Best RPG Games for Mac: Insights From a Hardcore Gamer

Craving epic adventures on your Mac? 2023 has ushered in a golden age of role-playing games tailored for Apple enthusiasts. Gone are the days of envying console players—my roundup of the best RPG games for Mac in 2023 promises mind-bending storylines, unforgettable characters, and worlds so expansive they defy imagination.

Whether you’re a sword-wielding hero or spell-casting wizard, there’s something here to enthrall you. So, get ready to lose yourself in fantastical realms without leaving your Mac behind!

Best Mac RPG Games in 2023

If you’ve ever wanted to become an intergalactic commander, medieval hero, or mystical sorcerer, RPGs have opened up a world—actually, multiple worlds—of possibilities. The RPG genre on the Mac offers dizzying plot twists, complex characters, and game mechanics to keep you hooked for hours on end.

My curated list of the best Mac RPG games 2023 promises not just to entertain but to transport you into realms beyond your wildest imagination. Let’s dive in.

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

World of Warcraft sports a cartoony, almost whimsical, visual style. The graphics may not be photorealistic, but they have a unique allure. Everything flowed like a dream on my Mac, and I often stopped just to admire sunsets over digital landscapes like the Elwynn Forest.

This RPG is like a living, breathing world. I’ve seen how expansions—like Cataclysm back in 2010—literally reshape the landscape. Old landmarks vanish, new zones appear, and the storyline keeps you glued to your seat.

If you’ve never played before, a Starter Edition lets you play for free until level 20. This is a fantastic way to see if the game clicks with you without opening your wallet.

The game boasts a massive player base of around seven million gamers worldwide. I’ve been on quests with players from around the globe, and these shared experiences make the game even more enriching.

Why I Loved It

• Endless Adventure: There’s so much to see and do that you could lose hours or even days just exploring.
• Community Matters: The social aspect of teaming up or battling other players made the game even more engaging.
• Regular Updates: The world is ever-evolving, thanks to expansion packs and regular updates.

Now, the game isn’t perfect. For starters, it requires a monthly subscription past level 20. Also, the sheer volume of content—while thrilling for veterans like me—can be intimidating for newcomers.

Play This Game If

• You Love Fantasy: The game is like an interactive epic fantasy novel.
• You Enjoy Teamwork: Team up with players worldwide for raids, quests, or PvP (Player vs. Player) battles.
• Your Mac Can Handle It: While it runs smoothly on most Macs, older machines might experience some hiccups.

World of Warcraft offers a captivating MMORPG experience on your Mac. The game might demand time and financial commitment, but the return is a rich, ever-evolving online world you can share with millions.

2. Disco Elysium

Disco Elysium System Requirements

Specifications	Minimum Requirements	Recommended Requirements
OS	macOS 10.13.4 or 10.14.1 or 10.15.4 or newer	macOS version 10.13.4 or 10.14.1 or 10.15.4 or newer
Processor	64-bit processor and operating system	64-bit processor and operating system
Processor Generation	Intel Core i3	Intel Core i5
Graphics	An OpenGL-supported GPU; ATI FireGL T2-128	Intel Iris/Intel HD 4000 or higher, AMD GCN, NVIDIA Kepler
Memory	4GB RAM	8GB RAM
Storage	20GB available space	20GB available space

Imagine waking up in a weird, run-down hotel room with a splitting headache and zero memory. That’s how Disco Elysium starts. You’re in this place called Revachol. It’s not some medieval land with dragons or a futuristic city, it’s more like a town from our world but grittier. I felt like a detective in a moody crime movie, and that got me hooked instantly.

The game lets you choose what kind of detective you want to be. Do you rely on smarts or go for a more hands-on approach? I chose to be a Thinker, focusing on solving problems with my brain rather than muscle.

You can pick skills like empathy or logic that help you out. It’s like different parts of your brain are characters in the game, helping (or sometimes messing with) your choices. That felt really new and cool to me.

Once you get your bearings and meet your partner, you’re off exploring and talking to people. The graphics are kinda grimy but in a way that makes the world feel real. The sound and music? Totally added to the vibe. It was like walking around in a different world, and I loved it.

Why I Loved It

• Engaging Story: I got so wrapped up in the mystery, I lost track of time. Seriously, I stayed up way too late playing.
• Your Choices Matter: Whether you’re nice or not-so-nice, the game changes based on what you do.
• Unique Skills System: Your ‘inner voices’ help you make decisions, which was a really different twist.

While I had a ton of fun playing Disco Elysium, a couple of things weren’t perfect. First, the game can be pretty heavy on your Mac, so I ran into some slow moments and hiccups. Also, it’s not a ‘pick up and play’ kind of game—you’ve got to invest time and attention to really get into it.

