TL;DR – Methods to play Runescape
- Native macOS Port: Download Runescape via the Jagex launcher or Steam for a simple, lightweight experience on any Mac.
- Cloud Gamig with Boosteroid and GeForce Now: Stream Runescape through Boosteroid/GeForce Now to save space and access hundreds of other games with enhanced graphics and performance.
If you are in the mood for some old-school MMORPG, then you’ve got to try Runescape on your Mac. Recently, I felt notalgic and decided to give this old gem go on my MacBook and I was surprised at how easy and smooth everything was. The game has a native macOS port, but there are several other worthwhile solutions too that I will tell you about in this post.

Can You Play Runescape on Mac?
Yes, you can most definitely play Runescape on pretty much any Mac. As I said, the game has an official native port so you just need to go to its site and get it from there or, alternatively, get the game from Steam.
However, at MacReserach, we often use cloud gaming solutions for other games that aren’t as easily available for Mac systems, so I was curious to see if Runescape was available on any cloud platforms. Turns out you can stream this game through both Boosteroid and GeForce Now, giving you two extra options to play it on a Mac computer.
But why would you even consider that if the game’s already available natively, especially considering ho lightweight this game is? Well, a couple of reasons:
- To save space – Ruenscape isn’t a large game but if you are short on space, cloud gaming is a great way to save some storage free estate for more important stuff.
- Better graphics and performance – Runescape isnt’ particularly demanding, but some weaker/older Macs may still struggle to run it at maximum settings. Cloud platforms let you max out the graphics settings and still get premium preformance.
- Access to hundreds of other games, most of which aren’t native to Mac – this is by far the biggest appeal of cloud gaming. Subscribing lets you play not only Runescape but hundreds of other titles, many of which are very demanding and/or not natively supported for Mac.
Click here for a more detailed breakdown of all the methods.
Native | Boosteroid and GFN | |
Requirements | ≥ 15 Mbps Internet speed (Boosteroid) ≥ 25 Mbps Internet speed (GFN) | |
Must Own Game | Game is free | Game is free |
Supported game stores | Steam | Steam |
Setup Difficulty | 1/5 – 🍼 Child’s Play | 1/5 – 🍼 Child’s Play |
Time to Set Up | ~ 15 min | ~ 10 min |
Performance | 4/5 – this is a very lightweight game | 4/5 – near native experience |
Stability | 5/5 – very stable | 4/5 – only minor hiccups |
Now let’s move on to how to use those methods.
How to Play Runescape on Mac
Now let’s talk specifics. How do you actually get Runescape running on your Mac computer? If you re gong for the native version, there are two easy options – one is to download Steam, install it on your Mac and then download and install Runescape through it.
The other option is to get the Jagex launcher and download the game from it instead.
Both solutions are really simple and take very little time so whichever one you choose is fine.
But what if you want to use cloud gaming instead? Here’s how you can do that:

How to Play Runescape on Mac With Boosteroid
- 1.1Click the Boosteroid button above. Create an account or sign up with Google.
- 1.2Go to your profile page(top-right), click Subscribe, select a preferred plan, and start your subscription.
- 1.3Search for “Runescape”, choose your preferred version of the game (Steam, Epic, etc.) and click Play (or Install and Play).
- 1.4Click OK, Let’s go, and wait for the game to load.
- 1.5Log into your game store account. Runescape will launch directly in your browser.

How to Play Runescape on Mac With GFN
- 1.1Click the GeForce Now link → Join Now → sign up for your preferred plan.
- 1.2Go to the Downloads page. Download GeForce Now for macOS.
- 1.3Double-click the installer. Drag the app to your Applications folder.
- 1.4Launch GFN and log in.
- 1.5Click the menu in the top left → Settings → connect your respective game store account.
- 1.6Click the menu again → Games → search for Runescape, and click Play.
- 1.7Wait for the connection test. If you get a weak connection warning, you can ignore it by clicking Continue and still play the game.
- 1.8Wait for the game to load and start playing.
Runescape on Mac – Conclusion
Runescape on Mac offers a seamless trip down memory lane for MMORPG fans. The native macOS port, available via the Jagex launcher or Steam, delivers a straightforward, lightweight experience that suits most Macs.
For those seeking flexibility, cloud gaming through Boosteroid or GeForce Now provides compelling alternatives. These platforms save storage, enhance graphics, and unlock access to countless other titles, many unavailable natively on Mac.
Setup for both native and cloud options is effortless, with minimal time investment and reliable performance. Whether you prioritize simplicity with the native version or crave the versatility of cloud gaming, Runescape runs smoothly, catering to nostalgic players and newcomers alike.
Choose the native route for ease or embrace cloud solutions for expanded gaming horizons – either way, Runescape on Mac proves accessible, stable, and ready to rekindle your adventures in Gielinor without missing a beat.