Macs and gaming really don’t go quite well together but, a few developers stepped up and released a handful of titles on these silvery little laptops. Over the last few years, gaming on Mac has evolved and a few AAA titles were also released on this platform.
Although directly installing the games on macOS is a bit of a headache, Steam can be your best bet when it comes to running games on Mac.
Numerous Mac games are readily available on Steam but we took our time and compiled a list of some of the best Action, Strategy, Real-time Tactics, and Adventure games.
Without any further ado, let’s have a look at the best Mac games on Steam that are worth your time and money.
Best Mac Games On Steam
15. Portal 2
It’s safe to say that Portal 2 is one of the most complicated puzzle games that you’re going to get your hands on but, if you’re familiar with its predecessor then you would have the time of your life. At first glance, it may seem like Portal 2 is a first-person shooter game but in reality, it’s a puzzle game that will drive you crazy if you’re new to this genre.
Furthermore, the story of Portal 2 is quite inspiring and the mechanics are also very much improved from the previous installment. More visualization and cut scenes were also added and we can’t seem to stop praising this one. Even though it was released back in 2011, the graphics of Portal 2 are truly exceptional and the game was really ahead of its time.
Mechanically, the game is well-optimized and runs flawlessly on classic macOS. Additionally. Portal 2 is readily available on Steam, and if you feel like testing your mind in a video game then Portal 2 should be on the top of your list.
14. Counter-Strike: Global Offensive
Most of us spent our childhood playing CS: 1.6, and it was a memorable era for us but, it’s time to move on and try the new CS: GO.
Counter-Strike: Global Offensive is a first-person shooter multiplayer game that is heavily inspired by its predecessor. There are 5 different modes in the game that you can choose from. In each mode, you can either team up with the Terrorists or the Counter-terrorism forces and go gun blazing at your enemies.
If you want to excel at CS: GO then you’ll either need to develop some serious skills or go with the tactical approach to get your first win. Nevertheless, CS: GO is very competitive and it never gets easier. Furthermore, graphically, the games look quite good and the mechanics hold up pretty well on macOS, CS: GO would offer a smooth 60fps gameplay on cracked-up settings.
Millions of players play CS: GO every day and if you want to get a piece of it for yourself then we suggest teaming up with a team of legendary players because otherwise, your dignity won’t be the only thing you’ll lose.
Buy Counter-Strike: Global Offensive
13. Batman Arkham City GOTY
If you’re a DC fanatic then you’re going to love Batman Arkham City.
The original version of the game might not be available on macOS but the GOTY edition is readily available for Mac devices. Batman Arkham City is an open-world game based on the Batman fictional character that plays the role of the vigilante in Arkham City.
The only thing we enjoyed in this open-world game is its deep story and how it progresses throughout the game because unfortunately, the gameplay, graphics, or combat were a bit boring for our taste. Furthermore, the game wasn’t optimized quite well either on Microsoft Windows, but for Macs, we expect the game to run flawlessly.
In Batman Arkham City, you’ll get to meet many villains from the DC universe and you’ll often have to fight the maniacs of Arkham Asylum. Not sure where to put your anger? Get your hands on Arkham City and break some bones.
12. Besiege
Remember those days when we used to spend hours on games like Stronghold and Age of Empire? Well, Besiege will bring back some unforgettable memories.
Besiege is a building game based upon the stone age era where you’ll use defensive and offensive tactics to go toe-to-toe with the enemies. Much like AOE, you’ll build different buildings from scratch and set up defenses to hold off enemy attacks. Similarly, raising armies and crafting heavy attack machinery is also your responsibility so make sure to use the best tactics.
Gameplay-wise, this game looks quite good and we’re told that it is fun to play. Currently, millions of players are playing this tactical game every day and, if you’re having some difficulties coming up with strong tactics, then you can invite your friends and play with them.
Although Besiege was released in 2015, it is getting regular updates from the developers and more content is added to the game with each update. Additionally, Besiege is available for all macOS devices, and if you want to have some fun, then Besiege would be a decent choice.
11. Total War: THREE KINGDOMS
Here’s another strategic game for you to play!
Total War: Three Kingdoms is a real-time tactical game published by Sega which unfolds the brutal battle between the nations. A player will use different tactics to defeat the enemies by taking down their general or capturing the central part of the city.
This game was originally released for macOS and can be played through Steam. It offers unique gameplay that lets you command one of the biggest armies of that time and use real-time tactics to defeat your opponent. By the looks of it, Total War: Three Kingdoms seems like a fun game to play.
