Best Mac Multiplayer Games in 2023: Reflections of a Gaming Enthusiast

Tired of scrolling through endless lists only to find games that don’t support macOS? Your search ends here. From heart-pounding eSports showdowns to laid-back co-op adventures, I’ve curated a list of the best Mac multiplayer games in 2023.

So grab your mouse and keyboard, gather your gaming buddies, and get ready to dive into a world of unending digital fun. Here are the best multiplayer games for Mac that will redefine your gaming experience and leave you yearning for just one more round.

Best Multiplayer Mac Game Reviews

Before diving into the individual reviews, it’s important to note that I rigorously tested and evaluated each game on this list. I based my reviews on factors like gameplay mechanics, graphics, user experience, and the quality of the multiplayer interaction.

I aim to provide an in-depth look into what makes these games the cream of the crop for Mac users in 2023. Now, let’s get to the heart of the matter—here are the best multiplayer Mac games you’ve been eagerly waiting for.

1. World of Warcraft

World of Warcraft System Requirements

Specifications	Minimum Requirements	Recommended Requirements
OS	macOS 10.15	macOS 12 (latest version)
Processor	4 Cores, 2.9 GHz processor, 6th Generation Intel®, Core™ Skylake, Apple® M1	8 Cores, 3.6 GHz processor, 9th Generation Intel®, Core™ Coffee Lake, Apple® M1 Max
Graphics	Metal® capable 3 GB GPU, AMD™ GCN 4th gen, Apple® M1	Metal® capable 8 GB GPU, AMD RDNA™, Apple® M1 Max
Memory	8GB RAM	16GB RAM
Storage	128GB available space	128GB available space

When I first launched World of Warcraft on my Mac, I felt like exploring mystical lands filled with legends and lore. The game has a massive world broken up into continents and magical realms where every quest becomes your next big adventure.

While its graphics, which some describe as cutesy, paint a vibrant world, the real magic is in the shared adventures with millions globally. Players take on enchanting roles, from wizards weaving spells to warriors brandishing swords, all set in the expansive universe of Azeroth.

The beauty of WoW lies in its dynamic nature. Remember Cataclysm from 2010? It wasn’t just an expansion but an upheaval, altering familiar terrains and unveiling new mysterious zones. Such expansions energize veteran players like me, offering fresh tales and challenges.

If you’re sitting on the fence, unsure about stepping into this world, Blizzard’s got your back. Their Starter Edition is a no-strings-attached invitation, allowing you to play freely until level 20.

Why I Loved It

• Ever-evolving World: Azeroth is alive and continually changing, ensuring the gameplay remains fresh and exciting.
• Deep Social Connections: Forming guilds, teaming up for quests, and just chatting makes for a genuinely social experience.
• Engaging Lore and Storytelling: Every quest, zone, and character has a backstory that adds depth and immersion to the game.

However, World of Warcraft isn’t without its downsides. Its vast content can overwhelm beginners, and occasional lags on Mac systems during intense battles can be annoying.

Play This Game If

• You’re a Fantasy Buff: Dive into a realm filled with magic, dragons, and age-old mysteries.
• Social Gaming Appeals to You: Interacting with players worldwide, forging friendships and alliances.
• You Seek a Long-Term Gaming Commitment: WoW isn’t a game you finish in a week. It offers potentially endless adventures, especially with constant new content releases.

In a nutshell, World of Warcraft offers an ever-evolving, rich multiplayer experience. Though it’s a treat on the Mac, ensure your system is up to par.

