The Return of Those Who Didn't Go on Mac in 2026
As of August 2026, The Return of Those Who Didn't Go runs on Apple Silicon Macs exclusively through Rosetta 2 translation. There is no native ARM64 build, and the developer has not announced any plans to release one. The game is a Windows-only title distributed via Steam, GOG, and the Epic Games Store, but the x86_64 macOS build (last updated in early 2025) remains fully functional on modern Macs thanks to Apple's translation layer.
Current Compatibility Status
The game's macOS version is a universal binary compiled for Intel (x86_64) only. When launched on M1, M2, M3, or M4 Macs, macOS automatically engages Rosetta 2. This works seamlessly for most users, provided Rosetta 2 is installed (it can be installed on demand when you first launch the game). There are no known blockers, kernel extensions, or anti-cheat conflicts preventing it from running on Apple Silicon.
How to Get It Running on Mac
- Install Rosetta 2 – If you haven't already, run
softwareupdate --install-rosettain Terminal or simply launch the game and follow the prompt. - Purchase and download – Buy the game from Steam, GOG, or Epic. Steam's Mac client will automatically download the macOS build; GOG Galaxy also supports Mac downloads.
- Launch normally – Double-click the game in your library. macOS will handle the translation automatically. No third-party tools are required.
Performance Expectations on M1/M2/M3/M4 Chips
Performance is surprisingly strong across the entire Apple Silicon lineup, though the game's engine (Unreal Engine 4.27) was not optimized for ARM:
- M1 (8-core GPU): 1080p at Medium settings yields 40–50 FPS in dense outdoor areas, 55–65 FPS indoors. Expect occasional frame dips during scripted set-pieces.
- M2 (10-core GPU): 1080p at High settings holds 50–60 FPS consistently; 1440p at Medium is playable at 45–55 FPS.
- M3 (10-core GPU): 1440p at High settings runs at 55–65 FPS. The hardware ray tracing option is disabled under Rosetta, so you're limited to software-based reflections.
- M4 (10-core GPU): 1440p at Ultra settings (with ray tracing off) achieves 60–70 FPS. 4K at High is feasible at 40–50 FPS on M4 Pro and Max models.
All chips benefit from the game's built-in dynamic resolution scaler, which can smooth out frame pacing. The M1 base model will run hot (up to 85°C under load), but the M2 and newer chips stay cooler thanks to improved thermal designs.
Comparison to Windows/Console Versions
On a comparable Windows PC (e.g., RTX 3060), you'll get roughly 20–30% higher frame rates and access to DirectX 12 Ultimate features like ray tracing and DLSS. The Mac version under Rosetta lacks these, so visual fidelity is closer to the PlayStation 5 version (which runs at 1440p/60 with FSR 2.0). Load times on Mac are excellent, about 8–10 seconds on M-series NVMe drives, comparable to the PS5's custom SSD. Note that the Mac build does not support HDR output, while the Windows and console versions do.
Workarounds and Tips
- Disable in-game V-Sync – macOS's Metal layer handles frame pacing better; enabling V-Sync in-game can introduce input lag.
- Use "Borderless Windowed" mode – This avoids macOS's fullscreen transition stutter and improves Alt-Tab reliability.
- Cap frame rate to 60 FPS – The game's physics engine can have minor glitches above 120 FPS, and capping reduces thermal throttling on M1.
- If you experience crashes on M1 – Update macOS to at least Sonoma 14.5; early Ventura versions had Rosetta bugs with this specific title.
There are no known workarounds needed for installation, it's a straightforward click-and-play experience. The only caveat is that the game's online multiplayer uses Easy Anti-Cheat, which does not function under Rosetta. However, the co-op campaign mode works perfectly over Steam's peer-to-peer networking.
