Can you play Fortnite on Mac?

You're not the only one asking, "can you play Fortnite on Mac?"

Although Epic Games, the creators of Fortnite, have had their legal issues and arguments with Apple, it is still technically possible to dive into the battle royale experience on your Mac. However, there are some caveats and things to consider before doing so.

We'll walk you through everything you need to know, including system requirements and installation tips. So, let's get to it.

What is Fortnite and how to play Fortnite on your Mac

First launched in 2017, Fortnite took the gaming world by storm; its interesting blend of action, strategy, and creativity led to its widespread appeal, making it somewhat of a cultural phenomenon in the gaming community.

With six unique game modes, you can choose to battle alone or team up with friends to be the last person standing.

So, the big question is, "can you play Fortnite on a MacBook?"

Does Fortnite run on a Mac?

Troubles between Apple and Epic games began back in 2020, when Epic Games sued Apple. Displeased with Apple's 30% fee on in-app purchases they introduced their own payment system to try and bypass it. In response, Apple removed Fortnite from the App Store.

The legal battle drew a lot of attention and sparked debates about the fairness of App Store policies. Although Apple won the case (Epic breached the contract), Apple was forced to make changes for developers.

If you've seen the news recently, it seems that Apple's changes are not enough; back in court to battle it out royale style, the case is still ongoing. Many people are confused and unsure if you can download Fortnite on a Mac.

Although the simple answer is yes, technically, if you have a device with Apple silicon (the M chip), you can play Fortnite natively through the Epic Games Launcher.

But, and there are a few buts, Apple's sanctions mean the game is old (no updates are available), and there's no crossplay support. Most players will be using a different version, so you won't be able to join them (unless they are on a Mac, too). And there are no shop options.

So, yes you can play it, but is it worth it? That's a question you must answer yourself.

How to get Fortnite on Mac

If you're set on playing Fortnite natively, then the first step is to check if your Mac is compatible.

If your Mac is powerful enough, then follow these steps:

1. Download the Epic Games Launcher here.

2. Open the launcher and add Epic Games to your Applications.

3. Wait for the installation to complete; you will need around 95GB of free internal storage.

4. Open and play!

Just as a word of caution, this kind of game play can really slow your Mac down, not to mention that it consumes vast amounts of space, so you need a backup plan to combat issues, which you'll undoubtedly encounter; we've got a great tip for you below.

Keep your Mac optimized for gaming

Running speedup tasks regularly can help you maintain your Mac's performance while gaming. The Smart Scan module from Mac cleaning app CleanMyMac X can help optimize your device, quicken it up, and locate vulnerabilities or threats.

In just a few simple and easy clicks, you can keep your Mac in top shape, removing tons of useless junk and malware and running speedup tasks. Here's how this smart tool works:

1. Open the application (test it for free for seven days).

2. Click Smart Scan > Scan.

3. Click Run.

If you're determined to play Fortnite through the macOS Game Launcher, then this is a task you'll need to carry out often. There's just no way around it. As it currently stands, the Epic Game Launcher is a huge tax on your Mac's output.

OK, now that we've covered that, let's get back to alternative ways to play Fortnite on your MacBook.

How to play Fortnite on MacBook

Playing Fortnite natively on your Mac has its downsides; I mean, who really wants to play an outdated game without your friends while draining your Mac's output and storage? So, what are the other options? Here's a look at two great alternatives.

1. Xbox Cloud Gaming

Xbox Cloud Gaming is a solid option for Mac users; it's not only a reliable service, but there is also no paid subscription required for Fortnite.

It only currently supports controller gameplay, so you won't be able to use your keyboard or mouse, and it doesn't work with Safari; you'll need Chrome or Edge.

All you really need is a stable and fast internet connection to get started.

2. Amazon Luna

If you already have an Amazon Prime account, then Amazon Luna is a free game-streaming service, and is another good option for how to play Fortnite on your Mac.

Again, this only works with Chrome or Edge currently, but It's quick to link up your Epic Game account, and this option allows you to use a controller, your keyboard, and Mouse or Touch screen options.

FAQs: Can you play Fortnite on Mac?

What's better, macOS Epic Games Launcher or cloud gaming?

Honestly, as it currently stands, with Apple and Epic Games legal disputes, technically speaking, cloud gaming is better for your device and gaming experience. The drawbacks of not being able to play the most recent version alongside your friends, lack of support, and in-app purchase options limit the experience on a Mac.

Can I transfer my progress from other platforms to Xbox Cloud Gaming?

Yes, as long as you've linked up to your Epic Games account, transferring progress to an Xbox Cloud Gaming account won't be an issue.

So, hopefully, we've answered all your questions on can you play Fortnite on Mac? We've given you the latest insights, tips, and online gaming alternatives.