Push and Pull on Mac in 2026
As of August 2026, Push and Pull is fully playable on Apple Silicon Macs, and it has earned a Native compatibility status. This is a significant milestone for the physics-based puzzle platformer, which originally launched on PC and consoles in early 2025. The developer, Stretch Games, released a dedicated Universal Binary update in late 2025, meaning the game now runs natively on both ARM64 (Apple Silicon) and x86_64 architectures without any translation layer. This makes it one of the smoothest indie experiences available on modern Mac hardware.
How to Get It Running on Mac
The simplest and most reliable method is to purchase the game directly from the Mac App Store, where the native version is distributed. Alternatively, if you own the game on Steam, the Universal Binary update will automatically download on your Mac, there is no need to fiddle with compatibility modes or external tools. For users who purchased the game on GOG or Epic Games Store, the native Mac build is also available via their respective launchers, though you may need to manually download the macOS installer from your library.
If you are running an older Intel-based Mac (pre-M1), the game still works through the x86_64 build, but Apple Silicon users will automatically get the ARM64 version. There is no need for Rosetta 2, CrossOver, or Parallels, those are only relevant if you are trying to run the Windows version, which is unnecessary and would actually degrade performance.
Performance Expectations on M1/M2/M3/M4 Chips
Push and Pull is a lightweight 2D physics puzzle game with hand-drawn vector-style graphics, so performance is excellent across the entire Apple Silicon lineup. Here’s what you can expect:
- M1 (base and Pro): Runs at a locked 60 FPS at 1440p with all settings maxed. The M1 handles the physics simulation (which is CPU-bound) effortlessly, with zero frame drops even during chaotic multi-object puzzles.
- M2 (base and Pro): Similar to M1, but with headroom for 4K output at 60 FPS on external displays. Battery life on MacBook Air models is excellent, around 8-10 hours of continuous play.
- M3 (base, Pro, Max): The game is essentially trivial for M3 chips. You can enable 4x supersampling (if you want) and still hit 120 FPS on ProMotion displays. Load times are under 2 seconds from NVMe storage.
- M4 (base, Pro, Max): Overkill, but perfect for those with high-refresh-rate external monitors (e.g., 144Hz or 240Hz). The game will run at 240 FPS without breaking a sweat, though note that the physics engine is capped at 60 ticks per second for consistency.
Comparison to Windows/Console Versions
The native Mac version is feature-identical to the Windows and console releases. There are no missing levels, no graphical downgrades, and no cut content. The only difference is that the Mac version supports Apple's Game Center for achievements, whereas the Windows version uses Steam achievements. The console versions (Switch, PS5, Xbox) have slightly longer load times due to slower storage, but the Mac version, especially on M3/M4, loads faster than any console.
One minor caveat: the Mac version does not support NVIDIA DLSS or AMD FSR, but that's irrelevant since the game is so light that it never needs upscaling. The native resolution rendering is crisp and clean, and the game's art style (flat colors, soft shadows) looks identical across all platforms.
Workarounds and Tips
- Cloud Saves: If you play on both a Mac and a Windows PC, ensure you enable cloud saves in the Steam settings. The native Mac build uses the same save file format, so cross-progression works seamlessly.
- Controller Support: The native version supports Xbox, PlayStation, and Nintendo Switch controllers via Bluetooth. On macOS, you may need to go to System Settings > Bluetooth and ensure the controller is paired before launching the game.
- Windowed Mode: If you're on a MacBook Air without a fan, consider playing in windowed mode at 60 FPS to keep thermals low, though even in fullscreen, the game rarely pushes the chip past 40% utilization.
- No Rosetta Needed: Do not force the game to run under Rosetta 2 via the "Get Info" menu. The native ARM64 build is strictly better in every way, lower memory usage, faster load times, and better battery life.
In summary, Push and Pull is a rare example of a third-party indie game that received first-class Mac support. As of 2026, it is one of the most polished native games on Apple Silicon, and you can play it with zero hassle on any M-series Mac.