2. Dota 2

Dota 2 System Requirements

Specifications	Minimum Requirements	Supported Mac Models
OS	macOS 10.13.6 or newer	– M1 Max MacBook Pro 16-inch (2021), 32 GB – M1 Pro MacBook Pro 14-inch (2021), 16 GB – M1 MacBook Pro 13-inch (2020), 8 GB – M1 MacBook Air (2020), 8 GB
Processor	Intel Dual Core
Graphics	Metal-capable GPU (AMD GCN-based GPU or newer, NVIDIA Kepler-based GPU or newer, Intel HD 4000 or newer)
Memory	4GB RAM
Storage	60GB available space

Ever tapped into a game where every decision, every move, resonates with strategy and teamwork? That’s what Dota 2 felt like on my Mac. Born from the legacy of Defense of the Ancients (DotA), Dota 2 by Valve stands as a pinnacle of free-to-play online gaming.

Here’s how it works: you join a team of five players, each picking a unique character called a hero. The hero variety is amazing, from storm summoners to cunning archers, every hero brings a unique style and set of abilities to the table.

The main goal? It’s like a grand game of chess. You aim to checkmate the opponent’s Ancient, a structure guarded like a prized jewel in their base. Victory feels grand, but getting there involves strategy, mistakes, learning, and teamwork.

What’s more, Dota 2’s competitive scene is something else. It boasts of The International, an annual tournament where players worldwide compete for millions. And if you’re worried about it being a pay-to-win kind of game, it’s not. Every hero is accessible without spending a dime, and the in-game purchases are mostly for flashy, fun cosmetics.

Why I Loved It

• Unpredictable Dynamics: Every match unfolds like a new story, making no two games feel the same.
• Community Vibe: Engaging with passionate players and joining group strategies added depth to the experience.
• Artistic Flair: The game’s visuals and designs are captivating, with each hero and setting crafted in rich detail.

As exhilarating as the victories are, Dota 2 is challenging: it requires time, has a steep learning curve, and its online community can sometimes be intense.

Play This Game If

• You’re Strategy-Obsessed: The game demands thoughtful decisions at every turn.
• Teamwork Thrills You: Succeeding hinges on seamless coordination with your teammates.
• Competitive Streak: If you’ve got the drive to climb leaderboards and challenge yourself, this is your arena.

To wrap it up, for Mac users yearning for strategy-driven combat, Dota 2 offers an experience rich in depth and competition. The hurdles? They’re there. But for those eager to immerse themselves, the world of Dota 2 is a playground of endless intrigue and excitement.

3. Starcraft II

Starcraft II System Requirements

Specifications	Minimum Requirements	Recommended Requirements
OS	macOS 10.13 (latest version)	macOS 10.15 (latest version)
Processor	Intel® Core™ 2 Duo	Intel Core i5 6x 3.3GHz Intel® Core™ i5 or better
Graphics	NVIDIA® GeForce® GT 640M or ATI™ Radeon™ HD 4670 or better	AMD Radeon Pro 5300 4GB NVIDIA® GeForce® GTX 775M or AMD Radeon™ R9 M290X or better
Memory	4GB RAM	8GB RAM
Storage	30GB available space	30GB available space

When I first launched StarCraft II on my Mac, it felt like boarding a spaceship to the Koprulu Sector. This masterpiece from Blizzard Entertainment is a decade-old legend in the realm of real-time strategy (RTS).

Here’s the cool part: StarCraft II isn’t just one story – it’s three interconnected tales. Wings of Liberty put me in the boots of spacefaring humans called Terrans. With Heart of the Swarm, I dived into the mysterious hive of the Zerg, and Legacy of the Void had me commanding the awe-inspiring Protoss.

But what really captivated me was the intricate storytelling. The solo campaigns aren’t just missions but epic tales of intergalactic conflicts, full of twists and turns. And the beauty is, the skills and tactics you pick up in these stories prime you for multiplayer battles.

The multiplayer mode is where the game’s intensity truly shines, challenging your strategic thinking every step of the way. But thanks to its smart matchmaking or ladder system, you’re pitted against players of similar skill, ensuring fair and exhilarating matches.

