Can You Play Anno 117 on Mac?

Short answer: yes, but not natively – and it takes a bit of creativity. Anno 117 has no Mac version at launch, which isn’t surprising given Ubisoft’s track record. Still, I was determined to get it running, so I spent a weekend testing every workaround I could think of, and here’s what stood out.

• First up: Boosteroid. This cloud gaming service is honestly the most balanced option I tried. It’s come a long way, offering a stable experience and a decent price, especially if you’re eyeing 4K streaming without breaking the bank. There’s a catch though: fewer server locations compared to some competitors, so depending on where you are, latency could be an issue.
• Then there’s GeForce Now, the biggest fish in the cloud-gaming pond. It has tons of servers worldwide, the largest streaming library, and crazy specs – up to 4K and 240 FPS, which is overkill for most of us. But there’s the price. GFN is a bit pricier than Boosteroid, and frustratingly, it doesn’t always carry newly released AAA titles right away.
• As for Bootcamp, this is an honorable mention. It works only on Intel Macs, and let’s be real – most of those machines don’t have the GPU/CPU muscle for a modern title like this. That said, if you’re rocking a powerful iMac or a Mac Pro, it might be worth a shot.

Finally: I tried CrossOver, Sikarugir, and a few other local tools on my M1 and M2 machines. Let me save you the time – they didn’t work. Not even with hacks, tweaks, or crossed fingers. I’ll dig into why later in the article, but for now, cloud gaming is the way to go if you’re on Apple Silicon.

Now let’s move on to how to use those methods.

How to Play Anno 117 on Mac

Now that I’ve figured out which methods actually work to play Anno 117 on a Mac, let’s get into the details. I’ll walk you through each option step by step, starting with the cloud services and ending with the more experimental setups. Whether you prefer streaming or tinkering with local tools, I’ve got you covered. I tested everything myself – so these aren’t just theories, they’re real results. Pick your method, follow along, and let’s get you playing.

Anno Pax Romana on Mac – Performance

Let’s talk performance, because all workarounds aren’t created equal. I put each option through its paces – Boosteroid, GeForce Now, and even some doomed local experiments – to see how Anno 117 actually plays on a Mac.

This section is for anyone who cares about frame rates, latency, visuals, and overall smoothness before committing. Whether you’re gaming on Apple Silicon or clinging to a high-spec Intel Mac, I’ve broken down exactly what to expect. Let’s see what held up and what fell flat.

Streaming Anno 117 on MacBook With Boosteroid and GeForce Now

When I fired up Anno 117 on Boosteroid, I was pleasantly surprised. With a steady 25 Mbps connection, the stream ran beautifully in 4K, and honestly, that’s a rare find at this price point. Input lag was barely noticeable, though I did make sure I was on Ethernet and not Wi-Fi – latency matters. The only thing to watch out for is server proximity; if you’re far from their data centers, ping might creep up.

Then I moved over to GeForce Now, and sure, it’s the veteran here. The setup was easy, and having servers practically everywhere helps on consistency. GFN also delivered smooth gameplay at high FPS, though getting 4K meant paying a premium. Both services require you to own the game on a platform like Steam and log in, but that’s a small price for the convenience.

The bottom line is that cloud gaming is a serious win for Mac users, especially for a game like this.

Download Anno 117: Pax Romana on Mac With BootCamp – Is it Even Worth It?

Whenever I talk about Bootcamp, I treat it as the nuclear option rather than the default. Looking at the Windows requirements, it’s pretty clear Anno 117 definitely wants a legit gaming PC, not a thin-and-light laptop from 2017.

In theory, a high-end Intel iMac with a discrete GPU or an old Intel Mac Pro could muscle through on lower settings, maybe targeting 1080p with medium presets. But most Intel MacBooks, especially those with weaker mobile GPUs, would probably struggle or thermal-throttle pretty quickly.

And remember, I’m not just guessing here: running modern AAA games natively on Intel Macs has always felt like pushing hardware slightly outside its comfort zone. That’s why I still see cloud gaming as the more realistic path for most Mac owners.

My Attempts to Play Anno 117 on Mac With CrossOver and Sikarugir (Failed)

I also went down the rabbit hole of trying to get Anno 117 running locally with CrossOver and Sikarugir, and that… did not go well. I could install the game just fine, but it simply refused to launch. No splash screen, no error message worth chasing, just nothing happening after I hit play.

I tried different bottles, different settings, DirectX tweaks, the usual ritual of toggling random options and hoping for magic. Same result every time: launcher works, game doesn’t. From what I’ve seen and heard from other Mac players, I’m definitely not alone here.

To be fair, I don’t think this means CrossOver or Sikarugir are hopeless for this game forever. Realistically, Anno 117 is new, complicated, and demanding. I fully expect those tools to catch up with patches and new compatibility layers.

But right now, if you’re on macOS and just want to play, these methods are a frustrating dead end. Honestly, that’s why I shifted my focus back to cloud options: I’d rather actually build cities than babysit wine prefixes.

If you enjoy tinkering, you might still want to experiment, but I’d treat that as a side project, not your main plan at least for now anyway.

Anno 117: Pax Romana on Mac – Conclusion

In the end, playing Anno 117 on a Mac is totally possible, just not the way I’d prefer. There’s no native support, local tools like CrossOver or Sikarugir currently fail, and Bootcamp is a niche option for a handful of powerful Intel machines.

For most people, cloud gaming is the sweet spot. Boosteroid gave me the best overall balance, while GeForce Now impressed with sheer muscle and infrastructure. None of this is as clean as clicking “Install” in a Mac store, but it does mean I still get to lose hours building Roman cities on my Mac, which feels fantastic.

The post Play Anno 117 on Mac appeared first on MacResearch.org.

Can You Play Cities Skylines 2 on Mac?

So, here’s the short version: Yes, but with some caveats. There’s no native Mac version of Cities: Skylines 2. Doesn’t matter if you’re on an M1, M2, Intel, whatever – it’s just not supported. But I wasn’t ready to give up that easily. There are ways to get around this, and I’ve tested them all.

