How to play Ghost of Tsushima on Mac

Game Overview

Ghost of Tsushima is a critically acclaimed action-adventure game developed by Sucker Punch Productions and published by Sony Interactive Entertainment. Released in July 2020 for the PlayStation 4, with a Director’s Cut for both PlayStation 4 and PlayStation 5 launched in August 2021 and for PC in May 2024, the game has captivated players and critics alike, selling over 9.73 million copies by July 2022. The game is set in the late 13th century on Tsushima Island, during the first Mongol invasion of Japan. Sucker Punch went to great lengths to ensure cultural and historical authenticity, collaborating with Japan Studio and visiting Tsushima Island twice. The game draws heavy inspiration from samurai cinema, particularly the films directed by Akira Kurosawa, and the comic book series “Usagi Yojimbo”. This dedication to authenticity has been well-received, offering players a deeply immersive experience that respects its source material. “Ghost of Tsushima” offers a compelling narrative that follows Jin Sakai, a samurai who must adapt his methods to repel the Mongol invaders. The game blends traditional samurai combat with stealth elements, allowing players to approach challenges in various ways. The absence of a character karma system, unlike Sucker Punch’s previous “Infamous” games, enables a more cohesive story that reflects Jin’s transformation. The game’s open-world design, minimalistic art style, and emphasis on exploration further enhance the gameplay experience. While “Ghost of Tsushima” was initially available only on PlayStation platforms, there is interest in running the game on Mac. With the announcement of the Director’s Cut for PC in May 2024, Mac users have explored options to play the game using software like CrossOver. However, performance and compatibility can vary, and official support for macOS is not provided. For Mac users, playing “Ghost of Tsushima” through methods like Boot Camp, Parallels, or GeForce Now offers a way to experience the game, albeit with potential limitations in performance and user experience.

1. Play Ghost of Tsushima with CrossOver via Steam

CrossOver is a software tool that enables users to run Windows applications on macOS and Linux without needing a Windows operating system license. It is based on the popular open-source Wine project and works by translating Windows API calls into POSIX calls on-the-fly, eliminating the performance and resource penalties of virtual machines. With CrossOver, users can seamlessly integrate Windows applications into their native environment, running them as if they were native applications on their Mac or Linux systems. This software is especially useful for those who need access to certain Windows-only programs for business, education, or gaming purposes, providing a streamlined and efficient solution without the complexity of dual-booting or maintaining a separate Windows installation. Here’s how to play Ghost of Tsushima using CrossOver through Steam:

1. Visit the CrossOver website, purchase the software, and download it. Install CrossOver on your Mac by dragging it into the Applications folder.
2. Open CrossOver, click Install a Windows Application, and select Steam from the list. Follow the prompts to install.
3. On the right side, in the Advanced Settings, switch D3DMetal and MSync toggles.
4. Launch Steam within CrossOver, log into your Steam account, find Ghost of Tsushima in the Steam store, and install it.
5. Navigate to the Library in Steam, find Ghost of Tsushima, and click Play to start your simulation.

Install a Windows Application -> Steam

Install Steam on Mac via Crossover

2. Play Ghost of Tsushima on cloud gaming services (Boosteroid and AirGPU)

Cloud gaming platforms stream games from remote servers, offering high performance without demanding hardware. Cloud gaming services are expanding the accessibility of gaming by eliminating many of the traditional barriers, such as the need for constant hardware upgrades and the initial cost of games. As internet speeds increase and technology advances, cloud gaming continues to grow as a popular alternative to traditional console and PC gaming.

Boosteroid

Boosteroid is a cloud gaming platform that allows users to play video games directly from the cloud on various devices, including PCs, smartphones, and smart TVs. This service provides access to a wide range of games without the need for powerful hardware. With Boosteroid, gamers can stream their favorite games over the internet, bypassing the need for downloading or updating games locally. The platform operates on a subscription model, offering different tiers to accommodate various user needs and preferences. Boosteroid is known for its ease of use, enabling seamless gaming experiences across different operating systems and devices, promoting greater accessibility and convenience for gamers worldwide.

