Top 35 BEST Steam Games For Mac

The best Steam games for Mac are often in the dark. Find out what to play next with our handy collection of tip-top titles.

The best Steam games for Mac are often in the dark, with people failing to realize them until late. However, the famed PC gaming platform is loaded to the brim when it boils down to versatility in choosing your next game to play. Coincidentally, this is right where we come in. In case you’re unsure regarding the top picks developers have curated for the famous Apple desktop operating system, keep on reading for the ultimate guide.

Key Takeaways
  • Counter-Strike Global Offensive: This multiplayer first-person shooter game is a very popular title that is for beginners as well as highly competitive players. Has a similar playstyle to Valorant, which, unfortunately, is not available on Mac.
  • Hollow Knight: This indie game is one of the games that have great gameplay, plot, graphics, music, etc. The game is not easy, as players will have to accustom themselves to the 2D graphics as well as the interactions in the game.
  • Borderlands 2: This first-person looter shooter game comes with stunning visuals, an extremely interesting story, great combat mechanics, etc. Has different classes to choose from, each of which has its own pros and cons. 
  • Inside: A 2D Platformer game that is not like your usual games. This game has a really impressive 10/10 rating on Steam. You will have to solve a plethora of different kinds of puzzles in order to progress, which makes the game extremely engaging and unique. 
  • Dying Light: Enhanced Edition: This Survival Horror Game has a vast world for players to explore. Not only will they have to go up against a truckload of zombies, but also humans as well. It has unique ways for you to traverse the world using parkour, making the game intriguing and fun for players.
  • The Walking Dead, Brawlhalla, Stardew Valley, and Dota 2 are some of the other Steam games available on Mac.

Here are our picks for top Steam Games On Mac In 2023:

GameAwardRelease DateDeveloperPlatform
Counter-Strike: Global OffensiveBest eSports GameAugust 21, 2012
ValvePC, macOS, GeForce Now, Xbox One, Linux, PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, and Classic Mac OS
Hollow KnightNAVGTR Award for Best Game DesignFebruary 24, 2017Team CherryPC, Linux, macOS, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, and Xbox One
Borderlands 2Best Multiplayer GameSeptember 21, 2012Gearbox SoftwarePC, PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, macOS, PlayStation Vita, Linux, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Android, and Nintendo Switch
INSIDEBest Independent GameJuly 7, 2016PlaydeadiOS, PC, Nintendo Switch, Xbox One, PlayStation 4, and macOS
Dying Light: Enhanced Edition
NoneJanuary 26, 2015
TechlandLinux, PlayStation 4, PC, Xbox One, macOS, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X and Series S
SubnauticaFan Favorite Indie GameJanuary 23, 2018Unknown Worlds EntertainmentmacOS, PC, Xbox One, PlayStation 4, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X and series S
Left 4 Dead 2Best Xbox 360 GameNovember 17, 2009ValveXbox 360, PC, Mac operating systems, and Linux
Cities: SkylinesNone10 March 2015Colossal Order Ltd.
PC, MacOS, Linux, Xbox One, PlayStation 4, Nintendo Switch, and Google Stadia
Return of the Obra DinnBest Art DirectionOctober 18, 2018Lucas PopeNintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, PC, and macOS
Life is Strange 2Best Narrative DesignSeptember 26, 2018DONTNOD EntertainmentPlayStation 4, PC, Xbox One, macOS, and Linux
The Walking DeadGame of the YearApril 24, 2012Telltale Games
Android, iOS, Kindle Fire HDX, OS X, PC, Nintendo Switch, Ouya, PlayStation 3, PlayStation 4, PlayStation Vita, Xbox 360, and Xbox One
BrawlhallaNominated for Best Competitive Game at Google Play Awards 2020October 17, 2017Blue Mammoth GamesmacOS, PC, PlayStation 4, Nintendo Switch, Xbox One, Android, iOS
TerrariaNoneMay 16, 2011Re-LogicPC, PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, PlayStation Vita, iOS, Android, Windows Phone, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X and series S, macOS, Linux, Nintendo 3DS, Wii U, Nintendo Switch, and Google Stadia
Stardew ValleyBest Independent GameFebruary 26, 2016Eric BaroneNintendo Switch, Android, PlayStation 4, macOS, Xbox One, iOS, Xbox Cloud Gaming, PC, Linux, and PlayStation Vita
DOTA 2eSport Game of the Year AwardJuly 9, 2013ValvePC, macOS, GeForce Now, Linux, and Classic Mac OS
CupheadBest Art DirectionSeptember 29, 2017Studio MDHR Entertainment Inc.Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, macOS, and PC
Rise of the Tomb RaiderXbox Game Of The YearNovember 10, 2015Crystal Dynamics, Microsoft Studios, and Square EnixPlayStation 4, Xbox One, Xbox 360, macOS, PC, Linux, and Google Stadia
Bioshock RemasteredBest GameSeptember 16, 2016Blind Squirrel GamesNintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, PC, and macOS
Euro Truck Simulator 2
The Sim of the Year 2012October 18, 2012SCS SoftwarePC, Linux, and macOS
MinecraftBest Downloadable GameNovember 18, 2011MojangPC, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS, iPadOS, Xbox 360, Raspberry Pi, Windows Phone, PlayStation 3, Fire OS, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, PlayStation Vita, Wii U, Apple TV, tvOS, Nintendo Switch, and New Nintendo 3DS
Portal 2Ultimate Game of the YearApril 19, 2011
ValvePC, Mac OS X, Linux, PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, and Nintendo Switch
Death Road to CanadaNoneJuly 22, 2016Rocketcat Games and MadgardenNintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, Android, iOS, Xbox One, PC, and macOS
Project ZomboidNoneNovember 8, 2013The Indie StonePC, Linux, and Mac operating systems
RimWorldIndie of the YearOctober 17, 2018Ludeon StudiosLinux, macOS, PC, PlayStation 4, and Xbox One
Bloons TD6NoneDecember 18, 2018Ninja KiwiAndroid, iOS, PC, and macOS
Slay the SpireNoneJanuary 23, 2019Mega Crit GamesPC, macOS, Linux, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, iOS, and Android
Half-Life 2Best Action GameNovember 16, 2004ValvePC, PlayStation 2, OS X, and Linux
Dead CellsBest Action GameAugust 7, 2018Motion TwinPC, macOS, Linux, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, iOS, and Android
Gary’s ModNoneNovember 29, 2006Facepunch StudiosPC, macOS, and Linux
7 Days to DieNoneDecember 14, 2013The Fun PimpsLinux, PC, Mac OS X, PlayStation 4, and Xbox One
Divinity: Original Sin 2 – Definitive EditionNoneSeptember 14, 2017Larian StudiosNintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, macOS, and PC
Metro ExodusBest International GameFebruary 14, 20194A GamesPlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, Google Stadia, PC, Mac OS, Amazon Luna, and Google Stadia
DiRT 4Best Racing GameJune 6, 2017Codemasters, Feral Interactive, and Codemasters SouthamPlayStation 4, Xbox One, PC, Linux, macOS
RustNoneFebruary 8, 2018Facepunch StudiosPlayStation 4, Xbox One, PC, Linux, and macOS
Batman: Arkham CityGame of the YearOctober 18, 2011Rocksteady StudiosPlayStation 3, Xbox 360, PC, Wii U, OS X, PlayStation 4, and Xbox One

