How to Run Windows Games on Mac

Why Windows Games Don't Run Natively on Mac

Apple Silicon Macs (M1, M2, M3, M4) use ARM architecture, while most Windows games are built for x86. This means you can't simply download and run Windows executables on macOS. However, several excellent solutions exist.

Method 1: CrossOver (Recommended)

Best for: Most Windows games, especially older titles and indie games

CrossOver is the most user-friendly solution, built on Wine technology but with a polished macOS interface.

Setup Steps:

1. Download CrossOver from CodeWeavers
2. Create a new "bottle" (virtual Windows environment)
3. Install your game via Steam, GOG, or direct installer
4. Launch and play!

Pros:

• No Windows license required
• One-click game installation
• Good performance (no full VM overhead)
• Excellent community support

Cons:

• $74 license (14-day free trial)
• Not all games work
• Anti-cheat games often blocked

Method 2: Whisky (Free Alternative)

Best for: Budget-conscious gamers, tinkerers

Whisky is a free, open-source wrapper for Wine on macOS.

Setup Steps:

1. Download from GitHub
2. Create a bottle with Windows 10 environment
3. Install DirectX and required dependencies
4. Run your game installer

Pros:

• Completely free
• Active development
• Good compatibility database

Cons:

• More manual configuration
• Less polished UI
• Some games need tweaking

Method 3: Parallels Desktop

Best for: Games with anti-cheat, professional users

Parallels runs a full Windows 11 ARM virtual machine, offering the highest compatibility.

Setup Steps:

1. Purchase Parallels Desktop ($99/year)
2. Install Windows 11 for ARM (included)
3. Install games normally in Windows
4. Use Coherence mode for seamless experience

Pros:

• Highest compatibility
• Anti-cheat games often work
• Full Windows environment

Cons:

• Expensive subscription
• Higher resource usage
• Windows license costs extra

Method 4: Game Porting Toolkit (Advanced)

Apple's own translation layer, based on CrossOver, offers excellent DirectX 12 support.

Best for: Latest AAA games, enthusiasts

Requires Xcode and command-line comfort, but delivers impressive results.

Performance Expectations

Games That Work Great

Based on community reports, these Windows games run well on Apple Silicon:

• Elden Ring (CrossOver/GPTK)
• Cyberpunk 2077 (CrossOver)
• Baldur's Gate 3 (Native + CrossOver for mods)
• Hogwarts Legacy (CrossOver/GPTK)

Games That Don't Work

Some games remain incompatible due to:

• Kernel-level anti-cheat (Valorant, PUBG)
• DirectX 11/12 edge cases
• Always-online DRM issues

Tips for Best Performance

1. Close background apps — More RAM for the game
2. Use Game Mode (macOS Sonoma+) — Prioritizes GPU
3. Lower resolution — 1440p instead of native
4. Disable V-Sync — Reduces input lag
5. Update regularly — CrossOver/Whisky improve monthly