The new Mac games of 2019
The best so far (and coming soon)By Kirk Hiner & Ric Molina | Updated April 15, 2019
Sure, there’s the sheer quantity of new games released (did you know there are over 8,700 Mac games on Steam?) but what really has us excited is the high quality of the best Mac games of 2019 so far.
And you know what? The games planned for the remainder of the year are just as exciting.
PS: If you want even more top-notch games for your Mac, check out the 100 Best Mac games you can play today.
And as most “2019” guides cover older games too, we made sure this list is limited to games released in 2019 (with the exception of Leif Johnson’s excellent Mac games you need to play sreies). Enjoy!
Your Mac deserves more love!
It drives me crazy to see so many Mac users discard gaming because haters told them Macs can’t run games!
It is my mission to show you all the awesome games you can run on Mac (you too, MacBook users!). Just look at all the great Mac games from 2019 alone!
| Game | ★ Best Overall | Best for MacBook | Best Value |
| Genre | Role-Playing | Collectible Cards | Action |
| Release date | 2019 | 2019 | 2019 |
| Metascore | |||
| Our rating | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Requirements | Medium | Low | Low |
| Check Price |
Slay the Spire
Katana ZEROThe Rest of the Best:
Subnautica: Below Zero | Call of Duty: Black Ops 3 | Dawn of Man | Tannenberg | DUSK | DiRT 4 | Imperator: Rome | Rise of Industry
Divinity: Original Sin 2
Developer: Larian Studios
MacOS developer: Elverils
Metascore: 93
Up to four players can adventure together online or locally via split-screen, the AI has been updated to be even more devious, and exploration has been opened up to provide countless ways to interact with characters, animals and the environment.
One more thing… Featuring Touch Bar and iCloud support, this is the most advanced Mac port to date. Having the direct support from Apple’s own Metal team definitely paid off!
Expand to see if your Mac run it
Demand Level: 
Medium
System Requirements: A 64-bit processor, OS 10.13.6 High Sierra, Intel Core i5 Processor, 8 GB RAM, HD Graphics 5000 or Radeon R9 M290X, 20 GB hard drive space.
Slay the Spire
MacOS developer: Mega Crit Games
Metascore: 89
Slay the Spire contains over 250 cards, over 150 unique items to find and use in your quests, and an impressive host of unique encounters, boss battles, and events along the way. And if that’s not enough, the game’s custom mode allows hardcore players to mix and match various crazy-run modifiers.
Expand to see if your Mac run it
Demand Level: 
Medium
System Requirements: OS 10.9.5, 2 GHz Processor, 4 GB RAM, 256 MB Video RAM capable of OpenGL 3.0+ support, 1 GB hard drive space.
Katana ZERO
MacOS developer: Askiisoft
Metascore: 83
While clearly inspired by indies such as Hotline Miami or Monaco, Katana ZERO uses that same tried and true formula to deliver a gaming experience that is at a whole new level. With thoughtfully-designed levels and flexible combat abilities , this is a game you will probably finish more than once.
Expand to see if your Mac run it
Demand Level: Medium
System Requirements: OS 10.11, Intel Core i5 Processor, 4 GB RAM, Intel HD Graphics 530, 200 MB hard drive space.
Subnautica: Below Zero
MacOS developer: Unknown Worlds Entertainment
Metascore: NA
Of course, the fun is in the exploration, as Subnautica: Below Zero recreates a beautiful and massive undersea world for you to discover. Just remember, plenty of danger lurks in the beauteous depths.
Expand to see if your Mac run it
Demand Level: Medium
System Requirements: A 64-bit processor, OS 10.11, Intel Core i5 Processor, 8 GB RAM, Intel Iris Pro 650 or better, 15 GB hard drive space.
Call of Duty: Black Ops 3
Developer: Treyarch
MacOS developer: Aspyr Media
Metascore: 73
If you’re more into multiplayer, there are plenty of enhancements and new features on that side, as well. And even better, you can purchase the Multiplayer Starter Pack if that’s all you’re interested in.
One more thing… This confirms Aspyr‘s relationship with Activition is still alive and well (and hopefully will result in newer Call of Duty games on Mac!).