• Let’s start with Boosteroid. This is a cloud gaming service that streams the game to your Mac, and honestly, it’s the option I ended up sticking with. It’s stable, the image quality is solid, and pricing-wise, it beats GeForce Now – especially if you’re looking to play in 4K. It doesn’t have as many servers worldwide, but I didn’t really notice major issues.
• GeForce Now is another cloud option. Very similar to Boosteroid, but it’s more expensive. You do get high-end features like 4K and 120 fps if your internet can handle it, but Boosteroid gives you almost the same for a lot less money. So while GeForce is still valid, Boosteroid just makes more sense.
• Then there’s Boot Camp – the old-school, local way. But it only works on Intel Macs, and even then, you’ll need a seriously powerful one with a dedicated GPU. Honestly, for most Intel users, I’d skip Boot Camp and just go cloud.

More on each method next.

Now let’s move on to how to use those methods.

How to Play Cities Skylines 2 on Mac

If you’re wondering how to actually get Cities: Skylines 2 running on your Mac, this is the part where I walk you through each method I tested. No fluff, no guessing – just real steps based on what actually worked for me. Whether you’re leaning toward cloud gaming or thinking about digging up an old Intel Mac for Boot Camp, I’ll break it all down so you know exactly what to expect going in.

Cities Skylines 2 on Mac – Performance

If you’re the kind of person who wants to know how each option actually performs before diving in, this part’s for you. I tested every method on my own Mac and paid attention to the stuff that really matters – input lag, visual quality, frame rate, and general stability.

This should give you a clearer picture of what to expect in real-world use, not just on paper. Hopefully, it helps you figure out which method fits your setup best.

Streaming Cities Skylines 2 on MacBook With Boosteroid

I tested Cities: Skylines 2 on both Boosteroid and GeForce Now, and honestly, both worked surprisingly well on my Mac. Boosteroid stood out for me, mainly because 4K support is included in all plans without needing to pay extra.

I used a wired Ethernet connection and kept my ping under 20 ms, and the game felt smooth, responsive, and visually sharp. Load times were quick, and I didn’t run into any weird stuttering or disconnects.

GeForce Now also ran the game really well. I tested it at 1080p and 4K, and performance was solid – especially with their premium tier. But the higher cost for 4K and longer queues on the free tier made me lean more toward Boosteroid overall.

Both required me to log into my Steam account to access the game, and both supported my controller right away. So yeah – two great options, but Boosteroid ended up being the better fit for me.

Download Cities Skylines 2 on Mac With BootCamp – Is it Even Worth It?

I tested Cities: Skylines 2 using Boot Camp on a 16-inch Intel MacBook Pro (2019) with an i9 processor and Radeon Pro 5500M GPU. It actually ran the game decently at medium settings, and I was hitting close to 60 FPS in most situations. The cooling isn’t perfect – it gets loud and warm fast – but it held up well enough during my tests.

Most Intel Macs without a discrete GPU just aren’t built for this. Some higher-end iMacs or Mac minis might handle it, but anything below that will struggle. Boot Camp works, but the setup is clunky, and you’re stuck inside Windows.

Unless you already have a powerful Intel Mac sitting around, I’d say cloud gaming is the better path. It’s simpler, more stable, and it works even on older machines without any extra setup or stress on your hardware.

Cities Skylines 2 on Mac – Conclusion

After testing everything, here’s where I landed: Cities: Skylines 2 isn’t made for Mac, but that doesn’t mean you can’t play it. If you’re on an Intel Mac with serious specs, Boot Camp can work – but it’s clunky and not ideal.

For everyone else, cloud gaming is the way to go. Boosteroid gave me the best overall experience without overcomplicating things or breaking the bank. GeForce Now is solid too, just pricier.

Either way, it’s totally possible to enjoy this game on a Mac – you just need the right setup. Hope this helped you figure out your best path forward.

The post Play Cities Skylines 2 on Mac appeared first on MacResearch.org.

Yes, we are huge fans of the original, so we made sure to get the sequel as soon as it hit the Steam shelves. And what’s great about it is, just like the first game, FP2 has a native macOS port for Apple Silicon Macs, which makes playing it that much easier.

In the next lines, we’ll tell you more about the available options to play Frostpunk 2 on an Apple machine, the performance you can expect from it, and then we’ll also share our review of the title. Let’s get going!

Can You Play Frostpunk 2 on any Mac?

Frostpunk 2 is supported for macOS but, sadly, you can’t play it on any type of Mac, at least not natively. As we mentioned, the game has a port for Apple Silicon Macs, so, technically, any model with an M1, M2, or M3 chip should be able to run it.

However, if you are on an older Intel-based Mac, you won’t be able to play the game natively on it, even if the machine meets the minimum system requirements. In such cases, you’ll need to resort to methods such as cloud gaming or Bootcamp – we’ll tell you more about those in a bit.

Frostpunk 2 Mac Requirements and Performance

The official Frostpunk 2 Mac requirements state that it’s enough to have an Apple Silicon Mac with 8 gigs of memory to be able to run it. In other words, according to this information, all Apple Silicon Mac models in existence should technically be able to run this game.

But of course, performance matters. Although FP2 isn’t the most graphically demanding game of 2024, the sheer number of stuff happening on the screen (especially towards the late game) can put quite a bit of strain on a computer’s ability to process graphics.

So how do Macs fare? Quite well, actually. We ran our first test on a modest M1 MacBook Air with 8 gigs of memory and the game ran with acceptable performance (which really surprised us). Sure, we used low graphics and the FPS stayed around 40, with sub-30 FPS drops, but it was still a nice surprise to see that a relatively weak Mac could pull this off.

Then we also tried the game on an M2 Max MacBook Pro with 32 gigs, and we got around 80-85 FPS while using high settings. And even when we set everything to Ultra, the game remained playable at around 40 FPS.

In other words, FP2 is pretty well optimized for Macs, so, as long as you have an Apple Silicon machine, you can definitely play it with almost no hassle.

