Gaming has come a long way since the 2000s, when you couldn’t play most mainstream titles without a Windows PC. Though Windows still has most of the gaming market share, times are a-changing.
Explore Role Playing games for macOS on itch.io Find Role Playing games for macOS like Project Kat, Drova - Forsaken Kin, Streets of Rogue, Mother, Fractalis on itch.io, the indie game hosting marketplace. Video Games PS4 Xbox One Switch Wii U PC 3DS PS3 Xbox 360 Accessories Virtual Reality Trade-In Deals Best Sellers More Gaming 1-12 of over 5,000 results for Video Games: Mac: Games Minecraft for PC/Mac Online Game Code.
And we aren’t just talking about indie games, which was the case just a few years ago. AAA games from top-notch studios can now be played on Mac natively, and many newer games are now being created with Mac playability in mind from the start.
It’s a great time to be alive as a Mac gamer, especially if you’re a fan of the RPG genre. Want to get started? Here are some of the best RPG experiences you can have natively on Mac right now.
Deus Ex: Human Revolution
Available on: App Store, Steam.
The first Deus Ex (released back in 2000) broke new ground with its character building systems, non-linear gameplay, and freedom of choice. No two playthroughs of the game were exactly the same, which gave it tons of replay value and earned it critical acclaim.
Human Revolution recaptures much of the original’s spirit while updating many of the aspects to better fit the modern gaming landscape. It’s slightly more linear than die-hard fans were expecting, but the story is compelling and the gameplay is exceptional, all leading to a satisfying end.
Bastion
Available on: App Store, GOG, Steam.
Bastion is, in a word, beautiful. Not only is it visually striking and immediately recognizable as unique, but everything is elevated to a completely different level by the soundtrack. (The music is so good that we recommend listening to it while studying or relaxing!)
There’s nothing revolutionary about the story or the gameplay, but they’re both solid enough to leave you satisfied. Like reading a novel or watching a movie, Bastion is more about the emotional journey than it is about mechanical depth. It’s still fun though, so don’t let that turn you away.
Borderlands 2
Available on: Steam.
Borderlands 2 is, without a doubt, one of the best games to come out in the past five years. It won several awards, including “Action Game of the Year”, “Best Shooter”, “Best Multiplayer Game”, and “Character of the Year” — if that doesn’t convince you of this game’s worth, I don’t know what will.
In singleplayer, you go around completing missions and collecting loot from the enemies you kill. There’s a main storyline but also dozens of side storylines, and because it’s an open world RPG, you can keep playing even after you “beat” it. Multiplayer is basically co-op singleplayer with your friends.
Pillars of Eternity
Available on: App Store, GOG, Steam.
Pillars of Eternity is the spiritual successor to games like Baldur’s Gate, Icewind Dale, and Planescape: Torment: party-based tactical gameplay with an isometric view. There’s a main quest and many side quests, but the game’s true value is its replayability due to its eleven different classes and deep combat mechanics.
Torchlight II
Available on: GOG, Steam.
Torchlight II is the perfect game to play when you want something like Diablo III but not as intense. It’s a hack-and-slash adventure that’s surprisingly polished and addictive. The only downside is that its gameplay is comparatively shallow and doesn’t innovate much. In my view, Torchlight II is more about mindless fun — and there’s nothing wrong with that.
Divinity: Original Sin
Available on: App Store, GOG, Steam.
If your love of the RPG genre stems from a desire to explore and discover, then Divinity: Original Sin will be right up your alley. The graphics and combat are great, but the content is the real selling point. With all of the side quests included, it could take you well over 100 hours to complete everything.
Darkest Dungeon
Available on: GOG, Steam.
Darkest Dungeon is simply incredible. The art style sucks you right in, then the gameplay hooks you and keeps you engaged for hours and hours. It’s the kind of game that you intend to play for only 10 minutes, only to realize that the whole day has gone by and you’re now starving.
As far as squad-based dungeon crawlers go, Darkest Dungeon is one of the best because it’s tough and punishing. The mechanics are brilliant, showing you the effects and consequences of stress on an adventuring party and the risk/reward of pushing your luck as far as it can go before everything collapses.
Mount & Blade: Warband
Available on: GOG, Steam.
Mount & Blade isn’t just an open world game. It’s a sandbox game that doesn’t even have a main storyline. You choose what you want to do in the game: explore, fight, quest, and more. The way you interact with others in the game has real impact on the world at large.
