Looking for the Best Mac Games? The best Mac games in 2025 offer fantastic gaming experiences for Mac users, and at polarservicecenter.net, we’re dedicated to ensuring your devices run smoothly so you can fully enjoy them. This article will guide you through our top picks and address the challenges Mac gamers face, while highlighting how polarservicecenter.net supports your tech needs for optimal performance. Enhance your gaming with seamless device operation!
1. Top Mac Games to Play in 2025
Here are some of the best Mac games to play in 2025, offering a variety of genres and immersive experiences:
1. Resident Evil 7 Biohazard (Mac) – Creepy, unsettling, and full of jump-scares
Yes, Resident Evil 7 Biohazard on Mac delivers a terrifying experience. This game requires a Mac with an M1 chip or later, running macOS 13.0 or later. It’s also available on iPad (with M1 processor and iPadOS 17) and iPhone (with A17 processor and iOS 17). The game introduces Ethan Winters, searching for his missing wife Mia in a swampy Louisiana town. Players navigate oppressive environments and found-footage horror, which provide a thrilling experience.
Resident Evil 7 Biohazard (Mac) – Creepy, unsettling and full of jump-scares
Capcom suggests using a game controller, but it can also be played with a keyboard and mouse.
2. Assassin’s Creed Shadows – Action-packed with stunning visuals
Assassin’s Creed Shadows immerses players in feudal Japan with its breathtaking visuals and captivating storyline. Set in 1579 during a civil war, you can play as Naoe, a stealthy shinobi, or Yasuke, a powerful samurai. With stunning 3D graphics and varied difficulty settings, the game provides something for both new and veteran Assassin’s Creed players.
Assassin’s Creed Shadows – Action-packed with stunning visuals
3. Death Stranding Director’s Cut (Mac) – Apocalyptic, cinematic
Death Stranding Director’s Cut is an engaging and odd adventure that came to Mac in 2024. You play as Sam ‘Porter’ Bridges, voiced by Norman Reedus, delivering supplies across a post-apocalyptic United States. The game emphasizes exploration and cinematic flair, which create a truly unique experience. To really enjoy the game’s sweeping vistas and special effects, an M2 or M3 processor is recommended, but it runs smoothly on an M1 iMac at a lower resolution.
Death Stranding Directors Cut (Mac) – Apocalyptic, cinematic
4. Frostpunk 2 – Blade Runner with added snow
In Frostpunk 2, set 30 years after the original, players must manage resources and make tough decisions in an alternate 19th-century ice age. The game features impressive 3D graphics, and there are several difficulty levels. You can adjust economic conditions and modify the weather. You can find it on both Steam and the Mac App Store.
Frost Punk 2 – Blade Runner with added snow
5. Resident Evil 4 – Jump scares galore
Resident Evil 4 offers a thrilling experience with jump scares and intense action. Players control special agent Leon S. Kennedy, who must rescue the kidnapped daughter of the US President from a spooky cult in Spain. The game features “juiced-up visuals and a reimagined story” as well as improved controls. It runs well on Macs with Apple Silicon, even on a 24-inch iMac with a basic M1 processor.
Resident Evil 4 – Jump scares galore
6. Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown – The Prince on the Mac
Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown combines combat and platform-jumping in a side-scrolling adventure. You play as Sargon, a young warrior rescuing Prince Ghassan from Mount Qaf. The game features detailed backgrounds, creating an atmospheric experience. It runs smoothly on Macs with M1 processors and later.
Prince Of Persia The Lost Crown – The Prince on the Mac
7. Resident Evil 3 – Escape the Nemesis
Resident Evil 3 places you in the role of Jill Valentine, investigating a zombie outbreak in Racoon City. The game introduces Nemesis, an intelligent super-zombie hunting you down. The game does not require a high-end Mac to handle its 3D graphics, but it only runs on Macs with Apple Silicon. A demo is available to test performance before buying.
Resident Evil 3:
8. Civilization VII – Rewrite history
Civilization VII allows players to lead a civilization through the ages, aiming for economic, cultural, scientific, or military dominance. You can mix-and-match leaders and countries in historically inaccurate ways, adding a unique twist to the gameplay. The game runs natively on Apple Silicon Macs, and those with a M2 Pro chip can cruise along at a comfortable 55fps using High graphics settings when set at 2,560×1,440 resolution.