We say almost because there seem to be some bugs in the later game according to users who’ve been playing it more than us. We haven’t reached that part of the game yet, and we bet that the folks at 11 Bit Studios will have fixed those bugs by the time we do.

How to Play Frostpunk 2 on Mac?

There are about four ways to play Frostpunk 2 depending on what Mac you have. Downloading the game from Steam and the Mac App Store are the two most obvious ones, but then there’s also the option to use cloud gaming.

And if you are on an Intel Mac, you can’t just download the game because it lacks support for Intel-based models. You can still use cloud gaming in such cases, but you can also run the game through Bootcamp, as we’ve explained below.

How to Download Frostpunk 2 on Mac and Play It Locally

The most obvious way to play Frostpunk 2 is to simply get the Steam client app for Mac (if you don’t already have it), install it, and then download the game through it. The other option is to download the game from the Mac App Store, as it’s also available there.

As we said, any Apple Silicon model is able to run it, but the performance will vary depending on the specific Mac. M Pro and Max chips provide great performance, but the base M1, M2, and M3 chips will understandably struggle to run the game with very high FPS.

But if you have an M1 or M2 MacBook Air and still want to run the game with high graphics and FPS, there’s a way. You can use cloud gaming, as we explain next.

Play Frostpunk 2 on Mac with Cloud Gaming

Cloud gaming platforms stream the game to you over the web from a powerful gaming rig where the game is running. You control everything from your Mac, but the machine is doing none of the heavy lifting. This is great if you are on a weaker Apple Silicon Mac or if you are using an Intel-based model, for which FP2 isn’t supported.

How to Play Frostpunk 2 With Boosteroid

Boosteroid is one of the more popular cloud gaming solutions at the moment and we’ve used it many times to stream various games to our Macs. Frostpunk 2 just got added to its library, so we decided to give it a try via Boosteroid and see how it performs. As per usual, the streaming quality was steady, with only minor hiccups, and we were consistently getting smooth gameplay.

We were using Boosteroid’s 4K/120 FPS plan with an Internet speed of 50 Mbps and latency of around 40 ms. With this Internet, the game looked crisp, and the gameplay was responsive, with an almost unnoticeable delay, which is more than ideal for a slower-paced, but graphically rich game such as Frostpunk 2.

If you want to try the service for yourself to play this game, this is how to set it up:

1. Click the provided link above to go to Boosteroid and to get yourself a new account. Note you can also sign up with your Google account, which we find to be the more convenient option.
2. Click your profile icon (top-right), then click Subscribe, choose a subscription plan and period, and provide the required payment details to begin the subscription.
3. Select the search icon from the top, type Frostpunk 2, and click Play under the version of the game that you own (Steam or Xbox).
4. You must click OK, Let’s Go, wait for Boosteroid to connect you to one of its servers, and then enter your Steam username and password to start.

The game will begin shortly and you can start enjoying it through the Boosteroid platform.

Pro Tip for Boosteroid: If you want to get even better streaming quality, we recommend going to your Boosteroid profile, clicking on Applications, and downloading the macOS Boosteroid client for your respective type of Mac (Intel or Apple Silicon).

Install the client, launch it, log in, and start the game in it – this will generally provide an even smoother stream, which is especially beneficial if your Internet isn’t very fast.

How to Play Frostpunk 2 With GeForce Now

GeForce Now is the other super popular cloud streaming platform. It’s comparable to Boosteroid and also provides great streaming performance. It also has a free plan (albeit very limited) and has two other subscription options: a 1080p/60 FPS one and a 4K/240 FPS plan.

We were quite satisfied with GFN’s performance when running Frostpunk 2 through it, so we can recommend it too. Here’s how to use it if you are interested:

Currently, GeForce Now is the only cloud platform to provide access to the game. Here’s how to use it to stream Frostpunk 2 to your Mac:

1. First and foremost, purchase the game from Steam. That’s currently the only version of Frostpunk 2 that’s supported in GeForce Now.
2. Next, get registered on the GFN site and choose a subscription plan. There’s a free plan option, which has several limitations, but is great to get a feel for the platform and decide if it’s worth it for you.
3. Go to the Downloads section of the GFN site and download the platform’s Mac client.
4. Install the app, open it, and log in.
5. Search for Frostpunk 2, select it, and click Play.
6. Your Internet will be checked. You need at least 25 Mbps speed and less than 50 ms latency for a decent GFN stream with 1080p/60 FPS. If your Internet doesn’t meet the requirements, you can still play, but expect a choppy stream and image degradation.
7. Once the Internet check completes, start the game.

Before FP2 starts, you’ll have to log in to your Steam account. Once this is done, the game begins.

Helpful tip: If your Internet isn’t great, try going into the GFN client’s settings and playing around with the Streaming Quality options.

How to Play Frostpunk on Intel Mac Using Bootcamp

If you have a decently powerful Intel Mac (at least 16 gigs of RAM and 4 gigs of VRAM), you can still download and play Frostpunk 2, but you’ll need to first use Bootcamp to install Windows in a separate partition. Here’s the process to do this:

1. Download a Windows 10 ISO file (64-bit) from this Microsoft page.
2. Find and launch the Bootcamp Assistant tool located in Applications > Utilities.
3. Follow the prompts and once you get to the partioning screen, click the file selector, and load the now downloaded ISO file.
4. Drag the dot to give the Windows partition at least 80 gigabytes, but leave no less than 15-20 gigs for the Mac partition.
5. Click Install > Continue, and once the Mac restarts, follow the installation prompts. At the Product Key screen, just choose the “I don’t have a product key” option to continue.
6. Start the installation and wait patiently for it to complete. Then proceed through the Windows personalization steps to finally boot into the new OS.

At this point, you just need to install Steam and use it to download the Windows version of Frostpunk 2. Then you can launch the game and play it as if you are on a Windows PC.

