8/10 (5 votes) - Download Steam Mac Free. Search and download games for Mac with Steam, one of the largest Internet gaming platforms that exists. Download Steam for free, a great online game store.
Steam is the world’s most popular digital PC games store — an online platform for downloading games straight to your computer instead of shopping at traditional retail outlets. The platform was launched to great success in 2003 thanks to the parent company, Valve, releasing it alongside one of the most highly anticipated PC games of all time: Half-Life 2. The company strategically ensured that Half-Life 2 couldn’t be played without downloading or registering the game on Steam, which was a controversial move but also the world’s first push into digital distribution. Since then, Steam continued to grow rapidly as dated formats like CD and DVD became obsolete.
Today, lots of Mac users are still wondering: does Steam work on Mac? Truth is, for many years, Mac users had very little access to the most recent games. Although Steam was originally Windows exclusive, it eventually began to support Macs too — with a catch.
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How Does Steam Work On Mac?
The main reason for Steam not initially supporting Macs was them containing proprietary hardware that game developers struggled to cater for. Macs generally didn’t have the same gaming-oriented hardware that Windows PC users enjoyed, such as high-performance CPU chips and video cards. Additionally, Windows made it easier for game developers to interface with their hardware using widely supported API tools such as DirectX.
The lack of games on Mac wasn’t only due to hardware and software, but also the business model as a whole. In the early 2000s, Apple was more concerned with their suite of creative applications and music software rather than games. As gaming became more popular, the company struggled to enter the market through their own App Store, as competing products had already captured market share.
Thankfully, Macs shifted away from their own hardware to common X86 platforms used by Windows PCs, which included Intel chips and leading video card brands like AMD and Nvidia. Suddenly, gaming on Macs became viable — in an effort to reinvent the industry Apple is releasing Arcade this fall, its gaming subscription service for all the Apple devices. But while we are yet to see what is Apple hiding up its sleeve, Steam has already jumped on the opportunity to make it work.
How to install Steam on Mac
Now is a better time than ever for gamers on Mac, thanks to greater Steam support and more powerful hardware parts. So if you’re wondering how to download Steam for Mac, you’re in the right place. Follow the instructions below and you’ll be ready to get your Mac games download going in no time:
Navigate to steampowered.com
Click the Install Steam on the top right of the screen
On the next page, click Install Steam (make sure the Apple logo is next to the button, the browser should have automatically detected you’re on a Mac)
When the Steam download for Mac is finished, click on steam.dmg
From the new window, drag steam into Applications
The install should now be complete. Test it by opening Steam from your Dock or Applications folder.
There are a few considerations to keep in mind if you’re thinking about installing Steam on Mac. First, you’ll want to ensure you meet the minimum requirements. Second, most of the popular games use a traditional two-button mouse configuration, whereas many of Apple’s mice only have one by default. You can usually update the settings of your mouse, including the Apple Magic Mouse, to use a two-button style in your System Preferences. Finally, you’ll want to ensure your Mac is optimized for the best gaming performance.
How to download games on Steam
Despite Macs now having a more viable hardware platform for game developers, you’ll find that not all best Steam games for Mac are the same as Windows. Game developers still have to make accommodations for their games to run properly, most often quality assurance testing and specific Mac updates. In such an environment, here’s how you can find the best Mac games on Steam:
Open Steam from your Dock or Applications folder
Create a new account or log in if you already have one
All featured games (on the first page) should be Mac-compatible (identified by the Apple logo)
Double-click on any title to learn more about it
Click “Add to Card” and then “Purchase for Myself”
Choose Install Game Now
The Steam downloader will automatically start in the background and notify you when complete. Your game will then become available from the Library tab.
A helpful trick for first-time users is to take advantage of the Wishlist function, which adds games to a watchlist and notifies you when they are on sale. You can find the Wishlist button on the game page, near the “Add to Cart” button.
Additionally, you might want to begin your gaming journey with some free games for Mac. In Steam, navigate to the Store tab, then Games, and then Free-to-Play. You can download any of these following the same instructions as purchasing games.
If you find certain games are running slow, especially online, you may want to troubleshoot your internet connection. Mac users have a fantastic option for identifying internet issues in an application called WiFi Explorer.
WiFi Explorer automatically scans your network for coverage conflicts and then suggests tips for resolving them. In just a few seconds, you can see how well your WiFi network is performing, the strength of the signal when you move around your place, and your signal-to-noise ratio — so you can go back to gaming ASAP.
How to uninstall steam on Mac
If you’ve finished a game, or you’re trying to free up space on your drive, you may want to uninstall a Steam game on Mac. But you might be wondering: where does Steam install games? The answer is relatively complex, as Mac structures its application files in such a way that accessing them in the Library can be difficult when compared to the Windows File Explorer. Thankfully, uninstalling games on Steam is easy with its built-in file wizard for Mac. Here’s how to uninstall Steam games on Mac:
Open Steam, then navigate to the Games Library
Right-click on a game and choose Uninstall from the dropdown
Click Uninstall on the confirmation window. The game will be removed automatically from your Mac.
If you’re looking to uninstall the Steam application itself entirely from your Mac, it’s best to uninstall your games first to ensure nothing gets left behind. After that, simply dragging Steam into the Trash wouldn’t be ideal. If you want the most reliable way possible to uninstall Steam on your Mac, you may want to consider using an application designed to do this thoroughly.
