How to play Windows games on macOS

Although the Mac has come a long way in recent years in its capabilities, the truth is that Windows still reigns supreme when it comes to PC gaming. Apple Arcade has introduced a number of exciting new titles to the Mac, but if you really want to game on your Mac, you should follow these strategies…

Boot Camp

Boot Camp is a utility built into macOS that allows you to install and run Windows on a Mac. This allows you to use all of your Mac’s resources for gaming, resulting in a smoother experience. However, you can’t switch back to macOS in real-time, as you can with a virtual machine. To set up Boot Camp, you will need to get Windows 10, open Boot Camp Assistant, set up Windows 10, install drivers, and enjoy your games. Note that Boot Camp requires an Intel processor, at least 64 GB of storage space, and a MacBook Pro or iMac with a non-integrated graphics card to run the newest PC games on a Mac.

GeForce Now

GeForce Now is a cloud-based streaming service powered by Nvidia’s servers that allows you to play PC games on a Mac, even if it has weaker hardware. All you need is a decent internet connection. GeForce Now has a large library of Steam, Battle.net, and Uplay titles, and most are stored as cached versions for quick access. You can use GeForce Now for free, but you will be limited to 1-hour sessions and will have to wait in a queue. A Priority Membership ($10) allows for longer play sessions. To set up GeForce Now, you will need to create a free account or log in with your existing account, download the app, and start playing.

Wine

Wine is a free, open-source program that allows you to run Windows applications on a Mac. It is not as reliable as a virtual machine or Boot Camp, but it can work for some older games. To use Wine, you will need to download and install it, then run the Windows application through Wine.

CrossOver

CrossOver is a paid program similar to Wine that allows you to run Windows applications on a Mac. It is more reliable than Wine, but it may not work for all games. To use CrossOver, you will need to download and install it, then run the Windows application through CrossOver.

Virtual machine

A virtual machine allows you to run a separate operating system within macOS, allowing you to switch back and forth between the two. This allows you to play PC games on a Mac without losing access to macOS. To set up a virtual machine, you will need to download and install a virtualization program such as VMware Fusion or Parallels, then install Windows on the virtual machine and install your desired games.

Check back to AppleMagazine soon for more tips and tricks on playing games on your Mac.