You want to dive into the vibrant world of Teyvat and play Genshin Impact on your Mac? You're in luck! While there isn't an official macOS version of the game, several reliable workarounds let you enjoy this popular open-world RPG on your Apple device. Whether you have an Intel-based Mac or one of the newer Apple Silicon (M1, M2, M3) models, you have options.

Different Ways to Play Genshin Impact on Your Mac

Playing Genshin Impact on a Mac often involves using methods that allow your computer to run Windows programs or stream the game from powerful servers. Here are the most common and effective ways:

1. Cloud Gaming Services (Recommended for All Macs)

Cloud gaming is one of the easiest ways to play Genshin Impact on any Mac, regardless of its age or processing power. Services like NVIDIA GeForce Now, Boosteroid, and Xbox Cloud Gaming let you stream the game from remote servers, meaning the heavy lifting is done elsewhere, and you just need a good internet connection.

• How it works: You subscribe to a service, launch their app or website, and select Genshin Impact. The game runs on a powerful PC in the cloud, and the video feed is streamed to your Mac, while your controls are sent back.
• Pros: No need for a large download, works on older Macs, often provides high graphics and frame rates, and saves your Mac's storage space.
• Cons: Requires a stable, fast internet connection. Lag or visual artifacts can occur with poor Wi-Fi. Some services might require a subscription and have playtime limits.

I remember trying to get Genshin Impact running on my older Intel MacBook Pro a few years back. It was a real headache, with lag and crashes even on the lowest settings. But then I tried GeForce Now, and it was like magic - smooth as butter, as long as my internet held up. The visual quality was amazing, and I didn't have to worry about my Mac overheating.

2. Yet Another Anime Game Launcher (YAAGL) (Apple Silicon Macs)

For those with M1, M2, or M3 Macs, YAAGL offers a way to run the PC version of Genshin Impact with good performance. It uses Apple's Game Porting Toolkit to make the Windows game compatible with macOS.

• How it works: You download and install the YAAGL launcher, which helps install and run the Windows PC version of Genshin Impact on your Apple Silicon Mac. This method gives you access to higher graphic settings and better keyboard and mouse support compared to the mobile version.
• Pros: Offers near-native performance, better graphics, and full controller support.
• Cons: Requires macOS 14.4 or above. The installation can be quite large, potentially needing up to 200GB of free space, even if the final game size is smaller.
• Important Note: Some tutorials suggest using YAAGL in conjunction with a CrossOver trial for better stability.

3. Running the iOS Version (Apple Silicon Macs)

Since Apple Silicon Macs can run iOS and iPadOS apps, you can technically play the mobile version of Genshin Impact directly.

• How it works: You can sideload the iOS version of the game onto your M-series Mac using tools like PlayCover.
• Pros: It's the "most native" way to play on Apple Silicon, as it runs the iOS app.
• Cons: The mobile version isn't optimized for keyboard and mouse controls on a desktop, and the graphics settings might not be as high as the PC version.

When I first got my M1 MacBook Air, I was so excited to just download the Genshin Impact iPad app. It installed easily and worked! But honestly, playing with a keyboard and mouse when the game expects touch controls took some getting used to. The UI wasn't quite right, and some actions felt a bit clunky. I eventually connected a PlayStation controller, which made the experience much better, but it still wasn't the full PC experience I was hoping for.

4. Boot Camp (Intel-based Macs Only)

If you have an older Intel-based Mac, Boot Camp allows you to install Windows directly onto your computer, letting you play the PC version of Genshin Impact natively.

• How it works: Boot Camp Assistant, a utility built into Intel Macs, helps you partition your hard drive and install Windows. Once Windows is installed, you can boot into it and download Genshin Impact just like you would on any PC.
• Pros: Provides the best performance for Intel Macs, as it runs Windows natively.
• Cons: Not available for Apple Silicon (M1, M2, M3) Macs. Requires purchasing a Windows license. Installing Windows and the game takes up a significant amount of storage. You'll need to restart your Mac to switch between macOS and Windows.

5. Virtual Machines (Intel & Apple Silicon Macs)

Virtual machine software like Parallels Desktop allows you to run Windows within macOS, letting you play Genshin Impact without rebooting your computer.

• How it works: You install a virtual machine program, then install Windows (Windows 11 ARM for Apple Silicon) inside it. After that, you can download and install Genshin Impact in the virtual Windows environment.
• Pros: No need to restart your Mac to switch operating systems.
• Cons: Performance can be lower than Boot Camp or cloud gaming due to running two operating systems at once. Genshin Impact's anti-cheat system sometimes causes issues with virtual machines, and graphical glitches can occur. You might need a powerful Mac and specific settings adjustments for a playable experience. Parallels Desktop is a paid service, though a free trial is available.

No matter which method you choose, you'll be able to explore the vast world of Teyvat from your Mac. For those crucial in-app purchases that help you get those rare characters or powerful weapons, remember that you can use Playstorm to redeem Apple or Google Play gift cards! We also offer Nintendo store vouchers for other great games.