MacOS gaming has evolved significantly over the past few years, offering a plethora of options for every type of gamer. From the immersive worlds of AAA titles to the creative realms of indie games, MacOS has something for everyone. This guide, enriched with insights from Reddit, top gaming websites, and YouTube, will explore the best games available for MacOS users this year.
Mac gaming has come a long way. Thanks to Apple Silicon’s powerful M1, M2, and now M3 chips, Macs can finally handle modern titles that were once exclusive to Windows PCs. Whether you’re into strategy, RPGs, shooters, or indie gems, macOS now offers a surprisingly rich library of games — optimized for performance and stunning visuals.
Below is a curated list of the best Mac games you can play right now, based on performance, gameplay, and compatibility.
🧙♂️ 1. Baldur’s Gate 3
Genre: RPG
Developer: Larian Studios
Why it’s great:
Winner of multiple Game of the Year awards, Baldur’s Gate 3 runs beautifully on Apple Silicon Macs and delivers one of the deepest role-playing experiences ever made. With cinematic storytelling, turn-based combat, and full macOS optimization, it’s a must-play for RPG fans.
(Source: Macworld)
⚔️ 2. Divinity: Original Sin 2 – Definitive Edition
Genre: Tactical RPG
Developer: Larian Studios
Why it’s great:
Before Baldur’s Gate 3, Larian perfected its craft with Divinity: Original Sin 2. It’s a masterpiece of tactical combat, cooperative storytelling, and player freedom — and it runs natively on macOS.
🚗 3. No Man’s Sky
Genre: Exploration / Survival
Developer: Hello Games
Why it’s great:
With its 2024 macOS release, No Man’s Sky finally brought its boundless universe to Apple users. The game supports Metal 3 and Apple’s latest graphics tech, offering smooth performance even on M1 and M2 Macs. Explore, trade, fight, and build across billions of planets.
(Source: TechRadar Gaming)
🧩 4. Hades II (Early Access)
Genre: Action Roguelike
Developer: Supergiant Games
Why it’s great:
The sequel to the beloved Hades continues to impress with fast-paced combat and mythological storytelling. The original Hades was one of the best-performing indie games on macOS, and Hades II continues that legacy with even better optimization.
🪖 5. Total War: Warhammer III
Genre: Strategy
Developer: Feral Interactive / Creative Assembly
Why it’s great:
Feral Interactive continues to champion Mac gaming with flawless ports. Total War: Warhammer III brings epic real-time battles and deep campaign strategy to macOS, running well on both Intel and Apple Silicon chips.
🧠 6. Civilization VI
Genre: Strategy / Simulation
Developer: Aspyr
Why it’s great:
A timeless strategy classic, Civ VI remains one of the most polished and content-rich titles on macOS. Build your empire, wage wars, and outsmart rivals in one of the most replayable games ever made.
🕹️ 7. Disco Elysium: The Final Cut
Genre: Narrative RPG
Developer: ZA/UM
Why it’s great:
A detective story like no other, Disco Elysium is a dialogue-driven RPG filled with philosophical choices and emotional depth. It’s fully optimized for macOS and a showcase of storytelling excellence.
🧟 8. Resident Evil Village
Genre: Survival Horror
Developer: Capcom
Why it’s great:
Capcom’s RE Engine has been expertly adapted for macOS, making Resident Evil Village one of the most technically impressive horror games available on a Mac. It supports MetalFX upscaling and runs at high frame rates on M1 Pro, M2, and M3 systems.
(Source: Geeky Gadgets)
🪄 9. Hollow Knight
Genre: Action / Metroidvania
Developer: Team Cherry
Why it’s great:
A cult favorite, Hollow Knight combines tight controls, haunting art, and challenging exploration. It’s lightweight, runs perfectly on all Macs, and remains one of the best indie games ever made.
🧱 10. Stardew Valley
Genre: Farming / Life Sim
Developer: ConcernedApe
Why it’s great:
Relax, farm, and build your dream life in this indie phenomenon. Stardew Valley is endlessly replayable, runs flawlessly on macOS, and continues to receive updates even in 2025.