Furthermore, graphics-wise, this game looks quite ordinary and the mechanics are quite easy to master as well. If you’re familiar with real-time tactical games then Total War: Three Kingdoms wouldn’t be too complicated for you.
10. Dota 2
While we’re discussing tactical games, how can we forget Dota 2?
Let’s just start off by saying that Dota 2 is one of the most difficult MOBA games on the face of the earth and no matter how many hours you’ve spent on this one, there’s always someone better.
In case you’ve been living under a rock, Dota 2 is a real-time tactical game where you’ll face off with the most fierce enemies. A player can choose from a wide variety of fictional characters and each of them has its own unique features and combat style.
For newbies, Dota 2 could be difficult and its toxic community isn’t up to any good either but check out Evil Geniuses and learn a thing or two from them.
Furthermore, the gameplay of Dota 2 is quite intense and from the very first moment, you’re thrown into a dark world with all kinds of creatures coming after you. In other words, only the fittest will survive.
For Mac users, Dota 2 is another excellent =RTS game that you must get your hands on and the best thing about it is that Dota 2 is completely free and you won’t have anything to lose, except your pride.
9. Cities: Skylines
Remember Farm City? Cities: Skylines is a ramped-up version of it with all the building tools that you can imagine.
Cities Skyline is a building game published by Paradox Interactive and it features a wide city where you’ll be building skyscrapers from scratch. From installing water pipes to doing taxes, you will get to do everything in this one.
Cities: Skylines are fun to play and you won’t get bored easily. Most of the time, you will be building zig-zag roads or looking at the tax reports that will keep you occupied for a very long time. Additionally, maintaining the neighborhood and constantly adding new marketplaces is also your responsibility.
If you’ve had some experience with games like HayDay, Farm Villa, or Crime City then you won’t have to hustle much to fully understand each feature of this one. Feel like building some new cities? Give this one a shot.
8. DiRT 4
DiRT 4 is a must-have if you enjoy realistic racing games with all kinds of terrain.
This is the fourth installment in the DiRT franchise, and it’s without any doubt, one of the best racing games on Mac because the realism on this one will blow you away. Graphically, DiRT 4 is a remarkable-looking game that features Snowy, Dirt, and many other kinds of terrains.
Developed by Codemasters, this AAA title is available on macOS and would run flawlessly on medium to high settings.
Additionally, DiRT 4 features a wide variety of racing cars that includes everything from bulky off-road vehicles to lightweight sports cars that will offer the most realistic driving experience.
Aside from DiRT 4, there aren’t many car racing games on macOS and that’s why we recommend every Mac user to get their hands on Dirt 4 and have the time of your life.
7. Sid Meier’s Civilization® VI
This game does not require any introduction because every RTS lover on this planet might have heard of Sid Meier’s Civilization® VI.
However, if you’re still not familiar with this one then here’s a bit of backstory for you. Sid Meier’s Civilization® VI is a real-time strategy game where you’ll have to build your base, raise armies, and attack your enemies to remain the king of the hill.
Players can choose infinite terrain and start building their bases and can use different types of mods to further enhance their bases.
Sid Meier’s Civilization® VI came out in 2016 and since then, millions of players have played this one, and considering that a small studio developed it, it’d say that it’s a pretty impressive feat. Along with macOS, Sid Meier’s Civilization® VI is also available on various other operating systems.
Sid Meier’s Civilization® VI is one the best strategy games on MacBooks and for RTS geeks, this one won’t disappoint you. Read our CIV 6 tier list here.
Buy Sid Meier’s Civilization® VI
6. Hitman (2016)
When it comes to stealth-based AAA titles, the Hitman franchise is the best of the bunch.
Begin your journey with Agent 47 who is tasked to take down some high-profile targets around the world using innovative methods. In one mission, you’ll have to penetrate the security of the F1 racing crew and take down their driver during the race. I know that it seems like a bit too much but, trust us that you are going to enjoy this.
The graphics in this game are quite realistic and the finely crafted 3D rendered environment shows the professionalism at IO Interactive.
However, the only thing that annoyed us the most is that Hitman is one of the biggest games (by size), it takes around 105GB on your system. Aside from this, we really don’t see any major flaws in Hitman.
It’s a bit hard to find good AAA titles on Macs but if you’re into action games then Hitman is definitely worthy of your time and money.
5. Everspace
For Star war lovers, Everspace is love at first sight.