Frostpunk 2 Reviewed by a Mac Gamer

Ah, Frostpunk 2, a sequel so ice-cold and heartless it makes your ex look like a Care Bear in comparison. 11 Bit Studios is back, and this time, they’ve decided that keeping one city alive in an arctic apocalypse wasn’t enough of a logistical migraine for you. No, now they want you to juggle multiple cities, manage factions, play politics, and still somehow find time to defrost your underpants. Welcome to Frostpunk 2, where every decision you make feels like being stuck between a rock and an even icier rock.

Same Snow, Bigger Nightmare

So here we are again, freezing our collective nethers off in a world that’s basically Mother Nature’s way of flipping the bird at humanity. The first Frostpunk was about keeping a tiny, shivering city alive by making tough choices like whether to keep your generator running or turn it into a nice little bonfire for burning books and children’s toys. You know, the essentials. In Frostpunk 2, that’s all child’s play. Now you’re not just dealing with one city; you’re dealing with a whole network of them, each as dysfunctional as a family Christmas dinner with all the drunk uncles.

The game is no longer just about building your city in a cozy circle around a generator like some kind of post-apocalyptic igloo. Now it’s all about sprawling out in every direction, slapping down districts like you’re playing a dystopian version of SimCity. But don’t get too comfortable—your city still has the structural integrity of wet tissue paper, and every decision feels like it’s one bad winter storm away from crumbling like a soggy biscuit.

Building the City of Tomorrow…Today, With Extra Suffering

Frostpunk 2 ditches the tight, cozy, generator-centric design of the first game for something more expansive, more open, and infinitely more likely to make you want to punt your computer out the window. The game is now tile-based, which means you clear away ice like you’re scraping frost off your car windshield just to make room for new districts. Want to place a food production area? Make sure it’s near some food tiles. Want to stick your research lab in a wind-protected nook? Great, just remember that no matter where you put anything, someone’s going to be cold, starving, or rioting because they didn’t get their daily ration of thin gruel.

You’re not just huddling together for warmth anymore; you’re spreading out, threading your city’s tendrils across the landscape like some sort of industrial octopus. You can now build railways, roads, and pipes all over the frozen wasteland, turning the world into an intricate web of infrastructure and misery. It’s all about maximizing efficiency, but don’t worry—you’ll still manage to screw it all up anyway. Build too many production facilities near housing, and you’ll have to deal with complaints about pollution and noise, as if your citizens didn’t already have enough to whinge about.

Now With Extra Politics, Because Why Not?

Ah yes, politics—the final nail in the coffin of what’s left of your sanity. Frostpunk 2 adds a faction system because apparently managing a frozen hellscape wasn’t complex enough. Now, you’ve got groups of citizens with their own beliefs, demands, and the kind of insufferable entitlement usually reserved for trust fund kids. They’ll constantly ask you for things like better living conditions or, you know, basic human rights, which is a lot to ask when you’re barely keeping everyone from turning into human popsicles.

Enter the council system, a new mechanic that brings all the fun of government bureaucracy straight to your desktop. Your council meets regularly to vote on important matters, like how to handle civil unrest or what flavor of ice to use in your citizens’ daily beatings. You’ve got to negotiate with faction leaders, butter them up, and maybe even bribe them to get what you want. Of course, the moment you make a promise you can’t keep, they’ll turn on you faster than a toddler in a toy store when you tell them they can’t have the big red fire truck.

Every vote, every decision, every law is a minefield of conflicting interests. One faction wants to focus on expanding your territory and exploring the wasteland; another wants to keep everything safe and secure back home, and yet another thinks the best way to deal with the cold is to make sure the babies grow up learning what it feels like to have frostbite. Basically, imagine trying to please a crowd of screaming toddlers while simultaneously spinning plates and avoiding a falling chandelier. It’s that, but colder.

The Multi-City Nightmare

But wait, there’s more! Because managing one city isn’t enough of a hassle, Frostpunk 2 lets you manage multiple cities at once. Oh yes, now you’ve got a lovely little collection of outposts and colonies to keep alive, each with its own problems, needs, and increasingly ridiculous demands. If you’ve ever wanted to experience the feeling of trying to juggle flaming swords while riding a unicycle on a tightrope, Frostpunk 2 has you covered.

Establishing trade routes between cities, maintaining supply lines, and dealing with external threats—all while your citizens are getting colder, hungrier, and more rebellious—is an experience that can only be described as “character building.” By which I mean it’s the kind of character building that leads to drinking heavily and wondering why you thought this game would be a good idea in the first place.

Performance: Running Hot, Looking Cold

The game looks fantastic—cities expand across the frozen landscape with a level of detail that’s genuinely impressive. Watching your settlements grow from a few scattered huts to a sprawling industrial nightmare is oddly satisfying, assuming you can look past the fact that everything is perpetually covered in a light dusting of human suffering. But all that detail comes at a cost. Even on a beefy rig, the game can chug like it’s had one too many on a Friday night, with frame rate dips that make you wonder if your PC is quietly begging you to stop.

Final Thoughts: More Pain, More Gain

In the end, Frostpunk 2 is like the original, but turned up to 11 on the “How Much Can We Screw with the Player” dial. It’s bigger, more complex, and much, much colder. It’s not just about keeping the heat on anymore—it’s about keeping your entire society from tearing itself apart at the seams while balancing the needs of multiple cities, managing factions, and trying not to lose your mind in the process.

It’s ambitious, brutal, and filled with moments of sheer panic that make the original look like a cozy winter getaway by comparison. If you liked the first game’s combination of strategy, survival, and soul-crushing decision-making, you’ll find plenty to love here—along with a few new wrinkles and probably a lot of gray hairs. Just remember to keep a bottle of aspirin handy, because Frostpunk 2 doesn’t just challenge you; it actively mocks you for daring to think you could handle it.

The post Frostpunk 2 on Mac appeared first on MacResearch.org.

Manor Lords is the new indie sensation that players just cannot get enough of, as it offers them a perfect blend of city building and realistic medieval strategy. Seeing how interested people are in this game, we wondered if it is playable on our Macs. Quite predictably, just like many other PC titles, Manor Lords is not natively playable on macOS. But that didn’t stop us, so we researched a little bit and came up with some viable alternatives.