The biggest reason to get Warband over the original is the addition of multiplayer. There are seven different game modes that you can play with up to 64 players and bots. Modes include deathmatch, team deathmatch, conquest, capture the flag, siege, fight and destroy, and straight-up battle.
Rogue Legacy
Available on: GOG, Steam.
If it wasn’t clear from its name, Rogue Legacy is one of the bigger successes that came out of the “roguelite” phase of indie gaming. If you aren’t sure what that means, check out our overview of the roguelike craze and our exploration of how procedural generation took over gaming.
In short, Rogue Legacy is a platformer RPG with permadeath. When your character dies, you pick a randomly-generated “heir” and continue your quest. Every character has different traits and attributes, which lends to the game’s replayability. All dungeons are randomly generated as well, so it’s fun time and again.
Legend of Grimrock II
Available on: GOG, Steam.
Legend of Grimrock was a spiritual successor to the cult classic dungeon crawler Dungeon Master, and many consider it to be the title that revived the classic dungeon crawler genre by faithfully combining old-school gameplay with modern graphics.
Legend of Grimrock II expands on its predecessor with a bigger world, better character development, higher level of challenge, and improved freedom of progression. If you love crawling through dungeons, you can’t skip this one.
Which RPGs Do You Play on Mac?
If none of these appeal to you, or if you really want to play a specific game that’s only available on Windows, then you have two main options: set up a Windows dual-boot through Boot Camp or try to install and run the game using Wine. The former is more work but also more reliable in the end.
One more thing to note: Despite some of the games in this list being available on the Mac App Store, we recommend that you avoid buying games from there whenever possible Why You Should Avoid Buying Games From the Mac App StoreThe Mac App Store doesn't hold a candle to the same store used by iPhone and iPad users to guzzle apps, games and in-app purchases. Read More . The drawbacks aren’t worth it, and either Steam or GOG will likely provide a better overall experience in the long run than using the built-in Game Center How to Use (and Disable) Game Center on Mac & iOSApple's Game Center strives to make playing mobile games a social activity again, but using the service isn't quite so straightforward any more. Read More . And also be sure to check out these tips to improve your Mac gaming experience.
Are there any other quality RPGs we missed that can be played directly on Mac? Which modern RPGs do you consider to be your favorites? Share with us down in the comments below!
Image Credit: AntonKarlik via Shutterstock.com
Alien: Isolation 1.0.1When she left Earth, Ellen Ripley promised her daughter Amanda she wouldreturn home for her 11th birthday. Amanda never saw her again.
Fifteen years later, Amanda, now a Weyland-Yutani employee, learns thatthe flight recorder of her mother’s ship, the Nostromo, has beenrecovered at the remote trading station Sevastopol. The temptation forher to finally understand what happened is too much to resist. When thecrew arrive at Sevastopol, they find something is desperately wrong; thestation is being terrorized by a deadly menace, stalking and killingdeep in the shadows.
In order to uncover the truth about her mother, Amanda is forced toconfront the same horrifying thing that separated them.
- License: Buy, $40
- Developer/Publisher: Feral Interactive
- Modification Date: January 7, 2016
- Requirements: Mac OS X 10.10.3 or higher - 64-bit
Download File Size: 20.89 GB - App Store
Download File Size: 20.89 GB - Steam
ARK: Survival Evolved 300.1As a man or woman stranded naked, freezing and starving on the shores ofa mysterious island called ARK, you must hunt, harvest resources, craftitems, grow crops, research technologies, and build shelters towithstand the elements. Use your cunning and resources to kill or tame &breed the leviathan dinosaurs and other primeval creatures roaming theland, and team up with or prey on hundreds of other players to survive,dominate... and escape!
- License: Buy, $60
- Developer/Publisher: Studio Wildcard
- Modification Date: October 24, 2019
- Requirements: Mac OS X 10.11 or higher - 64-bit
Download - Steam
Avernum: Escape From the Pit 1.1Spiderweb Software returns to its epic creation, to tell a story ofimprisonment, rebellion, and the struggle for freedom againstoverwhelming odds. Avernum: Escape From the Pit is the first chapter inan Indie fantasy role-playing saga, the tale of desperate exiles andtheir battle for survival and a land to call their own.
