Learn how to play CS2 on a Mac with our guide including background knowledge and the complete installation instructions below.
As of August 2024, Counter-Strike 2 is only playable on Windows and Linux systems. But there are workarounds you can use to play CS2 on macOS.
Counter-Strike’s latest iteration gave the first-person shooter a new coat of paint to take its iconic 5v5 meta and strategic gunplay into the next generation. Learn how you can play CS2 on a Mac with our comprehensive guide below!
Can You Play CS2 on a Mac?
Unfortunately, you cannot install CS2 on the Mac through Steam.
This was confirmed in a statement Valve made on September 2023 where they discontinued their support for older software like DirectX 9 and 32-bit operating systems. That said, you can download certain programs that let you switch between the Apple desktop OS and Windows.
How To Play CS2 on a Mac
To download CS2, install Boot Camp Assistant to let you use the Windows 10 OS on your Apple set-up. It’s worth noting that this only works for Intel-based computers.
Here’s everything you need to get Boot Camp Assistant on your Mac:
Compatible Apple device.
Macbook
MacBook Air
Macbook Pro
Mac mini
iMac
iMac Pro
Mac Pro
Latest macOS update.
At least 64GB free storage space.
Full version of Windows 10
Can be stored in a flash drive or an installation disk
How To Download Windows 10 on Mac
1. Change Secure Boot Setting to “Full Security”
Check to see if your Secure Boot setting is set to Full Security. This is often set as default on Mac devices. That said, make sure it’s on before proceeding so that Windows 10 OS installs seamlessly. Here’s how:
Shut down your Mac.
Press and hold the power button until “Loading startup options” appears on the screen.
Go to Utilities.
Click Startup Security Utility.
Select “Full Security”
2. Create a Windows Partition with Boot Camp Assistant
Go to your Utilities folder and open the Boot Camp Assistant. Follow the onscreen instructions to create a Windows partition, which sets up a separate storage system for the new OS.
Connect your flash drive to the Mac device when you are instructed. You should also set aside storage space depending on your needs. In this case, you’ll need 85 GB available space for CS2.
3. Format Windows 10 with BOOTCAMP
Once Boot Camp Assistant completes the process, the Windows installer will appear on-screen.
If it asks you where to install Windows, select the BOOTCAMP partition you created earlier, but this step usually happens automatically. Once you’re done, it’s time to install Windows 10.
4. Install Windows
Click ‘Next’ to start the Windows 10 OS installation process. Make sure to unplug any peripherals that aren’t needed in the download to avoid any interruptions. Installation should take less than an hour.
5. Install Boot Camp on Windows
Your Mac should boot up on the Windows 10 OS. Additionally, a Boot Camp installer window should already be open. If so, follow the instructions to download Boot Camp and the other drivers you’ll need to run Windows. Afterwards, restart your computer.
6. Switch Operating System
By this time, the installation process should be finished. To check, hold the ‘Option’ key during startup. This should allow you to switch between the macOS and Windows 10.
From there, install Steam and download Counter-Strike 2 to start playing CS2 on a Mac!
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Paul started writing game guides and match predictions for ESTNN’s editorial team in 2022. Since then, he’s covered big-ticket esports events and the latest news on tech and AI.
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