Can You Play Baldur's Gate 3 on Mac?
Yes, you can play Baldur's Gate 3 on a Mac. As of February 2026, Larian Studios provides a native macOS version. It is available for purchase and download on the Mac App Store and other digital storefronts. The game is fully supported and receives the same updates as the Windows version.
Compatibility Status
The macOS version of Baldur's Gate 3 is built for Apple Silicon. It runs natively on M-series chips (M1, M2, M3, M4). For Intel-based Macs, the game uses Apple's Rosetta 2 translation technology. This allows it to run, but performance on Intel Macs is generally lower. The game requires macOS Ventura 13.6 or a later version. You should check your Mac's specifications against the game's official system requirements before purchasing.
Performance on M1, M2, M3, and M4 Macs
Performance scales with the chip generation and the specific model of your Mac.
- M1 Macs: The base M1 chip can run the game at lower to medium graphical settings. Expect playable frame rates at 1080p resolution, with potential dips in busy areas like Act 3. M1 Pro, Max, and Ultra models offer significantly better performance.
- M2 Macs: These provide a solid experience. An M2 MacBook Air or base Mac mini can handle medium settings well. M2 Pro and Max chips allow for higher settings and smoother gameplay.
- M3 and M4 Macs: These newer chips deliver the best experience on Mac. They can run the game at higher graphical presets, with better stability and frame rates. Models with more GPU cores, like the M3 Pro, M3 Max, or M4 Pro, can approach "High" settings at native resolutions. Ray tracing features are not supported on macOS.
For all systems, using a lower resolution scale or enabling FSR (FidelityFX Super Resolution) can greatly improve frame rates.
Installation Steps
The installation process is straightforward. You can buy the game from the Mac App Store or other official stores. After purchase, download and install it like any other Mac application. The game requires a large amount of storage space, over 100 GB, so ensure you have enough free space on your drive. The first launch will include any necessary updates and shader compilation, which may take several minutes.
Tips for the Best Experience
To get the most stable performance from Baldur's Gate 3 on your Mac, follow these tips.
- Start with the graphics preset set to "Low" or "Medium" and adjust upward based on performance.
- Enable FSR (FidelityFX Super Resolution) in the graphics settings. The "Quality" or "Balanced" mode offers a good balance between image clarity and performance.
- Lower the "Shadow Quality" and "Fog Quality" settings. These have a high performance cost.
- Close other applications before playing, especially web browsers and video streaming apps.
- Keep your macOS and game client updated to the latest versions.
- Play while connected to power. The game uses significant resources and can drain a laptop battery quickly.
- For desktop Macs, ensure good ventilation to prevent thermal throttling.
Common Issues
Some Mac users may encounter these issues.
- Long initial load times: The first launch involves shader compilation. This is normal and only happens once or after major updates.
- Frame rate drops in Act 3: The city of Baldur's Gate is demanding. Lowering crowd density and shadow details can help.
- Game crashes on launch: This is often related to outdated macOS or graphics drivers. Update your system.
- Audio crackling or distortion: Try changing the audio output format in macOS System Settings to a different sample rate, like 48kHz.
- Save file errors: Ensure you have enough storage space. Using iCloud Drive for Documents folder syncing can sometimes cause conflicts. Check the game's save folder location.
If problems persist, check the official Larian Studios support resources for Mac specific guidance.