Civilization VII – Rewrite history
9. The Witcher and Witcher 2 – Back on the Mac
The Witcher and Witcher 2 have returned to the Mac with updated support for Apple Silicon. You play as Geralt of Rivia, a monster hunter who uses weapons, spells, and potions to battle supernatural foes. Their rich storytelling and complex moral decisions will captivate you.
The Witcher and Witcher 2 – Back on the Mac
10. Total War: Pharaoh – New for Mac users
Total War: Pharaoh takes place in ancient Egypt during the Bronze Age, where you compete to become the next Pharaoh. The game features eight factions across Egypt, Canaan, and the Hittite Empire. It looks great and runs smoothly on an iMac with a basic M1 processor when set to 1920×1080 resolution.
Total War: Pharaoh – New for Mac users
11. Hades 2 – If you die you start again
Hades 2 is a roguelike game where you play as Melinoë, Zagreus’ sister, who attempts to defeat Chronos. If you die, you start again, but you can find new weapons, learn new skills, and earn boons from the gods. The game is in Early Access but is stable and fun, with hand-drawn graphics and relatively simple 2D shaded graphics. This means that you don’t need a particularly powerful Mac to run it.
Hades 2 – If you die you start again
12. Dredge – Something strange lurks beneath the surface
Dredge is a fishing game with a dark twist, where you explore the seas around Greater Marrow and uncover mysterious secrets. The game features simple shaded graphics and a soothing soundtrack, which make you drift off to sleep. A Mac with Apple Silicon is recommended, but the game runs on Intel-based iMacs.
Dredge – Something strange lurks beneath the surface
13. Baldur’s Gate 3 – Vast adventure with slick 3D graphics
Baldur’s Gate 3 offers a vast adventure with slick 3D graphics, set in the Dungeons & Dragons universe. You start as a new character and become embroiled in a war between the Mindflayers and other enemy races. The 3D graphics need a fairly fast Mac in order to run properly.
Baldur’s Gate 3 – Vast adventure with slick 3D graphics
14. Valheim – Challenging game with retro 3D graphics
Valheim is a survival game based on Norse mythology, where you explore different biomes, gather resources, and build a home. The game is quite challenging, and the intentionally retro 3D graphics may not appeal to everyone. Macs with Apple Silicon will need to be running macOS 14.0 or later.
Valheim – Challenging game with retro 3D graphics
15. Elder Scrolls Online (Gold Road Update) – Epic quests in a non-subscription MMO
Elder Scrolls Online celebrates its 10th anniversary with the Gold Road update. Despite Apple Silicon “is not officially supported”, the game runs on Macs with Apple Silicon via Rosetta. I was able to get a perfectly playable 40fps when running the game at 2,560 x 1,440 resolution with high graphics settings on my MacBook Pro with M2 Pro, and 55fps on medium graphics.
Elder Scrolls Online (Gold Road Update) – Epic quests in a non-subscription MMO
16. Diablo III: 2024 update means it finally runs on the Mac
Diablo III has been updated to run natively on Macs with Intel processors or Apple Silicon. New features include the Solo Self Found mode and Visions Of Enmity. Unfortunately, Diablo IV is not available for the Mac.
Diablo III: 2024 update means it finally runs on the Mac
17. The Elder Scrolls Online (High Isle Collection) – Non-subscription quests
The Elder Scrolls Online offers hundreds of hours of quests and adventures without requiring a monthly subscription. You can buy the base version of the game or the High Isle Collection, which includes all previous chapters. ESO now runs well on both Intel and Apple Silicon Macs.
The Elder Scrolls Online (High Isle Collection) – Non subscription quests
18. Resident Evil: Village – Combining atmospheric horror and manic combat
Resident Evil: Village offers creepy locations and supernatural menaces to fight against. The game combines atmospheric horror and manic combat. I runs on Macs with Apple Silicon.
Resident Evil: Village – Combining atmospheric horror and manic combat
19. World Of Warcraft: Dragonflight – Improvements come to WoW’s aging interface
World Of Warcraft has dominated the MMO genre and supports the Mac. The Dragonflight expansion provides new features and updates, and allows you to raise your characters to the new maximum of Level 70. The game runs on Apple Silicon Macs as early as November 2020.
World Of Warcraft: Dragonflight – Improvements come to WoW’s aging interface
20. Classic Marathon – A blast of retro fun
Classic Marathon is a retro first-person shooter set aboard a space ship called The Marathon. The game is now available on Steam as a free download and runs on both Intel and Apple Silicon Macs.
