The Best Mac Games You Can Play on Steam

Looking for the best Mac games you can buy on Steam right now? After hundreds of hours of testing my entire library of over two hundred games, these are the ones I’d recommend you try. 

Whether you’re running an M1 Air or an M3 Pro powerhouse, these are the best MacBook games on Steam you can actually play smoothly right now.

Key Highlights: 

• Every game on this list runs natively on macOS, no emulators, no Boot Camp.
• Tested across M1, M2, and M3 MacBooks for real-world performance.
• Includes both 3D blockbusters and 2D indie hits that shine on Apple Silicon chips.
• All titles are available directly through Steam with full controller and cloud save support.
• Balanced mix of story, gameplay depth, and replay value, not just pretty graphics.

The Best 3D MacGames on Steam

Steam games on Mac have finally reached a point where big 3D titles don’t feel watered down. With Apple Silicon powering everything, you can now run games that used to demand top-tier PCs. Here they are! 

3d MacBook Games Highlight

Death Stranding Director’s Cut 

Death Stranding Director’s Cut is one of those games that divides players. If you love slow, atmospheric worlds that pull you in rather than push you forward, this one’s worth your attention. You’ll find yourself in a hauntingly beautiful wasteland that feels alive in ways most open worlds never do.

You should try it if you enjoy games that make even walking feel satisfying. Every step feels grounded, like hiking across slippery rocks after rain. That physical sense of movement is what makes this game special. The story also keeps you hooked, with tension and mystery building as you travel across stunning, empty landscapes.

It runs beautifully on modern Macs. On my M1 Max and M3 Pro systems, 1440p stayed above 60FPS and 4K hovered around 40FPS with max settings. The M1 Max gets louder, but both stay smooth even in low power mode. It’s one of the best MacBook games on Steam right now and shows what Mac gaming can really do when developers put in the effort.

Cyberpunk 2077: Ultimate Edition

Cyberpunk 2077 on Mac feels like a statement game, proof that Apple hardware can handle big open worlds. You step into Night City, where neon lights bounce off wet pavement, and every street corner hides something strange. It’s huge, unpredictable, and packed with stories to chase.

You should try it because there’s simply nothing else like it on macOS. Whether you’re chasing gigs, romancing characters, or customizing your cybernetic upgrades, you’ll never run out of things to do. The world feels alive, the quests feel meaningful, and the Mac port holds up surprisingly well. It’s one of the best games to play on Mac if you want a full-scale RPG without compromise.

Performance-wise, you don’t need the fastest MacBook to enjoy it. I got around 40FPS at 1920×1200 on an M2 Pro, and the game still looked incredible. Heat can build up during long sessions, but frame pacing stayed consistent. 

If you’ve been waiting for an RPG that actually runs on Mac and can be counted as one of the best Steam Mac games, this is it.

Resident Evil 7: Biohazard 

Resident Evil 7 pulls you straight into its decaying Louisiana mansion and doesn’t let go. It’s more personal than previous games, leaning into first-person horror that feels both claustrophobic and intense. It’s a disturbing story about family, madness, and survival that still stands out years later.

You should play it because it blends puzzle-solving, exploration, and horror better than most modern games. Every creak in the floorboards makes you tense up, and figuring out the mansion layout brings back that classic Resident Evil feeling. It’s scary in the best way possible.

On Mac, it runs smoothly even on medium settings. You’ll notice minor pop-ins and inconsistent lighting in some outdoor scenes, but it’s otherwise stable. It lacks advanced graphics options seen in Resident Evil Village, yet it’s still one of the best Mac games for horror fans. Whether you’re new to the series or returning after years, it’s a must-play experience.

The Witcher & The Witcher 2: Assassins of Kings

The Witcher series finally runs natively on Mac, and both games still hold up beautifully. These two adventures lay the foundation for everything that made The Witcher 3 so memorable, rich characters, layered choices, and dark storytelling that actually respects your intelligence.

You should try them to understand how Geralt’s world evolved. The Witcher 2, in particular, fills in key story gaps that make the later games hit even harder. It’s a more focused RPG, with great combat and writing that captures what makes this world so compelling.

Performance depends on your setup. The Witcher games struggle a bit on M2 chips but play well on M3 and M3 Pro models with frame rates above 40FPS. There are still minor glitches and texture pop-ins, yet for older RPGs, they look and play better than you’d expect.

