It’s January and some of us may have overspent recently. So here’s some free gaming options to restructure your life around and be manipulated into paying for it in the end. I was curious to see how this list would come out. It won’t be news to Mac veterans that there is little in the way of FPS games. There’s a real gap in that market. Deadlock, anyone? Ha. I can dream. Although if you’re happy streaming through a service like GeForce Now there is Fortnite, Warframe, Destiny 2, The Finals, and probably more.
However, as with all my lists, I’ve only put down games officially released on macOS. This isn’t everything. I’ve focused on games that have retained popularity or are notable for another reason. Hopefully that will avoid any long queuing for a game etc. There’s a fair amount of variety here. Enjoy.
Albion Online
“Albion Online is a fantasy sandbox MMORPG featuring a player-driven economy, classless combat system, and intense PvP battles. Explore a vast open world full of danger and opportunity. Grow your wealth, forge alliances, and leave your mark on the world of Albion.”
macOS • Windows • Linux • SteamOS • Android • iOS • iPadOS
Available from Steam, Sandbox Interactive, and mobile stores.
Brawlhalla
“An epic platform fighter for up to 8 players online or local. Try casual free-for-alls, ranked matches, or invite friends to a private room. And it’s free! Play cross-platform with millions of players on PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch, iOS, Android & Steam! Frequent updates. Over fifty Legends.”
macOS • Windows • Switch • PlayStation • Xbox • Android • iOS
macOS version available from Steam.
Other versions also from Epic, Ubisoft, console and mobile stores.
Brighter Shores (EARLY ACCESS)
“Brighter Shores is an all new adventure from award winning MMORPG designer Andrew Gower. It is an enchanting point-and-click style RPG with hundreds of hours of gameplay, set in a land of magic and mysteries, with a huge number of professions to try, and something new to find around every corner.”
macOS • Windows
Available from Steam.
Combat Master: Season 2
“Join fast-paced action-packed combat. Play Combat Master — AAA experience on any hardware. Best-in-class multiplayer gunfight. Next-level extreme performance. Lightning-speed loading time and a whole lot more.”
macOS • Windows • Linux • SteamOS • Android • iOS
Available from Steam, and mobile stores.
Crab Game
“Crab Game is a First-Person Multiplayer game where you play through several different minigames based on children’s games, until only one player stands victorious.”
macOS • Windows • Linux • SteamOS
Available from Steam.
DDNet
“Want to play the hardest cooperative 2D platformer ever? Want to finish no map ever? Want to be in pain for hours and cry, getting nothing in return? Come play DDNet with a large community of other sufferers!”
macOS • Windows • Linux • SteamOS • Android
Available from Steam, and DDrace Network.
Dota 2
“Every day, millions of players worldwide enter battle as one of over a hundred Dota heroes. And no matter if it’s their 10th hour of play or 1,000th, there’s always something new to discover. With regular updates that ensure a constant evolution of gameplay, features, and heroes, Dota 2 has taken on a life of its own.”
macOS • Windows • Linux • SteamOS
Available from Steam.
EVE Online
“EVE Online is a free-to-play community driven space MMO where players can choose their own path from countless different options. Experience space exploration, immense PvP and PvE battles, mining, industry and a thriving player economy in an ever-expanding sandbox.”
macOS • Windows
Available from Steam, Epic, and Eve Online.
Fishing Planet
“Fishing Planet® is a free-to-play and highly realistic first-person online multiplayer fishing simulator. Developed by avid fishing enthusiasts to bring you the full thrill of actual angling on your PC.”
macOS • Windows • Linux • SteamOS
Available from Steam.
Goose Goose Duck
“Goose, goose, DUCK? A game of social deduction where you and your fellow geese must work together to complete your mission. Keep an eye out for those malicious Mallards and other birds, who have infiltrated your team and will do anything to stop you.”
macOS • Windows • Android • iOS
Available from Steam, and mobile stores.
Governor of Poker 3
“Governor of Poker 3 is the best multiplayer poker game with a great design. In this multi-player version of Governor of Poker you compete live with thousands of real poker players to prove you are the number 1 Texas Hold ’em poker star!”
macOS • Windows • Android • iOS • iPadOS • visionOS
Available from Steam, and mobile stores.
GWENT: The Witcher Card Game
“Command mighty Witcher-world heroes in epic online PvP card battles!”
macOS (designed for iPad) • Windows • Android • iOS
macOS version available from the App Store.
Other versions from GOG, Steam, and mobile stores.