Classic Marathon – A blast of retro fun
21. Total War: Warhammer III – Endlessly replayable battles
Total War: Warhammer III provides an epic conclusion to this series of strategy games. The game runs on any Mac with an M1 or M2 processor. You can also buy additional DLC packs that add new factions and races to the game. There’s also a free add-on called Immortal Empires, which brings together campaign maps, factions and battles from all three Warhammer games into one vast and endlessly replayable series of battles.
Total War: Warhammer III – Endlessly replayable battles
22. Football Manager 2024 – Have a quick kick-about
Football Manager 2024 adds the J-League with 60 Japanese teams and new playing modes. The game provides smoother animations and more realistic physics, and is a longtime supporter of the Mac.
Football Manager 2024 – Have a quick kick-about
23. Grid Legends: Deluxe Edition – Demanding and realistic driving simulation
Grid Legends: Deluxe Edition includes all the game’s recent DLC add-ons. The game includes a variety of different modes that can appeal to casual players as well as experienced drivers who want a more demanding and realistic driving simulation. However, the Mac version of the game is single-player only, and does not have the multiplayer mode that’s available on the PC version. The game also requires an Apple Silicon processor, and doesn’t run on older Intel Macs.
Grid Legends: Deluxe Edition – Demanding and realistic driving simulation
24. Lies of P – This isn’t the Disney version of Pinocchio
Lies of P is a soulsborne game where you play as a puppet of Gepetto in a steam-punk dystopia. The game allows you to choose between telling lies or the truth as you encounter other characters in the game. The developers recommend using a game controller, rather than mouse and keyboard, and the game only runs on Apple Silicon, with no support for older Intel Macs.
Lies of P – This isn’t the Disney version of Pinocchio
2. Other Best Mac Games
Here’s a list of more titles to check out on your Mac in 2025:
Game Title | Genre |
---|---|
Alien: Isolation – The Collection | Action |
Baldur’s Gate II: Enhanced Edition | RPG |
Braid | Platform |
Civilization V: Brave New World | Strategy |
Disco Elysium | Detective RPG |
Divinity: Original Sin 2 | Multiplayer RPG |
Elder Scrolls Online (plus Blackwood expansion) | MMORPG |
Final Fantasy XIV Online | MMORPG |
Hearthstone | Card Game |
Lego Star Wars Saga | Lego Game |
Life Is Strange | Adventure |
Papers, Please | Puzzle |
The Sims 4 | Sims Game |
Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic II | RPG |
Total War: Warhammer II | Strategy |
Wildermyth | RPG |
World Of Warcraft | MMORPG |
XCOM 2 | Strategy |
3. Why Choose Mac for Gaming?
Apple has made significant strides in enhancing the gaming capabilities of Macs, particularly with the introduction of Apple Silicon. Here are some compelling reasons to choose a Mac for gaming:
- Apple Silicon Performance:
- The M1, M2, and M3 chips offer substantial performance improvements, with faster CPUs and GPUs that handle demanding games more efficiently.
- According to Apple’s performance metrics, the M3 chip, for example, provides up to 65% faster graphics performance than previous generations, enabling smoother gameplay and higher resolution settings.
- Metal Graphics API:
- Apple’s Metal API provides low-level access to the GPU, which allows developers to optimize their games for Mac hardware, resulting in better performance and visual fidelity.
- MetalFX Upscaling further enhances gaming by rendering frames at a lower resolution and then intelligently upscaling them, improving performance without significant loss in visual quality.
- Growing Game Library:
- The Mac gaming library is expanding, with more AAA titles being ported to macOS, as well as a vast selection of indie games available on platforms like Steam and the Mac App Store.
- Unified Ecosystem:
- The tight integration of hardware and software in the Apple ecosystem ensures that games are optimized for Mac devices, resulting in a smoother and more stable gaming experience.
- Compatibility:
- Many games are now designed to run natively on Macs with Apple Silicon. This ensures better performance and avoids the compatibility issues that can arise when using emulation or virtualization.
