To play Valorant on Mac, you will need a Mac with an Intel-based chip. There is no way you can play Valorant on the new M1, M2 or M3 Macs. That’s because the Valorant’s anti-cheat system is not compatible with any method used for gaming in new Macs.
If you try to run the game through Parallels desktop or Crossover, the Valorant will crash. In addition to that, Valorant is also not available on any Cloud Streaming service, like Bootsteroid or Geforce Now.
So, the only method is via BootCamp, which you can use to play Valorant on Macs with Intel processors.
Valorant has no official Native Support for Mac
Valorant, unfortunately, does not have native support for Mac devices. This means that players cannot download and install Valorant directly on their Mac machines. The game was specifically designed to be played on Windows, which restricts Mac users from accessing and experiencing the game.
Why It’s Impossible to Run Valorant on Apple’s M1 and M2 Chips?
Valorant implements a robust anti-cheat system called Vanguard, which is designed to ensure fair gameplay by preventing cheating and hacking. However, this anti-cheat system presents challenges when running Valorant on Mac M1 and M2 devices.
The system requirements and kernel-level components of Vanguard may not be fully compatible with any virtual software running on a new Mac, leading to potential conflicts and performance issues.
Here is the video where it is discussed that the only to play Valorant on Mac is on the intel system through Boot Camp:
How to Play Valorant on Mac: Intel-Based Systems
Follow the steps to play Valorant:
- Open Boot Camp Assistant, which can be found in the Utilities folder within the Applications folder.
- Follow the on-screen prompts to create a Windows partition on your Mac’s hard drive.
- Connect a USB containing a Windows installation file.
- Follow the on-screen prompts to install Windows on the newly created partition.
- Once Windows is installed, restart your Mac and hold down the Option key to choose the Windows partition.
- Install the necessary drivers and software for your Mac by following the on-screen instructions.
- Start Windows.
- Go to https://playvalorant.com/.
- Log in and start playing.
Maximizing Valorant Performance on Intel Macs
To ensure the best performance while playing Valorant on your Intel-based Mac, consider the following tips:
- Update your Mac’s operating system and graphics drivers to the latest versions.
- Close any unnecessary background applications and processes to free up system resources.
- Lower the in-game graphics settings to improve performance. This can include reducing the resolution, turning off shadows and effects, and adjusting other visual options.
- Adjust the mouse sensitivity and other control settings to your preference for a smoother gaming experience.
- Regularly clean and maintain your Mac’s hardware, including clearing out dust and ensuring proper ventilation.
By following these steps and optimizing your Mac’s performance, you can enjoy Valorant on your Intel-based system without any issues.
Alternatives to Valorant for Mac
While playing Valorant on the new Mac M1 or M2 may not be possible, there are several other exciting games similar to Valorant that Mac users can enjoy. Here are some popular alternatives to Valorant:
Counter-Strike
Counter-Strike is a highly popular multiplayer first-person shooter game that has been captivating players for decades. It offers intense tactical gameplay, where players engage in team-based matches to complete objectives. Available on Mac, Counter-Strike provides a competitive and immersive gaming experience.
Fortnite
Fortnite is a widely played battle royale game that has gained immense popularity across various platforms, including Mac. This free-to-play game lets players engage in fast-paced combat, build structures, and compete against others in a vibrant, ever-changing world.
Borderlands 3
Borderlands 3 is an action-packed first-person shooter game with a compelling storyline and a vast open world to explore. Mac users can dive into this thrilling adventure, team up with friends, and embark on epic quests in a post-apocalyptic setting filled with unique characters, weapons, and enemies.
Whether you prefer tactical gameplay, battle royale action, or immersive open-world adventures, these alternatives to Valorant for Mac offer a range of thrilling experiences. Give these games a try and indulge in the excitement of gaming on your Mac.
Final Thought: Can a Mac be used for Gaming?
Mac gaming capabilities have improved over the years, and with the release of powerful hardware like Apple’s M1 and M2 chips, Macs now offer better performance for gaming. However, it’s important to note there are games like Valorant that are not compatible to run on new Macs in any way.
Despite this, there is still a wide range of games through platforms like Steam, Epic Games Store, and Apple Arcade that can be played with no issues on the old and new Mac systems.
And, who knows in the future Valorant might be able to run on M1 or M2 Mac.
Additionally, the availability of game streaming services and virtualization software like Parallels Desktop and CrossOver further allows you to test and play many more Windows games on Mac.
While Mac devices may not be the go-to choice for hardcore gamers, they can still be used for gaming. With the right hardware, software, and game selection, you can get an amazing experience on Mac.