21 May 2025
Let’s be real—Macs often get a bad rap in gaming circles. You’ve probably heard it before: "Gaming on a Mac? Good luck with that!" But is it really that bad? The truth is, while Macs may not be the go-to for hardcore gamers or those who love the endless tinkering that comes with gaming rigs, they’ve come a long way in handling some of the most popular cross-platform games. Whether you're gaming on a shiny new M1/M2 chip or holding onto an older Intel-based Mac, you might be surprised at what your machine can do.
So, grab your favorite beverage, settle in, and let's dive into whether your Mac can handle some of these wildly popular cross-platform games. Spoiler alert: You might find yourself saying, “Wait… Macs can do that?”
Macs and Gaming: A Rocky Relationship
Before we jump into the games, let’s address the elephant in the room. Macs aren’t famous for gaming, and there’s a reason for that. Apple has historically prioritized sleek design, power efficiency, and productivity over gaming horsepower. While PCs boast beefy GPUs and endless customization, Macs focus on doing many things well—and gaming has usually been a side note.That said, with Apple’s latest ARM-based M1 and M2 silicon chips, things are changing. These chips are surprisingly powerful, challenging the stereotype that Macs can’t game. Plus, with gaming platforms like Steam, Epic Games Store, and even Apple Arcade offering macOS support, there's hope for Mac gamers yet. Sure, you won’t be maxing out every graphics setting, but you’ll still enjoy smooth gameplay in most cases.
Alright, enough tech talk—let’s get into the games you’re probably dying to try on your Mac. 
1. Minecraft: The Block-Building Phenomenon
Let’s start with everyone's favorite sandbox game: Minecraft. This cross-platform juggernaut doesn’t need an introduction. Whether you're building castles, surviving creeper explosions, or just vibing with friends, Minecraft is a timeless classic.Can Your Mac Run It?
Absolutely! Minecraft isn’t super demanding, so it runs well even on older Macs. If you have an M1 or M2 Mac, expect smooth performance with improved graphics. The game is optimized for macOS, and Mojang has ensured updates work seamlessly across all platforms.Pro Tip:
Using shaders to make your Minecraft world look stunning? That’s where things get tricky. Shader packs like SEUS or BSL push your machine harder, so dial back expectations if you’re not on a newer Mac. But hey, vanilla Minecraft is just as fun!
2. The Sims 4: Control Their Lives, Destroy Their Dreams
If you love life simulation games, The Sims 4 is probably on your radar—and for good reason! It’s endless fun to create Sims, build homes, and control their lives (or lock them in a pool without a ladder… no judgment).Can Your Mac Run It?
The good news is yes! EA has ensured The Sims 4 runs well on macOS, especially since it’s not a graphically demanding game. Even older Macs can handle The Sims 4, though you’ll want to lower the visual settings on ancient models. On M1/M2 Macs, you’re golden with decent frame rates and sharper textures.One Catch:
If you’re a fan of custom content (CC) or mods, just make sure you install them correctly on macOS. Sometimes, mods can be picky about file paths, but once you get the hang of it, it’s smooth sailing.
3. Among Us: The Game That Ruined Friendships
Ah, Among Us—the game that skyrocketed to internet fame during lockdowns. Whether you’re calling someone “sus” or plotting your next sabotage as the imposter, this social deduction game has taken over game nights worldwide.Can Your Mac Run It?
No sweat! Among Us is lightweight and runs beautifully even on older Macs. It’s not about high-res graphics; it’s about the tension and hilarity of accusing your best friend of venting. On newer Macs, you’ll enjoy a lag-free experience, which is crucial for, you know, sneaky kills.4. Fortnite: The Battle Royale Superstar
We can’t talk about cross-platform games without mentioning Fortnite. Love it or hate it, this battle royale game is a cultural phenomenon—and it’s available on macOS. Well, kind of.The Catch:
Here’s the deal: Fortnite no longer supports macOS updates due to Epic Games’ beef with Apple. If you already have it installed, you can still play an outdated version against bots. Otherwise, you’ll need to use a workaround like cloud gaming services (NVIDIA GeForce NOW or Boot Camp for Windows installation) to join live matches again.5. Genshin Impact: An Open-World Fantasy Adventure
If you’re into gorgeous open-world games with rich storylines, Genshin Impact might already be on your wishlist. Think of it as a free-to-play mix of Breath of the Wild and classic JRPGs.Can Your Mac Run It?
Not natively, unfortunately. Genshin Impact doesn’t officially support macOS, but don’t lose hope! Many players get around this by using cloud gaming platforms like GeForce NOW. Another option? Boot Camp, if you’re using an Intel Mac.If you’re rocking an M1/M2 chip, it’s worth waiting for official support (c’mon, Mihoyo!).
6. Stardew Valley: Your Farming Escape
If you’ve ever dreamt of escaping the hustle and bustle of life to run your own farm, Stardew Valley is your dream come true. Plant crops, raise animals, make friends, and maybe even find love—it’s all here in this cozy, pixel-art masterpiece.Can Your Mac Run It?
A resounding yes! Stardew Valley runs like butter on all Macs, and it’s a fantastic game to chill out with after a long day. Whether you’re on an older Intel Mac or the latest Apple Silicon device, you can expect no hiccups here.7. League of Legends: The MOBA King
Competitive gamers, this one’s for you. League of Legends is a fast-paced MOBA that pits you against other players in strategic, action-packed matches. Whether you're a newcomer figuring out the lanes or a veteran climbing the ranks, LoL is endlessly addictive.Can Your Mac Run It?
You bet. Riot Games has optimized League of Legends for macOS, and as one of the least demanding games on this list, it’s playable on even dated Macs. M1 and M2 chips? Flawless victory. Just make sure your internet connection is stable—nothing’s worse than lag in the middle of a team fight.8. World of Warcraft: The MMORPG Titan
Let’s wrap up with one of the most iconic MMOs of all time: World of Warcraft. Whether you’re raiding dungeons, exploring Azeroth, or grinding for loot, WoW continues to capture the hearts of millions.Can Your Mac Run It?
Yes! Blizzard has done an excellent job ensuring WoW runs smoothly on macOS. Plus, Blizzard updated the game for Apple Silicon, so M1/M2 Mac users can enjoy solid performance. If you’re playing on an older Mac, just turn down the settings for a smoother experience during intense raids.Final Thoughts: Can Macs Truly Be Gaming Machines?
Are Macs perfect for gaming? Not exactly. If you’re hoping to play AAA titles at max settings, you’re better off with a souped-up gaming PC or console. But if you’re a casual or semi-serious gamer, your Mac is more capable than you might think—especially with modern games optimized for macOS or cloud gaming services to fall back on.The key is to set realistic expectations. Macs may not be gaming powerhouses, but they’re versatile machines that can handle a surprising variety of cross-platform games. So, dust off that MacBook, fire up Steam, and let the gaming sessions begin.
And remember, whether you’re farming in Stardew Valley, creating chaos in Among Us, or building pixel-perfect castles in Minecraft, gaming is about fun—no matter what device you’re on.
