Is Darkest Dungeon 2 on Mac?

Even with its Steam release, Darkest Dungeon 2 is still not on Mac, yet it’s possible to enjoy it on an Apple machine thanks to the methods we’ve shown here. Therefore, if you own a Mac and want to experience the grim lovecraftian roguelike, you’ll be able to do so if you follow the guides we’ve prepared for you.

Darkest Dungeon 2 Mac
Gameplay screenshot from Darkest Dungeon 2 on Mac

Darkest Dungeon 2: macOS release date

There’s currently no specified released date for a Darkest Dungeon 2 Mac version. According to a Twitter post from its developers, the game “will likely support macOS in the future”. However, they haven’t tied themselves to a specific date, so it remains unclear when we might get a Mac version of Darkest Dungeon 2.

darkest dungeon 2 mac twitter

How about the first Darkest Dungeon’s Mac compatibility?

If you are interested in first experiencing the original Darkest Dungeon, you’ll be happy to learn that it has full macOS support, so getting it on your Mac is as easy as purchasing the game on Steam, downloading the Steam client, finding the game in your library, and clicking Install. Considering that Darkest Dungeon 1 became available for Mac as soon as the game came out of early access and also that both games are really undemanding, we think it won’t be too long before the sequel also gets ported to Mac.

Can you currently play Darkest Dungeon 2 on Mac?

Yes, you can totally play Darkest Dungeon 2 on Mac despite the fact it’s not yet supported for macOS. We’ve prepared two workaround options – Parallels and Boot Camp – that will let you enjoy this game on your Mac computer. If you want to learn how to use the two methods, be sure to check out the guide section of this article.

Can you also play Darkest Dungeon 2 on Mac M1 and M2 models?

It is indeed possible to play Darkest Dungeon 2 on M1 and M2 Macs, but out of the two workarounds we mentioned, only the Parallels one can let you run the game on an Apple Silicon machine. The Boot Camp app doesn’t work and is thus not available for M1 and M2 models, so you cannot use it to play Darkest Dungeon 2 on such Macs. Still, the other method, Parallels, is still a great option, so if you are with an Apple Silicon computer, you should definitely check it out.

Once the game receives its Mac version and/or gets added to a cloud gaming service, this will increase the number of methods to play it on a Mac, and then we’ll make sure to update this article.

How to play Darkest Dungeon 2 on Mac (Guides)

To play Darkest Dungeon 2 on Mac, it’s best to create a Parallels virtual machine, as shown in the guide below, and then download and install the game in the VM. Presently, this is the only way to run the game on an M1/M2-based Mac, and it’s also more convenient than the Boot Camp method, so it also makes sense to use it on an Intel Mac.

Darkest Dungeon 2
Gameplay screenshot from Darkest Dungeon 2

Obviously, before downloading the game, you must first own it:

Play Darkest Dungeon 2 with Parallels

darkest dungeon 2 parallels

Whether you are on an Intel or an M1/M2 Mac, playing Darkest Dungeon 2 on them through Parallels is quite easy. Note that this is a paid software with a 14-day free trial, which we recommend using. Here are the main steps that you must complete to get start with Parallels:

  • Download the installation file for Parallels from its website and install the app.
  • Open Parallels and follow the prompts to create a Windows virtual machine.
  • Choose a Sign-up option to access the VM.
  • Once in the VM, install Steam on it and then download Darkest Dungeon 2 through the Steam client.

For a more in-depth Parallels guide with additional helpful tips on how to use it, click the next button.

Play Darkest Dungeon 2 with Boot Camp Assistant

Installing Windows on your Intel MacBook with Boot Camp to play Darkest Dungeon 2 is a somewhat lengthy process, but it’s still a perfectly valid option to play the game, and it’s actually recommended to use it over Parallels if you have an older and a weaker Mac with less than 16 GB of RAM. Here’s an overview of the process of setting up the Boot Camp method:

  • You’ll first need to get a Windows 10 ISO file (64-bit) from Microsoft’s site.
  • Then the file needs to be loaded in the Boot Camp app, and you must make any necessary changes to the storage space distribution.
  • Next, restart your Mac through Boot Camp and follow the prompts to start the Windows installation.
  • Finally, personalize your Windows 10 settings, install missing updates and drivers, and finally download Darkest Dungeon 2.

You can find our in-depth Boot Camp guide by clicking the following button.

Other games like Darkest Dungeon 2 you can play on your Mac

Admittedly, right now it can be a bit of a hassle to get down to playing Darkest Dungeon 2 on an Apple machine. Therefore, if you don’t feel like setting up one of the workaround methods we showed you, we also have several suggestions for other cool games that are supported for Mac and that you’ll probably like if you are interested in Darkest Dungeon 2. Each of the titles listed below are great in their own right and share some similarities with the gameplay and overall vibe of DD2, and the best part is that they are all easily-playable on Mac machines through their native macOS versions. So, if you are eager to get involved in some more challenging roguelike adventures, be sure to check the next titles.

Darkest Dungeon

Obviously, if you have any interest in the sequel (or have played it and liked it), chances are that you’ll enjoy the first game too. Admittedly, the gameplay loop is quite different between Darkest Dungeon 1 and 2, but the combat system in both games is quite similar and, I’d even argue that it’s more satisfying in the original. Either way, both games draw you in with amazing atmosphere, incredible soundtrack, and astonishing art, so it’s definitely worth checking out the first one in case you are into this type of turn-based roguelike games with gothic atmosphere and challenging gameplay that doesn’t hold your hand.

XCOM 1 and 2

Imagine leading Earth’s last defense against alien invaders – welcome to XCOM: Enemy Unknown (2012). Much like in Darkest Dungeon 2, your leadership skills are put to the test as you manage troops, research alien tech, and grow your base, all in the vein of turn-based strategy.

The sequel, XCOM 2 (2016), takes the stakes even higher. The aliens now run Earth, and XCOM has turned into a guerilla outfit. Your goal is to rally the resistance and reclaim our planet. The tactical depth, stress of decision-making, and grave consequences in XCOM echo the punishing yet addictive elements of Darkest Dungeon 2.

The Binding of Isaac

The Binding of Isaac: Step into the shoes of Isaac, a young boy navigating the horrifying depths of his basement, filled with monstrous creatures—talk about a rough childhood. This roguelike shooter has an unmistakable Darkest Dungeon 2 vibe with its dark themes, relentless challenge, and emphasis on careful strategy. Your survival hinges on your ability to adapt and cleverly use the resources you stumble upon.

Cult of the Lamb

Cult of the Lamb: Here’s a dark twist on the cutesy animal game genre! You’re a lamb who starts a cult among fellow animals, in a world brimming with dark secrets and ominous dungeons. The game’s emphasis on managing your cult and venturing into daunting, procedurally-generated dungeons certainly draws parallels with Darkest Dungeon 2. Its blend of base-building, exploration, and strategy will appeal to fans of the punishing mechanics and challenging gameplay present in Darkest Dungeon 2.