11 Best Online games for Mac in 2024

Online games sure have come a long way, right? I can recall when they were pretty much relegated to browser-based quiz games and Flash knock-offs of retro arcade titles.

The quality of online games has improved greatly since then, and even better, they tend to focus on competition.

It’s you against your friends (or working with your friends against others) in pretty much every genre available: first-person shooters, real-time strategy games, RPGs, and (of course) MOBAs and MMOs. In this article, we’re going to go over the best Online Games for Mac in 2024. 

Looking for something different? We also have a list of the 100 Best Mac games in all the best categories.

Our absolute favorite Mac Online games

Minecraft

Often hailed as the ultimate sandbox, Minecraft is the digital equivalent of a limitless LEGO set, blended with adventure and a hint of survival. In Minecraft, you start in a randomly generated world full of diverse biomes, from lush forests to arid deserts. The beauty of Minecraft lies in its simplicity: you mine for resources, and then you craft. Build a humble wooden hut, a towering castle, or an entire city. The only limit is your imagination.

The reason why we consider Minecraft to be one of the best online Mac games is because of the limitless potential that the game possesses. You can join servers with thousands of other players, participate in massive building projects, engage in PvP battles, or explore custom-made worlds with unique gameplay mechanics. The community is massive and vibrant, offering mods, custom textures, and unique maps that transform the game in endless ways.

System requirements: macOS 10.14.5 Mojave and up. ARM, 4 GB, Apple M1 or Equivalent

Art	Game	Genre	64-bit?	64-bit	API	M1 Support	Performance
	Minecraft	Sandbox	Yes		Metal	Native	Good

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League of Legends

League of Legends is one of the most successful gaming franchises in the world today. The fact that some of you have seen “Arcane” on Netflix speaks volumes of LoL’s popularity.

While it bears a strong resemblance to Dota 2, League of Legends is everything but a Dota clone. Being a MOBA, LoL follows the standard MOBA gameplay of three lanes, a jungle, towers, minion waves, and 5v5 combat. Everyone starts at the same level and gold, but then LoL turns it up a few notches. LoL is extremely complex and difficult to master and is considered one of the most challenging games in the market.

In terms of in-game purchases, the effects are purely cosmetic: No pay-to-win advantages. League of Legends is also 100% compatible with macOS. Just make sure you have a stable internet connection and you’re good to go.

System requirements: macOS 10.12, Intel Core i5-750, 2 GB RAM, 12 GB HD space, AMD: HD 6570 or Intel HD 4600 Integrated Graphics with 1 GB of Video Memory.

Art	Game	Genre	64-bit?	64-bit	API	M1 Support	Performance
	League of Legends	MOBA	Yes		Metal	Rosetta	Good

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Path of Exile

Path of Exile is a must-try for fans of the Diablo games. Featuring a similar-looking UI in a grim-dark setting with top-down controls, PoE is a banger of an MMORPG.

With 6 different classes to choose from, a skill tree so diverse it should be called a skill forest, and tons of builds for your liking, there is an almost endless amount of content to go through in PoE. And this is without factoring in the constant season updates the game gives for free.

And if you think this is all too much for one person to handle, then why not grab a friend or two? Co-op in this game is very simple. There are no level restrictions and you and your friends can play through the entire campaign co-op. macOS is also supported and crossplay is available.

Psst, Path of Exile 2 is also coming on macOS soon, so this is a great time to get into the game!

System requirements: macOS 10.13, 2.6 GHz Intel Core i7 quad-core, 8 GB RAM, 40 GB HD space, Radeon Pro 450 Graphics.

Art	Game	Genre	64-bit?	64-bit	API	M1 Support	Performance
	Path of Exile	RPG	Yes		Vulkan	Rosetta	Good

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StarCraft 2

Another older game that continues to entertain, Starcraft 2 is a real-time strategy game from 2010. Released by Blizzard as a sequel to 1998’s Starcraft. It wasn’t until 2017, however, that the game became one of the best free games for Mac, unlocking the Wings of Liberty campaign, online multiplayer matches, and various game modes. Starcraft 2 now makes money through microtransactions for items such as skims, voice packs, and war chests.

For the online multiplayer component, gamers select from one of three possible races: Protoss, Terran, and Zerg. No matter the race, players must take control of a large-scale economy that tasks them with gathering materials required for building their base and researching the technology used to develop an army capable of conquering their foes. And when it comes to battle, each facet of your strategy is there for you to micro-manage, right down to individual unit control.

Although there is a single-player story campaign, the multiplayer component has received better reviews whether you’re looking to tackle co-op missions with a friend or compete against others in 2v2, 3v3, or 4v4 battles.

System requirements: OS 10.11, Intel Core 2 Duo Processor, 4 GB RAM, NVIDIA GeForce GT 330M or ATI Radeon HD 4670 or better, 30 GB hard drive space.