It earns its place as one of the best MacBook games on Steam, as it still holds up well, unlike older Elder Scrolls games, which are now being rebuilt like the new Elder Scrolls Oblivion Remaster.

Civilization VI

Civilization VI remains one of the best games to play on Mac when you want strategy that lasts for hours. Whether you’re leading Rome or building a cultural empire with Japan, every turn counts. It’s the kind of game that makes you say “just one more turn” until it’s 3AM.

You should play it because it’s endlessly replayable. The mix of diplomacy, war, and science keeps every campaign fresh, and the expansions make the experience even deeper. You don’t need fast reflexes, just smart planning and a willingness to experiment with new strategies.

Civ 6 runs great on Mac. Even with expansions like Gathering Storm and Rise and Fall, it stays stable on medium maps. I’d recommend turning shadows down and sticking to small or medium maps for the best performance. It’s also one of the best Mac games for anyone who prefers thinking over shooting, and it often drops under $10 during Steam sales.

Firewatch

Firewatch is pure storytelling, a quiet, emotional journey set in the Wyoming wilderness. You play as a fire lookout, exploring forests, watching sunsets, and talking to someone you’ll never meet face-to-face. It’s simple, powerful, and unforgettable.

You should play it because it’s rare to find a game that captures loneliness and connection so honestly. Every radio conversation feels intimate, and the world design makes you slow down and think. It’s one of those games that stays with you long after the credits roll.

Performance is flawless on Mac. It’s lightweight and runs perfectly on M1 and newer chips. The visuals still look gorgeous years later, and the voice acting is top-tier. For narrative lovers, Firewatch remains one of the best MacBook games on Steam to experience with headphones on and zero distractions.

The Best 2D Mac Games on Steam

If you prefer creative worlds over realistic graphics, 2D games are where Mac gaming truly shines. These titles are not super GPU-heavy, which helps them run at a steady 60 FPS on most newer Macs. Spoiler alert: A lot of indie titles will follow!

2D MacBook Games Highlights

Kingdom Two Crowns

Kingdom Two Crowns might look simple at first, but it hides a surprising amount of depth. You ride across pixelated landscapes, recruit villagers, and build defenses against endless waves of enemies. Each run teaches you something new about survival and strategy.

You should play it if you like slow-burn progression and the satisfaction of watching your kingdom grow piece by piece. The lack of tutorials might throw you off at first, but that’s part of the charm. Once it clicks, you’ll get hooked on the rhythm of exploration, collection, and defense. It’s one of the most fun games to play on Mac if you enjoy figuring things out through trial and error.

Two Crowns fixes what made the earlier games frustrating, like winters that never end. Now you can progress through seasons, expand across themed kingdoms, and even blow up enemy caves for good. It’s among the best MacBook games on Steam for strategy fans who want light real-time strategy that’s pretty much pick up and play. It runs perfectly on MacBooks, even on lower-end models. 

Dave the Diver

Dave the Diver is a strange mix that somehow works. You dive, fish, run a sushi restaurant, solve puzzles, and get dragged into random adventures that barely make sense, and it’s hilarious. It feels like several genres mashed together, but it still manages to keep its heart intact.

You should try it for the core gameplay loop alone. Diving for fish, upgrading your gear, and serving customers is weirdly satisfying. The rhythm and stealth sections can feel unnecessary, but the fishing and sushi gameplay are strong enough to carry everything. When it’s good, it’s really good.

Performance-wise, it’s lightweight and runs flawlessly on every MacBook I’ve tested. Even if some of the mini-games feel forced, the main gameplay loop is addictive enough to keep you coming back. It’s one of the best Mac games if you like relaxing but rewarding gameplay with plenty of personality.

Venba

Venba is a short, heartfelt game about an immigrant family trying to find their place in a new country. You play as Venba, cooking recipes from home while balancing family, culture, and identity. Each dish tells a story, and each scene captures something real.

You should play it because it’s one of the few games that uses food to explore belonging and heritage. You’ll feel every subtle moment, from Venba’s hopes to her son’s struggle to fit in. The writing is powerful without being heavy-handed, and it says more in two hours than most games do in twenty.

It runs perfectly on Mac and takes barely any space. The cooking mechanics are simple but charming, and the art style feels warm and personal. It’s one of the best MacBook games on Steam for storytelling lovers, even if it’s short.

Good Pizza, Great Pizza

Good Pizza, Great Pizza makes running a pizzeria weirdly fun. You take orders, bake pizzas, and compete against rival shop owners while keeping customers happy. It starts slow but quickly turns into a puzzle of timing and accuracy.