The Manor Lords Mac Methods That We Tested

There are three viable Manor Lords Mac methods –  the GeForce Now cloud gaming solution, emulation via CrossOver and the good old Boot Camp. We put each method to the test and will discuss our findings further down the page. However, you can directly try them out by using the instructions below.

Playing Manor Lords on Mac with GeForce Now: How good is the Cloud Gaming Experience?

With GeForce Now, you can avoid the typical macOS compatibility problems and stream Manor Lords straight to your Mac. This service is especially useful because it doesn’t require complicated setups or downloads – all you need is a reliable internet connection with a speed of at least 15 Mbps. In our testing, we used a Chrome web browser and the native macOS cloud gaming app of GeForce Now, and we had great performance, with a latency of 40–50 ms and an internet speed of 25 Mbps. The game streamed at 60 frames per second with 1080p resolution, and offered us a smooth gaming experience. 

The stream occasionally became choppy, but this was mostly caused by momentary internet fluctuations. So, overall, we had a very good Mac gaming experience with Manor Lords on GeForce Now and, for us, this is a simple and efficient way to play the game. 

Our Manor Lords Mac OS Experience With CrossOver

CrossOver allows you to run Manor Lords directly on your system by translating game code to something that macOs can understand. Here’s how our experience went down with this setup: 

We installed the Steam version of Manor Lords on an M1 Max MacBook Pro. To get the game to run smoothly, we set up CrossOver to emulate Windows 11 and turned on DirectX translation layer. With this configuration, we were able to play Manor Lords at a 2K resolution and 50–60 frames per second while maintaining high settings. We played for about five hours, during which we ran into some stability problems, most notably four crashes, but they appeared to be connected to an in-game bug involving the location of the marketplace on the map. Putting these hiccups aside, the overall gameplay was entertaining and captivating, and the game functioned smoothly.

Manor Lords on Mac via Bootcamp

Finally, we tested the Boot Camp method for Manor Lords on Mac using a 2020 Intel MacBook Pro with 16 GB of RAM. In case you are unaware, Boot Camp is a software that enables you to partition your Mac’s hard drive for the purpose of installing and operating Windows. After we did that on our Mac, we were able to play on Medium at roughly 50 frames per second thanks to our system configuration. The MacBook did start to heat up after playing Manor Lords on Boot Camp for a little while longer, even though the gameplay was fluid. The keyboard became uncomfortably warm, and the fans began to run loudly.

In spite of that, Boot Camp worked as a workaround to run Manor Lords on Macs with Intel processors. Thus, if your Intel Mac is powerful enough, you can use this method to play Windows games with good performance.

Are there other Manor Lords Mac methods and do they work?

One well-known virtualization program that lets users run Windows on macOS is called Parallels. But even with our best efforts, we couldn’t run Manor Lords using this method because of the game’s DirectX 12 requirements, which aren’t supported by Parallels right now.

If you are looking for more cloud gaming options, Manor Lords is not yet available in the Game Library of Boosteroid but, considering the multiple requests by users, it is on the short wishlist and may be added anytime soon. Given that this cloud gaming provider offers excellent service quality in the US and Europe, it might be another great alternative.

As far as local gaming alternatives are concerned, some users on reddit have shared that they have succeeded to play Manor Lords through Whisky, which is free and open-source software developed on the same platform as Crossover.

Will Manor Lords be on Mac?

At the time of this writing, there is low likelihood of seeing an official release of Manor Lord’s version for Mac anytime soon. The primary reason behind it is that it is a one-developer project and there are limited resources to port the game to other operating systems, including Mac. However, you just learned that this does not mean you cannot play Manor Lords on your Mac. Whichever method you choose, the game will run well and smoothly, so you should not doubt its performance just because there is no official support.

The post 3 Ways to Play Manor Lords on Mac – Our Experience appeared first on MacResearch.org.

How to play Against The Storm on Mac

Against The Storm is a captivating game set in a rain-drenched, mystical world that isn’t directly available for Mac users. But that didn’t stop us from finding ways to play it on our macOS devices. We explored and tested different methods to bring this intriguing city-building game to the Mac platform and our research led us through various solutions, from using software that mimics Windows on a Mac to trying out cloud gaming services. Here, we share our experience and findings in a simple, easy-to-understand manner for fellow Mac gamers who are eager to experience the engaging gameplay of Against The Storm on Mac despite the absence of native support.

Against The Storm Mac Methods That You Should Try

If you’re excited to jump into the world of Against The Storm, worry not, as we’ve gathered all the nifty ways that helped us play it on Mac, conveniently located just below. Each method comes with a simple, step-by-step tutorial, so you can easily get into the action.

Against The Storm on Mac with GeForce Now

When searching for ways to play non-native games on a Mac, our initial destination is often cloud gaming platforms. These platforms provide a workaround that allows us to access and play the game on our web browser through the power of cloud computing, without installing the game or worrying about whether it is compatible with our Mac.

For streaming Against The Storm on Mac through GFN, the service required an internet speed of 25 Mbps, which we covered, therefore, we went straight into the action. Our streaming experience was quite smooth overall, consistently achieving 1080p resolution and 60 FPS, as promised by our chosen plan. However, we noticed that when our internet connection was unstable, GFN would automatically reduce the game’s image quality to keep the gameplay smooth. While this feature is intended to maintain a steady frame rate, we found the decrease in image quality to be a bit too drastic for our liking, so we disabled this option from the GFN app’s settings.

A point to consider with this method is that using GFN does require a subscription. While there’s a free plan available, it limits gaming sessions to one hour and often places you in long queues before you can start playing. Due to these limitations, we opted for the paid subscription to ensure a better gaming experience.

Is Against The Storm for Mac playable with any local gaming solutions?