🕹️ Bonus Picks
If you’re looking for even more variety, check out these additional Mac-compatible hits:
- The Sims 4 – Life simulation classic
- Celeste – Precision platforming masterpiece
- Portal 2 – Still one of the best puzzle games ever made
- Shadow of the Tomb Raider – AAA adventure with stunning visuals
- Among Us – Perfect for quick multiplayer sessions
(Sources: TechRadar Gaming, Mac Gamer HQ, iMore)
🧩 Final Thoughts
Mac gaming is no longer an afterthought. With Apple’s M-series chips, Metal 3 graphics API, and developers embracing cross-platform optimization, 2025 is arguably the best time ever to be a Mac gamer. Whether you crave cinematic RPGs, deep strategy titles, or indie creativity, macOS now offers a diverse and powerful gaming library.
So fire up your Mac, grab your controller, and dive in — the future of Mac gaming is here.
Sources:
- TechRadar Gaming – Best Mac Games 2025
- Geeky Gadgets – Top Mac Games for 2025
- Mac Gamer HQ – Best Mac Games 2025
- Macworld – Best Mac Games 2025
- iMore – Best Mac Games of 2025
Some Of The Best Games From Prior Years You Can Play on macOS
MacOS might not be the first platform that comes to mind for hardcore gamers, but it boasts a surprisingly diverse and engaging library of titles. Buckle up for a table highlighting some of the best games you can currently play on your Mac, catering to a variety of genres and preferences:
| Game | Genre | Key Features | User Review |
|---|---|---|---|
| Baldur’s Gate 3: | RPG | A story-rich, party-based RPG set in the Dungeons & Dragons universe with tactical combat, deep character customization, and branching narratives. | “An RPG fan’s dream come true with its deep story and engaging gameplay.” |
| No Man’s Sky: | Exploration/Survival | Infinite procedurally generated universe offering endless exploration, crafting, survival, and combat against diverse alien creatures. | “A vast universe to explore, constantly updated with new features.” |
| Resident Evil 4: | Survival Horror | Remastered classic with over-the-shoulder action, tense atmosphere, and iconic puzzles in a terrifying rural village infested with villagers infected with a mysterious parasite. | “A timeless horror masterpiece, even better with the updated visuals and controls.” |
| Sid Meier’s Civilization VI: | 4X Turn-Based Strategy | Build an empire across the ages, research technologies, conquer your opponents, and achieve historical dominance. | “The pinnacle of turn-based strategy, offering endless replayability and depth.” |
| Stardew Valley: | Farming Simulator | Cultivate your own farm, raise animals, craft goods, and build relationships with the charming townspeople. | “A relaxing and addictive pixelated gem that will steal your heart.” |
| Hollow Knight: | Metroidvania | Explore a sprawling interconnected world, master challenging combat, and unravel the mysteries of a dark and atmospheric kingdom. | “A masterpiece of metroidvania design with stunning visuals and rewarding exploration.” |
| The Elder Scrolls Online: | MMORPG | Embark on an epic adventure in the world of The Elder Scrolls, explore vast landscapes, complete quests, and join forces with other players. | “A vast and vibrant online world with endless possibilities for adventure.” |
| Hades: | Roguelike Action RPG | Escape the Underworld in this fast-paced action RPG with a deep mythological story and addictive gameplay loop. | “A roguelike that keeps you coming back for more, with each run feeling fresh and exciting.” |
| Disco Elysium: | RPG | Play as a detective with amnesia, solve a murder mystery, and explore the depths of human psychology in a unique open world RPG. | “A thought-provoking and unforgettable RPG experience with deep characters and a captivating story.” |
| Untitled Goose Game: | Puzzle/Sandbox | Take on the role of a mischievous goose and wreak havoc on a peaceful village in this charming and hilarious physics-based puzzler. | “A silly and delightful sandbox game that will bring out your inner prankster.” |
Choosing the Right Game:
Remember, this is just a starting point! The best game for you will depend on your personal preferences and gaming habits. Consider the following factors:
- Genre: Are you into strategy, role-playing, action, simulation, or something else?
- Price: Are you looking for a budget-friendly title or willing to invest in a premium experience?
- System requirements: Make sure your Mac meets the minimum requirements to run the game smoothly.
