Can You Play Valorant on Mac?
No, you cannot play Valorant on a Mac in 2025. Valorant is not officially supported on macOS. The game requires a native Windows client and uses a kernel-level anti-cheat system called Vanguard, which is not compatible with macOS. This situation has not changed since the game's release.
Valorant's Mac Compatibility Status
Valorant is unplayable on Mac computers. The primary reason is the Vanguard anti-cheat software. Vanguard operates at a deep system level on Windows to prevent cheating. This design makes it impossible to run through standard translation layers like Apple's Game Porting Toolkit or other compatibility software on macOS. Riot Games has not announced any plans to develop a native macOS version of Valorant. Attempting to run the game through virtualization or dual-boot methods violates the game's Terms of Service and will result in a ban.
Performance on Apple Silicon (M1, M2, M3, M4)
Performance is not applicable. Since Valorant cannot run on macOS, Apple Silicon chips, including M1, M2, M3, and M4, cannot run the game. Their power is irrelevant in this case. You cannot assess frame rates or graphical settings because the game will not launch. The architectural difference between Apple Silicon and Windows on ARM further complicates any unofficial workarounds, making them functionally useless for this specific title.
How to Install Valorant on Mac
There is no supported way to install and play Valorant on a Mac. The only method that could theoretically allow it is to install Windows on your Mac using Boot Camp, but this is only possible on Intel-based Macs. Apple Silicon Macs (M1, M2, M3, M4) cannot use Boot Camp. Even on an Intel Mac with Windows installed via Boot Camp, using Vanguard may still lead to account penalties, as stated by Riot Games. The official and only safe way to play Valorant is on a Windows PC.
Tips for the Best Experience
If you want to play Valorant, you need a Windows computer. For Mac users, this means considering alternative solutions.
- Use a dedicated Windows gaming PC. This is the simplest and most reliable option.
- Use a cloud gaming service that offers Valorant in its library, if one becomes available. Check current service catalogs.
- Explore other tactical shooters available on macOS, such as Counter-Strike 2.
- If you have an Intel Mac, you can install Windows via Boot Camp, but understand the risks to your Valorant account.
Common Issues and Problems
The only issue is that the game does not work. Any attempt will result in one of the following.
- The game client will fail to install or launch.
- The Vanguard anti-cheat will cause an error or prevent the game from starting.
- Attempting to bypass these restrictions using virtual machines or compatibility layers will lead to a permanent ban on your Riot account.
- On Intel Macs with Boot Camp, players may still encounter instability or bans, as the setup is not officially validated by Riot.