Expand to see if your Mac run it
Demand Level: Medium
System Requirements: OS 10.13.6, 2.3 GHz Intel Core i5 Processor, 8 GB RAM, 2 GB ATI Radeon M295X, 150 GB hard drive space.
Dawn of Man
MacOS developer: Madruga Works
Metascore: 74
That covers around 10,000 years of prehistory, but the needs will be familiar to sim fans: keep your people fed, sheltered, and safe from the elements and attacks while leading them towards the future.
Expand to see if your Mac run it
Demand Level: Medium
System Requirements: OS 10.11, 2 GHz Dual Core Processor, 4 GB RAM, 1 GB Video RAM, 2 GB hard drive space.
Tannenberg
MacOS developer: Blackmill Games
Metascore: 69
The battles on the eastern front of WWI are regarded as some of the most brutal in history, so prepare for some intense batlles in this multiplayer shooter from the developers of Verdun. Up to 64 players can engage via four-man squads on six massive maps that provide an impressive amount of tactical freedom.
Over 50 historically accurate weapons are available to the game’s Russian, Roumanian, Austro-Hungarian, German and Bulgarian troops, including the horrors of gas warfare. Tannenberg is definitely not for those who prefer dance moves and llamas in their multiplayer games.
Expand to see if your Mac run it
Demand Level: Medium
System Requirements: OS 10.11, 3.3 GHz Intel Core i5 Processor, 4 GB RAM, Geforce GTX 960M / Radeon HD 7750 or higher, 2GB video card memory, 8 GB hard drive space.
DUSK
MacOS developer: New Blood Interactive
Metascore: 69
DUSK gives you three distinctive campaign modes in which you’ll fight mystical backwater cultists, possessed militants and more, and plenty of ways to fight them, too: “…sickles, swords, crossbows, rifles, dual-wielded and double-barreled shotguns and incredibly necessary grenade and rocket launchers.” Of course, there’s arena multiplayer, too. It’s the ‘90s you remember.
Expand to see if your Mac run it
Demand Level: Medium
System Requirements: OS 10.11, 2.2 GHz Dual Core Processor, 2 GB RAM, 512 MB Video RAM, 2 GB hard drive space.
DiRT 4
Developer: Codemasters
MacOS developer: Feral Interactive
Metascore: 78
And with the new system called Your Stage, players can generate a countless number of unique stages with the press of a button. It’s even smart enough to generate routes based on your skill level. Career mode and daily, weekly, and month-long challenges will keep you racing for quite some time.
Expand to see if your Mac run it
Demand Level: Medium
System Requirements: A 64-bit processor, OS 10.14.5, 1.8 GHz Intel Core i5 Processor, 8 GB RAM, 1 GB NVIDIA GeForce GT 650M, 2 GB AMD Radeon R9 M290, Intel Iris Pro 5200 or better, 38 GB hard drive space.
Imperator: Rome
MacOS developer: Paradox Development Studio
Metascore: 81
Manage diverse populations, build up your military, choose your type of government, and invest in technologies that will help find your place amongst Alexander, Hannibal, Caesar, and other great rulers from the classical era. The deluxe edition includes additional army and ship models, on-map monuments, game events, and more.
Expand to see if your Mac run it
Demand Level: Medium
System Requirements: A 64-bit processor and operating system, OS 10.14, Intel Core i5 Processor, 8 GB RAM, 2GB Video RAM AMD Radeon R9 M380.
Rise of Industry
MacOS developer: Dapper Penguin Studios
Metascore: 67
Heavily inspired by classics such as Transport Tycoon, Anno, and Factorio, Rise of Industry will let you build and manage an empire in a procedurally generated world. Gameplay is broken into two modes: career and sandbox. In either mode, you’ll have to deal with things like permits, supply and demand, trade, and the very worst aspect of running a business: customers.
Expand to see if your Mac run it
Demand Level: Medium
System Requirements: A 64-bit processor and operating system, OS 10.14, 3.0 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo Processor, 4 GB RAM, 512 MB NVIDIA GeForce GTX 260 or ATI Radeon HD 5670 (does not support Intel Integrated graphics cards), 1 GB hard drive space.