When people tend to immerse themselves in the realm of gaming, they normally shoot for either console like the PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X or full-fledged gaming PCs.

You don’t hear anyone saying they’re going to purchase a Mac for gaming and rightfully so. That said, there is still a bevy of different games (and good ones) that you can download from Steam and get the ball rolling right away. 

Let’s dive right into our cherry-picked collection of the best Steam games for macOS with no further ado.

Best Mac Games on Steam

What entails ahead is a top 35 list of the most impressive titles you’ll ever get to pick up for your Mac on Steam. Be sure to read until the end for the best results. 

1. Counter-Strike: Global Offensive

Best Steam games to play on Mac
Counter-Strike: Global Offensive
  • Genre: Multiplayer First-Person Shooter
  • Developer: Valve 
  • Release Date: 21 Aug 2012
  • Game Size: 15 GB

If there’s any game that has tasted true popularity, you’re then probably looking at the likes of Counter-Strike: Global Offensive making the cut. In the case that you play Valorant on a Windows PC and are bummed over the fact that it’s unavailable on Mac, you’re surely going to love everything that this iconic first-person shooter has going for itself. 

This is a tactical title game that does take a substantial amount of time to completely master. For the purpose at hand, it would be fitting for you to check out our comprehensive CSGO guides to make the learning curve considerably adaptable to you. Counter-Strike: Global Offensive is definitely the title that you have to shoot at, in the case that you’re into FPS games. 

The fact that Counter-Strike: Global Offensive doesn’t cost a cent to play on the famed online platform, what we have here perfectly comes across as one of the best free FPS games on Steam for Mac

Pros:

  • CS: GO has a very large player base, which means that there is always a match available for you to join.
  • It has a thriving competitive scene, with professional teams and tournaments held around the world, which is perfect for players looking to test their skills.
  • CS: GO has a high replay value because you can continually play the game and improve your skills, making it a game that can be enjoyed for a long time.
  • There are several training maps included in CS: GO that allows you to practice your skills and improve your aim.
  • CS: GO is a popular e-Sport title, this adds an extra level of excitement for players who enjoy watching and following professional gaming.

Cons:

  • CS: GO has a high learning curve, which may be intimidating or frustrating for some players.
  • It can be very competitive and intense, which may not be enjoyable for players looking for a casual experience.
  • There is a risk of encountering toxic or abusive players in the online community.

2. Hollow Knight

Hollow Knight
Hollow Knight
  • Genre: 2D Platformer
  • Developer: Team Cherry
  • Release Date: 24 Feb 2017
  • Game Size: 9 GB

Hollow Knight is a distinct Metroidvania indie platformer that doesn’t take long to show off its unique brilliance. This fun-filled title isn’t your average sidescroller. Instead, it borrows the difficulty level from the famous Souls-like titles, which are FromSoftware‘s collection of front-running IPs.

You are in control of an insect-like knight wielding a sword called Nail. This armament is used to not only cut down foes of all kinds but also to interact with the environment in many ways. Everything from the very lore of Hollow Knight down to your run-ins with the bosses of the game is curated with perfection.

That is to say, Hollow Knight does not fail to tick off all the cornerstones of a near-perfect title when it genuinely comes down to it. Gameplay, plot, character development, graphics, music—no stone left unturned.  

Pros:

  • Hollow Knight’s gameplay offers an immersive and challenging learning experience for players.
  • The game’s unique 2D hand-drawn art style creates a dark and atmospheric world, with each boss fight showcasing its own character.
  • The map design in Hollow Knight is great.
  • An expertly crafted soundtrack enhances the game’s mood.