- License: Demo, $10
- Developer/Publisher: Spiderweb Software
- Modification Date: June 21, 2018
- Requirements: Mac OS X 10.7 or higher - 64-bit
Download File Size: 159.8 MB - Demo
Download File Size: 154.5 MB - App Store
Download File Size: 154.5 MB - Steam
Avernum 2: Crystal Souls 1.1Spiderweb Software returns once again to its epic creation, to tell astory of imprisonment, war, and a desperate fight for survival. Avernum2: Crystal Souls is the second chapter in this classic indie fantasyrole-playing saga, the tale of desperate exiles and their fight to keeptheir home.
- License: Demo, $20
- Developer/Publisher: Spiderweb Software
- Modification Date: June 10, 2018
- Requirements: Mac OS X 10.7 or higher - 64-bit
Download File Size: 228.5 MB - Demo
Download File Size: 223.9 MB - App Store
Download File Size: 223.9 MB - Steam
Baldur's Gate 2.5.17Forced to leave your home under mysterious circumstances, you findyourself drawn into a conflict that has the Sword Coast on the brink ofwar. Soon you discover there are other forces at work, far more sinisterthan you could ever imagine...
Since its original release in 1998, Baldur’s Gate has set the standardfor Dungeons & Dragons computer roleplaying games. Customize your hero,recruit a party of brave allies, and explore the Sword Coast in yoursearch for adventure, profit… and the truth.
Running on an upgraded and improved version of the Infinity Engine,Baldur’s Gate: Enhanced Edition includes the original Baldur’s Gateadventure, the Tales of the Sword Coast expansion, and all-new contentincluding three new party members.
- License: $20
- Developer/Publisher: Beamdog
- Modification Date: September 25, 2018
- Requirements: Mac OS X 10.8 or higher - 64-bit
Download File Size: 2.9 GB - App Store
Download - Steam
Baldur's Gate II 2.5.16Kidnapped. Imprisoned. Tortured. The wizard Irenicus holds you captivein his stronghold, attempting to strip you of the powers that are yourbirthright. Can you resist the evil in your blood and forsake the darkdestiny that awaits you? Or will you embrace your monstrous nature andascend to godhood as the new Lord of Murder?
Continue a journey started in Baldur’s Gate: Enhanced Edition or createan entirely new character in this isometric Dungeons & Dragonsroleplaying game. Running on an upgraded and improved version of theInfinity Engine, Baldur’s Gate II: Enhanced Edition includes theoriginal Shadows of Amn adventure, the Throne of Bhaal expansion, andall-new content including four new party members.
- License: $20
- Developer/Publisher: Beamdog
- Modification Date: September 25, 2018
- Requirements: Mac OS X 10.8 or higher - 64-bit
Download File Size: 2.9 GB - App Store
Download - Steam
Batman: Arkham City 1.2Descend into the core of the criminally insane as the Joker seizescontrol of Arkham Asylum and launches his most diabolical plot ever. Theinmates of Arkham have been set free - and it’s up to Batman to bringorder to the chaos and take back the asylum.
Using his combat skills, stealth and gadgets, it’s up to Batman tothwart Joker’s fiendish plans before it’s too late. Batman: ArkhamAsylum lets you explore the depths of Arkham Island as you experiencethe darkest journey of Batman’s life.
- License: $20
- Developer/Publisher: Feral Interactive
- Modification Date: February 21, 2019
- Requirements: macOS 10.14 or higher - 64-bit
Download File Size: 12.6 GB - App Store
Download File Size: 12.6 GB - Steam
Dawn of Man 1.0.2Command a settlement of ancient humans, guide them through the ages intheir struggle for survival. Hunt, gather, craft tools, fight, researchnew techs and face the challenges the environment will throw at you.
- License: Buy, $25
- Developer/Publisher: Madruga Works
- Modification Date: March 1, 2019
- Requirements: Mac OS X 10.11 or higher - 64-bit
Download - Steam
Deus Ex: Mankind DividedYou can't kill progress. The year is 2029, and mechanically augmentedhumans are now outcasts, completely segregated from the rest of society.
Now an experienced covert operative, Adam Jensen is forced to operate ina world that has grown to despise his kind. Armed with a new arsenal ofstate-of-the-art weapons and augmentations, he must choose the rightapproach, and who to trust, in order to unravel a vast worldwideconspiracy.