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CleanMyMac X is a popular tool for Mac users that lets you uninstall applications and wipe their footprint completely from your drive (simply go to the Uninstaller tab, scan your Mac, and remove). Plus it grants you access to one-click optimization and other handy features such as browser privacy configuration.
Now that you know how Steam works, and how to install and uninstall games for Mac, you’re ready for gaming with confidence.
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The free, the cheap, and the full priced—check out our list of the top 10 steam games for Mac in 2020. You won’t be disappointed!
Did you know that almost 20 million people use Steam to play games on peak hours?
If you play Steam games using the Mac, you know that some great games aren’t available on this platform. Sometimes, you’ll feel left out when you can’t play some award-winning games like The Witcher. Worse, you’ll end up downloading subpar games to fill up the void.
Don’t fret, we’ve got a list for you.
In this guide, you’ll learn about the best Steam games for Mac. Read on and find out the latest games you can play using Steam in the macOS:
1. A Story About My Uncle
This is a little gem of a game that makes you wonder why it hasn’t garnered a much wider audience. In this case, it’s because Gone North Games isn’t a well-known developer. This Swedish company’s biggest hit is the 2014 Goat Simulator.
While A Story About My Uncle released on PC in the same year, the Mac version took a few years later to arrive. This adventure game sticks not to 2D graphics and walls of text. Instead, you rocket across dimensions, turning into a 3D platform game enabling you to track your Uncle Fred and find the truth.
2. Stardew Valley
If you’re a Harvest Moon fan, you’ll love Stardew Valley, a farming RPG taking inspiration from the former. You start with old tools, a meager sum of money, and a small plot of land left by your grandfather. Your goal is to make the farm successful and revitalize the economy of the Stardew Valley town.
3. Subnautica
Do you want to overcome your thalassophobia? If so, Subnautica is a great game to face your fears. It’s a game that both relaxes and thrills you as you explore an alien ocean.
After crashing on a strange ocean planet, your goal is to gather resources to ensure your survival. All your food and crafting materials are in the ocean. Take the plunge and see both majestic scenery and dangerous alien beings.
4. DOTA 2
The original Defense of the Ancients (DOTA) made the multiplayer online battle arena (MOBA) genre. Its sequel is one of the most popular free Steam games around. Take note, Steam has over 781 million registered games, and the competition is tough.
The game is extremely complex, with over a hundred heroes to choose from. Each has their unique abilities and item combinations. The good news is that its extensive tutorial mode helps you get the hang of combat basics and more.
5. SOMA
If you feel unsettled with Subnautica, know that SOMA will leave you terrified. This game is a fan favorite amongst horror enthusiasts because of its interesting storyline. More than that, the game has highly-detailed graphics coupled with a thrill factor.
Top Free Games For Mac On Steam Play
You wake up at an underwater research facility with light resources and no radio connection. To make it worse, you’re left to fend for yourself with ruthless enemies. You must use stealth skills to finish the game since you have no weapons to fight back.
6. Total War: Warhammer II
Are you fond of strategy games? If so, Total War: Warhammer II is a classic you can never go wrong with. This game will give you hundreds of hours of tactical gameplay with a high replay value since each iteration gives you a new experience.
This game uses the same elements as other video games within the Warhammer franchise. It has an intricate story in campaign mode. Regardless, it tests your leadership and tactical skill as you pit your forces against foes in turn-based combat.
Do you need more Steam games for your Mac? If so, click this guide to learn how to download Steam games for Mac.
7. Limbo
Limbo is a 2D puzzle platformer that leaves some players unsettled. You play as a young boy who got lost in a forest. Its levels have great graphics, paired with its impeccable ambient soundtrack and visceral surprises. With this, you’ll have a creepy and suspenseful experience.
This game shows the dire result of being too careless. If you’re sensitive, you have the option to turn off the gore. Regardless, the beauty and mournful cruelty of Limbo will stay with you long after you finished it.
8. Baldur’s Gate II: Enhanced Edition
The updated Enhanced Edition’s graphics don’t use 3D. It’s more of HD versions of its original artwork, making it look decent when viewed using modern computer screens. The game’s primary strength is its storytelling, meaning it’s as captivating as it was from three decades ago.
You can take the role of a cleric, rogue, warrior, or wizard. It has hundreds of quests and it can take around 300 hours to complete all of them. For people who play Dungeons & Dragons, Baldur’s Gate II: Enhanced Edition is a great treat.
9. Pillars of Eternity II: Deadfire
Its predecessor first came out as a big hit five years ago. It’s well-known for elements similar to classic RPG games like Icewind Dale and Baldur’s Gate. The first game ends with you saving the world and getting a nice castle as a reward.
The sequel starts with troubling news that an ancient god lies buried under your castle. He gets resurrected and destroys it, along with unfortunate souls residing it. If you liked the first game, know that the game offers more with its improved combat approach and its upgraded 3D graphics and lighting effects.
10. Cuphead
This run and gun game became an instant indie classic. It combines this gameplay mode with a beautiful art style. It’s a game that looks like a 1930s cartoon, making it look something special.
Its cute graphics might seem disarming, but the truth is that the game is punishing. It’s so difficult that some people compare its difficulty with Dark Souls.
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These are the top Steam games for Mac. Use this if you’re looking for a good game recommendation.
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Did this list help you get your next Steam game? Are you looking for more Mac tech guides and to-do lists to get the most out of your Apple product? If so, read our other guides and learn more.