Con:

  • Hollow Knight is based around insects and bugs, which might not be for people with phobias about those creatures.

3. Borderlands 2

Borderlands 2
Borderlands 2
  • Genre: First-Person Looter Shooter
  • Developer: Gearbox Software
  • Release Date: 21 Sep 2012
  • Game Size: 22 GB

Borderlands 2 is quite arguably the best game in the franchise, offering new mechanics, better-than-ever visuals, and a combat system like never before. 

It allows players to embark on the most interesting of storylines the whole series has ever put out. Talk about never-ending chaos, destruction, and subsequent fun. Although you’ll find some parts of Borderlands 2 quite dated, to say the least, as each game has its fair share of hiccups too, the rest of the adventure is nothing but exceptional.

It’s possible to choose from four tip-top classes to start your journey with as a Vault Hunter. These characters include Salvador the Gunzerker, Zer0 the Assassin, Maya the Siren, and Axton the Commando. In addition, you also get to play as two extra DLC classes: Gaige the Necromancer, and Krieg the Psycho.

Each class boasts its own range of special abilities, perks, and upgrades. You can experiment with your playthroughs using different characters and zero in on the one that best suits your playstyle. Perhaps, Borderlands 2’s greatest success lies in the freedom it provides to players every step of the way.

4. INSIDE

INSIDE
INSIDE
  • Genre: 2D Platformer
  • Developer: Playdead
  • Release Date: 7 Jul 2016
  • Game Size: 3 GB

INSIDE isn’t your regular side-scrolling indie IP with straightforward gameplay and linear storylines. Instead, the game at hand is a literal work of art, putting the player through a deep-dyed storyline.

Having a brilliant 10/10 overall rating on Steam and positive reception in a bevy of other publishing magazines INSIDE is the best 2D puzzle platformer that you’re currently missing out on. What appears seemingly simple at first takes quite the U-turn when you make enough progress.

Regarding the plot of the title, you’ll stay webbed up in mysteries for the better part of the game, but it’ll all be worth it, provided how the underlying mystery sets the whole tone for INSIDE. Definitely one of the best puzzle Steam games on Mac if we’re being honest. 

5. Dying Light: Enhanced Edition

Dying Light
Dying Light
  • Genre: Open-World First-Person Survival Horror
  • Developer: Techland
  • Release Date: 26 Jan 2015
  • Game Size: 40 GB

Dying Light, being flat-out one of the best games ever made is utterly amazing at making one feel like the ultimate zombie hunter. Techland’s formerly front-running IP pits you inside a post-apocalyptic setting and a sprawling open world filled with lots to explore.

What makes the venture special is those itty bitty facets of Dying Light that seem nothing but curated to near perfection. When you combine the latter with some crisp free-roaming parkour gameplay, the amusement level is going to go through the roof without breaking a sweat.

You will be treading along a deep-dyed storyline filled with a myriad of twists and turns The protagonist of the game is called Kyle Crane and he’s in Harran trying to dig out the source of the infection. Overcoming all imminent threats and manifesting the free runner within you is the only way forward. Otherwise, Crane will too bite the dust as so many others have ever since the zombie infestation surged.

There’s just no sliver of doubt that the title in question is the best Steam game on Mac in the genre of zombies. Action-packed gameplay, a gripping storyline, surreal perks and upgrades to unlock, and highly enjoyable combat mechanics make Dying Light well worth the purchase. Feel free to get it without a second thought. 

6. Subnautica 

Subnautica
Subnautica
  • Genre: Open-World Survival Action-Adventure
  • Developer: Unknown Worlds Entertainment
  • Release Date: 23 Jan 2018
  • Game Size: 20 GB

At times, we need a refreshing break from all the guns blazing, guts flying, and head-exploding action. Getting away from the usual chaos often leads to the implementation of a newer perspective while giving you much-needed relaxation.

Subnautica helps you achieve that in a mesmerizing manner, unlocking an enormous underwater world for you to explore, survive, and then go on to conquer. The game starts off with a cutscene that shows how the protagonist makes a crash landing on an unknown territory where there’s no land, just the boundless ocean, and all its contents.

It’s not late until you realize that something about the environment is amiss. There’s something dark about the ocean planet that you’ve inadvertently set foot on. Don’t miss out on the thrill of Subnautica on your Mac—it’s just not worth it. 

7. Left 4 Dead 2

best steam games for macos
Left 4 Dead 2
  • Genre: First-Person Shooter
  • Developer: Valve
  • Release Date: 17 Nov 2009
  • Game Size: 13 GB

Left 4 Dead 2 isn’t for the faint of heart. It puts players inside a city swarming with zombies with zero motivation to see the light of the next day. It’s a classic first-person shooter title that came out way back in 2009 as a direct follow-up to the original Left 4 Dead.

The latter also made rounds across the spectrum when it first surfaced, promising a fun-filled co-op experience where up to 4 users can play together and take on the world. The game in question, therefore, follows suit and doesn’t take long to introduce you to it. Left 4 Dead 2 is bigger, better, and features a ton of more depth for an added gameplay experience.

As you get from Savannah to New Orleans, you’ll come toe-to-toe with horrors of all sorts, and some of them are going to punch a lot harder than the mindless undead. The focus here is on co-op play that takes the experience from one level to the next. 

8. Cities: Skylines

the best steam games for mac
Cities: Skylines
  • Genre: City-Building Simulator
  • Developer: Colossal Order Ltd.
  • Release Date: 10 Mar 2015
  • Game Size: 4 GB

If you’ve ever wanted to build a whole city, now’s your chance to take flight. Cities: Skylines is the most true-to-life city builder simulator you’ll ever get to play across the board. It’s dripping from head to toe with hours of fun and pleasure, not to mention the added challenge and all the pangs associated with developing a whole megalopolis.