Grab Thimbleweed Park for free on the Epic Games Store!
Usually $19.99, you can get this excellent adventure game for free:
| Filter by name | 2019 Best Mac Games | Filter by genre | Status | Free games only? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Oxygen Not Included |  Oxygen Not Included Available on Early Access, Oxygen Not Included is a space-colony simulation from the creators of Don't Starve and Mark of the Ninja.You’ll need to research the technology to combat hostile aliens, develop infrastructure, keep the colonists happy and sane, and—as is implied by the title—continue to provide the resources necessary for survival. With some careful planning (and a little luck), you may just help your colony thrive in this hostile environment. Available on Early Access | Simulation | Confirmed | |
| Tropico 6 |  Tropico 6 For the first time in the Tropico series you’ll be in full charge of multiple islands, offering all new challenges as you attempt to lead a life of luxury while keeping your citizens happy with...less.Tropico 6 keeps the series fresh by adding completely new infrastructure and transportation options, a revised research system that focuses on politics (steal what you can’t create), and the timely return of election speeches. “Address the people and make promises that you can’t possibly keep.” It’s pretty easy to get away with it, we’ve learned. Confirmed | Strategy | Confirmed | |
| Frostpunk |  Frostpunk Frostpunk is a city-building survival game set in a late 1880s where rampant snowstorms and frost led to the death of millions. You are amongst of a group of survivors—workers and engineers—who managed to locate a heat generator and are using to build a new city.You’ll need to harvest coal, wood, steel and food in this harsh environment in order to survive, but also keep your workers motivated and productive. The MacOS version of Frostpunk was about to be released when a critical bug was found. Hopefully, developer 11 bit studios is close to finding a fix and releasing Frostpunk on Mac soon. Confirmed | Strategy | Confirmed | |
| Shadow of the Tomb Raider |  Shadow of the Tomb Raider It would seem that in the countless Tomb Raider games we’ve played, we’ve yet to witness the moment when Lara Croft “becomes” the tomb raider. Well, that’s exactly what we’ll get to do when Shadow of the Tomb Raider is released for Mac by Feral Interactive.This latest entry in the series reboot finds Lara saving the world from a Mayan apocalypse, and she’ll need to survive a massive, deadly jungle to do it. Of course, there will be tombs, as well, along with deep, underwater tunnels and even an underground city. Confirmed | Action | Confirmed | No |
| Life is Strange 2 |  Life is Strange 2 A tragic accident forces two brothers on the run. Pursued by the police and dealing with powers they don’t fully understand, Sean and Daniel Diaz attempt to flee from Seattle to their father’s hometown in Mexico.Although the characters from the much-heralded original Life is Strange are gone, the overall tone and gameplay mechanics remain in this sequel. As Sean, you will be forced to make difficult decisions that not only affect your quest, but also the lives of those around you. Confirmed | Adventure | Confirmed | Yes |
| Total War: Three Kingdoms |  Total War: Three Kingdoms The Total War franchise continues its quest across time and the globe, this time stopping in ancient China. Fans can expect the same tried-and-true mixture of turn-based strategy and real-time battles as they set out to become emperor.Become one of 12 legendary warlords and build up your armies, technology, and economy through research, politics, and conquest. Do you have what it takes to create the next dynasty? If not, at least you’ll get to experience the best visuals and gameplay the series has seen yet. Confirmed | Strategy | Confirmed | No |
| In the Valley of Gods |  In the Valley of Gods There was a point not too long ago where it seemed every adventure game was set in either Egypt or Atlantis. If you miss those days, In the Valley of Gods returns us to a 1920s Egypt in the form of a first-person adventure.Playing as Rashida, you will explore an ancient valley in hopes of discovering an archaeological find that will restore your disgraced name. But does fame and fortune await you, or death? Fans of Firewatch will definitely want to keep their eye on this latest game from developer Campo Santo. Confirmed | Adventure | Confirmed | No |
