Top 30+ Free Open-source Games for macOS: Best Picks for Mac Gamers (2024)

Gaming on macOS has traditionally been challenging due to limited support from game developers, with most popular games being optimized for Windows. The hardware in many Macs, particularly integrated GPUs, is not designed for high-end gaming, and the macOS ecosystem lacks the same level of gaming-focused software support as Windows.

Additionally, Apple's strict software environment can make it harder for developers to port games to macOS, resulting in a smaller game library.

Alternative Gaming Platforms on macOS

Despite the challenges, platforms like Steam, Itch.io, and the Epic Games Launcher offer a range of games compatible with macOS. Steam provides a large library of both AAA and indie games, some of which are optimized for macOS. Itch.io is known for its vast selection of indie games, many of which are compatible with macOS and often include experimental and unique titles.

The Epic Games Launcher, while primarily focused on Windows, also offers some macOS-compatible titles, particularly from major developers.

Open-Source Games for macOS

Open-source games are a viable alternative for macOS users. These games are developed and maintained by communities and often prioritize compatibility across different platforms, including macOS.

Open-source games come with several advantages: they are free, have no ads, and do not track user data, ensuring a more private and distraction-free gaming experience.

Some popular open-source games available for macOS include SuperTuxKart (a fun kart racing game), Battle for Wesnoth (a turn-based strategy game), and 0 A.D. (a historical real-time strategy game).

Open-source gaming on macOS provides a refreshing alternative for those who value privacy and the community-driven development model.

In the following list, we offer you a list for the best open-source free games that can run on macOS.

1- Veloren

Veloren is a multiplayer voxel RPG written in Rust. It is inspired by games such as Cube World, The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, Dwarf Fortress and Minecraft. The game is in active development and enjoys a flourishing player community.

Veloren runs on macOS as well as Windows and Linux systems.

2. 0AD

0 A.D. is an open-source, historical real-time strategy (RTS) game that focuses on ancient warfare, allowing players to build civilizations, manage resources, and engage in battles across various historical eras. It is developed by a dedicated community, the game offers detailed graphics, engaging gameplay, and is entirely free to play.

0 A.D. is available on multiple platforms, including macOS, making it accessible to a wide range of users. The game is constantly updated with new features and improvements, providing an evolving and rich gaming experience without ads or tracking.

3. AssaultCube (FPS)

Similar to Medal of Honor, AssaultCube is a FPS game that runs in a similar old WWII environment. Despite its small size it is proven to be feature rich and run on old computer and older version of systems for macOS, Windows and Linux.

The game features both single-player and multiplayer modes, offering various game types such as deathmatch, capture the flag, and cooperative gameplay. AssaultCube is available for macOS, providing macOS users with a fun and competitive FPS experience without ads or tracking.

4- SuperTuxKart

SuperTuxKart is a free, open-source 3D kart racing game that features a variety of tracks, characters, and game modes, including single-player and multiplayer options. The game is known for its fun, cartoonish graphics and engaging gameplay, with a wide selection of karts and power-ups to use during races.

SuperTuxKart supports multiple platforms, including macOS, making it an accessible and enjoyable racing game for macOS users. The game is regularly updated by its community and offers a gaming experience free from ads and tracking.

5. Xonotic (FPS)

Xonotic is a free, open-source first-person shooter (FPS) game that offers fast-paced, arena-style gameplay with a wide range of weapons, maps, and game modes.

Known for its smooth graphics and competitive multiplayer experience, Xonotic is designed to be accessible on various platforms, including Windows, macOS, and Linux.

The project is community-driven, regularly updated, and provides an ad-free and tracking-free gaming environment.

6. Nexuiz (FPS)

Classic Nexuiz is a fast-paced, open-source FPS game developed by Alientrap. It offers arena-style gameplay with various weapons, maps, and multiplayer modes.

The game is known for its high-energy action and vibrant graphics, Classic Nexuiz delivers a classic FPS experience. It supports multiple platforms, including macOS.

Although succeeded by Xonotic after a commercial fork, Classic Nexuiz remains popular among FPS fans.

7. Red Eclipse

Red Eclipse is a free, open-source first-person shooter (FPS) game focused on fast-paced, arena-style gameplay.

It features various game modes, customizable maps, and a range of weapons. The game is available on multiple platforms, including Windows, macOS, and Linux.

8. Sonic Robo Blast 2

Sonic Robo Blast 2 (SRB2) is a free, open-source 3D fan game based on the Sonic the Hedgehog series. It features classic Sonic gameplay with 3D graphics, multiple levels, and multiplayer modes. The game is available for macOS, Windows, and Linux.

9. OpenRA (RTS)

OpenRA is an open-source project that recreates and enhances classic real-time strategy games like Command & Conquer, Red Alert, and Dune 2000. It offers improved graphics, modern multiplayer features, and support for multiple platforms, including Windows, macOS, and Linux.

10. Glest (RTS)

Glest is an open-source 3D real-time strategy game that allows players to control armies, build structures, and manage resources. It includes customizable factions and supports modding. The game runs on Windows, macOS, and Linux.

11. OpenArena (FPS)

OpenArena is a free, open-source first-person shooter (FPS) game based on the Quake III Arena engine. It features fast-paced multiplayer action with various maps, modes, and characters. The game is available on Windows, macOS, and Linux.

12. Teeworlds

Teeworlds is a free online multiplayer game available for all major operating systems, including macOS.