After we had some fun with the cloud solution, we tested Against The Storm for Mac using Parallels, a popular virtualization software that allows you to run Windows on macOS. Our testing was done on a 2020 MacBook Pro with an M1 chip and, in our experience, the game ran smoothly, with minimal issues. We played at a resolution of 1920×1080, and the game maintained a stable frame rate of around 40-45 FPS on medium settings. However, we did encounter a bug where objects in the game were invisible, which was slightly disorienting but didn’t significantly hinder gameplay. This bug aligns with some user reports on Reddit, confirming that while Against The Storm is playable on Parallels, it might come with some graphical glitches. From what people have shared, the game’s performance on Parallels seems to vary depending on the specific Mac model and the Parallels configuration, but overall, it appears to be a viable option.

Playing Against The Storm for Mac with Crossover

Crossover, another method for running Windows software on macOS, also proved effective for playing Against The Storm on Mac. We tested the game on the same 2020 MacBook Pro with an M1 chip and the game ran quite well, with the main map experiencing some lag, especially when choosing the next location. However, once past this, the rest of the game played smoothly without any major issues. We maintained a similar resolution of 1920×1080 and achieved an average FPS of around 40 on medium settings, which provided a decent gameplay experience.

A user on Reddit mentioned having a positive experience with Against The Storm on Crossover 23.5, noting an initial infinite loading bug that was resolved. This user reported no further issues, suggesting that Crossover can offer a reliable gameplay experience for ‘Against The Storm’ on Mac.

Playing Against The Storm on Intel Macs with Boot Camp

For those with Intel Macs, playing Against The Storm involves a few steps. First, you’ll need to use Boot Camp Assistant to install Windows on your Mac. After setting up Windows, you can download and install the Windows version of the game but it’s important to note that the game’s performance will depend on your Mac’s specifications, as there are no specific MacOS requirements for the game.

To provide a clear picture, we tested the game on a 2018 MacBook Pro with 16 GB RAM with the settings to Low and the resolution to 1080p. This bumped our average FPS to around 50, which made the gameplay smooth. A couple of key points we need to mention here is that playing Against The Storm on Mac using Boot Camp can cause the machine to heat up. Also, remember that setting up Boot Camp can be time-consuming (up to two hours) and requires a fair amount of free disk space (at least 100 GB).

The post 4 Ways To Play Against The Storm On Mac – Our Experience appeared first on MacResearch.org.

Now that we have done our tests both with the native Civ 6 Mac version and with Boosteroid, we are ready to share our experience with you.

How to play Civilization 6 on Mac

Below, you can find the two methods we mentioned, but if you first want to read about what we learned from our testing, you can scroll further down to check out our overview of playing Civilization 6 on a Mac.

Testing the native Civilization 6 Mac version: Performance review

Civilization isn’t the newest or most demanding game, but don’t let that deceive you, as once you gate into the mid and late stages of a match, when there are hundreds of moving parts on the map, the performance can become noticeably affected depending on the hardware you are using.

In our tests for Civ 6 on Mac, the machine we used was a M1 MacBook Pro with the M1 Pro chip and 16 GB of unified memory. We set the video settings to Medium and the resolution to 1080p, and we started a game on a large map with 7 other players. Initially, we were getting around 80 FPS, but as the game progressed, that dropped to around 55, which was still perfectly fine for a slower-paced game such as Civilization 6. In other words, our M1 Pro MacBook handled this game pretty well, and we were quite satisfied with the experience.

However, when we also tested Civ 6 on an M1 MacBook Air with 8 GB of memory, we had to use the low video settings to get an average of 40 FPS, which was still okay for this game, but the decrease in both performance and image quality was noticeable. In other words, while this isn’t the most demanding of games, it still really depends on what type of Mac you are playing it. Weaker machines such as the base M1 MacBook Air models, while still offering a decent performance, won’t give you the best experience if you value high-end graphics and performance.

If you are on a weaker Mac, but still want to enjoy the game with its video settings set to high without sacrificing performance, you may want to check out the alternative way to play Civilization 6 on Mac that we’ll be talking about next.

Playing Civ 6 on MacBook with Boosteroid: Is this a viable alternative?

After testing the native Civ 6 macOS version, we decided to give a try to Boosteroid as an alternative way of playing this game. Since Boosteroid is a cloud gaming service that streams the game to us, our Mac’s hardware didn’t matter and the performance and image quality we’d get depended on the strength of our Internet connection.

From the get-go, our experience was promising. With Boosteroid, we bypassed the need for a high-spec Mac, streaming the game directly from Boosteroid’s servers. This approach opened up a new realm of possibilities, especially for those of us using older Mac models. The performance was generally impressive, with the game running smoothly at high settings. We were pleasantly surprised to see Civilization 6 playing at 1080p resolution and a steady 60 FPS, thanks to our reliable internet connection.

Internet speed is crucial for cloud gaming, and Boosteroid recommends a minimum of 15 Mbps. However, we found that a 25 Mbps connection offered a more stable and seamless experience. With this setup, we delved into the world of Civilization 6, building empires and strategizing our way through various eras. The game’s turn-based nature was well-suited to the cloud gaming format, as it reduced the impact of potential latency issues.

Latency, of course, is an important factor in cloud gaming. We noticed occasional lag spikes, particularly during intense gameplay moments or when our internet speed fluctuated. These instances were brief and didn’t significantly detract from our overall experience, but they were noticeable. For those engaged in longer gaming sessions, this could be a point of consideration.

One of the highlights of using Boosteroid was the ease of access. There was no need for lengthy downloads or installations – we jumped straight into the game. This convenience is particularly appealing for those who prefer a more streamlined gaming experience.

In summary, playing Civilization 6 on a Mac via Boosteroid was a delightful experience. It’s an excellent option for Mac users who may not have the latest hardware but still want to enjoy this complex and engaging game. While cloud gaming comes with its set of challenges, mainly related to internet stability, our time with Civilization 6 on Boosteroid was largely positive, offering us a new way to enjoy one of our favorite strategy games.

The post 2 Ways to play Civilization 6 on Mac: Our Experience appeared first on MacResearch.org.

