Can You Play Cyberpunk 2077 on Mac?
Yes, you can play Cyberpunk 2077 on a Mac in 2025. However, it is not a native Apple Silicon application. The game runs through Apple's Rosetta 2 translation layer, which allows Intel-based software to work on Macs with M-series chips. This means the game is playable, but it does not deliver the same level of performance or efficiency as a game built specifically for Apple Silicon.
Compatibility Status
Cyberpunk 2077 is officially supported on macOS. The developer, CD Projekt Red, released a native macOS version in 2023. This version is a port of the Windows game. It is important to note that this is not a native Apple Silicon app. It is an Intel binary that requires Rosetta 2 to run on M1, M2, M3, or M4 Macs. The game is available for purchase and download directly from the Mac App Store.
Performance on M1, M2, M3, and M4 Macs
Performance varies significantly based on your specific Mac model and its GPU capabilities. The game is demanding.
- M1 and M2 Macs: On base models like the M1 MacBook Air or Mac mini, you should expect to run the game at low to medium graphical settings at 1080p resolution. Frame rates will often be around 30 FPS. More powerful M1 Pro, Max, or Ultra chips, and their M2 equivalents, can handle higher settings. An M1 Max or M2 Max can often manage medium to high settings at 1080p or 1440p with more stable performance.
- M3 and M4 Macs: The newer M3 and M4 chips, especially the Pro, Max, and Ultra variants, offer the best experience. The improved GPU architecture allows for better performance at higher resolutions. On an M3 Max or M4 Max, you can target high settings at 1440p, or use upscaling technology for 4K output. Frame rates will be smoother, but consistent 60 FPS at maximum settings is unlikely even on these high end chips.
The game's performance is heavily dependent on your Mac's cooling system. MacBooks will throttle performance during long sessions to manage heat, which can reduce frame rates.
Installation Steps
The installation process is straightforward because the game is on the Mac App Store. You need a Mac running macOS Sonoma or later, and a significant amount of free storage space. The full installation requires over 100GB. Purchase the game from the Mac App Store, download it, and let it install. The Rosetta 2 translation layer will be installed automatically the first time you launch the game if it is not already present on your system.
Tips for Best Experience
To get the most stable and visually acceptable performance, you will need to adjust the in game settings. Start with the graphics preset set to "Low" or "Medium" and adjust from there. Key settings to lower for better performance include Shadow Quality, Volumetric Fog Resolution, and Screen Space Reflections. Using the game's built in FSR (FidelityFX Super Resolution) upscaling can provide a major performance boost. Set it to "Quality" or "Balanced" mode. This renders the game at a lower resolution and upscales it, improving frame rates with minimal visual loss. Ensure your Mac is plugged into power, as performance is reduced on battery. Close other applications before playing to free up system memory.
Common Issues
Some players report occasional crashes, especially during longer play sessions. Saving your game frequently is recommended. Texture pop in, where objects appear blurry for a moment before becoming sharp, is a common visual bug due to the Rosetta translation and asset streaming. Expect longer loading times compared to a native application. The game may stutter when entering new areas of Night City as assets load. If you experience severe performance problems, lowering the resolution scaling or switching to windowed borderless mode can sometimes help. Check for game updates via the Mac App Store, as CD Projekt Red has released patches to improve stability on macOS.