- License: $30
- Developer/Publisher: Feral Interactive
- Modification Date: December 12, 2017
- Requirements: macOS 13.1 or higher - 64-bit
Download File Size: 67 GB - Steam
Diablo III 2.6.6Twenty years have passed since the Prime Evils were defeated andbanished from the world of Sanctuary. Now, you must return to where itall began - the town of Tristram - and investigate rumors of a fallenstar, for this is the first sign of evil's rebirth, and an omen that theEnd Times have begun.
- License: Demo, Purchase for $20
- Developer/Publisher: Blizzard Entertainment
- Modification Date: August 20, 2019
- Requirements: Mac OS X 10.11 or higher - 64-bit
Download File Size: 3.2 MB Installer
Divinity: Original Sin EE 2.0.119Descend into the core of the criminally insane as the Joker seizescontrol of Arkham Asylum and launches his most diabolical plot ever. Theinmates of Arkham have been set free - and it’s up to Batman to bringorder to the chaos and take back the asylum.
Using his combat skills, stealth and gadgets, it’s up to Batman tothwart Joker’s fiendish plans before it’s too late. Batman: ArkhamAsylum lets you explore the depths of Arkham Island as you experiencethe darkest journey of Batman’s life.
- License: Buy, $40
- Developer/Publisher: Larian Studios
- Modification Date: April 4, 2016
- Requirements: Mac OS X 10.9.5 or higher - 64-bit
Download File Size: 10.01 GB - App Store
Download File Size: 10.01 GB - Steam
Download File Size: 10.01 GB - GOG
Divinity: Original Sin II 3.6.36The eagerly anticipated sequel to the award-winning RPG. Gather yourparty. Master deep, tactical combat. Join up to 3 other players - butknow that only one of you will have the chance to become a God.
- License: Buy, $45
- Developer/Publisher: Larian Studios
- Modification Date: February 11, 2019
- Requirements: macOS 10.12 or higher - 64-bit and Metal
Download File Size: 19.3 GB - App Store
Download File Size: 19.3 GB - Steam
Minecraft 1.14.4Minecraft is a worldwide creative phenomenon! Well over 100,000,000people have bought the game, making a massive community of friendly folkwho build amazing things, tell stories and go on adventures together.Come join us! You can play it on pretty much anything!
- License: Demo, $27
- Developer/Publisher: Mojang/Microsoft
- Modification Date: July 19, 2019
- Requirements: Mac OS X 10.8 or higher, Java (contained within the application) - 64-bit
Download File Size: 1.5 MB - Installer
Download File Size: 285.1 MB
Rise of the Tomb Raider 1.0.5In the breathtaking sequel to Tomb Raider, Lara Croft becomes more thana survivor as she embarks upon her first great expedition to explore theearth’s most ancient and remote regions and uncover the secret ofimmortality.
Harness Lara’s growing talents in a dramatic action-adventure rangingfrom Syria’s sun-baked ruins to Siberia’s frozen mountains. Play as theyoung archaeologist as she conquers tombs, outpaces rivals, andestablishes her legend.
- License: Buy, $30
- Developer/Publisher: Feral Interactive
- Modification Date: June 25, 2018
- Requirements: macOS 10.13.4 or higher - 64-bit
Download File Size: 31.6 GB - App Store
Download - Steam
RustRust's world is harsh. The environment is not kind. Bears and wolveswill chase and kill you. Falling from a height will kill you. Beingexposed to radiation for an extended period will kill you. Starving willkill you. Being cold will kill you. Other players can find you, killyou, and take your stuff. Fortunately for you, you can kill others andtake their stuff. Or maybe you can make friends and help each othersurvive, using the game’s building tools to create a safe haven.
We provide the tools. How players survive is up to them.
- License: Buy, $20
- Developer/Publisher: Facepunch Studios
- Modification Date: October 18, 2019
- Requirements: Mac OS X 10.11 or higher - 64-bit
Download - Steam
Shadow Complex Remastered 1.0.1Chair’s fresh twist on classic side-scrolling design with modern,cutting-edge gameplay is amplified in Shadow Complex Remastered, withall content from the award-winning original game, updated with graphicalenhancements, all-new dynamic melee take-downs, and additional MasterChallenges and Trophies.
Through 10+ hours of exploration and fast-paced combat, players discovergame-altering power-ups to overcome obstacles, thwart legions ofenemies, and delve further into a mysterious and challenging, non-lineargame world.
