Can You Play ARC Raiders on Mac?
Yes, you can play ARC Raiders on a Mac in 2025. The game is not natively developed for macOS. To run it, you must use a Windows compatibility layer. The primary and officially supported method for Mac users is CrossOver. This software allows you to run the Windows version of ARC Raiders on Apple Silicon and Intel Macs.
Compatibility Status
ARC Raiders is officially listed as compatible with CrossOver. This means the developer, Embark Studios, has worked with the CrossOver team to ensure the game runs. You do not need to use other tools like Whisky or manually configure Wine. CrossOver provides a dedicated setup for installing and running the game. This is the simplest path for Mac players.
Performance on Apple Silicon and Intel Macs
Performance depends on your Mac's chip and the game's graphical demands.
Apple Silicon Macs (M1, M2, M3, M4): The game runs well on these systems. Expect the best performance on M3 and M4 series chips, especially in MacBook Pros or Mac Studios with active cooling. On base model M1 or M2 Macs, you may need to lower graphical settings for a stable frame rate. The translation process from x86 to ARM via Rosetta 2 and CrossOver does incur a performance cost, but recent optimizations have reduced this impact.
Intel Macs: The game is playable on higher end Intel Macs with dedicated graphics, like the 16 inch MacBook Pro or iMac Pro. Performance on Intel Macs with integrated graphics will be poor and is not recommended. Support for Intel Macs is fading as Apple's transition to its own chips is complete.
For all systems, having at least 16GB of unified memory is strongly advised. 8GB will likely lead to stuttering and long load times.
How to Install ARC Raiders on Mac
You need to purchase two items: the ARC Raiders game on a PC storefront like Steam or the Epic Games Store, and a copy of CrossOver from its official website. CrossOver is a paid application, but it offers a free trial.
The installation process within CrossOver is straightforward. After installing CrossOver, you use its "Install a Windows Application" feature. You search for "ARC Raiders" in the provided list. CrossOver will then guide you through installing the necessary Windows components and your chosen game store client, Steam or Epic. Finally, you log into that client, install ARC Raiders as you would on a Windows PC, and launch it from within CrossOver.
Tips for the Best Experience
To get the most stable and smooth performance, follow these guidelines. First, always ensure you are running the latest version of CrossOver and the latest macOS update. Developers frequently release fixes.
Second, adjust in game graphics settings. Start with a medium preset. If performance is good, you can increase details. Key settings to lower first are shadows, post processing effects, and view distance. Using a lower resolution can also greatly improve frame rates.
Third, close all other applications before playing. This frees up memory and CPU resources for the game and the compatibility layer.
Finally, use a wired internet connection if possible. ARC Raiders is an online game, and a stable connection reduces latency and potential disconnections.
Common Issues and Fixes
Some Mac users report a few recurring problems. A common one is the game failing to launch. This is often fixed by ensuring the correct "bottle" or Windows environment in CrossOver is set to Windows 10 64 bit. You can check this in CrossOver's settings for the ARC Raiders bottle.
Another issue is poor audio quality or crackling. This can usually be resolved by installing the "Core Audio" component within the CrossOver bottle's management settings.
Occasionally, anti cheat software may cause launch errors. Make sure you have installed any prerequisites that CrossOver prompts you for during the initial ARC Raiders setup. If problems persist, checking the support resources for CrossOver is the best course of action, as they maintain specific advice for this title.
Stuttering during gameplay is typically a sign of insufficient memory or needing lower graphics settings. Follow the performance tips outlined above.
