifting. This means you’re likely to see growing game support over the next few years, and that’s excellent news for gamers!

2. Macs offer a multi-purpose platform.

Macs are commonly used for work, school, and productivity purposes. This means they’re usually loaded with high-end internals that can handle relatively intensive games. Just note that due to their larger size and more powerful components, iMacs and Macbook Pros are your best bet.

3. Steam is your friend.

Valve has worked hard to make Steam a multi-platform repository of games. Many of their top titles are available to play on the Mac platform, and Valve’s very own SteamPlay lets users choose between Mac, Windows, and even Linux versions of games.

4. You’ll need the right peripherals.

While Mac gaming is on the rise, many peripheral manufacturers still create gear exclusively for PC. Be sure to take this into consideration as you choose your next favorite title and setup your gaming battlestation.

5. Want Windows too? Try dual booting.

One of the best things about MacOS is that you can run Windows alongside it! Using a program like Bootcamp or Parallels, it’s easy to setup and dual boot your system. Alternatively, you could try a simulator like Wine to play PC games while using Mac software.

Further Reading

Dig our roundup of the best Mac games? Well, we’ve got all your gaming needs covered! Be sure to check out our other popular curations below:

• Best Linux Games
• Best Puzzle Games
• Best Simulation Games
• Best City Building Games
• Best Turn-Based Games
• Best RTS Games