Why I Loved It

• Dynamic Stories: Each campaign felt like a unique, page-turning sci-fi novel, offering diverse experiences within the same universe.
• Tactical Depth: The game consistently pushes your strategic boundaries, rewarding innovative approaches to challenges.
• Multiplayer Experience: The online mode, with its skill-matched battles, always keeps you on your toes, promising a fresh experience every match.

While I’ve had a blast with StarCraft II, its steep learning curve can be intimidating for beginners due to its fast-paced RTS mechanics.

Play This Game If

• You’re a Strategy Buff: If chess meets Star Wars sounds appealing, this game’s right up your alley.
• You Crave Intense Challenges: StarCraft II will test your quick thinking and long-term planning skills.
• You Love Engaging Narratives: Beyond strategy, the game offers rich stories that captivate and immerse.

StarCraft II has been a rollercoaster of epic space battles, tactical decisions, and unforgettable multiplayer skirmishes on my Mac. If strategy and action are your cup of tea, this game might just be your next great adventure.

4. Counter-Strike: Global Offensive

Counter-Strike: Global Offensive System Requirements

Specifications	Minimum Requirements	Recommended Requirements
OS	macOS 10.11 (El Capitan) or later	macOS 13.0 or later version
Processor	Intel Core Duo Processor (2GHz or better)	M1 CPU  (4 + 4 cores)
Graphics	ATI Radeon HD 2400 or better / NVIDIA 8600M or better	M1 GPU (7+ cores)
Memory	2GB RAM	8GB RAM
Storage	15GB available space	25GB available space

Imagine stepping onto a battleground where every decision, every shot, and every callout can tip the balance between victory and defeat. That’s CS:GO for you—a game that’s as much about strategy as it is about reflexes.

Navigating maps like Dust II or Mirage feels like a thrilling chess game. Every corner could be a strategic advantage or a potential danger. And it’s not just me, over a million players dive into this world daily, making every match fresh and unpredictable.

The sheer variety in CS:GO is mind-blowing. From a vast arsenal of weapons, each with its unique rhythm, to a buzzing e-sports scene where the pros show us how it’s really done. For those wanting a little extra, there’s CS:GO Prime, offering neat bonuses and refined matchmaking.

And the best part? It’s been free since 2018! But a word of caution: CS:GO isn’t a walk in the park. It demands precision, strategy, and teamwork. With intense action sequences, it might be a tad too much for the faint-hearted or the very young.

Why I Loved It

• Team Dynamics: There’s a rush in collaborating with a team, devising strategies on-the-fly, and then seeing them play out in real-time.
• Ever-Evolving Gameplay: Different opponents, varying strategies, and countless unpredictable moments kept me coming back for just “one more game.”
• Rich Arsenal & Maps: Discovering the nuances of each weapon and the intricacies of iconic maps added layers of depth that kept the gameplay fresh and engaging.

While CS:GO offers a captivating experience, it’s not without its hitches. The game has a steep learning curve, and while the graphics have aged decently, they might seem dated.

Play This Game If

• You Thrive on Strategy: Beyond gunplay, CS:GO emphasizes a thinking player’s approach where foresight and planning are just as critical as aiming skills.
• You Enjoy Competitive Gaming: Whether you’re climbing the ranks or just enjoy a bit of friendly competition, CS:GO’s matchmaking system pits you against similarly skilled players for balanced gameplay.
• You’re Looking for Community: With its vast player base and numerous online communities, there’s always a place to discuss strategies, share highlights, or simply connect with fellow enthusiasts.

To wrap it up, playing CS:GO on Mac has been a rollercoaster of emotions—thrilling highs, nail-biting moments, and the sweet taste of victory with the right team. It’s a journey worth embarking on, but remember, it’s all about teamwork.