1. Visit Boosteroid, sign up, and subscribe.
2. Search for the Ghost of Tsushima game and play directly in your web browser.

Note: Boosteroid streams games seamlessly, making it accessible on most internet-connected devices.

AirGPU

AirGPU is a cloud gaming service that offers users the ability to rent high-performance virtual gaming PCs on demand. This platform enables gamers to stream the latest and most demanding games directly to their devices without the need for high-end local hardware. AirGPU provides a flexible rental model, allowing users to pay by the hour for access to powerful gaming rigs equipped with top-tier graphics and processing capabilities. The service supports a variety of devices including desktops, laptops, and some tablets, ensuring that users can enjoy a premium gaming experience from virtually anywhere. AirGPU stands out by offering personalized settings and configurations, giving gamers the freedom to customize their virtual machines to meet specific gaming needs.

1. Sign up at AirGPU and rent a high-performance virtual PC.
2. Connect to your cloud PC, install Ghost of Tsushima from any digital platform.
3. Enjoy the game with high-quality graphics.

3. Play Ghost of Tsushima using Parallels

Ghost of Tsushima is playable on Parallels, on Intel or M Macs, however you need to have at least 16 GB of RAM, because Windows 10 or 11 VM eats many resources. Additionally, graphic settings won’t be the best as Parallels currently only supports DirectX 11.

Parallels is a software application that allows users to run Windows and other operating systems simultaneously alongside macOS without rebooting. This virtualization technology is particularly popular among Mac users who need to access Windows applications for work or play. Parallels Desktop is known for its seamless integration, offering features like Coherence Mode, which allows applications from different operating systems to run side-by-side as if they are part of the same system. This makes it incredibly convenient for users to switch between macOS and Windows applications. Additionally, Parallels is designed to optimize performance, ensuring that both the Mac and the virtualized environments run efficiently. This software is a robust solution for those who require multiple operating systems but prefer to use one computer. Here’s how to use it:

1. Go to the Parallels website, download the installer and apply for free trial.
2. Install a Windows operating system within Parallels. You’ll need a Windows license.
3. On Windows, download and install Ghost of Tsushima as you would on a PC (using Steam).
4. Launch the game within the Windows virtual machine.

Install Windows 11 on Mac with Parallels (Step 1)

Install Windows 11 on Mac with Parallels (Step 2)

Install Windows 11 on Mac with Parallels (Step 3)

Install Windows 11 on Mac with Parallels (Step 4)

4. Use Boot Camp (for Intel-based Macs only)

Note: Boot Camp is not supported on Macs with M1/M2/M3 chips.

Boot Camp is a utility software included with macOS that allows users to install and run Windows on Macintosh computers in a dual-boot configuration. By partitioning the computer’s hard drive, Boot Camp enables a Mac to boot either into macOS or Windows, providing full system performance for Windows as it runs natively on the hardware. This solution is ideal for Mac users who need to run Windows applications that do not have macOS versions or who require the performance benefits of running certain programs directly on the hardware without virtualization overhead. Boot Camp simplifies the installation process, guiding users through the setup with step-by-step instructions and making it straightforward to switch between operating systems.

1. Get the Windows 10 ISO file (Windows 11 ISO file) from the Microsoft website. Choose the version that matches your license.
2. Find Boot Camp in the Utilities folder within your Applications. Open it to start the setup.
3. Use Boot Camp Assistant to allocate space on your hard drive for Windows. Follow the on-screen instructions to adjust the partition size.
4. Follow the prompts in Boot Camp Assistant to begin the Windows installation. Your Mac will reboot into the Windows setup.
5. During the Windows installation, choose the BOOTCAMP partition and format it.
6. Complete the installation by following the Windows setup instructions.
7. To switch between macOS and Windows, restart your Mac and hold the Option key to select the operating system you want to use.
8. Once Windows is installed, set up Ghost of Tsushima like on any PC.

Using one of the methods above you will be able to run Ghost of Tsushima game on any Mac computer, choose the way, that is compatible with your machine and enjoy the game!