- Online vs. Single-player: Do you prefer solo adventures or want to play with others online?
Key Takeaways
- Diverse Gaming Options: MacOS offers a wide range of games, from indie titles to AAA games.
- Apple Silicon Enhancements: Newer Mac models with Apple Silicon chips provide enhanced gaming experiences.
- Community Recommendations: Reddit and other online communities are valuable sources for discovering popular MacOS games.
- Top Picks: Games like “Baldur’s Gate 3”, “No Man’s Sky”, and “Resident Evil 4” are highly recommended.
AAA Gaming on MacOS
Baldur’s Gate 3
- Genre: RPG
- Experience: A story-rich, party-based RPG set in the Dungeons & Dragons universe.
- User Review: “An RPG fan’s dream come true with its deep story and engaging gameplay.”
No Man’s Sky
- Genre: Exploration/Survival
- Experience: Infinite procedurally generated universe offering endless exploration.
- User Review: “A vast universe to explore, constantly updated with new features.”
Resident Evil 4
- Genre: Survival Horror
- Experience: A remake of the iconic game with detailed graphics and intense battles.
- User Review: “A thrilling experience with improved graphics and gameplay mechanics.”
Indie Gems on MacOS
Stray
- Genre: Adventure
- Experience: Play as a cat exploring a mysterious world.
- User Review: “Unique and heartwarming, a must-play for animal lovers.”
Terra Nil
- Genre: Strategy
- Experience: Transform a barren wasteland into a thriving ecosystem.
- User Review: “Innovative gameplay focused on environmental restoration.”
Hollow Knight: Pale Court
- Genre: Action/Adventure
- Experience: Fanmade DLC offering new challenges in the Hollow Knight universe.
- User Review: “A fantastic addition to the Hollow Knight saga, rich in content.”
Apple Arcade Exclusives
Sonic Dream Team
- Experience: A 3D platformer with fast-paced levels and intense bosses.
- User Review: “A fresh take on the Sonic franchise with stunning visuals.”
Cut the Rope 3
- Experience: A puzzle game with fresh gameplay loops and new puzzles.
- User Review: “Engaging and challenging, perfect for puzzle enthusiasts.”
MacOS Gaming with Apple Silicon
The introduction of Apple Silicon, like the M3 chip, has revolutionized MacOS gaming. Games like “No Man’s Sky” and “Everspace 2” run smoothly on these new models, offering enhanced graphics and performance.
Community Recommendations
Reddit’s r/macgaming community is a treasure trove of recommendations and reviews. Games like “Crusader Kings 3” and “Factorio” have been highlighted for their engaging gameplay and MacOS compatibility.
YouTube Insights
- Top 10 Mac Games 2021: Watch Here
- Apple M2: Testing 25 games: Watch Here
- Top 10 Mac Games with the Best Graphics: Watch Here
Enhancing MacOS Gaming
- Gadgetmates Analysis: Gaming on the M3 MacBook Pro
- Kid-Friendly Gaming: Making MacOS Monterey Kid-Friendly
- Indie Game Insights: Top 10 Indie Video Games of All Time
Conclusion
MacOS now offers a rich gaming landscape, from high-end AAA titles to creative indie games. With the advent of Apple Silicon, gaming on MacOS has reached new heights, providing gamers with a diverse and immersive gaming experience.
FAQ
What are the best games to play on MacOS in 2024?
“Baldur’s Gate 3”, “No Man’s Sky”, and “Resident Evil 4” are among the top picks for MacOS gaming in 2024.
Can I play AAA games on MacOS?
Yes, MacOS now supports a variety of AAA games, especially with the enhanced capabilities of Apple Silicon chips.
Are there good indie games available for MacOS?
Absolutely! MacOS hosts a range of indie games like “Stray” and “Terra Nil”, offering unique and engaging experiences.
How has Apple Silicon impacted MacOS gaming?
Apple Silicon, like the M3 chip, has significantly improved the performance and graphics of games on MacOS, making it a viable platform for high-end gaming.
Where can I find MacOS game recommendations?
Reddit’s r/macgaming community and various gaming websites are excellent sources for MacOS game recommendations and reviews.