- License: Buy, $15
- Developer/Publisher: Chair Entertainment/Epic Games
- Modification Date: September 16, 2016
- Requirements: Mac OS X 10.9 or higher - 64-bit
Download File Size: 46.7 MB - Epic Installer
Download File Size: 1.26 GB - App Store
Download File Size: 1.26 GB - Steam
ScummVM 2.1ScummVM is not an emulator.
ScummVM is a program which allows you to run certain classic graphicalpoint-and-click adventure games, provided you already have their datafiles. The clever part about this: ScummVM just replaces the executablesshipped with the game, allowing you to play them on systems for whichthey were never designed!
ScummVM lets you run these adventures: Adventure Soft's Simon theSorcerer 1 and 2; Revolution's Beneath A Steel Sky, Broken Sword 1 andBroken Sword 2; Flight of the Amazon Queen; Wyrmkeep's Inherit theEarth; Coktel Vision's Gobliiins and games based on LucasArts' SCUMM(Script Creation Utility for Maniac Mansion) system. SCUMM is used formany games, including Monkey Island, Day of the Tentacle, Sam and Maxand more. Compatibility with supported games is continually improving,so check back often.
Among the systems on which you can play those games are Windows, Linux,Mac OS X, Dreamcast, PocketPC, PalmOS, AmigaOS, BeOS, OS/2, PSP, PS2,SymbianOS/EPOC and many more...
- License: Freeware
- Developer/Publisher: The ScummVM Team
- Modification Date: January 15, 2018
- Requirements: Mac OS X 10.7 or higher - 64-bit
Download File Size: 24.5 MB
Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic 1.4.0It is four thousand years before the Galactic Empire and hundreds ofJedi Knights have fallen in battle against the ruthless Sith. As thelast hope of the Jedi, you must lead a band of freedom fighters in anepic struggle to save the galaxy.
- License: $10
- Developer/Publisher: Aspyr
- Modification Date: August 7, 2019
- Requirements: Mac OS X 10.11.6 or higher - 64-bit
Download File Size: 2.2 GB - App Store
Download - Steam
Download File Size: 2.5 GB
Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic II – The Sith Lords 1.0.2It is not the destination that matters. It is the journey. Five yearsafter the events from the award winning Star Wars® Knights of the OldRepublic™, the Sith Lords have hunted the Jedi to the edge of extinctionand are on the verge of crushing the Old Republic. With the Jedi Orderin ruin, the Republic’s only hope is a lone Jedi struggling to reconnectwith the Force. As this Jedi, you will be faced with the galaxy’s mostdire decision: Follow the light side or succumb to the dark
- License: $10
- Developer/Publisher: Aspyr
- Modification Date: October 15, 2015
- Requirements: Mac OS X 10.9.5 or higher - 64-bit
Download File Size: 6.60 GB - App Store
Download File Size: 6.60 GB - Steam
Terraria 1.3.5.3Dig, Fight, Explore, Build: The very world is at your fingertips as youfight for survival, fortune, and glory. Will you delve deep intocavernous expanses in search of treasure and raw materials with which tocraft ever-evolving gear, machinery, and aesthetics? Perhaps you willchoose instead to seek out ever-greater foes to test your mettle incombat? Maybe you will decide to construct your own city to house thehost of mysterious allies you may encounter along your travels?
Blending elements of classic action games with the freedom ofsandbox-style creativity, Terraria is a unique gaming experience whereboth the journey and the destination are completely in the player’scontrol. The Terraria adventure is truly as unique as the playersthemselves!
- License: Buy, $10
- Developer/Publisher: Re-Logic
- Modification Date: April 25th, 2017
- Requirements: Mac OS X 10.9.5 or higher - 64-bit
Download - Steam
Download File Size: 126.3 MB
Tomb Raider 1.2When a young Lara Croft is shipwrecked on an uncharted island, sheenters a fight for survival armed with nothing but her instincts. HelpLara perfect her natural gifts as she embarks on a perilous journey tosave her friends and escape the island’s murderous inhabitants.
Scavenge vital resources, upgrade Lara’s gear and improve herexploration, combat and survival skills to fight back against viciousenemies. Jump and climb through dense forests, treacherous mountains andWWII bunkers to discover how an ordinary young woman became Lara Croft,Tomb Raider.
- License: Buy, $30
- Developer/Publisher: Feral Interactive
- Modification Date: July 18, 2019
- Requirements: macOS 10.14 or higher - 64-bit
Download File Size: 12.3 GB - App Store
Download File Size: 12.3 GB - Steam