Can VALORANT run on Mac?

Riot Games’ tactical shooter has exploded in popularity since launch, but for Apple users there’s always been one lingering question: can Valorant run on Mac? With the game’s strict anti-cheat system and macOS security architecture, the experience isn’t as straightforward as downloading the client and hopping into a match.

Can VALORANT Run on Mac?

While Windows players enjoy native support, Mac owners need extra steps — and in some cases, different hardware — to get into the server. So, does Valorant work on Mac? Yes… but only through supported methods. Let’s break down what works, what doesn’t, and how you can play safely without risking your Riot account or your device.

This guide breaks down exactly what you can and cannot do in 2025, and how to safely get into the game if you’re on a Mac.

Why VALORANT Doesn’t Have Native macOS Support

First, the short answer: does VALORANT work on Mac? Not natively. Riot Games has built VALORANT and its anti‐cheat system, Vanguard, exclusively for Windows. Because Vanguard runs at kernel level and blocks virtual machines (VMs), the game won’t launch on macOS by default.

On MacBooks with Apple Silicon (M1, M2, M3 chips), there’s no official Boot Camp support and installing Windows in a VM is blocked by Vanguard, so the answer to ‘is VALORANT available on Mac’ or ‘can you run VALORANT on a MacBook’ is effectively “no” for those devices.

How to play VALORANT on Mac: Boot Camp on Intel Macs

If you’re wondering ‘can I play Valorant on Mac’, the only officially safe and Riot-approved method is Boot Camp on Intel-based Macs. Apple Silicon (M1/M2/M3) machines can’t run Boot Camp, so this route is for older Intel MacBook and iMac users.

What you need

• Intel-based Mac (not M-series)
• Windows 10 installation media
• ~70GB free storage
• External mouse recommended

Here’s how to install VALORANT on Mac via Boot Camp:

1. Confirm your Mac has an Intel processor (check “About This Mac” → “Chip” or “Processor”). If it says “Apple M1/M2/M3”, Boot Camp won’t work.
2. Open Boot Camp Assistant (in Applications → Utilities).
3. Use a Windows 10 ISO, allocate at least 64 GB (some guides recommend 70-150 GB) of free space for the Windows partition.
4. Complete the Windows installation and install all required drivers via Boot Camp.
5. Boot into the Windows partition, open a browser, navigate to the official VALORANT site, download the installer and install both Riot Client and Vanguard.
6. Restart when prompted and log in to your Riot Games account.

This is the only method that supports Vanguard’s requirements for full participation in competitive play.

What About Apple Silicon Macs or Virtual Machines?

For Macs with M-series chips (M1, M2, M3), Boot Camp is not supported. Virtual machine software (like Parallels) or compatibility layers (like CrossOver/Wine) won’t work either, because Vanguard refuses to run in virtualized environments.

Therefore, if you’re asking ‘can you play VALORANT on a MacBook Air’ (Apple Silicon version), the answer is no — at least not yet. As Apple and Riot both evolve their tech stacks, a native macOS version remains one of VALORANT’s most-requested features. Until then, Boot Camp remains the only safe lane onto the server.

How to Download VALORANT on Mac (Intel Only)

For the supported route, here’s how to download VALORANT on Mac safely:

1. Boot into Windows via Boot Camp.
2. In the Windows environment, open a browser and go to playvalorant.com.
3. Click “Play Free” and download the installer.
4. Run the installer, install the game and the Vanguard anti‐cheat system.
5. Restart as required, then launch VALORANT and sign into your Riot account.

Note: Do not attempt to install via macOS directly or try third-party emulators—they’re unsupported and can cause bans or stability problems.

Performance & Practical Tips

• Because you’re running Windows on a Mac, performance may not match a dedicated gaming PC—especially in older MacBooks or MacBook Airs.
• Lower graphics settings, close background apps, and monitor thermal performance for better stability.
• Ensure your Mac’s Secure Boot setting is set to “Full Security” (required for Vanguard).
• Want smoother FPS once you’re set? Try:
  • Lower res (1080p or below on older systems)
  • Turn off VSync
  • Set Material/Texture: Low–Medium
  • Close macOS apps before booting to Windows

Can VALORANT Run on Mac – Final Verdict

So, can VALORANT work on Mac? Yes — if you have an Intel-based Mac and install Windows via Boot Camp. For Apple Silicon Macs, can you play VALORANT on a MacBook or MacBook Air? Not under official support. The only safe, tournament‐eligible method remains Windows via Boot Camp on supported hardware.

Until Riot releases a native macOS version (and a Vanguard‐compatible anti-cheat for macOS), this remains the only reliable route. Mac gamers eager for VALORANT may need to either use an older Intel Mac, switch to a Windows PC, or wait for future official support.