5. Fortnite

Fortnite System Requirements

Specifications	Minimum Requirements	Recommended Requirements
OS	macOS 10.14.6	macOS 13.4
Processor	Intel Core i3 3.3 GHz	Intel Core i5 2.8 GHz
Graphics	Intel HD 4000 or Intel Iris Pro 5200	AMD Radeon HD 7870 or NVIDIA GeForce 660 or equivalent
Memory	4GB RAM	8GB RAM
Storage	76GB available space	76GB available space

Whenever I click that Fortnite icon on my Mac, I’m immediately transported into a world of color, excitement, and endless possibilities. And the best part? This experience isn’t exclusive to Mac users, it’s a cross-platform adventure, seamlessly accessible on almost any device.

Fortnite’s free-to-play model masks a rich, layered gameplay that artfully blends pulse-pounding shootouts with the innovative freedom of building. For newcomers, it’s a welcoming introduction to the battle royale genre.

But for those aiming to master its intricacies, there’s a challenging and rewarding path ahead. I felt Fortnite’s gameplay is more fluid and fast-paced than counterparts like PUBG, ensuring every match is a unique dance of strategy and reflexes.

But where Fortnite truly shines is its embrace of pop culture. Through its collaborations with blockbuster movies, beloved TV series, and other iconic franchises, you can adorn your avatars in various skins, dances, and accessories.

Why I Loved It

• Endless Creativity: Whether designing an intricate fortress or piecing together a quirky outfit, the game constantly fuels my creative side.
• Dynamic Gameplay: No two matches are the same, making every session feel fresh and unpredictable.
• Pop Culture Fusion: The ability to immerse myself in a world where my favorite fictional characters come alive and interact is simply magical.

Fortnite is exciting but can emphasize in-game purchases and has overwhelming updates. The vast community also includes some unfriendly competitors, impacting the experience.

Play This Game If

• You’re a Builder at Heart: Beyond combat, the game challenges you to strategize and build, offering a unique twist to the typical battle royale formula.
• You Appreciate Vibrant Worlds: The game’s visuals are a treat, with colorful landscapes and detailed skins.
• You Love Pop Culture: If you’ve ever dreamt of seeing iconic characters from different universes interact, this is your playground.

Fortnite is a cultural phenomenon still dominating the multiplayer landscape in 2023. But this may not be your jam if you’re after serene, tactical combat.

6. League of Legends

League of Legends System Requirements

Specifications	Minimum Requirements	Recommended Requirements
OS	macOS 10.12	macOS 11
Processor	Intel Core i5-750	Intel Core i5-3300
Graphics	AMD HD 6570, Intel HD 4600 Integrated Graphics	AMD: Radeon HD 6950, Intel UHD 630 Integrated Graphics
Memory	2GB RAM	4GB RAM
Storage	12GB available space	16GB available space

Introduced in 2009, League of Legends remains an undeniable favorite on my gaming list even in 2023. It’s an ever-evolving world that reshapes itself every two weeks.

The game isn’t static, it grows. Tailored updates show the developers genuinely listen to the player base. Through the PBE (Public Beta Environment), players get a glimpse into the game’s future.

Now, talking about the champions – oh boy! Every single one feels like a masterpiece, each with its own story and style. It’s evident how much thought goes into designing them. Every time a new champion is introduced, I’m eager to try them out and see what unique twist they bring to the battlefield.

Worried about pay-to-win nonsense? LoL is free-to-play, and its in-game purchases are mostly cosmetic. Beginners will find a gentle introduction, while seasoned players face increasing complexities.

Why I Loved It

• Community Engagement: Engaging in discussions, sharing strategies, or watching game-related content draws you deeper into the LoL community.
• Strategic Depth: The thrill of devising new tactics keeps the gameplay refreshing.
• Artistic Flair: The visuals, character designs, and in-game cinematics are captivating, often leaving me in awe of the creativity behind them.

While League of Legends offers a lot, the constant updates can sometimes feel overwhelming, requiring you to adapt continuously. Approaching the game patiently and utilizing the mute and report tools when necessary is essential.

Play This Game If

• You Enjoy Teamwork: It’s not just about individual skill but how well you collaborate with others.
• You Seek Continuous Growth: With every match, there’s something new to learn, be it mastering a champion or adapting to the latest update.
• You Love Lore: Beyond the game, there’s a rich backstory for champions and their world, making it more immersive.

