For the bigger picture and full context, make sure you read our main guide on Can You Play League Of Legends On Mac? Heres How.
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Want to dominate the Rift on your Mac? Good news: answering "will League of Legends work on mac?" is a resounding "yes!" Riot Games provides a native macOS client, so you don't need to jump through hoops with emulators or sketchy workarounds. But let's dial in the details to ensure a smooth, high-FPS experience.
At a Glance:
- League of Legends is playable on macOS, thanks to a dedicated client from Riot.
- Performance is generally good on both Intel and Apple Silicon (M1, M2, M3) Macs.
- Optimizing your settings and keeping your system cool is key for long play sessions.
- Enabling Metal API can significantly boost FPS on Apple Silicon Macs.
- The game requires around 22 GB of storage space after installation and updates.
Is Your Mac Rift-Ready? Minimum & Recommended Specs
Before you download the installer, let’s make sure your Mac meets the minimum requirements and what you’ll ideally want for a great experience:
Minimum Specs:
- macOS Version: 10.13 (High Sierra) or later
- Processor: Intel Core i5-750
- RAM: 2 GB
- Graphics: AMD: HD 6570, Intel: Intel HD 4600 Integrated Graphics
- VRAM: 1 GB
- Storage: 12GB HDD
Recommended Specs: - macOS Version: 11 or later
- Processor: Intel Core i5-3300
- RAM: 4 GB
- Graphics: AMD: Radeon HD 6950, Intel: Intel UHD 630 Integrated Graphics
- VRAM: 2 GB
- Storage: 16GB SSD
Don't just aim for the minimum, though. While the game will run, you might experience dips in framerate during intense team fights.
Installation: Quick and Painless (Mostly)
Installing League of Legends on your Mac is straightforward. Here's a breakdown of the process:
- Head over to the League of Legends website and download the Mac installer.
- Follow the on-screen prompts to install the Riot Client.
- Log in with your existing Riot account or create a new one. The registration process is simple, requiring your email, date of birth, a unique username, and a secure password.
- The Riot Client will then download League of Legends. This can take anywhere from 30 minutes to a few hours, depending on your internet speed and Mac's performance.
- Once installed, the game will automatically check for and download any necessary updates.
Performance on Apple Silicon: Unleash the M1/M2/M3 Power
Wondering how League performs on Apple Silicon Macs? The answer is generally very well. In many cases, it actually runs better than on older Intel-based Macs. Here’s a quick snapshot:
- M1 Max (32 GB RAM): 90+ FPS on Very High settings
- M1 Pro (16 GB RAM): 70+ FPS on Medium settings
- M1 (13-inch, 8 GB RAM): 80-100 FPS on High settings
- M1 MacBook Air: 60 FPS on Max settings
While not officially supported for ARM architecture, benchmarks consistently show excellent performance. No extra installation steps are needed. Just download the Mac client and launch the game. Rosetta will handle the initial app optimization.
To maximize performance, especially on Apple Silicon, enable Metal API in the game's graphics settings. Metal API drastically increases your FPS on all Apple Silicon devices.
Fine-Tuning for Optimal Rifting: Graphics Settings & More
Even on a capable Mac, tweaking your settings can significantly improve your League of Legends experience. Here's a practical checklist:
- Resolution: Ensure your resolution matches your Mac's native resolution.
- Graphics Quality: Start with "Medium" or "High" and adjust based on your FPS. Lowering shadows and effects can provide a significant boost.
- Metal API: Enable this (if you're on Apple Silicon) for improved performance.
- Frame Rate Cap: Match your monitor's refresh rate for a smoother experience.
- Interface: Disable HUD animations, emote bubbles, and fist bumps to reduce visual clutter.
- Audio: Set sound FX volume to max to ensure you always hear your enemies’ attacks
Additionally, toggle on “hide eye candy” to minimize visual clutter and ramp up your FPS. Set the graphics video settings to “Increased Performance”
Keeping Your Mac Cool Under Pressure
Macs aren't exactly known for their gaming prowess, and prolonged League of Legends sessions can generate heat. Here's how to keep your Mac cool:
- Close unnecessary background processes: Use Activity Monitor to identify and close apps that are hogging resources.
- Invest in a laptop cooler: A good cooler can significantly reduce temperatures.
- Keep your Mac out of direct sunlight: Direct sunlight will only exacerbate heat issues.
- Ensure good ventilation: Don't block the vents on your Mac.
The Unofficial Status on macOS 12 & 13
It's worth noting that, while League of Legends will likely still run, it's not officially supported on macOS 12 (Monterey) and macOS 13 (Ventura) yet. Riot is working on a compatibility update, but in the meantime, you might encounter minor issues.
To get the best overall experience, make sure to periodically update your audio and video drivers on Mac.
Worried about making the switch? Play LoL on your Mac now!
Quick Answers: Common Questions About LoL on Mac
Q: Will League of Legends work on my older MacBook?
A: It depends on the specs. Check the minimum requirements above. If your MacBook meets them, you should be able to play, but you might need to lower the graphics settings for optimal performance.
Q: Does League of Legends drain my battery quickly on my MacBook?
A: Yes, gaming is generally battery-intensive. Adjusting graphics settings and closing background apps can help extend battery life. Consider plugging in while playing for extended sessions.
Q: Do I need to install any third-party software to play League of Legends on Mac?
A: No, the native macOS client eliminates the need for emulators or other third-party software.
Q: Is League of Legends resource-intensive on Mac?
A: While not the most demanding game, League of Legends can still put a strain on your system, especially during team fights. Optimizing your settings and keeping your Mac cool is crucial.
Your Actionable Playbook: Get in the Game
Here's a quick-start guide to get you playing League of Legends on your Mac quickly:
- Check your specs: Ensure your Mac meets the minimum (or preferably recommended) requirements.
- Download and install: Grab the Mac client from the official League of Legends website and follow the installation prompts.
- Optimize graphics: Adjust the graphics settings to find the sweet spot between visual quality and performance.
- Enable Metal API (if applicable): This can significantly boost FPS on Apple Silicon Macs.
- Keep it cool: Close unnecessary background processes, invest in a cooler if needed, and ensure good ventilation.
With a little tweaking, you'll be climbing the ranks on your Mac in no time!