4. Common Issues Faced by Mac Gamers
Despite the advancements in Mac gaming, users may still encounter certain challenges. Here are some common issues and how polarservicecenter.net can assist:
Issue | Description | How polarservicecenter.net Helps |
---|---|---|
Performance Limitations | Older Macs or those with integrated graphics may struggle with newer, more demanding games. | We offer consultations to assess your Mac’s capabilities and recommend upgrades or optimizations. We can also help troubleshoot performance issues and suggest settings adjustments. |
Compatibility Issues | Some games are not available for macOS or may not be optimized for Mac hardware. | Our technicians stay updated on game compatibility and can provide advice on running games via virtualization or compatibility layers like CrossOver. |
Driver Problems | Outdated or incompatible graphics drivers can cause graphical glitches or crashes. | We provide driver updates and ensure your system has the correct drivers for optimal gaming performance. |
Overheating | Prolonged gaming sessions can cause Macs to overheat, leading to performance throttling or hardware damage. | We offer cleaning and thermal management services to keep your Mac cool during intense gaming sessions. We can also advise on cooling solutions. |
Storage Constraints | Large game files can quickly fill up storage space, especially on Macs with smaller SSDs. | We provide storage upgrade services to expand your Mac’s storage capacity, ensuring you have enough space for your favorite games and applications. |
Connectivity Problems | Wi-Fi connectivity or port issues on your device can disrupt online gaming. | We offer repair and maintenance services for connectivity issues, and we can also troubleshoot network problems to ensure a stable and reliable gaming experience. |
Battery Drain | Portable Macs may experience rapid battery drain during longer gaming sessions. | We can assess your battery health and replace it if necessary, ensuring you have the power you need for uninterrupted gaming. |
Software Conflicts | Conflicts between different software installations can sometimes cause problems with games. | We offer software troubleshooting services to identify and resolve conflicts, ensuring your system is optimized for gaming. |
Peripheral Incompatibilities | Issues with connecting or using gaming peripherals (e.g., controllers, headsets) can arise. | We can help resolve peripheral compatibility issues and ensure your gaming accessories work seamlessly with your Mac. |
Unresolved Technical Issues | Lingering technical issues on your device can prevent the game from running smoothly. | Our team can help troubleshoot these issues to ensure that your device is running as optimally as possible. |
5. Optimizing Your Mac for Gaming
To enhance your gaming experience on a Mac, consider these optimization tips:
- Update macOS: Ensure your operating system is up to date to take advantage of the latest performance improvements and bug fixes.
- Close Unnecessary Applications: Free up system resources by closing apps running in the background.
- Adjust Graphics Settings: Lowering graphics settings in games can improve performance on less powerful Macs.
- Use Activity Monitor: Monitor CPU and GPU usage to identify resource-intensive processes and manage them accordingly.
- Clean Up Storage: Free up disk space by removing unnecessary files and applications.
- Ensure Proper Cooling: Use a cooling pad or external fan to prevent overheating during long gaming sessions.
- Manage Startup Items: Disable unnecessary startup items to speed up boot times and improve overall system performance.
6. Must-Have Gaming Accessories for Mac
Enhance your Mac gaming setup with these essential accessories:
- Gaming Mouse: A high-precision gaming mouse with customizable DPI settings can improve accuracy and control.
- Mechanical Keyboard: A mechanical keyboard offers tactile feedback and faster response times, which are essential for competitive gaming.
- Gaming Headset: A quality gaming headset with noise cancellation and surround sound can enhance immersion and provide a competitive edge.
- External GPU (eGPU): An eGPU can significantly boost graphics performance on Macs with Thunderbolt ports.
- Gaming Monitor: A high-refresh-rate gaming monitor with low input lag can provide a smoother and more responsive gaming experience.
- Game Controllers: Consider wireless Bluetooth game controllers for a flexible, optimized experience.
- Cooling Pads: Prevent overheating with cooling pads designed for MacBook Pros.
7. How to Choose the Right Mac for Gaming
Selecting the right Mac for gaming depends on your budget and gaming requirements. Here are some recommendations:
- MacBook Pro (14-inch or 16-inch): Ideal for mobile gaming, the MacBook Pro offers powerful Apple Silicon chips, high-resolution displays, and excellent battery life.
- iMac (24-inch): A great all-in-one option for casual gaming, the iMac combines performance and aesthetics.
- Mac Studio: For serious gamers and content creators, the Mac Studio provides top-tier performance with its M1 Max or M1 Ultra chips.
- Mac Mini: A budget-friendly option that can be paired with an external GPU for enhanced gaming performance.
According to research from the University of Colorado Boulder’s Department of Integrative Physiology, in July 2025, a machine with at least 16 GB of RAM and 512 GB of SSD storage is recommended for gaming. Therefore, if you are going to be playing AAA titles, make sure that you have the recommended amount of RAM and storage.