| Overland |  Overland The apocalypse has come and gone, and now it’s up to you and a squad of survivors to carve out a life in what remains of North America. Or, more accurately, in what remains of a procedurally generated North America.This strategy game from Finji features randomly generated levels filled with difficult choices for you to make. Will you be able to make the right decisions on how to acquire and utilize fuel supplies, weapons, and more as you embark on your post-apocalyptic road trip? Find out when the game is released for Mac later this year. Confirmed | Strategy | Confirmed | No |
| System Shock |  System Shock System Shock is getting a series reboot from Nightdive Studios and they promise to maintain everything gamers loved about the original action/adventure game while providing a modern feel to attract a newer audience.This remastered version has the blessing of Warren Spector and Paul Neurath, both of whom were involved with the game’s original release back in 1994. The question is whether you’re ready to experience the horrors of awakening from a coma in a research facility now beset with mutants and mindless cyborgs. Confirmed | Shooter | Confirmed | No |
| Wargroove |  Wargroove Already shadow released for Mac in beta form, Wargroove is lovingly aimed directly towards fans of the early Fire Emblem and Advance Wars games.With support for up to four players, Wargroove pits you against other factions in retro, turn-based combat. In addition to the campaign mode, Wargroove includes an in-game editor that allows players to create their own maps, cut-scenes and campaigns to share online. Whether you want to create your own story or just change the game’s rules, Wargroove gives you complete control. Available in Beta | Strategy | Beta | No |
| Wasteland 3 |  Wasteland 3 If you’re among those waiting for a sequel to Wasteland 2, you can rest assured it’s on its way. From inXile Entertainment, Wasteland 3 will continue the RPG across the frozen ruins of post-apocalyptic Colorado.The squad-based RPG will feature turn-based combat, but with a revamped action system that aims to smooth out the gameplay. The developers also promise a return to their “trademark complex story reactivity and strategic combat.” It’ll also feature story-driven synchronous or asynchronous multiplayer, so a friend will be able to join you for the adventure. Confirmed | Role-Playing | Confirmed | No |
| Sable |  Sable Coming-of-age tales are becoming more common across the gaming landscape, but it’s not often that landscape is set on an alien planet. Such is the case with Sable, in which you join the titular character as she journeys across a desert planet on her hover bike to learn the story behind its ruins and monuments.She’ll meet various nomadic tribes along the way and assist with their quests in exchange for more information about the answers she seeks. Sable features some striking visuals that accent the harsh environment, so be sure to check it out. Confirmed | Adventure | Confirmed | No |
| Outer Wilds |  Outer Wilds Outer Wilds, the first ever game funded on Fig.co, is unique-looking open-world exploration game about a solar system trapped in an endless time loop. The game features fully simulated planets you'll need to explore in your search for answers.Problem is, you have only 20 minutes before your planet is destroyed. Similar to the cult-classic Zelda Majora's Mask, you'll need to use what you learn from every playthrough to eventually save the universe. Outer Wilds has been delayed beyond its planned 2018 release, but it looks to be worth the wait for adventure gamers. Confirmed | Adventure | Confirmed | No |
| Age of Wonders: Planetfall |  Age of Wonders: Planetfall This next entry in Triumph Studios’ Age of Wonders series takes its signature empire building and turn-based combat into outer space for the first time.The premise holds true to previous entries, however, as you’ll find yourself in a fallen galactic empire from which you must emerge to build a better future for your people. Whether you prefer the deep single-player campaign or the online, hotseat or asynchronous multiplayer options, you’ll have to decide whether to ride conquest, diplomacy, or “doomsday technologies” to victory. Confirmed | Strategy | Confirmed | No |
| Warcraft 3: Reforged |  Warcraft 3: Reforged Azeroth will be reborn when Warcraft 3: Reforged is released later this year. A re-imagining of 2002’s real-time strategy Warcraft 3: Reign of Chaos, Reforged will feature new visuals, a social component for multiplayer matchmaking, and plenty more.Orcs, humans, night elves and the undead will battle through vast campaigns with over four hours of reshot cut-scenes. Warcraft 3: Reforged offers over 60 single-player missions in which combatants and strategists can re-experience the fall of Lordaeron, the rise of the Lich King, and more. Confirmed | Strategy | Confirmed | No |