Spot the difference in working efficiency between day and night and manage your role as the mayor of the city in this well-crafted simulator. You can even improve upon existing structures scattered all across the different zones of your city thanks to the game’s thorough integration with Steam Workshop

What happens to be one of the best simulation games for Mac on Steam truly indulges you in real-life scenarios. It’ll have you worrying about expanding the provision of basic necessities, such as water, electricity, healthcare, education, and even police to different zones of the city, making the simulator feel nothing but realistic.  

9. Return of the Obra Dinn

best games on steam for mac
Return of the Obra Dinn
  • Genre: First-Person Mystery Thriller 
  • Developer: Lucas Pope
  • Release Date: 18 Oct 2018
  • Game Size: 2 GB

A sensational piece of work is what best defines Return of the Obra Dinn. Chances are that you haven’t come across anything like what this game has going for itself ever before. We’re talking about a title centered deeply on exploration, and logical deduction.

It’s truly something that keeps you on the edge of your seat and pushes you to do better each time you sit down to play it. Feel free to check out the minimally colored game and see what dark secrets you unravel as you investigate the lost at-sea ship, Obra Dinn.

Surely, if you’re looking for some of the best mystery Steam games on macOS, don’t miss out on playing what you have here. Might as well grab it quickly off of Steam for $8.19.

10. Life is Strange 2

best single player games on xbox one
Life is Strange 2
  • Genre: Action-Adventure
  • Developer: DONTNOD Entertainment
  • Release Date: 26 Sep 2018
  • Game Size: 40 GB

Skip the guns-blazing action, open-world adventures, and hack-and-slash thrills for a minute and switch up your perspective to try something uniquely different for a change. DONTNOD Entertainment has genuinely done a number with their front-running series Life is Strange by following it up with a fantastic sequel.

The episodic adventure style of the title follows the tale of two brothers and how they escape their home due to a series of unfortunate events. The complete season of the game happens to be on sale at the moment, should you choose to grab it from Steam.

That way, you’ll be able to try out all five major episodes of Life is Strange 2 uninterruptedly, just the way the developers intended the fan base to play their most hopeful IP. The fact that the entire first episode of the game can be enjoyed without paying makes it one of the best free Steam games for Mac.   

11. The Walking Dead

best games on steam for mac
The Walking Dead
  • Genre: First-Person Action-Adventure
  • Developer: Telltale Games
  • Release Date: 24 Apr 2012
  • Game Size: 15 GB

The Walking Dead is preferably one of the most legendary games on the list, having been released a decade ago but still attributing to a phenomenal gaming experience. Don’t think of it as a regular title trying to be something it’s not. The game in question is a novel work of art that achieves what it sets out to do. Telltale Games is definitely one to praise for this IP.

It features 5 different episodes and can be collectively bought on Steam. However, if you’re after a more definitive experience, there’s always the Ultimate Steam Bundle that you can turn your head toward. The latter comprises all the different The Walking Dead games including spin-offs that you might have missed. 

From the overall gameplay to the very way the dialogues take place in The Walking Dead, you’re definitely looking at a high-quality title here. It’s one of the pioneers of storytelling titles where you get to make your own decisions instead of playing through a pre-determined plot. 

12. Brawlhalla

best steam games for mac
Brawlhalla
  • Genre: Fighting/Platformer
  • Developer: Blue Mammoth Games
  • Release Date: 17 Oct 2017
  • Game Size: 800 MB

We now have a free-to-play side-scroller to cast a lens on. Brawlhalla is expansive when it comes to being a fighting game. It features an ever-increasing roster of pickable characters with a surreal number of collaborations with your favorite video game and movie franchises. The call-back to some of those figures out there is truly heart-warming, especially if they turn out to be close to your heart.

Expect nothing but action-packed gameplay and the thrill of the rush as you pin your opponent down and kick them off the stage. The gameplay mechanics of Brawlhalla aren’t that hard to learn. It’s one of those games that are easy to pick up but hard to master. As you play and get better over time, you’ll find yourself pulling off sensational tricks and implementing a ton of versatility in your style of play.

With that said, what makes the title one of the best free Steam games for Mac is its sheer playability when you’ve got your squad together. Couch co-op is as awesome as it gets when Brawlhalla is in the room with each session being more fun than the previous one. In the case you happen to be a fan of fighting games, do not sleep on the platformer in question.    

13. Terraria 

best free steam games for mac
Terraria
  • Genre: Action-Adventure Platforming Sandbox
  • Developer: Re-Logic
  • Release Date: 16 May 2011
  • Game Size: 200 MB

Who says you can’t play great Steam games on a Mac? Terraria is out here proving a hefty ton of people wrong. Boasting randomly generated worlds where you carve your own destination and journey, players of this distinct sandbox venture have all the creativity in the world to meddle with. If you’ve been classing indie titles in your time, Terraria is going to feel no less than a blast from the past, but a pleasurable one at that. 

Explore, create, fight, defend, and dig your way through caverns, mines, tunnels and whatnot to fully discover all the diverse offerings of the well-established Re-Logic IP. It’s great to play with your kids, especially when things get challenging during boss battles and other set pieces. All the best Steam games for Mac are centered on being the most enjoyable than the rest of the titles, and Terraria is at the very top in that regard bar none. 