Hearthstone
“Welcome to Hearthstone, the strategy card game that’s easy to learn but impossible to put down!”
macOS • Windows • Android • iOS
Available from Blizzard, and mobile stores.
League of Legends
“Whether you like to dive straight into the fray, support your teammates, or something in between, there’s a spot for you on the Rift.”
macOS • Windows
Available from Riot Games.
Magic: The Gathering Arena
“Magic: The Gathering Arena empowers you to discover your strategy, meet the planeswalkers, explore the multiverse, and battle friends around the world. Start playing for free, challenge your friends, unlock cards, and feel the magic of the original fantasy CCG!”
macOS • Windows • Android • iOS
macOS version available from Epic.
Other versions also from Steam, Wizards of the Coast, and mobile stores.
Marvel Snap
“Assemble your MARVEL dream team from a super roster of your favorite heroes and villains. MARVEL SNAP is fast-paced, adrenaline-pumping, strategic card battler that puts you in control of it all – make your move.”
macOS (designed for iPad) • Windows • Android • iOS
macOS version available from the App Store.
Other versions also from Steam, and mobile stores.
Path of Exile
“You are an Exile, struggling to survive on the dark continent of Wraeclast, as you fight to earn power that will allow you to exact your revenge against those who wronged you. Created by hardcore gamers, Path of Exile is an online Action RPG set in a dark fantasy world.”
macOS • Windows • PlayStation • Xbox
macOS version available from Steam.
Other versions also from Epic, and console stores.
Pokémon Trading Card Game Live
“Challenge your friends or battle other players around the world in Pokémon TCG Live. Players can battle, collect cool cards, build decks, and test skills with daily challenges in Pokémon TCG Live. Personalizing your game is easy with customizable avatars and Pokémon TCG accessories that include deck sleeves and coins. In-game currency can be redeemed to get additional cards and other fun items.”
macOS • Windows • Android • iOS
Available from The Pokémon Company, and mobile stores.
RISK: Global Domination
“Take over the world in RISK: Global Domination, the iconic strategy board game with 100+ original and classic maps and millions of players”
macOS • Windows • Android • iOS • iPadOS • visionOS
Available from Steam, and mobile stores.
Roblox
“Roblox is home to over 6.4 million immersive experiences, from gaming to social hangouts, to concerts, sports, fashion shows, education, and entertainment.”
macOS • Windows • PlayStation • Xbox • Android • iOS • iPadOS • Meta Quest
Available from Roblox, console and mobile stores.
RuneScape
“RuneScape is a high fantasy open world MMORPG. Explore an ever changing and evolving living world where new challenges, skills, and quests await. Featuring unprecedented player freedom, you choose how to play, adventure, and grow.”
macOS • Windows • Android • iOS
Available from Steam, RuneScape, and mobile stores.
StarCraft II
“Experience the game that redefined the real-time strategy genre. Terran, Zerg, or Protoss – The galaxy is yours to conquer.”
macOS • Windows
Available from Blizzard.
Star Wars: The Old Republic
“The war between the Galactic Republic and the Sith Empire spreads to new worlds! Dangerous fringe groups rise in the dark corners of the galaxy and Darth Malgus pursues an unknown plan… Unravel these mysteries and more as your choices continue to shape the galaxy.”
macOS • Windows
macOS version available from SWTOR (Open Beta).
Other versions also from Steam.
Teamfight Tactics
“The city of Spatulopolis is under attack! Lead a dream team of heroes to victory alongside Grizzle, Whiskers, Baron (yes, that Baron!) and Chibi Lux, taking down threats while earning superpowered cosmetics from your Monsters Attack!”
macOS • Windows • Android • iOS
Available from Epic, Riot Games, and mobile stores.
Unturned
“You’re a survivor in the zombie infested ruins of society, and must work with your friends and forge alliances to remain among the living.”
macOS • Windows • Linux • SteamOS • PlayStation • Xbox
Available from Steam, and console stores.
War Thunder
“War Thunder is the most comprehensive free-to-play, cross-platform, MMO military game dedicated to aviation, armoured vehicles, and naval craft, from the early 20th century to the most advanced modern combat units. Join now and take part in major battles on land, in the air, and at sea.”
macOS • Windows • Linux • SteamOS • PlayStation • Xbox
Available from Steam, Gaijin Games, and console stores.
World of Tanks Blitz
“A sparkling neon city. The Pirate tank and a treasure hunt. An expedition to the lair of THE BIGGEST BOSS. Have trouble choosing? Take it all!”
macOS • Windows • Switch • Android • iOS
Available from Steam, App Store, Wargaming, and mobile stores.
mishmash 