Table of Contents:

1. Our recommended method to play Cities: Skylines
2. Other methods to play Cities: Skylines
3. Our review of Cities: Skylines
4. Mac-related Cities: Skylines topics

City Skyline Mac

So, if you are eager to try the City Skyline Mac version on your computer, we are going to show you the steps to download and install it. However, before you go ahead and purchase the game, we recommend checking its system requirements, which can be a bit steep if you are on an older MacBook model. That said, even if your machine fails to meet the City Skyline Mac requirements, there is a solution for that, which will allow you to still enjoy the game on your computer, even if its hardware isn’t up to the task. We are talking about cloud gaming, as there are several such platforms that support the game and will allow you to play it without even needing to have it on your Mac.

Is Cities Skylines Mac M1 compatible

There is full Cities Skylines Mac M1 compatibility thanks to the Rosetta 2 compatibility layer that installs without any extra effort from the user. This ensures you can effortlessly run the game on your device. Given the enhanced efficiency of Apple Silicon Macs compared to Intel-based ones, even a basic M1 MacBook can smoothly handle this game’s system requirements. On the other hand, for those seeking to conserve storage or delve into PC games that aren’t Mac-compatible, cloud gaming platforms like Boosteroid and GeForce Now present an ideal solution. In essence, whether you play it directly or opt for cloud gaming, it’s really easy and hassle free to enjoy the Cities Skylines Mac M1 experience on your Apple Silicon machine.

Will there be Cities Skylines 2 Mac support?

Unfortunately for Mac-owning fans of the first game, it seems that, at least initially, there won’t be Cities Skylines 2 Mac support. Contrary to its predecessor, which enjoyed a well-optimized version for macOS, the upcoming iteration has been announced without a Mac release in sight. As of now, the developers haven’t provided any confirmation regarding a potential Cities Skylines 2 Mac port. This omission has left a segment of the game’s dedicated fanbase in limbo, unsure if they’ll get the chance to experience the game on their preferred platform. The good news is that there will almost certainly be workaround ways to play the upcoming sequel on Mac, and we’ll make sure to provide a separate article where we tell you about them as soon as the game is released!

Cities Skylines for Mac: Requirements

• Cities Skylines for Mac – Minimum Requirements:
  • macOS 10.11 (El Capitan) or later.
  • Intel Core 2 Duo, 3.0GHz or M1/M2.
  • 6 GB RAM or Unified Memory (for M1/M2 Macs).
  • nVIDIA GeForce GTX 260, 512 MB or ATI Radeon HD 5670, 512 MB (The game can run with Intel Integrated Graphics Cards, although Steam says it can’t, but expect poor performance); This requirement isn’t relevant for M1/M2 Macs.
  • 4 GB storage space.
• Cities Skylines for Mac – Recommended Requirements:
  • macOS 10.11 (El Capitan) or later.
  • Intel Core i5-3470, 3.20GHz or M1/M2.
  • 8 GB RAM or Unified Memory (for M1/M2 Macs).
  • nVIDIA GeForce GTX 660, 2 GB or AMD Radeon HD 7870, 2 GB; This requirement isn’t relevant for M1/M2 Macs.
  • 4 GB storage space.

Cities Skylines MacBook performance

The expected Cities Skylines MacBook performance can vary greatly, based on the specific model in use. For instance, MacBook Pro models from 2018 onwards with dedicated graphics handle the game comfortably on medium to high settings, rendering intricate city details with ease. On the other hand, a 2017 MacBook Air may struggle when your city reaches a larger population, necessitating a reduction in graphic settings to ensure fluid gameplay. Adding mods and assets can also strain performance, especially on older models. Therefore, a user with a Mac Mini M1 might experience surprising efficiency due to Apple Silicon’s optimization, but an older iMac might show its age. Fine-tuning settings based on your specific model is key to getting the best possible Cities Skylines MacBook performance that your machine can realistically provide.

How to play Cities Skylines on Mac?

To play Cities Skylines on Mac, there are multiple avenues available. The most straightforward approach is to download it directly from Steam, ensuring you choose the Mac-compatible version. However, for those keen to explore beyond traditional downloading methods, cloud gaming platforms provide a compelling alternative. Services like Boosteroid, Xbox Cloud Gaming, and GeForce Now offer the game through their platforms. These services stream the game to your device, negating the need for hefty downloads or high-end hardware requirements. Whether you choose the conventional route via Steam or decide to use cloud gaming to play Cities Skylines on Mac, both provide an opportunity to craft your ideal cityscape on your Apple machine without any major hiccups.

To play the game, you must first own it, unless you want to stream it through the XCloud platform (see below), in which case you don’t need to purchase the game. You can get the game on Steam and the Epic Games Store, but note that the the Cities Skylines Mac version is only available on Steam. Also, if you want to stream the game via Boosteroid cloud gaming, you’ll need the Steam version of Cities Skylines. On GeForce Now, both the Steam and the Epic Games variants of the game are supported.

If you want to play the native version of Cities Skylines on Mac, it’s enough to buy the game from Steam and download and launch it through the Steam client. If you prefer cloud gaming, the next guides will show you how to stream the game to your Mac:

Play Cities: Skylines with Boosteroid

Recommended Method	Boosteroid Cloud Gaming
Why we recommend Boosteroid over the other methods	Boosteroid has the best ‘bang for buck’ of all methods. It provides fast support for new big titles, hits a constant high performance level (60 FPS) that’s rarely achievable except for native mac ports, and with graphics options reserved for high-end PCs. It requires only a good internet connection. GeForce Now is a higher-value alternative, but to achieve better results than Boosteroid, the service wants 6-month payments to subscribe to its highest tier. We recommend starting with Boosteroid, then switching to GFN later if you feel like it. Methods like Game Porting Toolkit or Crossover will not give you a good experience in general and will drain your battery fast.
Our Policy	Read why you should trust us.
Direct Link	Try Boosteroid

1. Create a Boosteroid account or use your Google account to sign up to Boosteroid (note that Boosteroid only supports the Steam version of Cities: Skylines).

2. Once you are logged in, click your account’s name in the top-right and then click Subscribe on the next page.

3. Pick a preferred plan, enter the necessary payment details, and start your subscription to the service.

4. Select the search button from the top, type the game’s name, and click on Play when you see the game appear as a search result.