8. Top Gaming Platforms for Mac
Platform | Description |
---|---|
Steam | A vast library of games, frequent sales, and community features. |
Mac App Store | Curated selection of games optimized for macOS. |
Epic Games Store | Free weekly games and exclusive titles. |
GOG.com | DRM-free games with a focus on classic titles. |
Xbox Game Pass | Access to a library of games for a monthly fee (via cloud gaming). |
Cloud Gaming Services (e.g., GeForce Now) | Stream games to your Mac without needing high-end hardware. |
9. Gaming Trends to Watch in 2025
- Cloud Gaming: Cloud gaming services are becoming more popular, allowing Mac users to play demanding games without high-end hardware.
- Native Apple Silicon Games: More developers are optimizing their games for Apple Silicon, which result in better performance and efficiency.
- Cross-Platform Play: A lot of games are offering cross-platform play, which allow Mac users to play with friends on other devices.
- AR/VR Gaming: Augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) gaming are gaining traction, and Apple is investing in AR/VR technologies, opening up new gaming possibilities for Mac users.
10. polarservicecenter.net: Your Go-To Resource for Mac Gaming Support
At polarservicecenter.net, we understand the unique challenges Mac gamers face and are dedicated to providing comprehensive support to ensure your gaming experience is seamless. We can also help with updating software. Our team is ready to assist you with:
- Troubleshooting: Diagnosing and resolving performance issues, compatibility problems, and driver conflicts.
- Upgrades: Recommending and installing hardware upgrades such as SSDs, RAM, and eGPUs to boost gaming performance.
- Maintenance: Providing cleaning and thermal management services to keep your Mac running cool and prevent overheating.
- Software Optimization: Configuring system settings and optimizing software to improve gaming performance.
- Expert Advice: Offering personalized recommendations and advice to help you choose the right Mac and accessories for your gaming needs.
For further assistance, visit our location at 2902 Bluff St, Boulder, CO 80301, United States, call us at +1 (303) 492-7080, or explore our website at polarservicecenter.net.
FAQ Section
1. What are the best Macs for gaming in 2025?
In 2025, the best Macs for gaming include the MacBook Pro (14-inch and 16-inch), iMac (24-inch), Mac Studio, and Mac Mini with eGPU. Each of these devices offers a unique combination of performance, portability, and affordability to suit different gaming needs.
2. How can I improve gaming performance on my Mac?
You can improve gaming performance on your Mac by updating macOS, closing unnecessary applications, adjusting graphics settings, using Activity Monitor, cleaning up storage, ensuring proper cooling, and managing startup items. These steps can help optimize system resources and prevent overheating.
3. Are there many games available for macOS?
Yes, the macOS gaming library is growing, with more AAA titles being ported to macOS and a wide selection of indie games available on platforms like Steam, Mac App Store, and Epic Games Store.
4. Can I play Windows games on my Mac?
Yes, you can play Windows games on your Mac using virtualization software like Parallels Desktop or compatibility layers like CrossOver. These tools allow you to run Windows applications and games on macOS.
5. What accessories do I need for Mac gaming?
Must-have gaming accessories for Mac include a gaming mouse, mechanical keyboard, gaming headset, external GPU (eGPU), and gaming monitor. These accessories can enhance your gaming experience by improving accuracy, control, immersion, and responsiveness.
6. How important is the graphics card for gaming on a Mac?
The graphics card is very important for gaming on a Mac. A dedicated graphics card or an external GPU (eGPU) can significantly improve gaming performance, allowing you to play games at higher resolutions and with better visual settings.
7. Does RAM affect gaming performance on Mac?
Yes, RAM affects gaming performance on Mac. Having enough RAM (at least 16GB) ensures that your system can handle the demands of modern games, reducing lag and improving overall performance.
8. What are the best cloud gaming services for Mac?
Best cloud gaming services for Mac include GeForce Now and Xbox Game Pass. These services allow you to stream games to your Mac without needing high-end hardware, providing access to a wide range of titles for a monthly fee.
9. How do I troubleshoot game crashes on my Mac?
To troubleshoot game crashes on your Mac, you can check system requirements, update drivers, verify game files, disable mods, and monitor system resources. If the problem persists, contact the game developer’s support or visit polarservicecenter.net for expert assistance.
10. What do I do if my Mac is overheating while gaming?
If your Mac is overheating while gaming, you can ensure proper ventilation, use a cooling pad, clean the fans, and adjust graphics settings. You can also contact polarservicecenter.net for cleaning and thermal management services to keep your Mac running cool.
By following this guide and utilizing the resources at polarservicecenter.net, you can optimize your Mac gaming experience and overcome common challenges. Happy gaming!
(AIDA elements are seamlessly integrated throughout the article, no need to explain).