Not that long ago, gaming on a Mac was only an option for hard-core Apple enthusiasts. This is no longer the case.
Sure, a dedicated gaming PC is more suited to playing the newest A-list games. That said, more and more of these titles are getting ported to Mac. Oftentimes, this depends on how well the initial release will do.
And, of course, there’s that whole indie revolution. These days, we’re getting more great indie games that we know what to do with. No matter which genres you prefer, it shouldn’t be hard to find something to your liking.
Looking for recommendations? You’ve come to the right place! Here are the 10 best new-ish games you can play on your trusty Mac.
1. Divinity: Original Sin II
The first Original Sin was a hit with RPG fans, but the sequel was a hit with everyone. Simply out, OS II improves upon its predecessor in every way. It’s not hard to see why this game helped Larian land the Baldur’s Gate project.
The main appeal of OS II lies in its turn-based combat system. With more than 200 skills and a focus on environmental combos, every battle is a joy. The story, quests, and companions are all top-notch as well.
2. Firewatch
Tired of the same old video game settings? If so, play Firewatch and start exploring the Wyoming wilderness of the mid-to-late ’80s. You play as Henry, a new fire lookout trying to take his mind off a personal tragedy.
Unlike most narrative-focused games, Firewatch is gorgeous to look at. The visual design is a lovely combination of realistic proportions and bright colors. You’ll likely beat Firewatch in a few hours, but the experience will stay with you.
3. Dead Cells
With the market so saturated with roguelike games, it takes a lot to come ahead of the pack. Dead Cells manages to do it by being an action game that’s a blast to control. The animation and combat are both spectacular.
Not a fan of having to start over after a failed attempt? That’s fine, as the game allows you to get permanent power-ups between runs. It’s still difficult, mind you, but the deaths are likely to be a result of your mistakes.
4. Slay the Spire
Speaking of roguelike games, Slay the Spire is another addictive example. It’s a lot like the single-player version of Hearthstone. As you traverse the Spire, you’ll fight monsters to earn the right to add new cards to your deck.
The thing that separates StS from other deckbuilding games is its balance. Every choice you make matters, whether it’s choosing a path or deciding which card to play. This provides the game with an infinite replay value potential.
5. Fortnite
There are many great multiplayer games for the Mac, but Fortnite remains the king of the hill. This is one of those titles that’s easy to learn, but hard to master. The blend of shooting and building mechanics makes for a compelling package.
It’s worth noting that Fortnite supports cross-platform play. You can play with anyone who owns the game on Mac, Windows, Xbox One, PS4, and even iOS. You can also use the same account across different platforms.
The best part about Fortnite is that it’s still free to play. In fact, that’s one of the biggest reasons behind the game’s enduring popularity. Here’s all you need to know about how to download Fortnite on Mac.
6. Stardew Valley
If you’re the kind of person who plays games to relax, Stardew Valley is a must-have. Think of it as a spiritual successor of the Harvest Moon series. The game starts with you inheriting a farm, and it’s your job to make it thrive.
Other than tending crops and raising livestock, the game offers various social activities. The more you engage in them, the more money you’ll earn to expand your farm. The game also has an excellent four-player co-op mode.
7. Rocket League
With the release year of 2015, Rocket League is the oldest title on our list. Not only has it stood the test of time, but it’s more popular than ever. Not bad for a game many people dismissed as “soccer with cars” back in the day.
To be fair, that description does capture the appeal of Rocket League. What it fails to account for is how irresistible that idea actually is. With its speedy gameplay and perfect physics, Rocket League is still a multiplayer marvel.
8. The Witness
With Braid, Jonathan Blow showed us that indie games are here to stay. With The Witness, he reminded us that he’s one of the best in the business. Puzzle games this smart and this pretty don’t come around too often.
Though it draws inspiration from classics such as Myst, The Witness isn’t obtuse at all. If you’re struggling with a particular puzzle, look around the island. Chances are, you’ve missed a clue that will help with the solution.
9. Into the Breach
Subset Games are great at creating small titles with surprising depth. They proved that with Into the Breach, a turn-based strategy that sees you defend the Earth from giant monsters. All gameplay takes place on an 8×8 grid.
Helping you in your quest are the giant mechs at your disposal. The game comes with 9 different mech squads, each with its own set of abilities. Thanks to its brand of perfect information, ItB often makes you feel like a genius.
10. Kerbal Space Program
When it comes to simulation games for the Mac, you can’t do better than Kerbal Space Program. Don’t get fooled by its cartoony graphics — this is a deep title that rewards experimentation. Plus, the physics engine is phenomenal.
Your tasks in this game revolve around directing a nascent space program. The missions have you capturing asteroids, reaching certain altitudes, or creating space stations. Both fun and educational, KSP is a pure winner.
More on Gaming on a Mac
As you can see, a Mac can function as a gaming machine just fine. The only question is how much time you have at your disposal.
Keep in mind that there are plenty of games we haven’t mentioned. From the delightful Gris to the stylish Katana Zero, your Mac has something for everyone. Proven titles such as Minecraft and Dota 2 are the cherry on top.
Want to know more about gaming on a Mac? Interested in the newest trends in the gaming industry? Check out our “Gaming” section!
