Macs have come a long way when it comes to gaming, especially since the transition to Apple Silicon (M1-M5 chip Macs), but there are still many major AAA titles that aren’t released natively for macOS.
While Macs have traditionally lagged behind Windows PCs in gaming support, the gap is slowly narrowing. Today, Apple Silicon Macs can run a growing number of native AAA titles such as Resident Evil Village, Resident Evil 4 Remake, No Man’s Sky, and Death Stranding, alongside thousands of indie and mid-tier games.
However, many high-profile PC-only games – including Starfield, Counter-Strike 2, Valorant, and numerous DirectX 12 titles – still have no official macOS release.
But all is not lost. We tested and reviewed the best ways to play PC-only games on a Mac in 2026, including on the latest Apple Silicon M-series Macs. This includes Mac native solutions such as compatibility layers and virtual machines, as well as cloud gaming and cloud PC services.
Below is a simplified comparison of the available options, followed by detailed reviews of each method.
Table of Contents
- Comparison Table: Best Ways to Play PC Games on Mac (2026)
- 1. Crossover
- 2. Whisky (Free)
- 3. Apple Boot Camp (Free – Intel Macs Only)
- 4. Virtual Machines (Free & Paid)
- 5. PlayOnMac (Free)
- 6. Mythic (Free)
- 7. Xbox Cloud
- 8. GeForce Now For Mac
- 9. Apple Game Porting Toolkit (Free)
- 10. Cloud Gaming PCs
- 11. Unofficial Ports (Free)
- 12. Emulators (Free)
- Gaming on Mac in 2026: Key Trends
- FAQ
Comparison Table: Best Ways to Play PC Games on Mac (2026)
| Method | Best For | Pricing |
|---|---|---|
| Crossover | Best overall way to run Windows games locally on Mac | $74/year or $494 lifetime |
| Whisky | Best free option for Apple Silicon Macs | Free |
| Apple Boot Camp | Maximum performance and anti-cheat support (Intel Macs only) | Free |
| Virtual Machines | Older or DirectX 11 games; run macOS and Windows simultaneously | Free / From $99/year |
| PlayOnMac | Legacy Windows games on older Macs | Free |
| Mythic | Open-source Epic Games launcher using GPTK | Free |
| Xbox Cloud Gaming | AAA Windows games with anti-cheat, no setup required | $29.99/month (Ultimate Plan) |
| GeForce Now | Stream PC games you own with low latency | Free (1-hour sessions) or from $4.99/month |
| Apple Game Porting Toolkit | Developers or advanced users testing Windows games | Free |
| Cloud PCs (Shadow, airGPU) | Full Windows gaming with mods and total control | From $39.99/month or pay-as-you-go |
| Unofficial Ports | Retro and community-ported PC games | Free |
| Emulators | Console and DOS-era retro games | Free |
1. Crossover
Crossover is the best overall way to play Windows-only games on a Mac in 2026, working on both Intel and Apple Silicon Macs without installing Windows.
It uses a Wine-based compatibility layer to translate Windows games into macOS, but is far easier to use and more reliable than Wine itself.
Thanks to DirectX 12 support, Crossover can run many modern PC games on Apple Silicon Macs that previously wouldn’t work, including titles like The Last of Us and Schedule 1.
Counter-Strike 2 can also run on some Macs, although performance varies and updates may break compatibility.
Crossover doesn’t include games – you install the Windows version of platforms like Steam, Epic Games Store, Ubisoft+ and Battle.net and play games as if you were on a PC.
Performance has improved further with MoltenVK updates, helping games like Fallout 4 and Dark Souls III run more smoothly. Subscribers also get access to Preview builds with early game support.
Limitations: Crossover doesn’t work with many games that use kernel-level anti-cheat software.
Pricing
- Crossover+: $74/year but MacHow2 readers get 15% off (14-day free trial)
- Crossover Life: $494 one-time payment
Pros
- No Windows installation required
- Works on Intel and Apple Silicon Macs
- Supports Steam and other major game platforms
- DirectX 12 support
Cons
- Subscription pricing
- Not all games are supported
- No support for anti-cheat protected games
👉 Read our full in-depth Crossover review
👉Watch us testing Crossover performance on a Mac
2. Whisky (Free)
Whisky is the best free way to run some Windows-only games on Apple Silicon Macs, using much of the same underlying technology as Crossover.
It’s essentially a user-friendly wrapper around Apple’s Game Porting Toolkit, allowing Windows games – including some that use DirectX 12 – to run on macOS without installing Windows.
Whisky supports playing PC-only Steam games on a Mac and can run popular titles such as Diablo 4, Rocket League, Cyberpunk 2077, Half-Life and GTA V. However, compatibility is more limited than Crossover and results can vary.