Play This Game If

• You Love Reading: The game is like an interactive book; lots of reading but really worth it.
• You’re Into Mature Themes: This isn’t a kid’s game. It deals with complex stuff like politics and uses strong language.
• Your Mac is Up for It: The game needs a decently powerful Mac to run well, so double-check if yours is up to the task.

So there you have it. Disco Elysium isn’t your regular RPG, but it’s one of the most memorable games I’ve played on my Mac. Just remember it’s a bit grown-up, and make sure your Mac can handle it.

3. Wasteland 3

Wasteland 3 System Requirements

Specifications	Minimum Requirements	Recommended Requirements
OS	OS X 11.1	OS X 11.1
Processor	Not Specified	Intel Core i5 6x 3.3GHz
Graphics	Not Specified	AMD Radeon Pro 5300 4GB
Memory	8GB RAM	8GB RAM
Storage	45GB available space	45GB available space

Imagine trudging through a frozen wasteland with a mission – that’s how Wasteland 3 starts. You’re not on vacation, you’re in the icy lands of Colorado with a group of Desert Rangers, trying to help out a leader named the Patriarch.

The whole setting feels like something out of a blockbuster movie but darker and grittier. The moment I got ambushed in the opening cutscene, I was hooked.

You have to pick what kind of squad you want. Do you want to be close-combat experts or snipers? I went with a father-daughter duo: Dad’s good with a wrench, and the daughter’s a sharpshooter. But boy, close combat was tough initially, making me wish I’d chosen differently.

The game lets you make choices like deciding to save your friend or letting the enemies go. I chose to let the enemies go, and guess what? They showed up later to make things harder for me. It felt like my decisions actually mattered, and that was a cool feeling.

Why I Loved It

Nothing’s perfect, right? While I enjoyed the game, the beginning is a bit tough, especially if you’re new to this type of game. Also, some of the voice acting could be a bit better. These are small issues, but worth mentioning.

Play This Game If

• You Love Deep Stories: Wasteland 3 is like an interactive movie that needs you to make crucial decisions.
• You’re Into Strategy: This is not a simple point-and-shoot game, you’ve got to think ahead, just like in a chess game.
• You’re a Team Player: The game shines when you build and manage a team of fighters. It’s not a solo act.

So here’s the deal—Wasteland 3 is a challenging but super engaging game. The game looks and runs great on Mac, and the minor issues with some voice lines aren’t a big problem. If you love games that make you think, plan, and feel like your choices matter, Wasteland 3 is worth diving into.

4. Star Wars: KOTOR 2

Star Wars: KOTOR 2 System Requirements

Specifications	Minimum Requirements
OS	OS X 10.9 Mavericks,OS X 10.11 El Capitan,macOS 10.12 Sierra
Processor	Intel Core i3 (2 Cores)
Graphics	ATI Radeon HD 3870; NVidia GeForce 330M; Intel HD 3000
Memory	4GB RAM
Storage	10GB available space

Controller Support Notes:

• Microsoft® Xbox® 360 Controller for Windows® (Wired)
• Microsoft® Xbox® One Controller (Wired)
• SONY® PS3 DUALSHOCK®3 wireless controller
• SONY® PS4 DUALSHOCK®4 wireless controller
• Logitech RumblePad™ 2
• Logitech™ Dual Action™

KOTOR 2 may have been late to the Mac party, but its eventual arrival was well worth the wait. As the sequel to the iconic Knights Of The Old Republic, this game provides a fresh experience and a nostalgic trip back into the Star Wars universe.

You awaken injured and confused, your memory blurry and your lightsaber missing. As one of the last surviving Jedi, your mission is to reclaim your identity, regain your abilities, and find any other Jedi who survived the catastrophic war against the Sith Lords.

Turn-based combat may sound like a throwback, but here it’s anything but dull. The game gives you the freedom to specialize: become a lightsaber virtuoso or a Force maestro, depending on how you want to shape your character. The tactical depth is incredible; you can even pause battles to fine-tune your strategy.

KOTOR 2 is deeply narrative-focused. Your choices genuinely matter, affecting the story and your character’s alignment. Whether you tread the path of light or wander into darkness, each decision uniquely molds your journey.

Why I Loved It

• Narrative Depth: The story isn’t just good, it’s compelling and makes you think deeply about your choices.
• Character Customization: The freedom to shape your Jedi’s skills and alignment provides a personal touch to the gameplay.
• Tactical Combat: The turn-based combat is far from boring. Pausing to strategize lends a thrilling dimension to each fight.

