How to Play Genshin Impact on Mac: A Complete Guide

Genshin Impact is an open-world action RPG that has captured the hearts of millions of players worldwide.

However, one common question among Mac users is whether they can enjoy this popular game on their devices.

Although Genshin Impact doesn’t have a native Mac version, there are several ways to play it on a Mac. This guide will walk you through the steps to successfully install and run Genshin Impact on your Mac.

1. Use Boot Camp to Install Windows on Your Mac

The most reliable way to play Genshin Impact on a Mac is by installing Windows through Boot Camp, which allows you to dual-boot macOS and Windows.

This method will enable you to run Windows natively, meaning you’ll experience better performance than other methods.

Step-by-Step Process:

Check Compatibility: Boot Camp works on Intel-based Macs. Ensure your Mac has an Intel processor, as Boot Camp doesn’t support M1 or M2 Macs.
Download Windows 10: Go to the official Microsoft website and download the Windows 10 ISO file.
Open Boot Camp Assistant: Use the Boot Camp Assistant app on your Mac, which can be found in the Utilities folder.
Create a Partition: Follow the instructions to create a partition for Windows. You can choose how much storage to allocate, but ensure you have at least 100GB for Genshin Impact and other programs.
Install Windows: Boot Camp will restart your Mac and begin installing Windows. Follow the prompts to complete the installation.
Install Genshin Impact: Once Windows is installed, download and install Genshin Impact from the official website. Since Windows is running natively, performance should be smooth, depending on your Mac’s specifications.

2. Play Genshin Impact Using Parallels Desktop

If you don’t want to go through the process of dual-booting your Mac, Parallels Desktop is another option.

Parallels is virtualization software that allows you to run Windows on a virtual machine (VM) inside macOS. This option is suitable for both Intel-based and M1/M2 Macs, though performance may vary.

How to Set Up Parallels Desktop:

Download Parallels Desktop: Visit the official Parallels website and download the Parallels Desktop software. It’s a paid app, but it offers a free trial.
Install Windows 10: After setting up Parallels, follow the on-screen instructions to install Windows 10 on the virtual machine.
Download and Install Genshin Impact: Once Windows is set up in Parallels, use the Windows environment to download Genshin Impact from the official website and install it.
Adjust Settings: Since you’re running a virtual machine, performance might not be as smooth as native Windows installation. Lower the in-game graphics settings to ensure smoother gameplay.

3. Use GeForce NOW for Cloud Gaming

If you have a Mac but don’t want to install Windows or use Boot Camp, you can play Genshin Impact via GeForce NOW, a cloud gaming service that streams games directly to your device.

This method doesn’t require a powerful computer, as the game runs on NVIDIA’s servers, and all you need is a strong internet connection.

How to Use GeForce NOW:

Sign Up for GeForce NOW: Go to the official GeForce NOW website and sign up for an account. There is a free tier, but it limits your gaming sessions. The paid tier offers more features and higher priority access.
Install the GeForce NOW Client: Download and install the GeForce NOW client for macOS.
Link Your Genshin Impact Account: Once installed, launch GeForce NOW, search for Genshin Impact, and link your miHoYo account to start playing.
Launch Genshin Impact: After linking your account, you can stream the game to your Mac. Performance will depend on your internet connection, so ensure you have a stable and fast connection for the best experience.

4. CrossOver: Run Windows Apps Without Installing Windows

For users with M1 or M2 Macs who want a lighter solution, CrossOver is an excellent choice.

CrossOver allows you to run Windows applications without needing to install the full Windows operating system.

It’s more efficient than virtual machines like Parallels and may offer decent performance for Genshin Impact.

How to Set Up Genshin Impact with CrossOver:

Download CrossOver: Visit the official CodeWeavers website and download CrossOver. It’s a paid app, but a free trial is available.
Install Genshin Impact: After setting up CrossOver, search for Genshin Impact within the CrossOver interface. If it’s not listed, you can manually install it by downloading the Windows installer for Genshin Impact and running it through CrossOver.
Run the Game: Once Genshin Impact is installed, launch it through CrossOver. You might need to tweak some settings for optimal performance, especially on M1/M2 Macs, as CrossOver is an emulation layer.

5. Performance Tips for Running Genshin Impact on Mac

Regardless of the method you choose to play Genshin Impact on your Mac, optimizing performance is essential to enjoy smooth gameplay.

Lower Graphics Settings: Reduce the in-game graphics settings (such as texture quality, shadow effects, and anti-aliasing) to improve performance.
Use an External GPU (eGPU): If your Mac supports eGPUs, using one can significantly boost graphics performance for a more enjoyable experience.
Keep the System Cool: MacBooks can overheat during gaming sessions. Consider using a cooling pad or ensuring good ventilation to keep the system from throttling.
Stable Internet Connection: Especially for cloud gaming on GeForce NOW, a stable and fast internet connection is crucial for smooth gameplay.

Conclusion

Playing Genshin Impact on a Mac is possible with several different methods, from using Boot Camp to running cloud-based gaming through GeForce NOW.

Each method has its pros and cons, so choose the one that best fits your needs and hardware setup.

Whether you prefer native performance by dual-booting Windows, the ease of using Parallels Desktop, or the simplicity of cloud gaming, you can enjoy Genshin Impact on your Mac with the right setup.

By following this guide, you can start your adventure in the stunning world of Teyvat, even from a Mac.