Any macOS user knows the never-ending agony of searching for fun video games that run on their computer. You've scoured through Steam, scrolled through pages and pages on the App Store, and found nothing but high price tags and a severe lack of download links sporting an Apple logo.
So, what can you play when you own a Mac and must work with a tight budget? Surprisingly, quite a lot. The library may be small compared to what's available on PC, but Mac owners can play many superb games from various genres without paying a cent. The following titles, in particular, are engaging, replayable, and, best of all, absolutely free.
8 Goose Goose Duck
A Silly Social Deduction Game
Picture if Among Us starred birds. That's Goose Goose Duck in a nutshell. In this social deduction game, terror strikes a gaggle of geese when they realize one of them is secretly a duck in disguise. You must work together to complete tasks, look out for suspicious behavior, and reveal the culprit before it's too late.
If you need a break from the main gameplay, Goose Goose Duck offers several side modes to try, including the fan-favorite hide and seek (known here as Hoot & Seek). Thanks to its 16-player support, built-in voice chat, and free-to-play model, Goose Goose Duck is an excellent alternative to Among Us, given that the latter is unavailable on macOS.
7 Doki Doki Literature Club
A Psychological Horror Visual Novel
Doki Doki Literature Club!
Released September 22, 2017 Developer(s)
What starts as a cutesy visual novel turns into a terrifying nightmare in Doki Doki Literature Club. It begins innocently enough when your friend Sayori invites you to join her after-school poetry club. Things take a dark turn when the group members start acting strange, the poems become disturbing, and people go missing.
Doki Doki Literature Club's psychological horror, twist-heavy plot, and endearing yet tragic characters have made it one of the most beloved games on Mac. The best part is that the base version is completely free.
As a former Mac user myself, Doki Doki Literature Club was my go-to horror game. Even after I switched to PC, it's still my favorite title in the genre.
6 Brawlhalla
An Epic Crossover Fighting Game
Brawlhalla
Released October 17, 2017 Developer(s) Blue Mammoth Games
If Super Smash Bros. Ultimate is too pricey, Brawlhalla provides the same kind of crossover platform fighting without requiring payment. Up to eight players try to knock each other off the stage in fast-paced, item-filled free-for-alls in either online or local multiplayer.
The roster is massive and filled with characters from various TV shows and movies, including Star Wars, Avatar: The Last Airbender, and Adventure Time. Plus, the combat is easy to learn yet challenging to master, making it accessible to newcomers and fighting game enthusiasts.
5 Marvel Snap
A Strategic Superhero Card Game
Marvel SNAP
Released August 22, 2023 Developer(s) Second Dinner
Arguably the App Store's best free title, Marvel Snap is a deck-building card game starring characters from the MCU and comics. Each card features a superhero or villain and requires a certain amount of energy to play. The goal is to manage your limited energy and utilize each card's unique ability to maintain control of the board.
The gameplay is easy to learn while providing plenty of room for different strategies and decks. Since each round only lasts a few minutes, Marvel Snap is the ideal game to play in short bursts.
4 The Sims 4
A Cozy Life Simulator
The Sims 4
Released September 2, 2014 Developer(s) Maxis
While it wasn't free when it initially launched, you can now play the base game of The Sims 4 without paying a cent. Often considered the coziest Mac game ever, this charming life simulator has you create characters, design a house, and watch them raise a lovely family. Or you can throw them in a swimming pool and remove the ladder. The choice is yours.
The Sims 4 is a versatile experience that can be as relaxing or chaotic as you want. You could build a calm, peaceful life or turn into a vampire and flirt with the Grim Reaper. The world is yours to mold as you please, which is what makes the game so special.
3 Helltaker
A Top-Down Puzzle Game About Demon Romance
Here's a hidden gem for you. Helltaker is a top-down puzzle game about kicking skeletons, romancing devils, and trying not to get killed along the way. You play as a nameless warrior who invades Hell to achieve his life's goal of dating demons. And no amount of monsters or fire will stop him.
Each stage takes place on a grid, and you only have a limited amount of moves to reach the end. The strategy comes from navigating around obstacles, enemies, and locked doors without running out of turns. When you finally beat a level, you'll need to successfully flirt with a demon. Good luck!
2 Friday Night Funkin
A Rhythm Game With An Outstanding Soundtrack
Friday Night Funkin
Released October 5, 2020 Developer(s) The Funkin' Crew Inc.
Initially launched on Newgrounds, Friday Night Funkin developed a loyal following thanks to its engaging rhythm gameplay and incredibly catchy soundtrack. You compete in a series of singing battles where you must hit the correct key to the beat of the music to defeat your opponent.
Don't let the simple gameplay fool you. Friday Night Funkin provides a decent challenge for those experienced with the genre. The best part is the ever-expanding modding community that frequently develops new content. You can even play it in your browser if you don't want to download it from the App Store.
1 One Night, Hot Springs
An Emotional LGBTQ+ Visual Novel
One Night, Hot Springs is a touching visual novel about Haru, a transgender woman living in Japan. What starts as a night out with friends turns into an emotional deep dive into gender identity, mental health, and the effects of bullying. As Haru and her friends learn more about each other, you also start to feel r to them.
One playthrough takes about 40 minutes to complete, but there are multiple paths and seven endings to discover, each revealing new details about the characters and the challenges they've faced. In short, One Night, Hot Springs delivers an exceptional LGBTQ+ story and is among the best in Steam's library.
