How to play Overwatch 2 on Mac

Overwatch 2 is a free-to-play team-based action shooter developed by Blizzard Entertainment, serving as a sequel to the original Overwatch game. It features a dynamic mix of PvP (Player vs. Player) and PvE (Player vs. Environment) elements, with a strong emphasis on team play and hero diversity. The game includes over 30 heroes, each with unique abilities and roles divided into three categories: Damage, Tank, and Support. The popularity of Overwatch 2 can be attributed to several key factors. Firstly, the game offers a wide range of heroes with unique abilities, allowing for varied gameplay and strategies. This diversity keeps the gameplay fresh and engaging for players. Additionally, Blizzard regularly updates the game with new heroes, maps, and game modes, which helps maintain player interest and engagement. The vibrant esports scene and active community engagement through events and forums also contribute to sustaining its popularity. Moreover, the ability for players to team up and compete across different platforms enhances accessibility and social interaction. Lastly, the shift to a free-to-play model has made the game accessible to a broader audience, potentially increasing its player base. While Overwatch 2 does not officially support macOS, Mac users can still enjoy the game using various methods such as Boosteroid, CrossOver, Boot Camp, and Parallels. Each method has its own set of pros and cons, depending on the user’s preferences for cost, setup complexity, and system requirements. Let’s observe these methods!

1. Play Overwatch 2 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 Overwatch 2 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. Launch Steam within CrossOver, log into your Steam account, find Overwatch 2 in the Steam store, and install it.
4. Navigate to the Library in Steam, find Overwatch 2, and click Play to start your simulation.

Install a Windows Application -> Steam

Install Steam on Mac via Crossover

Note: There is also a free alternative to Crossover, called Whisky, that works in simialr fashion, however it can be less stable and show some glitches and less performance than Crossover.

2. Play Overwatch 2 on cloud gaming services (Boosteroid and Geforce Now)

Cloud gaming allows you to play Overwatch 2 on any Mac, however, since Overwatch 2 is online shooting game, usablity depends much on lag and framerate. You need to have very good internet connection and servers not far from your location. You can check connection quality on Boosteroid and try free subscription of Geforce Now before purchasing the plan to make sure game is playable. Otherwise, choose other options.

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 Overwatch 2 game and play directly in your web browser.

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

GeForce Now

GeForce Now is a cloud gaming service developed by NVIDIA that allows users to stream video games to their devices, leveraging NVIDIA’s powerful cloud-based GPU servers. This service enables gamers to play their own games from popular digital libraries such as Steam, Epic Games Store, and Uplay on virtually any device, including PCs, Macs, Shield TVs, and mobile devices. GeForce Now differentiates itself by not requiring users to purchase games from a specific library, instead allowing them to play games they already own, provided those games are supported on the service. It offers various membership tiers, including a free option and a premium subscription that provides enhanced graphics with RTX technology, reduced waiting times, and extended session lengths.

1. Register for a GeForce Now account on their website. Choose between free or premium plans.
2. Install the GeForce Now app on your chosen device (PC, Mac, or mobile).
3. Link your Blizzard account in the GeForce Now app to access Overwatch 2.
4. Use the search feature in the app to locate Overwatch 2.
5. Click Play on Overwatch 2 within the app to begin streaming the game.

3. Play Overwatch 2 using Parallels

Overwatch 2 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.

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 Overwatch 2 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 Overwatch 2 like on any PC.

Using one of the methods above you will be able to run Overwatch 2 game on any Mac computer, choose the way, that is compatible with your machine and enjoy the game!