All in all, whether you’re a newbie looking to dive into a new world or a gaming veteran hunting for a challenge, this game has a place for you. Just remember, every game is a learning experience, so have fun, and see you on the Rift!

7. Hearthstone

Hearthstone System Requirements

Specifications	Minimum Requirements	Recommended Requirements
OS	OS X 10.14 (latest version)	macOS 10.14 (latest version)
Processor	Intel® Core™ 2 Duo	Intel® Core™ i3 or better
Graphics	NVIDIA® GeForce® 8600M GT or ATI™ Radeon™ HD 2600 Pro	NVIDIA® GeForce® GT 650M or ATI™ Radeon™ HD 5670 or better
Memory	2GB RAM	4GB RAM
Storage	3GB available space	3GB available space

Back in 2014, Blizzard Entertainment unveiled Hearthstone, a free-to-play card game set in the vibrant Warcraft universe. From the first match I played on my Mac, I was hooked.

At its core, Hearthstone is a strategic duel between two players, each armed with a deck of 30 cards and a hero with unique abilities. As you play, you’ll spend mana crystals—your resource for casting spells or summoning allies.

The goal is simple yet compelling: reduce your opponent’s health to zero before they do the same to you.

What’s kept me engaged for so long is the game’s variety. Weekly Tavern Brawls, with their changing rules, story-driven single-player adventures, and the competitive Arena mode, ensure there’s always something new to tackle. And Blizzard keeps things fresh, regularly introducing expansion packs with new cards and mechanics.

Why I Loved It

• Engaging Gameplay: Every match feels like a new puzzle, with different strategies to consider based on the cards in my hand.
• Constant Updates: The regular influx of new cards and mechanics ensures the game never becomes stale, offering new challenges to master.
• Rich Warcraft Lore: As a fan of the Warcraft series, diving deeper into its universe and meeting familiar faces is a treat.

Hearthstone’s expanding card pool can be daunting for newcomers, and while strategy matters, RNG can sometimes make luck overshadow skill, causing frustration.

Play This Game If

• You Enjoy Strategy: Crafting the perfect deck and planning several moves can make all the difference in a match.
• You Like Collecting: Building your card collection and hunting for rare cards can be as thrilling as the matches.
• Social Play Appeals: While it’s a great solo, Hearthstone also offers a chance to challenge friends or join guilds for more coordinated play.

If you appreciate a mix of strategy and unpredictability in a game, Hearthstone has been a delightful find for me. Just remember: it’s as much about the cards you’re dealt as how you play them.

8. Path of Exile

Path of Exile System Requirements

Specifications	Minimum Requirements	Recommended Requirements
OS	macOS 10.13	macOS 10.15
Processor	2.6GHz quad-core Intel Core i7	2.6GHz hex-core Intel Core i7
Graphics	Radeon Pro 450	Radeon Pro 555X
Memory	8GB RAM	16GB RAM
Storage	40GB available space	40GB available space

As someone who’s sunk countless hours into this classic, it’s like diving into an old, captivating novel that’s aged like fine wine. I booted it up on my Mac, unsure what to expect in 2023. To my delight, the game still holds its charm and challenge.

The ambiance? Absolutely chilling. As I wandered the dim dungeons and misty woods, the haunting tunes and eerie sounds reminded me why I fell in love with this game in the first place.

The multiplayer aspect is where Diablo II shines, especially on Mac. I teamed up with friends, and we braved the hordes of monsters together. The game fosters camaraderie, whether it’s sharing loot, strategizing boss fights, or just joking around in the chat.

I did run into some challenging players sometimes, but that’s part of any multiplayer game’s experience. Also, the visuals aren’t as shiny and polished as some modern titles, but they carry a unique, old-school charm that’s hard to resist.