Limitations:
Many publisher launchers such as Ubisoft+ and EA App don’t work reliably, and games that use anti-cheat software (including Easy Anti-Cheat titles like PUBG and World of Tanks) generally won’t run.
Whisky only works on Apple Silicon Macs running macOS Sonoma or later, and it does not support Intel Macs. Development has also slowed significantly, meaning future macOS updates may break compatibility with no guarantee of fixes.
Pros
- Completely free
- Easy to set up and use
- Supports DirectX 12
- Works with some PC-only Steam games
Cons
- Fewer supported games than Crossover
- No support for anti-cheat protected games
- Apple Silicon Macs only
- Limited or inactive development
👉 Read our full guide on how to use Whisky on a Mac
👉 Download Whisky for Mac
3. Apple Boot Camp (Free – Intel Macs Only)
Apple Boot Camp was once the primary way to play Windows games on a Mac. While it’s no longer available on Apple Silicon Macs, it remains one of the best gaming options for Intel-based Macs.
Why We Recommend Boot Camp
Boot Camp installs Windows directly on your Mac, allowing games to use all of your system’s CPU, GPU, and RAM with no virtualization overhead. This results in smoother performance and fewer dropped frames than virtual machines.
It’s also one of the few Mac-compatible options that supports games with strict anti-cheat software, making it possible to play titles that don’t work in Parallels or Crossover.
Boot Camp is built into macOS on Intel Macs and is free to use, although you’ll need plenty of disk space and a Windows license. Switching between macOS and Windows requires a reboot.
Pros
- Free on Intel Macs
- Excellent gaming performance
- Supports DirectX 12 and anti-cheat games
Cons
- Intel Macs only
- Requires rebooting
- Needs a large disk partition
👉 See our full guide on how to install Windows on a Mac using Boot Camp
👉 Go to the Apple Boot Camp site
4. Virtual Machines (Free & Paid)
Virtual machines (also known as VMs, virtualization machines and virtual environments) let you run Windows alongside macOS without rebooting. Popular options are Parallels (subscription) and VMware Fusion (free option). Both support DirectX 11 and Metal, but not DirectX 12, limiting compatibility with many modern AAA games.
Why We Recommend Virtual Machines
VMs are convenient and versatile for older games or testing Windows apps, and they work on both Intel and Apple Silicon Macs (ARM Windows required on M-chip Macs).
Note that some games won’t run in VM’s due to Anti-cheat software (e.g., Vanguard, Denuvo), DirectX 12 requirements and high graphics demands, which may cause lag.
Pros
- Runs macOS and Windows simultaneously
- Easy to set up
- Optimized for macOS Sonoma and Windows 11
- Supports DirectX 11 and Metal
Cons
- Cannot run DirectX 12 games
- Anti-cheat software incompatible
- Subscription or license may be required
- Apple Silicon Macs limited to Windows ARM
- Lower performance for graphics-heavy games
👉 See our full guide on the best virtual machines for Mac
👉 Watch us gaming using VMware Fusion
5. PlayOnMac (Free)
PlayOnMac is a free compatibility layer that allows some Windows games to run on macOS using the open-source Wine project. It “wraps” Windows-based games to work on a Mac without installing Windows or rebooting.
Why We Recommend PlayOnMac
PlayOnMac is completely free and easy to set up, making it a good choice for older or simple PC games. It works on Intel Macs and lets you run titles like Star Wars: The Old Republic and Trackmania Nation Forever.
Limitations
PlayOnMac is very limited for modern games:
- Doesn’t support Apple Silicon Macs
- Cannot run games requiring DirectX 12
- Doesn’t work with games that use anti-cheat software
- Only a small selection of older games are compatible
Pros
- Free to use
- No Windows installation required
- No reboot needed
Cons
- Very few games work today
- Intel Macs only
- No DirectX 12 support
- Not compatible with anti-cheat protected games
👉 For more details, check the official PlayOnMac site
6. Mythic (Free)
Mythic is a free, open-source macOS game launcher that uses Apple’s Game Porting Toolkit (GPTK) to run Windows games. Built with SwiftUI, it offers a native Mac interface and supports both Intel and Apple Silicon Macs, with best performance on Apple Silicon.
Why We Recommend Mythic
Mythic is a free solution for playing Windows games on a Mac, with standout integration for Epic Games via the Legendary client. Steam support is still limited, but users can manually run the Windows Steam client.
Limitations
- Still in alpha, so bugs or incomplete features may occur
- Steam integration not fully implemented
- Relies on community support; limited official help
Pros
- Open-source and free
- Native macOS interface
- Epic Games integration
- Supports Intel and Apple Silicon Macs
Cons
- Alpha software; may be buggy
- Limited Steam support
- Minimal official support
👉 For more details, check the official Mythic site
7. Xbox Cloud
Xbox Cloud is Microsoft’s cloud gaming service that lets you play Windows-only and Xbox games on a Mac directly in a browser. Popular titles include Starfield, Fortnite, Microsoft Flight Simulator and EA FC25.