You may start with Terraria guides here. 

14. Stardew Valley

best games for mac steam
Stardew Valley
  • Genre: Simulation RPG
  • Developer: Concerned Ape
  • Release Date: 26 Feb 2016
  • Game Size: 500 MB

Stardew Valley is just pure fun, especially for gamers who are into farming simulators. You start out as a farmstead greenhorn who has just been handed their grandpa’s dusty farm plot. It’s now up to you to change the shape of your inherited property and restore the land of Stardew Valley back to its primal greatness. Raise animals in your field, harvest staples, get to crafting, and above all, raise those crops! 

The perfect match of customization, online play, and enticing new challenges all but define the fun gameplay of the title. It’s even possible to invite other players to your session and get them to help you on your journey. In addition, things don’t have to stay so formal as well. You can get married to a bachelor or a bachelorette, depending on your character’s gender, and not only raise farms but your own set of kids as well.

Here are guides to getting started with Stardew Valley. 

15. DOTA 2

DOTA 2
DOTA 2
  • Genre: RPG/Multiplayer Real-Time Strategy (RTS) 
  • Developer: Valve
  • Release Date: 9 July 2013
  • Game Size: 60 GB

Just like Brawlhalla, DOTA 2 doesn’t cost its players a dime to get the ball rolling apart from all the microtransactions it sports. This right here is one of the most iconic IPs to ever make it to the frontline of the gaming world. Otherwise known as Defense of the Ancients 2, the multiplayer RPG at hand has formed the face of the Esports industry, being included in the tournament after tournament on a day-to-day basis. 

Although some may express that DOTA 2’s gameplay has become stale and mundane, fans of the franchise or anyone who’s picking up the game for the first time will say otherwise. The real-time strategy title is still exceptionally fun to enjoy, especially on a Mac where hardware is the issue but you’re still looking for a sublime time online. 

16. Cuphead

the best steam games for mac
Cuphead
  • Genre: Run and Gun Shooter
  • Developer: Studio MDHR Entertainment Inc.
  • Release Date: 29 Sep 2017
  • Game Size: 4 GB

Cuphead is everything an indie developer can dream of. With a shocking number of zero bugs and glitches found throughout our personal gaming experience with the run-and-gun shooter, what we have here is as flawless as an IP can ever be. The title draws inspiration from back when things were simpler. Hallmarks of the 1930s are scattered all across the in-game level design with each stage being more painstakingly special than the next.

The protagonist of the game is called Cuphead—or Mugman if that’s your cup of tea. The poor utensil is just trying to pay back the debt that it owes to the devil himself. Some of the most prominent features of what happens to be one of the best arcade Steam games for Mac include mechanically curated cel animation, original jazz playback, and even a watercolor backdrop that instills a notion of novelty in the game.  

17. Rise of the Tomb Raider 

best games for mac on steam
Rise of the Tomb Raider
  • Genre: Action-Adventure
  • Developer: Crystal Dynamics, Eidos Montreal
  • Release Date: 9 Feb 2016
  • Game Size: 25 GB

If you just happen to be looking for one of the most prolific single-player campaign experiences on your Mac, dive into Rise of the Tomb Raider without a second thought. The penultimate game in the Tomb Raider franchise happens to be no less than genre-defining, putting the player through their paces as they take the steering wheel of Lara’s story and make her become the ultimate version of herself. 

The action-packed gameplay of the action-adventure title is superseded only by its gripping storyline and terrific visual fidelity. The way that Rise of the Tomb Raider grants so much freedom to its players makes it possible to use the in-game environment to your advantage. Wrestle down bears, sneak up on enemies, and uncover the chilling secret of the Lost City of Kitezh. There’s never a dull moment with this one, we can assure you that.

The good news is that despite being a high-quality AAA-grade title, the well-received Tomb Raider title happens to be compatible with older versions of macOS as well. Therefore, you’re genuinely looking at one of the best Steam games for Mac Catalina here with a $20 price tag on the famed PC gaming marketplace. We recommend purchasing the 20-Year Celebration version to get the Season Pass as well for the same cost.  

18. Bioshock Remastered

the best steam games for mac
Bioshock Remastered
  • Genre: First-Person Shooter
  • Developer: 2K Boston, 2K Australia, Blind Squirrel, Feral Interactive
  • Release Date: 16 Sep 2016
  • Game Size: 25 GB

Bioshock series is an incredible joyride filled with all kinds of sentiments and thrills, we are the first title in the franchise as the best of the bunch, especially for aspiring Mac users who’d like a taste of entertaining brilliance on their desktops.

It is a first-person shooter that blends RPG and stealth elements together and snowballs them into a video gaming masterpiece. The story begins when the main protagonist—Jack—wakes up from a plane crash and finds himself landing in the unknowns of the Atlantic Ocean. You then proceed to swim to a nearby lighthouse and access a secret entrance leading to an untold underwater city called Rapture.

What it offers to the gamer sitting on the other end of the screen is far superior to most in-game philosophies of today. Everything from the mere atmosphere of the title right down to the plot is nothing but alluring in Bioshock Remastered. This is, after all, the remastered copy of the popular FPS. Features like 4K resolution support right along with high-resolution textures are at the forefront of the game.    

19. Euro Truck Simulator 2

best games on steam for mac
Euro Truck Simulator 2
  • Genre: Driving Simulator
  • Developer: SCS Software
  • Release Date: 18 Oct 2012
  • Game Size: 12 GB

Euro Truck Simulator 2 has received its fair share of negative criticism across the spectrum, but don’t let a few bad words fool you into mistaking the title as nearly inadequate. Major gaming publishing magazines from all over the world refer to the title as nothing but genre-defining.