While compelling, the game isn’t flawless. Its initial rush to market led to some loose ends in the story, leaving some questions frustratingly unanswered. And yes, the graphics do show their age, but what they lack in polish, they make up for in style.

Play This Game If

• You’re a Star Wars Fan: This game provides a fresh lens into the Star Wars universe, with new characters and a storyline set long before the movies.
• You Love RPGs with Choices: If you enjoy games where your decisions affect the outcome, KOTOR 2 will be right up your alley.
• You Enjoy Strategy: Whether combat tactics or moral decisions, this game offers plenty of opportunities to strategize.

Considering the depth of experience it offers, KOTOR 2 is reasonably priced, making it an appealing investment for Star Wars enthusiasts and RPG fans alike. May the Force be with you!

5. Baldur’s Gate 3

Baldur’s Gate 3 System Requirements

Specifications	Minimum Requirements	Recommended Requirements
OS	macOS 10.15.6	macOS 10.15.7
Processor	2.6GHz Quad-Core Intel Core i7	2.3GHz 8-Core Intel Core i9
Graphics	AMD Radeon460 4GB	AMD Radeon Pro 5500M 8GB
Memory	8GB RAM	16GB RAM
Storage	150GB available space	150GB available space

When I first launched Baldur’s Gate II on my Mac, I felt like I was opening a magical book from another era. This classic, which first graced the gaming world in 1988, might showcase 2D graphics that seem quaint compared to modern 3D epics, but its charm is timeless.

What caught my attention the most, though, was the story. Without giving too much away, you play as a character with a mysterious past, and as you meet different people and face challenges, you uncover bits and pieces of your own story.

The game is vast – with a potential 300 hours of quests, twists, and tales waiting for those eager to explore every corner. One cool thing? Your friends in the game have their own stories, and they’ll chat with you, joke, argue, and even share their deepest secrets if you spend enough time with them.

One of the many highlights includes crossing paths with the devious wizard, Irenicus. With the impeccable voice acting of the renowned David Warner, Irenicus comes alive, making every encounter unforgettable. And for a dash of humor, Minsc and his quirky “giant space-hamster,” Boo, never fail to bring a smile.

Why I Loved It

• Engaging Story: The tale is filled with twists, turns, and moral decisions that keep you on the edge of your seat.
• Memorable Characters: From loyal allies to cunning enemies, the people you meet in this game feel fully realized and multidimensional.
• Depth of Gameplay: With many quests and multiple ways to build your character, the game offers endless replayability.

Now, not everything was smooth sailing. Sometimes, the game’s old age shows. For instance, the controls took me a bit to get used to, and there were moments where I felt things could have been explained better.

Play This Game If

• You Love Deep Stories: This is your game if you’re into narratives that give you choices and have lasting consequences.
• You Enjoy Classic RPGs: If you have a soft spot for the old-school, Baldur’s Gate II serves classic RPG goodness in spades.
• You Have Time to Dive In: With a massive world filled with quests and adventures, this game will keep you busy for a long, long time.

If you’re looking for an in-depth RPG experience on your Mac and don’t mind diving into a slightly older game, Baldur’s Gate II might be right up your alley. It’s not perfect, but the rich story and memorable characters make it a memorable game.

6. Mount and Blade: Warband

Mount and Blade: Warband System Requirements

Specifications	Minimum Requirements
OS	OS X version El Capitan 10.11, or later
Processor	Intel Core Duo T2450
Graphics	NVIDIA GeForce 8600M; ATi Radeon 2400 or better; AMD Radeon HD 2400
Memory	1GB RAM
Storage	1GB available space

Imagine you’re in a big, open medieval world where you can be whatever you want: a knight, a trader, or even a king. You start off as just one person with a horse and a sword, but you can end up leading an entire army. How cool is that?

First things first, the gameplay is unique. It’s not like those RPGs where you just click and your character does all the fighting. Nope, you have to actually swing your sword, aim your bow, and even block attacks yourself. So, when you win a fight, it feels like you really earned it.

The graphics aren’t going to blow your mind, especially if you’re used to playing games with super-detailed worlds and characters. But honestly, that didn’t bother me much. The game has its own kind of charm, and it’s more about the experience and freedom you have than how it looks.

Now, the combat system is both a plus and a minus. It’s great because it’s realistic and skill-based. So, you won’t get far by just smashing buttons. But it’s also kind of tricky to get the hang of at first. I had my share of moments where I’d miss an easy swing and get smacked down by an enemy.