Why We Recommend Xbox Cloud
It works on all Macs, requires no installation, and supports games that use DirectX 12 or anti-cheat software. You will need an Xbox controller connected via Bluetooth for the best experience.
Pricing
The Ultimate Plan, required for Mac cloud gaming, costs $29.99/£22.99 per month in 2026. This plan includes access to all supported games with no additional purchases.
Pros
- Works on all Macs in a browser
- Supports DirectX 12 and anti-cheat protected games
- All games included with subscription
- No installation required
Cons
- Subscription required
- Xbox controller needed
- Cloud gaming may involve queue times
👉 See our full in-depth review of Xbox Cloud on Mac
👉 Watch us playing games using Xbox Cloud on a Mac.
8. GeForce Now For Mac
GeForce Now is NVIDIA’s cloud gaming service that lets you play Windows-only games on a Mac by connecting to platforms like Steam or Epic Games. Unlike Xbox Cloud, it doesn’t provide the games – you must already own them.
Why We Recommend GeForce Now
It works on Intel and Apple Silicon Macs, supports DirectX 12, and can run high-end games even on older Macs. Anti-cheat protected games are supported, and a free one-hour trial lets you test the service before subscribing.
Pricing
- Free: 1-hour sessions (ad-supported)
- Performance Plan: $4.99/month, up to 6-hour sessions
- RTX 4080 Plan: $10.99/month, up to 8-hour sessions with faster servers and 4K resolution
Day passes and annual plans are also available.
Pros
- Supports Steam, Epic, and more
- Works on Intel & Apple Silicon Macs
- Handles DirectX 12 and anti-cheat games
- Easy to set up and use
- Can play high-end games without upgrading your Mac
Cons
- Games must be purchased separately
- Not all publishers support linking to GeForce Now
- Subscription required for extended play
👉 See our full in-depth review of GeForce Now for Mac
👉 Go to the GeForce Now site
9. Apple Game Porting Toolkit (Free)
The Apple Game Porting Toolkit (GPTK), introduced with macOS Sonoma, lets developers – and tech-savvy gamers – run Windows-only games on a Mac. It supports DirectX 12, making it one of the few free options for playing modern AAA games without Boot Camp or Crossover.
Why We Recommend GPTK
GPTK translates Windows API calls to Metal, allowing keyboards, gamepads, and other peripherals to work on macOS. While designed for developers, it can be used by anyone with some technical knowledge and has already been used to play games like Diablo 4, Hogwarts Legacy, and Cyberpunk 2077.
Limitations
- Requires some developer knowledge to set up
- Mainly intended for testing games
- May experience lag or lower performance compared with native solutions
Pros
- Supports DirectX 12
- Free to use
- Works for both Intel and Apple Silicon Macs
Cons
- Not beginner-friendly
- Primarily for game testing
- May have lower performance than other methods
👉 For more details, check the official Apple Game Porting Toolkit site
10. Cloud Gaming PCs
Cloud Gaming PCs like Shadow and airGPU give you a full remote Windows PC that you can access from your Mac. Unlike cloud gaming services, they don’t include games, but you can install any Windows game or mods you own.
Why We Recommend Cloud Gaming PCs
They provide complete flexibility to play any Windows game, including DirectX 12 titles and games with anti-cheat software. You can also install mods or custom software, giving far more freedom than typical cloud gaming services.
Pricing
- airGPU: $0.75/hour (plus storage, $3.50 per 50GB SSD)
- Shadow: $39.99/month for a cloud PC with GTX 1080s, unlimited gameplay, and 250GB SSD
High-speed internet is required for smooth performance. Parsec is recommended for connecting your Mac to these cloud PCs.
Pros
- Play any Windows game remotely
- Install mods or custom software
- Supports DirectX 12 and anti-cheat games
- Full PC flexibility in the cloud
Cons
- Requires you to own the games
- Setup is more complicated than standard cloud gaming
- Subscriptions can be expensive
- Maximum frame rate around 60fps
👉 Go to the airGPU site or read our guide on how to use airGPU
👉 Go to the Shadow site
11. Unofficial Ports (Free)
Unofficial ports are fan-made or open-source versions of games adapted to run on macOS. They are usually older titles like Doom, Alien vs Predator, The Settlers, or classic Amiga and Atari ST games.
While they allow you to play retro games, unofficial ports can be unstable and may not work properly. Most are based on released source code, but not all games are legally clear to use.
Porting Kit is a free tool that simplifies running unofficial ports and supports both Intel and Apple Silicon Macs.