Everspace is an excellent game that lets you explore the wide universe on a starship but, the journey won’t be as easy as you might think. Enemy ships are closing in on your position but you must use real-time tactics to launch a counter-attack against them and live another day to tell the tale.
Unlike other space exploration games, Everspace features an amazing story that will devour you with its plot twists and as you make progress in the game, the combat will get much harder and challenging.
After watching enough Star wars, I’d say that Everspace would be an enjoyable game to play, and if you’re a space-geek, then the tiny details and constantly popping information and facts in this one will surely keep you glued to the screen.
4. DiRT Rally
Yet another car racing game but this will leave you in awe.
DiRT Rally is another excellent AAA racing game that you can play on your Macbook. It features a wide variety of tracks and you can choose from hundreds of vehicles to go toe-to-toe with some of the fiercest racers around the world.
It’s even more fun if you got a complete setup of Logitech G29 because the realistic driving experience in DiRT Rally will further enhance with a steering and a gearbox next to your battlestation.
The races are quite intense and the graphics are breathtaking but compared to other games in the franchise DiRT Rally has a few disappointing limitations.
Nevertheless, DiRT Rally is one of the few racing games on Steam for Macs so we’d definitely recommend it to you.
3. Life is Strange 2
This one is a bit hard to describe but let’s imagine that you’re playing a 16-year-old teen life simulator.
As the titles suggest, this game is a bit complicated and not everyone will get to the depths of this one but, one thing that we’re sure of is that its rich story, gameplay, and RPG elements will leave a mark on your heart.
Unique dialogue system, exploration, and interaction with different people and materials will keep you occupied for a long time and even though the story is around 34 hours, you won’t get bored, even for a second.
You’ll go through a roller coaster of emotions because the story of Sean and Daniel will leave you in despair and their hardships throughout the journey will make you love your life.
Life is Strange 2 is an AAA title, and Square Enix publishes it, and it’s available on classic macOS through Steam.
2. Divinity: Original Sin 2
Hands down, Divinity: Original Sin 2 is the best RPG on macOS.
Divinity: Original Sin 2 is an RPG developed by Larian Studios and it is a sequel to the first installment in the franchise. Divinity: Original Sin 2 tells a dark tale of a brutal battle between the Divine order and the sorcerers.
The main protagonist in the game is also one of the sorcerers but at the beginning of the game, he is captured by the divine order but with the help of a mysterious force, he manages to escape.
We’ve enjoyed the RPG elements in this one and everything from customizing the character to solving the mysterious, Divinity: Original Sin 2 was a delight.
Furthermore, the combat in this game blew us away with its wide range of weapons and spells. And to be honest, we haven’t seen this type of tactical combat in a really long time in an RPG.
If you’re a Mac user and also fancies RPGs then the Divinity: Original Sin franchise would be a good place to start. Also, both games of the franchise are readily available for macOS through Steam.
Related read:
1. Rise of the Tomb Raider
It’s hard to believe that a game of this caliber is available on macOS because it is one of the most graphically demanding games of all time.
A sequel to Tomb Raider (2013) and the 11th installment in the franchise, Rise of Tomb Raider follows the adventure of Lara Croft who is headed to Siberia this time to uncover the truth about the elixir of life.
However, she is not alone because the paramilitary organization Trinity has already started digging up the mountains to find the hidden elixir of immortality.
The graphics of the Rise of the Tomb Raider are exceptional and for PC users, it allows them to turn on DLSS and RTX mode for better optimization.
Furthermore, the gameplay is quite astonishing as well and each little detail in the game will leave you in awe.
As for the story, Lara Croft’s journey is quite difficult but you must stand your ground against your foes and the wildlings of nature. Also, Rise of the Tomb Raider is very competitive so make sure to think twice before selecting the difficulty at the beginning of the game.
Can You Play Windows games on Mac through Steam?
If you’ve purchased a game that supports both the platform i.e, on windows and Mac then you will be able to play the game on your MacBook without any issue. However, if the game is not supported only on one platform(windows) then unfortunately you won’t be able to play it on your MacBook.
Also, there are a few simulators that allow Mac users to play Windows games but they’re crappy and don’t really support many AAA titles.
Conclusion
These are some of the best games that are readily available for MacBooks on Steam and we assure you that all of these games are engaging and perfectly balanced, each of them deserves a shot, and if you have a few hundred bucks burning a hole in your pocket then buying any of these best mac games on Steam would make a lot of sense.
That’s all folks!