It supports up to 16 players in various game modes like Team Deathmatch and Capture The Flag. Players can also design their own maps.

13. Lincity (City Simulation)

LinCity is an open-source city-building simulation game where players manage resources to build and maintain a city. Key features include managing housing, employment, services, and balancing the economy to prevent disasters. It is considered an alternative to SimCity and works on multiple platforms, including macOS.

14. Endless Sky (Space)

Endless Sky is an open-source free space exploration game where players trade, explore, and engage in combat across a vast galaxy. Features include a dynamic economy, customizable ships, and an expansive storyline. The game supports macOS, Windows, and Linux.

15. MegaGlest (RTS)

MegaGlest is a free and open-source 3D real-time strategy (RTS) game that lets you command armies from seven unique factions: Tech, Magic, Egypt, Indians, Norsemen, Persians, or Romans. Battle it out in 17 beautifully crafted environments, each filled with detailed units and landscapes.

You can also expand your experience by downloading extra game content directly within the game, all at no cost. Play across platforms including macOS and enjoy the strategy fun!

16. Freeciv (RTS)

Freeciv is a Free and Open Source empire-building strategy game inspired by the history of human civilization.

17. Cube 2: Sauerbraten (FPS)

Cube 2: Sauerbraten is a free first-person shooter offering both multiplayer and single-player modes, building on the original Cube FPS. It focuses on fun, old-school deathmatch gameplay and allows for in-game cooperative map editing.

The engine is entirely original and open-source under the ZLIB license. The game supports macOS, Windows, and Linux.

18. The Battle of Wesnoth (TBS)

The Battle for Wesnothis anopen source, turn-based strategy game with a high fantasy theme. It features both single player and online/hotseat multiplayer combat.

The Battle for Wesnoth requires macOS 10.12 (Sierra) or later to run. It is compatible with both Intel and Apple Silicon (M1/M2) processors. The game can be downloaded as a .dmg file and requires around 1GB of disk space. For optimal performance, a system with at least 2GB of RAM is recommended.s

19. FlightGear (Flight Simulation)

FlightGear is an open-source flight simulator offering realistic flying experiences, and it supports macOS, along with Windows and Linux.

20. Tremulous (FPS)

Tremulous is an open-source first-person shooter that combines elements of real-time strategy.

Players choose between human and alien factions, with each side having unique abilities and the ability to build structures. It supports macOS, Windows, and Linux.

21. Cataclysm: Dark Days Ahead (TBS)

Cataclysm: Dark Days Ahead is a turn-based survival game set in a procedurally generated post-apocalyptic world. Players scavenge for resources, fight off zombies and other deadly creatures, and struggle to survive. The game supports macOS, Windows, and Linux.

22. VDrift (Car Racing)

VDrift is a cross-platform, open source driving simulation made with drift racing in mind.

23- Warzone 2100 (RTS)

Warzone 2100 is an open-source real-time strategy game that plunges you into a futuristic battle for survival. Players ca rebuild civilization after a nuclear apocalypse by commanding your troops, researching advanced technologies, and strategizing in epic battles across diverse terrains.

With its deep tech tree and customizable units, every game is a unique experience. And yes, it works seamlessly on macOS, bringing all the strategic fun right to your Mac.

24. Angband

Angband is a free, open-source dungeon-crawling roguelike game where players explore deep, procedurally generated dungeons, battle monsters, and gather powerful loot. It offers a classic, challenging gameplay experience and is available on multiple platforms, including macOS.

25. Oolite (Space)

Oolite is a free, open-source 3D space trading and combat simulator that captures the essence of the classic 1980s game Elite. It offers an expansive universe where players can trade, battle, and explore. The name "Oolite" combines "object-oriented" and "Elite," reflecting its roots in the Objective-C programming language.

And yes, it’s fully compatible with macOS, ready to take you on an interstellar adventure right on your Mac.

26- FreeCol (TBS)

FreeCol is an open-source turn-based strategy game inspired by the classic Colonization, where players build and manage colonies in the New World. It supports multiple platforms, including macOS.

27. Minetest (Voxel World and MineCraft Open-source Alternative)

Minetest is a free sandbox game that allows players to build and explore vast blocky worlds, similar to Minecraft. It supports modding and multiplayer gameplay. Minetest works on macOS, as well as Windows and Linux.

28. Warsow (FPS)

Warsow is a fast-paced, cel-shaded first-person shooter that combines classic arena gameplay with a stylish, futuristic twist. Jump, dash, and frag your way through vibrant maps in high-speed battles.

It's a playground for those who love agile movement and skill-based combat.

29. Colobot (RTS)

Colobot is a real-time strategy game, where you can program your units (bots) in a language calledCBOT, which is similar to C++ and Java.

Your mission is to find a new planet to live and survive. Save humanity and get programming skills!

30- PlaneShift (MMORPG)

PlaneShift is an immersive, open-source MMORPG set in a richly detailed fantasy world deep within a massive stalactite. Unlike typical fantasy games, PlaneShift invites players to explore its mysterious underground realms, where magic and ancient secrets await.

With a focus on role-playing and a community-driven narrative, it’s a unique journey that encourages players to shape their own stories in a world of endless possibilities.

31. OpenMW

OpenMW is an open-source reimplementation of the game engine for The Elder Scrolls III: Morrowind. It allows players to run the classic RPG with improved performance, modding support, and cross-platform compatibility, including macOS, Windows, and Linux. OpenMW aims to enhance the original game while maintaining its authentic experience.