Valorant, Riot Game’s epic tactical shooter, is a wild favorite among competitive gamers. It is mainly due to its strategic, fast-paced, and exhilarating gameplay. But for those using their trusty Mac, the excitement is dampened by a significant hurdle: Can you play Valorant on Mac? While all seems hopeless, don’t throw the towel just yet.
Let us explore whether it is possible to play Valorant on your Mac, discuss the workarounds, list the system requirements, and discover solid alternatives.
Can You Run Valorant on Mac?
In simple terms, No. You cannot. At least not directly. According to Inven Global, Riot Games has yet to release a macOS version of Valorant. It is not available on the App Store, nor does the developer offer a separate installer. It means that Mac users cannot simply download it and start playing.
However, it does not mean you have no other options. So, hold on! There are two ways to run the game on your device, specifically virtualization and dual-booting. These two methods basically allow you to run Windows on a Mac. Commonly, your two best options to do this are Parallels Desktop and Boot Camp.
Minimum System Requirements
Based on an Inven Global article, you will need a Mac with an Intel processor to access these methods. The specific minimum requirements are listed below:
- USB drive with at least 16GB of space
- 64GB of space on your Mac
- 64-bit version of Windows 11 or 10 in ISO format
If you are seriously trying to run Valorant on your Mac, it would also be helpful to know the game’s required specifications for a Windows PC. Check the list below:
- Windows 7/8/10 (64-bit)
- Intel Core 2 Duo E8400
- Intel HD 3000
- 4GB RAM
- 7GB of available storage space
Alternative Games
If you think that the whole Windows-on-Mac setup is more tedious and will just add to your headache, then you may want to choose an alternative game. Here is a streamlined list of games that offer the same tactical shooter gameplay without the fuss:
- Team Fortress 2
- Counter-Strike: Global Offensive
- Paladins
- Apex Legends
These suggested alternatives offer rich, strategic gameplay and will save you from the complex setups that Valorant requires.
Bottom Line
Yes, you can play Valorant on your Mac, but it is not as straightforward as downloading it straight from the App Store. So, if you are hoping for a really smooth experience, this might not be for you. The process is not always seamless, and performance will still vary. In short, it is not a plug-and-play situation. Final judgment? It is worth asking if it is worth the hassle.