5. Allow Boosteroid to connect to your Steam account, then wait as the game loads, enter your steam credentials, and log in – the game will start after this.

Play Cities: Skylines on Mac with Xbox Cloud Gaming

To dive into the vast urban landscapes of Cities Skylines via Xbox Cloud Gaming, you must first get onboard with the Xbox Game Pass Ultimate. This pass doesn’t just grant you access to Cities Skylines, but a plethora of other titles as well, without the necessity of purchasing them separately. The good news for Mac users is that Cities Skylines, alongside many other games, are part of the XCloud service, thus side-stepping any macOS compatibility issues. Here’s the walkthrough:

1. Initiate your journey by following the link below. Click ‘Join’, sign in with your Microsoft credentials (or establish one if absent). Opt for the Game Pass Ultimate Plan, furnishing the required payment specifics.

• For a seamless experience, we vouch for XCloud via Google Chrome or Mozilla Firefox.

2. Post-subscription, hit the Game Pass tab, proceed to Xbox Cloud Gaming (Beta), and input ‘Cities Skylines’ in the search bar. If you possess a gaming controller, sync it with your Mac at this juncture.

• Lacking a controller? Incorporate this browser extension and activate it.

3. Click Play to inaugurate your city-building. If utilizing the browser extension, a simple screen center click will do the trick.

Play Cities: Skylines with GeForce Now

We have a detailed guide on how to set up and use the GeForce Now cloud gaming service that you can find and read on the link below. As already mentioned, GFN supports both the Steam and the Epic Games versions of Cities Skylines.

• Lacking a controller? Incorporate this browser extension and activate it.

3. Click Play to inaugurate your city-building. If utilizing the browser extension, a simple screen center click will do the trick.

Play Cities: Skylines on Mac with Steam

Finally, here are our instructions on how to play the native Cities Skylines Mac version:

1. If you don’t have a Steam account, the first thing to do is to create one on the official website and log in.
2. After that, in the upper right corner of the screen, click the “Install Steam” button and download the Steam client installer for Mac.
3. Run the installer on your Mac and set up your Steam client.
4. Once this is done, go to the Steam library and search for the game.
5. Purchase the Mac game version and complete your order.
6. You should find your purchased game in your Steam library. Click on  “Install” to download the game. It may take a few minutes for the installation to complete.
7. Finally, start playing the game from Steam’s library and enjoy.

Cities Skylines on Mac: Building Dreams One Click at a Time

At the heart of every gamer lies the dream of creating, managing, and witnessing the rise (or sometimes fall) of their own metropolis. Thankfully, with Cities Skylines available on our beloved Macs, we no longer need to gaze wistfully at our PC counterparts. We, too, can be the mayors of our dreams… or nightmares. So, let’s embark on a journey down the lanes of this city-simulation game, shall we?

The Aesthetics: Clear, Crisp, and So Darn Colorful

You don’t need a degree in Graphic Design to appreciate the visuals of Cities Skylines. The game sparkles on the Mac, making every detail, from the winding roads to the bustling marketplaces, pop. It feels less like playing a game and more like peering into a living, breathing miniature world.

Gameplay: It’s Not All About Bricks and Mortar

When you first jump into Cities Skylines, you might think, “Ah, I’ll pop down a few roads, some houses, maybe a fire station or two.” Fast forward a few hours, and you’re knee-deep in sewage system dilemmas and wracking your brain over public transportation routes. Cities Skylines on Mac is as much about strategy and planning as it is about creativity.

Performance: A Smooth Ride or Rocky Road?

For the majority of Mac users, especially if you’re rocking one of the newer models, expect a buttery smooth experience. Older models might require some settings tweaks but worry not; they can still take part in the urban planning fiesta. Just remember, if you’re trying to run Cities Skylines on that Mac you’ve had since the dawn of time, expect a bit of turbulence!

Modding: Your City, Your Rules

What’s better than a game with endless possibilities? A game with endless possibilities that also lets you mod it to your heart’s content! Want your own version of the Statue of Liberty? Or maybe a UFO landing pad? Cities Skylines doesn’t judge – it embraces. Dive deep into the modding community and tailor your city to your quirkiest desires.

A Spoonful of Humor: Because Life’s Too Short

Amongst the hustle and bustle of managing a growing city, Cities Skylines on Mac throws in a touch of humor. It’s a friendly reminder not to take life, or the game, too seriously. Maybe it’s a cheeky advertisement on a billboard or a witty citizen complaint; this game has a knack for making you smile when you least expect it.

Mac Integration: Like Peanut Butter and Jelly

Navigating the vast expanses of your city is a breeze with the Mac touchpad. Pinching, zooming, and sliding feel intuitive. Plus, those with the Magic Mouse will appreciate the ease with which they can survey their urban empire. Cities Skylines has integrated the Mac’s features nicely, making the gameplay feel even more native and immersive.

Diverse Challenges: Because Who Wants Monotony?

Every city has its problems, and yours will be no exception. Maybe it’s a crime wave, an alien invasion, or just Dave from down the road complaining about the noise again. These challenges keep you engaged, ensuring that no two play sessions feel the same. It’s this variety that keeps us coming back for more, even if it’s just to silence Dave.

Economics and Management: Don the Mayor’s Hat

You’ll need more than an architect’s eye to succeed. A good mayor must manage the city’s finances, infrastructure, and policies, all while ensuring the happiness of its citizens. If you’ve ever daydreamed about being in charge (without any real-world consequences), Cities Skylines provides the perfect playground.

Final Thoughts

Cities Skylines on Mac is not just another game; it’s an experience. It’s about crafting stories, facing challenges, and celebrating successes. Whether you’re a strategic thinker, a budding architect, or someone looking for a relaxed gaming session after a long day, this game caters to all. The Mac version holds its own, giving users an immersive and enjoyable gaming experience. So, why wait? Dive in, and let the sounds of construction, the hum of traffic, and the occasional alien invasion (yes, really) fill your hours. Your metropolis awaits, mayor!

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