How to play Desolate on Mac

From Windows game to Mac launch

1. 01

   Install Pixel Port

   Download Pixel Port and let it set up the runtime on first launch.

2. 02

   Request Desolate

   Find Desolate in the app and request it. During the beta, our small team enables games manually for each user.

3. 03

   Or ask us on Discord

   Join the Pixel Port Discord and tell us you want to play Desolate. That is usually the fastest way to get it enabled.

More games that run on Mac

• Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice

  Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice

• Sons of the Forest

  Sons of the Forest

• Subnautica

  Subnautica

Common questions

Does Desolate run on Mac?

Desolate is graded playable on Apple Silicon through Pixel Port's runtime. Its current grade is playable for Apple Silicon Macs. Desolate is built on Unreal Engine, and Pixel Port's runtime translates its rendering to Metal automatically. It is not enabled in the beta yet, so request it in the app or join the Pixel Port Discord before trying to install it.

Do I need to own Desolate on Steam?

Yes. Pixel Port does not sell, host, or distribute games. Desolate downloads through Steam, to your own Steam account, exactly as it would on a PC — you need to own it there first. Pixel Port is the compatibility layer that runs the Windows build Steam delivers.

Do I need Windows, Boot Camp, or a VM to play Desolate on Mac?

No. Pixel Port runs the Windows build of Desolate directly on macOS — no Boot Camp partition, no virtual machine, and no Windows license.

Which Macs can run Desolate?

Any Apple Silicon Mac — M1 through M4, MacBook Air to Mac Studio — on macOS 14 or later.