Art	Game	Genre	64-bit?	64-bit	API	M1 Support	Performance
	Starcraft 2	Strategy	Yes		Metal	Rosetta	Poor

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Dota 2

Here we have one of the more generous free-to-play online games, as DotA 2 gives you everything you need to be competitive upfront and throughout. Developed by Valve, this game is the offspring of Defense of the Ancients, a community-created mod for Warcraft III: Reign of Chaos and its expansion pack.

What does that mean? Well, it means you’re getting a MOBA with the pedigree and experience behind it to provide hundreds of hours of intense competition against an active community of players. At its core, DotA is a game about 5 on 5 combat, placing teams on separate bases on a map that must be defended. Each player controls a “hero,” and teams must work together to utilize the strengths of their heroes to destroy a structure—called an “ancient”—within the opposing team’s base.

All heroes are free, as is everything you need to play and win the game; in-app purchases won’t make it easier to take out your opponents, they’ll just get cosmetic items for your heroes and the world they inhabit. And of particular interest to Mac gamers, Metal support via MoltenVK is coming soon.

System requirements: S 10.9, Dual-core Intel Processor, 4 GB RAM, NVIDIA 320M, Radeon HD 2400, Intel HD 3000 or better, 15 GB hard drive space.

Art	Game	Genre	64-bit?	64-bit	API	M1 Support	Performance
	Dota 2	MOBA	Yes		Vulkan	Rosetta	Good

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World of Warcraft

There was a time when World of Warcraft was the go-to title for online multiplayer gaming. Seems like every Mac gamer I knew had an account, it was just a matter of how long they kept it active due to the subscription-based payment system.

That system is still in place, but Blizzard offers two options to get into it. First, you can get the $59.99 World of Warcraft: Complete Collection—which comes with 30 days of playtime and access to the latest quest lines via a character boost to get your hero to the proper level. If your pocket is a little lighter, however, you can jump in by paying just the subscription fee…no base purchase required. You don’t get access to the newest quest lines, but you wouldn’t be able to use them, anyway, since you’ll have to spend the time to get your character up to level 110 to play them.

And just why would you want to subscribe to a game, anyway? World of Warcraft has been entertaining millions of MMORPG players since 2004. It gets expansions about every two years and offers plenty to do between those major releases. If the thing you hate most about quality RPGs is that they end, then you need to check out World of Warcraft.

System requirements: OS 10.12.5, 2.5 GHz Intel Core i5 Processor, 8 GB RAM, 1GB AMD 5750, Nvidia 650M, 1.5GB Intel Iris Pro 5200, 78 GB hard drive space.

Art	Game	Genre	64-bit?	64-bit	API	M1 Support	Performance
	World of Warcraft	MMO	Yes		Metal	Native	Good

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Rust

Okay, but enough with the shooters, right? If surviving an online game means more to you than just not being shot, you may want to check out Rust, a massively multiplayer action RPG from Facepunch Studios.

Rather than starting with a gun and an enemy, Rust starts you out with just a rock and a torch. You must find ways to use these to create better tools, build shelters, find food and survive the harsh environment. This includes vicious animals and, of course, other players who see you as a threat. And you are a threat. If you don’t want to go it alone you can form clans with other players. But as you’d expect from a gaming community, those clans will break down and everyone will just end up killing each other.

One of Rust’s greatest assets is the visual design, which does a great job of laying out a bleak, apocalyptic landscape. The world may be harsh, but at least the world of Rust is pleasant to explore as you fight desperately for survival.

System requirements: REQUIREMENTS.

Art	Game	Genre	64-bit?	64-bit	API	M1 Support	Performance
	Rust	Survival	Yes		Metal	Rosetta	Good

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Baldur’s Gate 3

Baldur’s Gate 3, the latest entry in the legendary RPG series, is a journey into the heart of the Dungeons & Dragons universe, infused with modern design and storytelling. Set in the Forgotten Realms, BG3 invites you into a world teeming with magic, mystery, and intrigue.

The game mechanics are a faithful adaptation of the latest D&D 5th Edition ruleset. Combat is a strategic affair, utilizing turn-based mechanics that allow for thoughtful and tactical decision-making. Whether you’re a seasoned D&D player or new to the genre, the game provides a satisfying blend of challenge and accessibility.

Multiplayer in the game is super fun, it has been rated as Game of the Year, and for good reason! (Boo Spiderman fans.) You can team up with your friends for some co-op D&D action, and face the dire consequences of the choices you make. The fact that you can share so many stories and blend your individual narratives leads to a surprising adventure.

We have also extensively tested and covered Baldur’s Gate 3. And, for Mac users, it is a visual feast! The game has stunning graphics and immersive environments. It also runs extremely well on macOS. Obviously, you’ll need a slightly high-end Apple Silicon to truly be able to enjoy the game’s visual fidelity.

