- The MacBook Air is a compact laptop, but Apple Silicon can still run plenty of games.
- Between titles like Mech Arena, Stardew Valley, Among Us, and more, fans can enjoy plenty of games.
- Some games run better than others, but the MacBook Air M1 or newer can even handle a title like Baldur’s Gate 3.
Games have become widely accessible today, and it’s no longer a challenge to play them without consoles. Even an iPhone 15 Pro is quite capable of gaming in the current era, as are affordable laptops with iGPUs.
On the subject of laptops, the recent MacBook Airs also hold up decently well when it comes to gaming. Between the M1 and M4 lineup, here’s a list of games that work quite well on the laptop.
Why it matters: Gaming is becoming more expensive worldwide, so ready access to games is a huge blessing. This is where an old laptop like the Air M1 can shine.
Mech Arena
One particular advantage Mech Arena has over others is that it was built for mobile platforms first. This means that it runs better than dedicated PC games on the MacBook Air.
Thanks to free-for-all, deathmatch, control point clashes, and more, there’s a lot of variety to the PVP gameplay of Mech Arena. The game even offers a solo single-player mode. Besides Mech Arena, Plarium’s action game lineup and free-to-play games is also worth checking out.
Among Us
The global phenomenon from a few years ago remains an exceptionally fun title to play today, especially when joining a group of friends.
Certified for Apple Silicon, Among Us is far from demanding, so any MacBook Air with an M1 chip and beyond should have no problem running it. Players can even make use of cross-play to join lobbies with others playing on consoles and smartphones, making things all the more enjoyable.
Vampire Survivors
Vampire Survivors needs no introduction since its roguelike gameplay has already won the hearts of millions of gamers globally.
Its 2D sprite-based visuals hold up well and look gorgeous on the MacBook Air, and they also mean that the laptop is able to breeze through the game without putting too much strain on its GPU.
Balatro
The card-based Balatro is incredibly addictive, and those who have played the title can’t stop praising it.
This is yet another entry on the list that hardly requires any heavy lifting on the GPU’s side, making it perfect for the MacBook Air. The game also has plenty of depth, so hours can simply slip away when enjoying everything it has to offer.
Slay The Spire
Another indie gem that has earned the appreciation of millions of gamers worldwide, Slay The Spire offers turn-based combat based on deck building, making it unique among the competition.
The game is also very light on the GPU, thanks to its sprite-based graphics. Moreover, Slay The Spire 2 is now available on MacBook Air for those who enjoy the first game.
Stardew Valley
Stardew Valley runs at a locked 60FPS on the base MacBook Air M1 chip from 2020. The game is also incredibly gorgeous and relaxing, as it allows players to work on a farm while managing crops, animals, and everything else that comes with managing a farm.
This particular title has been on Mac since 2016, so it has the added benefit of long-term support.
Civilization VI
The popular strategy game was optimized for Apple Silicon in 2024, making it a solid option for those who enjoy playing strategy games. One caveat with Civilization VI is that it can still push the MacBook Air hardware quite a bit, potentially leading to a warm chassis.
However, if this isn’t a huge problem, Civilization VI is a great title to sink hundreds of hours into.
World of Warcraft
Blizzard’s popular MMORPG has been playable on Mac for over two decades now, so the latest M1-based MacBooks can easily play WOW today.
For those who choose to play World of Warcraft on MacBook Air, there’s plenty of fun to be had with raids, co-op, PVP, and the many other parts of this massive title. Do note that this particular title requires a subscription.
Hades 2
Hades 2 offers native Apple Silicon support, so it’s perfect for those who prefer more action-oriented gameplay. Developer Supergiant Games’ roguelike elements and 2D visuals also help make the experience more enjoyable.
Because the game first launched in early access, playing it today means that gamers can benefit from the many updates Hades 2 has received to date. All in all, the game is yet another strong title for MacBook Air owners.
Baldur’s Gate 3
Baldur’s Gate 3 won several Game of the Year awards in 2023 and for good reason. The fact that it manages 1440p 30FPS gameplay on Apple M1 chips alone is a huge deal.
Plus, Larian Studios’ title practically has no competition within the genre for those who enjoy CRPGs. Needless to say, Baldur’s Gate 3 is a must-play for all RPG fans with a MacBook Air.
Of course, there are more options to choose from when playing games on the MacBook Air M1, but this list covers a solid range of titles that not only run well but are also very fun to play.
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[Senior News Reporter]
Avinash is currently pursuing a Business degree in Australia. For more than 5 years, he has been working as a gaming journalist, utilizing his writing skills and love for gaming to report on the latest updates in the industry. Avinash loves to play action games like Devil May Cry and has also been mentioned on highly regarded websites, such as IGN, GamesRadar, GameRant, Dualshockers, CBR, and Gamespot.
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