Pros
- Free to use
- Lets you play retro and older games
- Works on Apple Silicon Macs
Cons
- Not suitable for new games
- Can require technical knowledge
12. Emulators (Free)
Emulators let you play retro console and older PC games on a Mac. Popular options include OpenEmu, which supports hundreds of classic Nintendo, Sega, and Atari games, and DOSBox, which can run old DOS EXE files.
You must own the game ROM or files to use them legally. DOSBox requires some basic DOS knowledge, while OpenEmu is more user-friendly. Both work on Apple Silicon Macs.
Pros
- Free to use
- Lets you play retro console and DOS games
- Supports Apple Silicon Macs
Cons
- Not suitable for new games
- Requires ROMs or game files
- Some technical knowledge needed
Gaming on Mac in 2026: Key Trends
Apple Silicon Is Transforming Mac Gaming
M-series chips now deliver GPU performance that runs modern games far better than Intel Macs. Native games using Metal, MetalFX upscaling, and Game Mode are smoother, especially on Pro and Max chips.
Compatibility Layers Are Mainstream
Tools like Crossover and Whisky, built on Wine and Apple’s Game Porting Toolkit, let many Windows games run locally. Games that also run on the Steam Deck often perform well on Macs using these solutions.
Anti-Cheat Remains a Barrier
Kernel-level anti-cheat software (Riot Vanguard, some Easy Anti-Cheat setups) still blocks many popular titles. Cloud gaming or cloud PCs are often the only options for competitive games like Valorant or Call of Duty.
Cloud Gaming Is No Longer a “Last Resort”
Services such as Xbox Cloud Gaming, GeForce Now, and Shadow offer low-latency, high-resolution streaming. For many players, cloud gaming is now the easiest way to run Windows-only AAA games without compatibility headaches.
FAQ
Can you play PC-only games on a Mac in 2026?
Yes. Many PC-only games can run on a Mac, but performance depends on the method:
- Local compatibility layers: Crossover, Whisky
- Cloud gaming: Xbox Cloud Gaming, GeForce Now
- Cloud PCs: Shadow, airGPU
Some games still won’t run due to anti-cheat or strict Windows dependencies.
What’s the best way to play PC games on a Mac?
For most users, Crossover is the best local solution. It works on Intel and Apple Silicon Macs without installing Windows. For games blocked by anti-cheat software, Xbox Cloud Gaming or GeForce Now are the most reliable alternatives.
Do these methods work on Apple Silicon Macs (M-series chips)?
Yes. Supported options include:
- Crossover, Whisky, Apple Game Porting Toolkit
- Xbox Cloud Gaming, GeForce Now
- Cloud PCs (Shadow, airGPU), Mythic
- Emulators (OpenEmu, DOSBox)
Not supported on Apple Silicon:
- Boot Camp (Intel Macs only)
- PlayOnMac (largely obsolete)
Can you play PC Steam games on a Mac?
Yes. Options include:
- Crossover: runs Windows Steam locally
- GeForce Now: streams supported Steam games
- Cloud PCs: full Windows access
Crossover supports more Steam games locally, while GeForce Now is better for anti-cheat-protected titles.
Why don’t some PC games work on Mac?
- Kernel-level anti-cheat (Riot Vanguard, Easy Anti-Cheat)
- DirectX 12 dependencies
- Games that block virtual machines or compatibility layers
For these, cloud gaming or Boot Camp (Intel Macs only) are often the only options.
Do virtual machines like Parallels work for gaming?
Yes, but only for older or less demanding games:
- No DirectX 12 support
- Anti-cheat may fail
- Lower graphics performance
Best for casual or DirectX 11 games.
Is cloud gaming good enough for serious gaming on Mac?
Yes. Xbox Cloud Gaming, GeForce Now Ultimate, and Shadow now offer:
- Low latency, high resolutions
- Stable performance even on older Macs
Performance depends on your internet speed and server proximity.
Do I need a controller for cloud gaming on Mac?
Usually.
- Xbox Cloud Gaming: Xbox-compatible controller required
- GeForce Now: supports both controllers and keyboard/mouse
- Cloud PCs: all input methods supported
Is Whisky a good free alternative to Crossover?
Yes, for Apple Silicon Macs. However:
- Supports fewer games
- Less stable
- No official support
For frequent gaming, Crossover remains the better choice.
Can Intel Macs still play PC games?
Yes. Options include: Crossover, GeForce Now, Xbox Cloud Gaming, virtual machines, Boot Camp. Boot Camp offers the best performance but requires rebooting.
Is it legal to play Windows games on a Mac?
Yes, as long as:
- You own the game
- You use legitimate platforms (Steam, Epic, Battle.net)
- For emulators and unofficial ports, you own the original ROM/game
Will gaming on Mac continue to improve?
Yes. Apple continues to enhance gaming with:
- Apple Silicon GPU improvements
- MetalFX upscaling
- Game Mode enhancements
- More native AAA releases