How to play Palworld on Mac

Palworld is a multiplayer, open-world survival crafting game developed by the Japanese indie studio Pocket Pair. It was released in early access on Steam in January 2024. The game allows players to befriend and collect mysterious creatures called “Pals” in a vast world. These Pals can be used in various ways, including combat, labor in factories, or even as mounts for exploration. This blend of creature collection with survival and crafting mechanics, along with the ability to engage in battles using these creatures, has set Palworld apart from other games in the genre. Palworld’s popularity can be attributed to several factors. Firstly, the game offers a unique gameplay experience by combining elements of popular games like Pokémon, Minecraft, and survival crafting genres, appealing to a broad audience. Secondly, the game has benefited from significant attention on platforms like TikTok and Twitch, where its unique “Pokémon with guns” tagline has captured the imagination of players. Additionally, the ability to play with friends in a co-op setting enhances the social aspect of the game, making it more engaging for players who enjoy community-driven experiences. Despite its popularity, Palworld does not natively support macOS. However, Mac users who wish to play Palworld have some workarounds using third-party programs and tools. In this article, we will describe available methods.

1. Play Palworld 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 Palworld 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 Palworld in the Steam store, and install it.
4. Navigate to the Library in Steam, find Palworld, and click Play to start your simulation.

Install a Windows Application -> Steam

Install Steam on Mac via Crossover

If you are getting “dx12 not supported error”, go to the Steam bottle in CrossOver and -> Wine Configuration and change the Windows version to Windows 11.

2. Play Palworld on cloud gaming services (Boosteroid and Xbox Cloud)

Cloud gaming allows you to play Palworld on any Mac, however, since Palworld 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 Palworld game and play directly in your web browser.

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

Xbox Cloud

Xbox Cloud (formerly known as Project xCloud) is Microsoft’s cloud gaming service that enables players to stream a variety of Xbox games directly to their devices, such as smartphones, tablets, PCs, and consoles. This service is integrated with Xbox Game Pass Ultimate, providing subscribers access to a vast library of games without the need for downloading them. Xbox Cloud Gaming supports playing games on the go with a compatible controller and a stable internet connection, offering the convenience of continuing your gaming session across multiple devices. It leverages Microsoft’s global network of Azure data centers to deliver low-latency gaming experiences, making it possible to play high-quality Xbox titles almost anywhere. Here’s a simplified guide to playing Palworld on Xbox Cloud Gaming:

1. Get Xbox Game Pass Ultimate – subscribe via the Xbox website.
2. Xbox Cloud Gaming works on macOS through supported browsers like Microsoft Edge, Google Chrome.
3. Open your browser and go to the Xbox Cloud Gaming website. Log into your Microsoft account that’s associated with your Xbox Game Pass Ultimate subscription.
4. Find Palworld in the cloud gaming section and click Play.
5. Stream and play Palworld directly on your Mac.

3. Play Palworld using Parallels

Palworld 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 Palworld 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 Palworld like on any PC.

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