Given all the intricacy involved, the driving simulator at hand raises the bar for this novel category of games and just gets the ball rolling with it. Prepare to sit back, relax, and drive across the country to transport different cargo. It’s all about the journey and how it lets you unwind. 

You start out small but soon begin to manifest your own fleet of trucks for both driving local and long hauling. It’ll soon be imminent to purchase garages, get new drivers on the team, and engage with your brand to make a bustling name. There’s just something special about Euro Truck Simulator 2 that you have to try out.  

20. Minecraft

best free steam games for mac
Minecraft
  • Genre: First-Person Sandbox 
  • Developer: Mojang Games
  • Release Date: November 8, 2011
  • Game Size: 1 GB

Of course, how could Minecraft miss this list, being the most successful video game franchise of all time? The game that we have here is dripping with playability from top to bottom, and there’s just no shortage of the things you can accomplish roaming around in a Minecraft world.

It’s exceptionally inclusive for a game that’s focused on blocks for building. You can actually formulate a wide variety of stuff in this sandbox simulation. From castles and buildings ideas to farms and villages, the sky is the limit when Minecraft is in question.

That said, the game can get pretty demanding in Survival Mode. You need to have a house or a shelter of some sort to make it through the night and carry on exploring. Many players get tired of living and surviving in the same house repeatedly. If you’re looking to switch that up, we’ve compiled a list of the best Minecraft house ideas for you to check out.

This expansive list will comprise several types of house ideas, such as modern, cool, small, and cute ones. Impaling the limits that video games typically put on creativity levels, this first-person sandbox title has seemingly amounted to a gigantic user base. You can virtually build anything as per your preference in the game with the only thing limiting being your own imagination.

Thankfully, Mac users can enjoy Minecraft through Steam without breaking a sweat. You have to give the game a go, at least once.

21. Portal 2

the best steam games for mac
Portal 2
  • Genre: First-Person Puzzle Shooter
  • Developer: Valve
  • Release Date: 19 Apr 2011
  • Game Size: 8 GB

Advancing the write-up is nothing but one of the best puzzle Steam games for Mac, guaranteeing a thrilling experience that puts you through your paces minute after minute. By taking inspiration from the original award-winning constituent of the Portal franchise, this second iteration in the series is bigger and better in every sense.

You can purchase the title off of Steam for no more than $5.49. It’s a must-play in case that you’re after story-driven action with a host of new characters, puzzling elements, and alluring new gameplay. There’s even a whole set of editing tools included in the base game that lets you design your own levels and share them with others.   

The best part is that Portal 2 can be enjoyed in a thorough two-player co-op play. Embark on a tale that boasts its own engrossing story with state-of-the-art physics and true-to-life music. An extensive range of challenges await you in the follow-up title of the first Portal, so make sure you don’t skip a beat in testing it out. 

22. Death Road to Canada 

best steam games for mac
Death Road to Canada
  • Genre: Indie, Road Trip Simulator
  • Developer: Rocketcat Games, Madgarden
  • Release Date: 22 Jul 2016
  • Game Size: 60 MB

Let’s roll back on the intensity of things for a moment and talk about what happens to be one of the best Steam simulation games on Mac. What we have here is definitely a wild one in terms of its cutthroat gameplay, action-packed motor sequences, and a ton of exciting combat options. 

Death Road to Canada is well-established in the sense that it doesn’t bore players out. You’ll always find something new to claw at every time you hop onto the title. Otherwise, you might as well get bored of the indie title which is definitely not the case. 

In Death Road to Canada, you’ll certainly find a ton of depth and variety in terms of facing off with your foes. From what we can gather, more than 500 zombie types are introduced in-game where you’re free to choose how to deal with the opposing party.  

Lastly, there is a special way to craft your own character in the title, one where you stay in total control over the various characteristics that make up an individual. 

23. Project Zomboid

best games on steam for mac
Project Zomboid
  • Genre: Open-World Isometric Survival Horror
  • Developer: The Indie Stone
  • Release Date: 8 Nov 2013
  • Game Size: 5 GB

Project Zomboid is a venture like no other, pitting you against hardcore zombie survival in a massively modifiable sandbox. The title has garnered a commendable reputation on Steam thanks to the various customizability options that it features on the go within its working interface. It’s quite astounding—the game’s focus on realism.

The consistent player-run servers pave the way for aspiring zombie hunters to play together with up to 4 different players. Moreover, the game supports local split-screen multiplayer just as well in case you ever get a squad of your buddies all under the same house. 

What we have here is definitely one of the best zombie Steam games for Mac that you have to try out at least once. Pushing through hordes of zombies with the ingrained swarm mechanics of Project Zomboid with crafting and looting features is just too much fun for a gamer to sleep on.  

24. RimWorld

RimWorld
RimWorld
  • Genre: Sci-Fi Colony Simulator
  • Developer: Ludeon Studios
  • Release Date: 17 Oct 2018
  • Game Size: 1 GB

Some of the best Steam sci-fi games on Mac can’t compare to what RimWorld has going on for itself. With an “Overwhelmingly Positive” average review score on the famous PC gaming platform, the sci-fi colony simulator at hand is popular for being extremely addictive. This could become your favorite game to play on your Mac.

A bevy of reasons is out there in support of that statement. The story generator playstyle of the title allows complete control in the hands of the player. Build a colony of your own, rescue people from calamities, and manage your people all by yourself. Partake in relationships and scavenge for food and other supplies. 

