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Overwatch by Blizzard has become one of the most popular games since its release in May 2016, available for Windows, PS4 and Xbox1 users. However, Mac users still don’t have an official version of the game. If you want to play Overwatch on a Mac, there are alternative methods available while waiting for an official version. Here we will guide you through the two most popular ways of playing Overwatch on Mac using Boot Camp or Parallels 12.
Note: Depending on the specification of your Mac, you might have to use low graphics settings and in some cases, your Mac might not be powerful enough to run it.
How to Play Overwatch on Mac
There are two main ways to run Overwatch on Mac:
Boot Camp
Boot Camp is generally regarded as the best, cheapest and most convenient approach to install Windows (or other OS’s) on your Mac since it’s free and pre-installed on macOS. You need a copy of Windows 10, but most users prefer this method as it allows the system to delegate all the processing power to the current working system. Once you install Windows 10 using Boot Camp, download Overwatch and start playing, adjusting the graphics settings as per your Mac’s specifications.
Parallels 12
A popular alternative is Parallels 12, which works as a standard macOS app with windows, even though Windows 10 is powered from within. However, it requires payment as it costs £64.99 for home/student use. Once installed, you’ll have to follow the instructions to purchase and install Windows 10 and after that, download Overwatch and start your game. Using virtualization software means your Mac has to power both macOS and Windows at the same time which could be taxing on your Mac’s resources, especially for gaming.
Recommended Mac Specs
Make sure your Mac meets Overwatch’s minimum requirements:
- Windows 7 / 8.1 / 10
- Intel Core i3 processor
- Nvidia GeForce GTX 460 / Radeon HD 4850 / Intel HD Graphics 4400
- 4 GB RAM
- 30 GB storage space
While the graphics card requirement can be a problem for Mac users, you need to check your Mac’s specifications before installing Windows to play Overwatch. If you really want the best experience, pick one of the iMacs or Macbooks with upgraded graphics cards.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. To play Overwatch on Mac, do I need Boot Camp or Parallels 12?
You can use both methods, but Boot Camp allows you to use one operating system at a time, which can give you better performance while playing games. However, Parallels 12 is a more convenient option, which doesn’t need system restarts.
2. Is it safe to install Windows 10 on a Mac using Boot Camp or Parallels 12?
Yes, both methods are safe to use, but you need to make sure that Windows 10 is updated and secure. It is also recommended to use antivirus software for additional protection.