| Team Sonic Racing |  Team Sonic Racing We may not yet know much about Apple’s newly announced Apple Arcade, but we do know that Team Sonic Racing will be amongst the games available.This arcade racer lets you choose from 15 Sonic characters as you speed through intense, multiplayer tracks. Customize and upgrade your cars, pick up and use 14 offensive and defensive power-ups, and try to beat up to 11 other racers. Various multiplayer racing options will be available—including online and local co-op for team racing—as well as an adventure mode to introduce you to the characters and their abilities. Confirmed | Racing | Confirmed | No |
| Insurgency: Sandstorm |  Insurgency: Sandstorm This tactical first-person shooter is the latest shooter from New World Interactive. While the initially planned story mode has been dropped, we still can't wait to try the game's multiplayer mode.Complete with competitive matchmaking, a ranking system, and more, developer New World Interactive is putting all its eggs on online multiplayer. On top that, the game is being built with the Unreal Engine 4 so it should look great and play well on your Mac. Confirmed | Shooter | Confirmed | No |
| Fortnite: Save the World |  Fortnite: Save the World Believe it or not, Fortnite Battle Royal is just one mode in the Fornite package, the other being Save the World. Unlike the PvP action of Fortnite: Battle Royal, Save the World is the co-op, sandbox survival mode of Fortnite.Billed as a cross between Minecraft and Left 4 Dead, Save the World tasks players with working together to explore the environment, scavenge materials, craft weapons, and build forts to help fight off waves of monsters. Fortnite is available now via paid early-access, with the official release for all platforms scheduled for this year. Confirmed | Shooter | Confirmed | No |
| Phoenix Point |  Phoenix Point Phoenix Point is a new strategy game from the creators of the original XCOM. And like the XCOM reboot, Phoenix Point will offer tons of customization through soldier development and weapon research/modification.Battles will take place in procedural, destructive environments spread across a large number of diverse missions. Backer builds (alpha) are available now, allowing you to get some practice in before the game’s official Mac release later this year. Confirmed | Strategy | Confirmed | No |
| Griftlands |  Griftlands This rather unique sci-fi RPG is coming to us from Klei Entertainment, and as is implied by the title, Griftlands will have you negotiating money, loyalty and your own morality as you seek to make your fortune within the game’s flowing economy.A full cast of characters are available for you to control and set up as companions. These characters will also engage in turn-based combat where the goal is to subdue, not kill, them. Kind of a refreshing approach these days, really. Killing people can lead to mechanical repercussions down the road, and NPCs remember what you did to them in the past.” Confirmed | Role-Playing | Confirmed | No |
Native MacOS support
Obviously, the game has to run natively on macOS; no Wine, Parallels or Bootcamp needed.
Hype level
Here’s where we get more subjective, but rest assured each of these games has something very important going for it. It could be a much-anticipated sequel to a popular Mac game, it could be the developer’s name/pedigree, or it could be that we just really like the concept.
Regardless of the reason, we’re buying into the hype for each of these titles and agree they should be on your radar.
Confirmed Mac version
It’s always tempting to hype games that could, mayble, make it to MacOS. If a developer has always supported MacOS for all of its previous games, it should support MacOS for its latest game too, right? Not always.
For that reason, we prefer not to get your hopes up and only cover games that have been officially announced for Mac or directly confirmed to Mac Gamer HQ via email.
If you are enjoying (or waiting for) a new game that we didn’t cover here, be sure to let us know. We’re always on the lookout for the next big game!
Why is it that so many games have to do with violence? I’m not immune to them but, as a former military person, I’d rather see games that challenge my thinking like The Room series. Maybe I’m just too old but I find the majority of the games you have chosen to be boring and not worth the time.
I am now running a AMD VEGA 64 card on my 2009 Mac Pro tower and the graphics with metal 2 are great. Looking forward to new games that use Metal 2. Looks like later this year i will be upgrading to a 2019/2020 Mac Pro tower that should boost my computer processing. Can not believe that I got 10 years out of my Mac Pro tower and it is still running smoothly.