How to Play Counter-Strike 2 (CS2) on Mac?
Hardware
Discover how to play Counter-Strike 2 (CS2) on Mac despite Valve dropping official support. Learn about workarounds using Whisky and GeForce Now.
With the release of CS2, Mac users faced a significant change: Valve dropped macOS support for the game. This article explores the current situation and potential workarounds for Mac users wanting to play CS2.
The Current Situation
As of January 2024, CS:GO is no longer available on Mac, and CS2 does not have native macOS support. This change has left many Mac users wondering about their options for playing the latest version of Counter-Strike.
Why Did Valve Drop Mac Support?
Several factors contributed to this decision:
Technical limitations: The Source 2 engine is not optimized for macOS.
Low user base: Mac users made up only 1.4% of the Steam user base.
Development costs: Creating and maintaining a separate Mac version would be resource-intensive for a relatively small audience.
How to Play CS2 on Mac
While there's no official Mac version, there are workarounds:
Option 1: Using Whisky
Whisky is a Wine-based compatibility layer that allows you to run Windows applications on macOS. Here's how to use it for CS2:
Download and install the Whisky app.
Launch it and create a new bottle using Windows 10.
Download the official Steam Setup installer for Windows.
Install it in the downloads folder.
Exit Steam and check DXVK in bottle configuration.
Find 'Steam.exe' in "Installed programs" and launch it, then login using your Steam credentials.
Install CS2.
Once installed, go to CS2 properties, then general and set these launch options:
-nojoy -novid -console -low
Option 2: GeForce Now
GeForce Now is a cloud-based gaming service that allows you to play CS2 without high-end hardware:
Offers a free tier, though it may involve longer wait times.
Provides decent performance according to user reports.
Doesn't require complex setup.
Will CS2 Ever Come to Mac?
The chances of an official CS2 release for Mac are slim. It would likely require significant changes:
Apple adopting the Vulkan cross-platform API (unlikely in the near future).
Valve prioritizing macOS development (also unlikely given the small user base).
While Macs with Apple Silicon could potentially run CS2 well, the development costs versus potential returns make an official release improbable.
While playing CS2 on Mac is possible through workarounds, it's not as straightforward as it once was. Mac users will need to use solutions like Whisky or cloud gaming services to access CS2. For those heavily invested in Counter-Strike, considering a Windows-based gaming setup might be the most reliable long-term solution.
Remember to keep an eye on your CS2 inventory value, regardless of your platform. The CS2 market continues to thrive, and your skins retain their value even if you're temporarily unable to use them on your Mac.