Several different terrains are available for the player to start building their next home in. The best part is that RimWorld isn’t just about building, managing, and surviving. Combat mechanics are huge in the game and you’ll have to fight pirates, rabid animals, monstrous insects, and whatnot in this otherwise terrific Mac Steam game.

25. Bloons TD6

Bloons TD6
Bloons TD6
  • Genre: Tower Defense 
  • Developer: Ninja Kiwi
  • Release Date: 18 Dec 2018
  • Game Size: 2 GB

Bloons TD6 is nothing crazy—just a fun take on what would happen if all the balloons in the world become sentient and go wild. Assemble your team of supercharged monkeys to obliterate the onslaught of these gas-filled blimps. 

We love how the gameplay of Bloons TD6 can get so intense at one point, especially when you start advancing to higher levels. It’s certainly one of the best strategy Steam games on Mac to try, costing 50 cents short of $6 on the retail platform

26. Slay the Spire

best steam games for macos
Slay the Spire
  • Genre: Deckbuilding, Rogue-Like
  • Developer: Mega Crit Games
  • Release Date: 23 Jan 2019
  • Game Size: 1 GB

Slay the Spire is the only deckbuilding game on the list—a genre that’s distant from what players usually prefer. The developer Mega Crit Games claims that it fused rogue-like elements with the title to bring forth the most mesmerizing card game to the table, and many users would certainly see eye to eye here. 

Catchy visuals, a compelling storyline, and a hefty girth of powerful abilities, spells, and cards to unlock make Slay the Spire, a graceful video game. In fact, we would go as far as calling it one of the best card Steam games on Mac to experience personally.  

27. Half-Life 2

best games for mac steam
Half-Life 2
  • Genre: First-Person Shooter
  • Developer: Valve
  • Release Date: November 16, 2004
  • Game Size: 6.5 GB

Half-Life 2 is straight up one of the most iconic macOS games on Steam. It traces its release back to 2004 which was right when everyone was gearing up to create the best IPs in the industry. The first Half-Life that came out back in 1998 is followed up directly by the sequel. 

Everything from the gameplay right to the level design of the enthralling FPS is curated with a lot of thought. The storyline follows the action-packed journey of Gordon Freeman—a research scientist who inadvertently unleashed hell upon Earth in the form of aliens. Embark on the epic storyline as you save the world and the ones near and dear to you. 

28. Dead Cells 

Dead Cells
Dead Cells
  • Genre: Rogue-Like 2D Platformer
  • Developer: Motion Twin
  • Release Date: 7 Aug 2018
  • Game Size: 500 MB

Dead Cell is an experience like no other, daunting the most seasoned players and pushing them to the extreme with its profound level of added difficulty. Forget about saving points and all that basic stuff. Set foot on an epic platformer tale and immerse yourself in the best 2D platforming action around. 

In case you find yourself playing side-scrolling titles time and time again, you’ll definitely love all that Dead Cells has to offer. It features an ever-changing castle with dynamic elements that make short work of mundane, boring narratives. Just make sure you’re able to withstand all the challenges for the best results.  

29. Gary’s Mod

the best steam games for mac
Garry’s Mod
  • Genre: First-Person Sandbox Shooter
  • Developer: Facepunch Studios
  • Release Date: 29 Nov 2006
  • Game Size: 5 GB

Garry’s Mod, or GMod, is old—we admit—but in the case that you haven’t given it a shot before, you’re definitely missing out. This is no singular game with a certain plot to follow or an objective to pursue. It’s basically where you let your creativity take the steering wheel and go to work in a playground oriented around object manipulation. 

The game puts you inside a zone and provides you with a plethora of tools, contraptions, and maps to experiment with. Create your own characters, join two polar opposite objects together in silly combinations, and play with random people online to have the time of your life. As far as the best sandbox Steam games on macOS are concerned, Garry’s Mod takes the cake. 

30. 7 Days to Die

best steam games for macos
7 Days to Die
  • Genre: First-Person Open-World Shooter
  • Developer: The Fun Pimps
  • Release Date: 14 Dec 2013
  • Game Size: 15 GB

7 Days to Die isn’t your regular zombie looter-shooter title with a surreal number of flying guts and ungodly gore. Instead, this open-world venture is a unique take on zombie apocalypse survival since you’re not tasked with doing something in a monotonous way.

A blend of different game styles is introduced in the title, such as exploration, building, crafting, mining, and focusing on character growth. You’ll be indulging in tower defense mechanics, crafting for survival, and combating your way out of zombie-controlled zones to enjoy 7 Days to Die rigorously.

The Fun Pimps’ front-running IP is rated quite high on multiple platforms as well, so you know you’re diving into a well-reputed title here. The first-person shooter thrill combined with building your very own indestructible fortress that’s inclusive of traps is sheer adrenaline. 

In addition, what makes 7 Days to Die one of the best zombie Steam games on Mac is its capacity to enable couch multiplayer. Players can enjoy split-screen gameplay and let loose in the zombie-ridden world together. Teamwork makes the dream work and that’s exactly what you’ll be incorporating into the title

Do let us know whether you try it down in the comments section. 

31. Divinity: Original Sin 2 – Definitive Edition

Divinity: Original Sin 2 – Definitive Edition
Divinity: Original Sin 2 – Definitive Edition
  • Genre: Turn-Based RPG
  • Developer: Larian Studios
  • Release Date: 14 Sep 2017
  • Game Size: 20 GB

Divinity: Original Sin 2 – Definitive Edition is one of the best RPG Steam games for macOS you’ll ever get to experience. The title features a diversity of classes, each with its own unique range of skills and abilities, and the freedom to let you make novel discoveries on the fly. 