You should play it if you like light management games with personality. Every order feels like a little challenge, especially when customers give cryptic or ridiculous requests. Decoding what they actually want becomes part of the fun, and the humor keeps you smiling even when things get hectic.

It runs great on Mac and barely uses system resources. The game keeps adding new toppings, upgrades, and automation tools to keep things interesting. It’s simple, satisfying, and one of the best games to play on Mac when you just want to relax for a bit.

Just so we’re clear, it is a mobile game repackaged for the big screen, and a lot of cosmetic items are locked behind paywalls. You can definitely play without them, but the grind can be overwhelming in some cases.

Hollow Knight

Hollow Knight might start slow, but once you step into Hallownest, it grabs you completely. You explore a decaying underground kingdom full of secrets, enemies, and haunting beauty. It feels lonely, mysterious, and strangely peaceful at the same time.

You should play it because it’s more than a platformer, it’s an experience. Every new ability you find opens fresh paths, and every area feels handcrafted. The deeper you go, the more the world pulls you in. It’s a game about discovery, patience, and the quiet satisfaction of mastering movement.

It runs smoothly on Mac and plays perfectly even on older systems. It can be challenging in the mid-game but the exploration keeps me coming back. For anyone who loves tough but rewarding games, Hollow Knight is one of the best MacBook games on Steam, period.

Thank Goodness You’re Here

Thank Goodness You’re Here is pure absurdity in the best way possible. You’re a tiny man running errands for ridiculous townsfolk in a British village that never takes itself seriously. It’s charming, stupid, and laugh-out-loud funny.

You should play it if you like games that don’t pretend to be serious. The humor, the writing, and even the nonsense quests work together perfectly. It feels like a mix between a cartoon and a fever dream, packed with clever jokes and weird logic.

Performance-wise, it runs great on Mac. It’s lightweight and short but full of personality. The changing world keeps things fresh as you loop through familiar places with new interactions. It’s easily one of the most fun games to play on Mac if you want something different.

Celeste

Celeste looks simple but hits hard. It’s a pixel-art platformer about climbing a mountain and facing your inner struggles. Every jump matters, and every fall teaches you something. Beneath its challenge lies a heartfelt story that sticks with you.

You should play it because it combines precision gameplay with genuine emotion. Each level introduces new mechanics that push your skills further while making you feel great when you finally succeed. It’s tough but rewarding in the best way possible.

Celeste runs flawlessly on Mac and barely touches your system resources. It’s short but full of replay value, with postgame levels that test even the best players. If you’re looking for one of the best Mac games that blends story and challenge perfectly, this is it.

Best Games to Play on Mac for Free

Not everything good on Mac costs money. Steam’s free section has some great titles that pair perfectly with Apple’s hardware. Games like Dota 2, Team Fortress 2, and Stardew Valley (during free trial weekends) are all easy to jump into and run beautifully on most MacBooks.

If you’re hunting for the best games for Mac free, start there. You can also find dozens of free demos for indie games that help you decide before buying. Celeste, Good Pizza Great Pizza, and Dave the Diver all offer short playable previews that give you a real taste of the gameplay.

Fun Games to Play on Mac in 2025

If you just want to kick back after work or between meetings, Mac gaming is finally fun without setup headaches. Firewatch and Venba give you calm, story-driven experiences. Kingdom Two Crowns and Civ 6 let you build, plan, and relax at your own pace. 

Thank Goodness You’re Here reminds you that games can still be silly. It’s never been easier to find fun games to play on Mac that actually feel designed for the platform instead of ported awkwardly from Windows.

The Best Mac Games Are on Steam Now!

After testing each of these titles on M1, M2, and M3 MacBooks, a few patterns stand out. 3D games like Death Stranding and Cyberpunk 2077 demonstrate that Apple’s current hardware can handle demanding worlds with stable frame rates and strong optimization.

Even older titles such as Resident Evil 7 and The Witcher 2 perform better than expected, showing clear progress in how developers approach Metal and native silicon support.

On the other hand, the 2D lineup proves consistency, and it’s where macOS gaming truly excels. Games like Hollow Knight, Venba, and Celeste run flawlessly across all chipsets, using minimal power while maintaining a smooth 60 FPS or more.

About The Author

Snehal Gupta

Snehal covers gaming news, new games coming out, and a whole lot more for Level and League

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