Why I Loved It

• Freedom of Choice: The ability to decide my own path, from career to alliances, was refreshing.
• Realistic Combat: The skill-based combat made victories feel truly earned.
• Smooth Mac Performance: The game runs really well on Mac, which isn’t something you can say for every RPG out there.

The game does show its age in some areas. For instance, some of the menus and interfaces feel a bit clunky, and you might run into a glitch or two. Also, while the world is big, it can feel a bit empty at times, especially when you’re just traveling from one place to another.

Play This Game If

• You Love Sandbox Games: If you enjoy carving out your own destiny, this is the game for you.
• You’re into Medieval Settings: Castles, knights, and jousts—what’s not to love?
• You Want a Challenge: If easy games bore you, the realistic combat system here will keep you on your toes.

If you’re looking for an RPG that lets you create your own story and doesn’t hold your hand, Mount & Blade: Warband is a solid pick. It’s not perfect, but the freedom and realistic combat make it worth your time. Plus, it runs pretty smoothly on Mac, which is a big win in my book.

7. Divinity: Original Sin 2

Divinity: Original Sin 2 System Requirements

Specifications	Minimum Requirements	Recommended Requirements
OS	OS X 10.8.5	OS X 10.9.3
Processor	Intel Core 2 Duo	Intel i5 or higher
Graphics	Intel HD Graphics 3000/4000	Intel Iris (Iris Pro) or ATI™ Radeon™ HD 6XXX or higher or NVidia 6xx series or higher
Memory	4GB RAM	4GB RAM
Storage	10GB available space	10GB available space

When I first launched Divinity: Original Sin 2 on my MacBook Pro, I was impressed by how smoothly it ran. The game has been specially tweaked to work well on Macs, thanks to the brains at Larian Studios and Apple.

Using Apple’s Metal graphics tech, this game doesn’t hold back on delivering top-notch visuals. Plus, I found using the TouchBar to switch spells really cool and easy. But, make sure your Mac is up-to-date, older models might have a tough time keeping up with the fancy graphics.

Starting out in the magical world of Rivellon, I was a Sourceror who got tossed into jail for using a risky magic called “Source.” This magic is super strong, but it’s risky because it can open a gateway to a creepy place called “The Void,” letting in monsters and all kinds of bad stuff. Your big mission? Keep the world safe from these dangerous creatures.

In my playthrough, I had to make a lot of tough choices, like deciding whether to save someone or not. And let me tell you, each choice felt like it really mattered. The game gives you a tutorial if you’re new, and it helped me get started. I chose an undead lizard because—why not?—and that choice alone made things super interesting for me.

Why I Loved It

• Your Choices Matter: I loved how the game changed based on what kind of character I picked and the choices I made.
• Combat Is A Brain-Teaser: The battles in this game made me think hard about my moves. Using elements like water and fire to trick my enemies felt so rewarding.
• Playing with Friends: The best part was teaming up with my friends for quests and battles. And it didn’t matter if they had a Mac or a PC, we could all play together thanks to cross-platform multiplayer.

It’s not all sunshine and rainbows, though. Sometimes the puzzles in the game were so tricky I had to look up help online. And the game isn’t super clear about where to go next, so I found myself wandering around confused a few times. Also, some dialogues felt like they went on forever, which got a little boring.

Play This Game If

• You Like Deep Stories: If you enjoy games where you can really dive into the story and where your choices make a difference, you’ll probably love this as much as I did.
• You’re A Planner: If you like to think before you act, especially in battles, this game’s turn-based combat is going to be really fun for you.
• You’ve Got Gaming Friends: If you enjoy teaming up with friends in games, Divinity: Original Sin 2 lets you share the adventure, whether your friends are on a Mac or a PC.

So, that’s Divinity: Original Sin 2 for you. It’s an epic game that’s totally worth playing if you have a Mac, especially if you’re into deep stories and challenging battles. Just remember to check if your Mac can handle it and maybe get some friends to join in on the fun.

Play the Best RPG Games for Mac

When it comes to Mac RPGs, there are several noteworthy titles, but World of Warcraft stands out as the best RPG for Mac M1 in 2023. With its impressive graphics, enthralling storyline, and innovative gameplay mechanics, WoW delivers an unparalleled gaming journey that can keep you engaged for extended periods.

Here are a few more tips to get the most out of your Mac in terms of gaming:

• Is MacBook good for gaming? This is a question many gamers ask. The short answer is yes, MacBook with M1 and M2 chips work great for RPGs and other games.
• Playing RPGs on your Mac can be resource-intensive, so you must optimize your Mac for gaming.
• Learn Mac keyboard shortcuts to enhance your gaming experience on the computer.

Frequently Asked Questions