If you’re sporting a 4K monitor with your iMac setup, you’d be delighted to know that the game has support for 4K resolution. Experience the best visuals in the business and play with up to 4 players either online or through split-screen multiplayer. In addition, the gameplay of the title is flat-out solid with plenty of variety to experiment with.

There’s even the factor of height that comes into play during the gameplay of Divinity: Original Sin 2, not to mention the bevy of inclusive skills that you have to master in order to get the better of your enemies. In case, you ever get tired of playing through the campaign, use the Game Master Mode to create your own levels.    

32. Metro Exodus 

the best steam games for mac
Metro Exodus
  • Genre: First-Person Survival Shooter
  • Developer: 4A Games
  • Release Date: 14 Feb 2019
  • Game Size: 59 GB

Set in 2036, Metro Exodus pits players in a war-torn world with mutated beasts hungry for blood. The protagonist of the game has already made survival on his own fighting godforsaken creatures and losing his loved ones in the prequel, but now, he’s bringing the fight to the monsters without hesitation. 

Gigantic, non-linear levels are a huge part of what made Metro Exodus famous in the first place. Utilize what you can from the materials gathered and scavenge your way to glory in this tip-top first-person shooter. The spectacular journey entailed by Exodus makes you go through post-apocalyptic Russia, which is a treat on its own to experience on your first play-through. 

Terror lies around the corner each time you set out to hunt for supplies and prepare your armament to proceed with the mission. The gist of it is that you need to get across your current location and search for a new life in the eastern stretch of the continent. Definitely one of the best survival horror Steam games on Mac

33. DiRT 4 

best steam games for mac catalina
DiRT 4
  • Genre: Offroad Racing Simulator
  • Developer: Codemasters
  • Release Date: 6 June 2017
     
  • Game Size: 50 GB

DiRT 4 is one of the finest racing games on Steam for Mac that you can pick up today and start shifting gears with. It features a comprehensive variety of different challenges, race tracks, activities, and a campaign slash career mode as well. 

Choose from hundreds of true-to-life vehicles and put your driving skills to the test in this thriller of a title. Interact with the vibrant social community in-game, form driving groups, and clash it out with your squad as well. There’s never a time when DiRT 4 would feel any less like a real racing simulator than a terrific Steam game to try on a Mac. 

34. Rust 

Rust
Rust
  • Genre: First-Person Survival Shooter, Indie
  • Developer: Facepunch Studios
  • Release Date: 8 Feb 2018
  • Game Size: 25 GB

Rust is synonymous with the word “survival” as the only thing you’re going to do be doing in the game is alive primarily. Experience a breathtaking open world teeming with dangers of all kinds, including human and non-human. The live-service adaptation has allowed Rust to push through 8 years of content.

The latter provides a sliver of authenticity with the title, not to mention it being high-reputed on Steam as well. Survive the environment, kill whoever proves to be a threat, hunt animals, and basically live to see the light of another day. Rust is vicious, unforgiving, and savage—all of which that makes it even more enticing. 

35. Batman: Arkham City

best steam games for mac
Batman: Arkham City
  • Genre: Third-Person Action-Adventure
  • Developer: Rocksteady Studios 
  • Release Date: 7 Sep 2012 
  • Game Size: 17 GB

Batman: Arkham City is no less than a gorgeous experience teeming with a rollercoaster of emotions. It’s a wonder that a game of this stature has been ported over to macOS with a 64-bit upgrade, so Mac users can finally witness the Caped Crusader delivering blow after blow with his fists of justice to all the criminals of Gotham City. 

Step into the utility boots of Batman in this fantastic action-adventure title from a third-person perspective. You’ll witness the series’ most epic villains as you go along the vile stretches of Arkham, including Mr. Freeze, the Joker, and even the Penguin. None of them, however, will be able to outsmart the World’s Greatest Detective. 

The game is a direct sequel to Batman: Arkham Asylum—another iconic title and actually the first in the series. Arkham City features open-world gameplay and has Batman flying through the landmark in his surreal Batsuit. We pity those who haven’t experienced what happens to be one of the best action Steam games on Mac already. 

Takeaway

Apple’s macOS is a highly optimized operating system that’s quite distant from Microsoft Windows in terms of functionality and overall layout. It’s one of the world’s most popular Unix-based software that fuels the tech giant’s vast array of computers, laptops, and desktop PCs. Millions of people rely on Macs to get their work done and keep the flow of productivity going, provided the speed, skill, and swiftness of these sleek devices. 

However, if there’s one thing where Macs falter and are just not good at, it’s all about running games and catering to the needs of a die-hard gaming fan.

There’s just an earth-shattering difference between experiencing a AAA title on a Mac and attempting to do the same thing on an equally priced Windows PC. The latter is hailed as the go-to device of choice when it cuts down to being at the forefront of the whole gaming enterprise. 

We’ve included games of all genres—sci-fi, dungeon-crawling, shooter, RPG, hack-and-slash, and even action-adventure, so you should be all set for a good while.

Do let us know in the comments section whether you found this article useful for your cause. As always, eXputer wishes you good luck! 

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Moiz Banoori.


Having worked at various Video Game sites, coupled with 7 years of Content Writing Experience. I presently monitor teams, create strategies, and publish qualified pieces through my aptitude.

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