Why I Loved It

• Deep Connection: This game isn’t just about defeating monsters; it’s about the story, the lore, and the atmosphere.
• Teamwork Triumphs: Playing with friends in a multiplayer mode brought back the genuine joy of gaming.
• Nostalgic Nuances: There’s something special about old-school games. The pixelated visuals, the soundtracks, the simple yet challenging mechanics—everything screams nostalgia in Diablo II.

Now, every game has its drawbacks, and Diablo II is no exception. Being an older title, its user interface isn’t as intuitive as today’s games. Newcomers might need a bit of time to get acquainted.

Play This Game If

• You Enjoy Team Adventures: If you thrive on collaborative gaming experiences and enjoy strategizing with friends, this is a treat.
• Old-School Charm Appeals: If contemporary, ultra-HD games aren’t your only cup of tea and you appreciate classic gems, give Diablo II a spin.
• Lore-Driven Games Excite You: The game’s rich backstory, filled with interesting characters and twists, offers more than just hack and slash. If you love a good story, this is your game.

Diablo II remains a treasure in my Mac gaming collection this year. It’s not just about visuals, it’s the shared adventures, the teamwork, and the memories you make along the way.

9. Among Us

Among Us System Requirements

Specifications	Minimum Requirements	Supported Mac Models
OS	macOS 11.0 or later	– Native support for M1 Macs – Via Parallels on Intel-based Macs
Processor	Apple M1 chip or later
Graphics	Not Specified
Memory	1GB RAM
Storage	722.3MB available space

It might raise eyebrows to find Among Us listed as a free multiplayer game for Mac, but it truly is one. This game captivated the gaming world during the pandemic, standing out not for intense shootouts but for its mind-bending strategy and suspense.

Throughout my playtime, I was engrossed in its core challenge: unmasking the sly impostor in our midst. As a Crewmate, every task became a clue, every conversation a potential lead. The voting sessions? They felt like intense courtroom dramas, with each player advocating their suspicions.

However, being the Impostor was a whole different game. It’s about seamlessly blending in while orchestrating chaos. A balancing act of mischief and discretion was essential to avoid the dreaded vote-off.

The game’s minimalist graphics underscore its appeal—it’s not about the visuals but the psychological gameplay and the shared moments of surprise, triumph, or defeat.

Why I Loved It

• Engaging Gameplay: Every match is a fresh puzzle, demanding wit and intuition.
• Social Interactions: Collaborating with other players created lasting memories and sometimes forged unexpected friendships.
• Simplicity: The uncomplicated graphics and user interface make the game accessible and easy to get into.

While Among Us offers much to praise, it’s not without its downsides. The simplicity, though a strength, means graphics aren’t as immersive as other games. Also, as with any game based on repetitive mechanics, it might lose its charm after extensive play.

Play This Game If

• You Love Mysteries: It’s a digital version of a whodunnit, where everyone is a suspect.
• You Enjoy Strategy: Beyond the deceptions, the game demands a tactical approach, whether you’re an Impostor or a Crewmate.
• You’re Looking for Social Fun: Perfect for virtual hangouts, game nights, or just to meet new people worldwide.

The suspense is real, and every game is a rollercoaster of trust, betrayal, and epic finger-pointing showdowns. And cross-platform play means you’re all set for a universal impostor hunt whether your friends are gaming on a PC, smartphone, or another Mac.

Play the Best Mac Multiplayer Games Like a Pro

This guide has explored the vibrant and immersive world of the best multiplayer games on Mac in 2023, providing a curated list of top-notch games that offer thrilling, fun, and engaging experiences. Here are a few more tips to enhance your gaming experience on Mac:

• Most M1 or M2 chip MacBooks are good for gaming, but you can keep them optimized to improve your gaming further.
• Multiplayer games can be resource-intensive, so you must optimize your Mac for gaming.
• Mac keyboard shortcuts can significantly improve your gaming experience.

Frequently Asked Questions