How to play Overwatch 2 on Mac in 2025

For years now, video game developers have constantly prioritized platforms that utilize the Windows operating system compared to other OS. Those using platforms with Linux or even macOS have been left out to dry multiple times by developers, being forced to look for workarounds to make their games work.

While Overwatch 2 ^[1] isn’t officially available for devices running macOS, that doesn’t mean there aren’t ways to make things work. The three best ways to play Overwatch 2 on your Mac are through GeForce NOW, Boot Camp, and Parallels. However, all three methods have different highs and lows.

So, if you have a Mac and you want to play Overwatch 2, worry not because we have you covered!

Can you stream Overwatch 2 on Mac with GeForce NOW?

The first and most convenient way to run Overwatch 2 on a Mac is through NVIDIA’s cloud gaming service, GeForce NOW. Your Mac only needs to handle the game streaming from servers to your device. That said, there are a few things to keep in mind.

GeForce NOW has three membership options: free, priority, and ultimate. Free tier is great for testing things out, but the long queue times and a one-hour session limit make it unideal. The Ultimate tier offers 4K graphics and up to 240 FPS, but is overkill for Overwatch 2. The Priority tier is the best middle ground with 6-hour sessions and fast server access at $9.99 monthly.

It is also worth checking if your Mac can handle the game. While GeForce NOW runs on most Macs released after 2009, it is better to go with the newer ones, like a MacBook Air 2018 or a Mac Studio. You also need an internet connection of at least 25 Mbps or higher for Full HD streaming, ideally an Ethernet or 5 GHz WiFi.

How to play Overwatch 2 with GeForce NOW?

Getting started is straightforward: 

1. Head to the GeForce NOW website and download it for Mac
2. Once installed, log in with your NVIDIA account and run a quick network test from settings
3. Since the game runs from Steam, you need Overwatch 2 installed there and your Battle.net account connected
4. Once set, search for Overwatch 2 in the GeForce NOW app, hit play, and you're in

You can tweak your streaming quality in the settings, with Balanced for a mix of visuals and performance, or Competitive Mode for the lowest possible latency. 

GeForce NOW is easily the most lightweight option for your Mac since it does not rely on hardware, as long as your internet is strong. Granted, it does come with an additional subscription cost. This leads us to the next method: using Boot Camp.

How can you run Windows with Boot Camp to play Overwatch 2?

Boot Camp is a solid option if you do not have the best internet to stream Overwatch 2 through GeForce NOW. This method involves installing a full version of Windows on a separate partition of your Mac’s storage. It lets you choose Windows after booting your Mac, running games natively like any Windows PC without performance issues caused by compatibility layers.

However, Boot Camp works only for Intel-based Macs, so it is not an option if you have a newer M1 or M2 chip model. You also need a minimum storage of 64GB, though 128GB is better for smoother performance. You also require a Windows ISO file from Microsoft’s official site, and a USB flash drive with at least 16GB of space.

To do this, open Boot Camp Assistant from your Utilities folder. It will guide you through setting up a partition and installing Windows. Allocate 150GB storage as a safe bet, select the ISO from your flash drive, and let the assistant handle the rest. Your Mac will then restart in the Windows installer. Choose the BOOTCAMP partition and format it, then continue with the installation like you would on any regular PC. For safety, you can unplug any unnecessary drives to avoid problems.

Once installed, Boot Camp will launch automatically inside Windows to install any drivers or resources. Once complete, you are essentially done. Head to your browser, download and install the Battle.net launcher or Steam, get Overwatch 2, and you are ready to play. If you want to switch back to macOS, restart your Mac and hold down the Option key (⌥) during startup. This method is perfect if you have a mid to high-end Mac with enough storage.

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Is Parallels better than Boot Camp for playing Overwatch 2 on Mac?

Parallels lets you run Windows and play Overwatch 2 without rebooting Windows every time, if Boot Camp sounds too much work. This method is a solid option if you don't want to deal with complex installations, constantly restarting your system, or partitioning your drive.

Here’s how you can play Overwatch 2 through Parallels:

1. Visit the Parallels website and download the Automatic Installer. It detects your macOS and selects the correct version, keeping things simple
2. After downloading the .dmg file, double-click it, and the installation will start
3. Follow the prompts and install Parallels Desktop to get it set up
4. After installation, give it access to your downloads, documents, and desktop folders for smooth operation.
5. Parallels will then let you choose from different OS, but for Overwatch 2, we should go for Windows 11

Once installed, you can start a 14-day free trial by signing in or creating a Parallels account. It lets you access all the features, including Standard and Pro Editions, which is nice. If you want to continue after the trial ends, buy the full version for $64.99 yearly. You only need to enter your activation key to switch to the paid version.

From there, it is as simple as downloading Overwatch 2 and jumping into the game. The whole process is much easier than going the Boot Camp route, though there are a few trade-offs. You might notice some performance dips since you are running Windows inside macOS. It is ideal for casual gaming, but not the best option for competitive play. Unlike Boot Camp, it also costs a subscription fee, though it's still cheaper than GeForce NOW. Ultimately, the best method depends on whether you focus on price, performance, or ease of setup.

FAQs

Is Overwatch 2 officially available on macOS?

No, Overwatch 2 is not officially supported on macOS. Blizzard Entertainment has not released a native version for macOS, and there are no current plans to do so. This means Mac users cannot download or play the game directly through the Battle.net client on macOS.

On which platforms is Overwatch 2 officially available?

Overwatch 2 is officially available on the following platforms:

• Windows PC
• PlayStation 4 and PlayStation 5
• Xbox One and Xbox Series X/S
• Nintendo Switch

The game supports cross-platform play, allowing players from different platforms to team up and compete together.

References

1. [1] "Official OW 2 website". www.blizzard.com. Retrieved May 13, 2025