M1 Macs are revolutionizing the way we use computers. They come with great features that make everyday computing tasks smooth and efficient. However, if you’re a gamer, you could be facing compatibility issues when playing your favorite games on your M1 Mac. Many games still need to be updated to work correctly with the new architecture.
One of the biggest gaming platforms out there is Steam, and sadly, not every game in the Steam library is optimized for M1 Macs. Nonetheless, there are still some ways to play your favorite Steam games on your M1 Mac. In this article, we’ll show you some methods to get your Steam games running seamlessly on your M1 Mac.
Video Tutorial:
Why You Need to Play Steam Games on M1 Mac
Apple recently shifted its Mac line from Intel processors and began producing its own Apple Silicon processors with the M1 chip. The change means better and faster performance for many computing tasks, but it also creates incompatibility issues for many gaming platforms. Since the M1 architecture isn’t identical to Intel chips, some games are not fully compatible with Apple’s new line of computers.
However, Steam has been a top gaming platform for years, so a lot of gamers want to continue using it even on their M1 Macs. Hence, getting your Steam games up and running on an M1 Mac is a must for users who want to play the latest games on their computers.
Method 1: Use Steam’s Apple Silicon Beta Program
Steam’s Apple Silicon Beta program is among the best ways to play Steam games on your M1 Mac. Steam released a version of their app for Apple Silicon-based Macs, which allows these devices to run their games natively. This means that games will run much faster and smoother as compared to running them through emulation software.
Here are the steps to use Steam’s Apple Silicon Beta program:
1. Go to your Steam Library and select "Steam" from the top toolbar. Then select "Preferences".
2. In the Preferences window, select the "Account" tab and then click on the "Change…" button under the "Beta Participation" section.
3. A new window will appear. In this window, select "Steam Beta Update" from the drop-down list and click "OK".
4. Steam will now start to update itself to the beta version. Once it has finished updating, restart Steam.
5. In the main Steam window, click on "Steam" and then select "Check for Steam Client Updates". Make sure that the software is up-to-date.
6. Download or update your games as usual.
Pros:
– Apple Silicon optimized games will have better performance on M1 Macs.
– This method is effortless as Steam has done all the work for you.
– You’ll have native access to the latest features.
Cons:
– Not all games are currently compatible.
– Beta versions may have bugs or glitches.
– You may still need to try another method if Steam’s Apple Silicon Beta program doesn’t work for some games.
Method 2: Use Rosetta 2 Emulator
Rosetta 2 is Apple’s emulation software that’s built into all M1 Macs. It allows your M1 Mac to run software designed for Intel-based Macs, including Steam’s non-native games.
Here are the steps to using Rosetta 2 emulator:
1. Open Finder and go to "Applications".
2. Select the Steam app and right-click on it.
3. Click on "Get Info".
4. In the Steam Info window, check the box that says "Open using Rosetta" and close the window.
5. Launch Steam as usual.
6. Download or update your games as usual.
Pros:
– You can use this method for almost any game or app that’s not currently optimized for M1 Macs.
– The emulation isn’t noticeable or intrusive to the user.
– It’s a solid option if other methods don’t work.
Cons:
– Games may not be as optimized for the M1 architecture as the native versions.
– Performance may take a hit when using emulation software.
– Some games may not work at all with Rosetta 2.
Method 3: Use CrossOver
CrossOver is a compatibility layer that allows Windows-based software to be used on macOS. It’s a paid service ($39.95) and can be used to run Steam games that don’t run on M1 MacOS devices.
Here are the steps for using CrossOver:
1. Download and install CrossOver from their website.
2. Launch CrossOver and select the "Install Windows Software" option.
3. Search for Steam and select it from the list.
4. Follow the installation instructions and let the software download.
5. After installation, open Steam just like you would on a Windows-based PC.
6. Download your games and play!
Pros:
– CrossOver allows you to play games that may not be available on Mac devices.
– This method is more affordable than purchasing Windows and Boot Camp.
– CrossOver is designed to optimize games and apps for use on Mac devices.
Cons:
– This method requires purchasing a license.
– The performance of some games may not be as good as using native versions.
– Some games may not work at all with CrossOver.
What to Do If You Can’t Get Steam Games to Work on M1 Mac
If the above methods don’t work or your game still runs into issues, there are some things you may try:
– Check if the game’s developers have an M1 version of the game available. If they do, download it and play natively.
– See if the game has a cloud gaming service available like Google Stadia, GeForce Now, or Microsoft XCloud. Cloud gaming allows you to play games without the need for a high-performance computer.
– Consider running a virtualization software like Parallels or VMware. These software allow you to run other operating systems like Windows or Linux on your Mac. You can then run your Steam games on these virtual machines.
– Wait! Game developers are still working on getting their games optimized for M1 Macs. Keep checking for updates or ask around gaming community for solutions.
Bonus Tip
Make sure everything is up-to-date! Keep your drivers, Steam app, and games updated to ensure the best compatibility with M1 Macs.
5 FAQs
Q: Why can’t I download some games on my M1 Mac?
A: Not all games are optimized for M1 Macs yet. Check with the developers or forums to see if there’s an optimized version or if they’re working on it.
Q: Do I need to update my apps after switching to the Apple Silicon Beta program?
A: Yes! Make sure everything is up-to-date to ensure optimal performance with M1 Macs.
Q: Can I play games on Steam that require Windows computers?
A: Yes! By using CrossOver or a virtual machine like Parallels, you can run Windows-based Steam games on your M1 Mac.
Q: Will there be an M1 Mac-native version of all games?
A: It’s possible, but game developers need to update their games to be optimized for Apple’s new architecture. It’s a good idea to check with them or the forums for any updates.
Q: Which method is the best?
A: It depends. Using Steam’s Apple Silicon Beta program is the easiest and gives you access to the latest features. But if a game doesn’t work on your M1 Mac, other options like Rosetta 2 or CrossOver may work best.
Final Thoughts
M1 Macs are impressive machines. They provide better performance and are more power-efficient than their predecessors. As with any new technology, there are still some minor setbacks, like compatibility issues with certain software, but there are always solutions.
There are ways to get your Steam games up and running on your M1 Mac. Whether it’s through Steam’s Apple Silicon Beta program, Rosetta 2, or CrossOver, there’s something for everyone. Remember, keep everything updated and be patient while game developers work to optimize their titles for the new M1 architecture.