System requirements: 64 Bit processor, Apple M1 Pro or better, 16 GB RAM, 150 GB available space

Art	Game	Genre	64-bit?	64-bit	API	M1 Support	Performance
	Baldur's Gate 3	RPG	Yes		Metal	Native	Excellent

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Hearthstone

If you’re a fan of World of Warcraft (or similar RPGs) but prefer more cerebral battles then Hearthstone is your game. This free-to-play online collectible card game uses a turn-based battle system throughout your adventures, but still provides characters and artifacts you love from the World of Warcraft universe. You fight using a deck of 30 cards and a hero to take down your opponent. Victories grant you new cards, in-game currency, and other prizes, and you can purchase card packs as well.

Honestly, if you’ve never tried a turn-based collectible card game, Hearthstone is the one to get you going. It’s fast-paced, it’s easy to pick up on, and it has AI options (including an adventure mode) to help you master your strategies before you attempt to take on human opponents. And you’ll need to be ready because according to Blizzard there are over 70 million human opponents ready to take you down. At least you can get some practice in your iPhone, too, as the iOS, Android, Mac, and Windows PC versions are cross-platform compatible.

System requirements: OS 10.9, 2.4 GHz Intel Core Dual Processor, 2 GB RAM, GeForce 9600, Radeon HD 5870, Intel HD 4000 or better, 15 GB hard drive space.

Art	Game	Genre	64-bit?	64-bit	API	M1 Support	Performance
	Hearthstone	CCD	Yes		Metal	Rosetta	Good

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Borderlands 3

Now, let’s talk about a game that’s less about strategizing and more about, well, causing mayhem—Borderlands 3. This isn’t just a game; it’s an over-the-top, shoot-everything-that-moves, loot-everything-that-doesn’t extravaganza. Set in a sci-fi universe that’s as colorful as it is chaotic, Borderlands 3 takes the looter-shooter genre to a whole new level of fun.

You get to choose from four new vault hunters, each with unique abilities and customization options. Whether you like sniping from a distance, getting up close and personal, or wreaking havoc with mystical powers, there’s a character for you. And the guns! Oh, the guns… they’re like the characters themselves, each with its own personality. Some talkback, some shoot rockets, and some… well, let’s just say they’re full of surprises.

System requirements: OS 10.12.6 and a machine that supports Metal, Intel Core i7 @ 4.2 GHz (4 core), 8GB RAM, AMD Radeon Pro 580 – 8GB VRAM, 75 GB

Art	Game	Genre	64-bit?	64-bit	API	M1 Support	Performance
	Borderlands 3	Shooter	Yes		Metal	Rosetta	Average

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Civilization VI

This turn-based strategy game invites you to pick a civilization from history – be it the Romans under Trajan or the Maori under Kupe – and lead it from the stone age to the space age. You’re not just a leader; you’re a visionary, a strategist, and sometimes, a tyrant. Each decision, from where to build your cities to which technologies to research, shapes the path of your civilization.

Civ VI stands out with its dynamic city-building system. Cities sprawl across the map with districts and wonders, making geography a critical factor in your development. The game’s strategic depth is immense, with a multitude of ways to achieve victory: cultural, scientific, military, or even religious.

The game really shines in its multiplayer mode. Negotiate trade deals or declare war on your friends, form alliances, or backstab your way to victory. The unpredictable nature of human opponents adds a layer of complexity and excitement that AI can’t match.

System requirements: macOS 10.14.6 (Mojave), Intel Core i5 2.7 Ghz, 6 GB RAM, GeForce 775M, 17 GB

Art	Game	Genre	64-bit?	64-bit	API	M1 Support	Performance
	Civilization 6	Strategy	Yes		OpenGL	Rosetta	Good

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Our Criteria

Games have a largely subjective aspect to them. You may love some games while I might prefer completely different ones. This is why we identified a set of criteria that every single one of our picks has to meet:

Native support: This should go without saying, but each and every one of the games mentioned here has to be officially supported on macOS and does not require Bootcamp or Wine. We’ve seen too many Top Games for macOS lists that feature Windows-only games…

macOS performance: There’s a plethora of reliable Windows-PC reviews, guides, and videos on the internet. However, they never acknowledge MacOS gaming. This is why our focus is always on the Mac performance of the games listed here.

Critical acclaim: Video games can be subjective, but to keep this guide as relevant as possible, we only consider proven games with positive reviews from both professional reviewers and average gamers.

Pricing: We all want quality, but pricing also plays an important role. We always keep in mind price tags and production value to give indies and AAA games equal chances. After all, we’re after games that are fun to play. Looks are important but fun gameplay is even more so.

Last updated: January 5, 2024

Last updated a long time ago, this guide was in need of love. This time around we:

• Removed Fortnite because of lawsuit shenanigans
• Removed Counter Stike Global Offensive because Valve wasn’t nice enough for CS2
• Added Civilization 6
• Added Borderlands 3
• Added Baldur’s Gate 3
• Added Minecraft

Bottom line: This guide has been updated to fully reflect the current state of our favorite Online Mac games!

Disclaimer: Some of the links above are affiliate links, which means that if you choose to make a purchase, I will earn a commission (this is how we pay the bills). This commission comes at no additional cost to you.