The adventure genre is one of the most diverse in all of gaming, encompassing everything from point-and-click mysteries to casual puzzlers to action-packed epics. That makes it somewhat difficult to isolate the very best, but it also means there’s something for everyone.

Also, keep in mind that we have considered all types of adventure games here, including what some call “action-adventure” games.

Our absolute favorites:

 

Looking for something different? We also have a list of the 100 Best games for Mac in all the best categories.

Our favorite Adventure games for Mac

Minecraft

It’s not just a game, it’s pretty much an entire culture at this point. A sandbox building game at heart, Minecraft provides plenty of options for gamers to set out and craft their adventure. Explore procedurally generated worlds, gather resources, build shelters (or boathouses or mansions or Masonic temples…it’s all up to you), and protect yourself from enemies both live and AI.

With multiple modes from which to choose—including one in which you can just relax and watch others play—there’s something here for gamers of all types and skill levels.

System requirements: 10.14.5 Mojave, Intel Core i3 / Apple M1, 2 GB RAM, Intel HD Graphics 4000 or AMD Radeon R5 series, 1 GB Storage.

Art	Game	Genre	64-bit?	64-bit	API	M1 Support	Performance
	Minecraft	Sandbox	Yes		Metal	Native	Good

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Dave the Diver

On the surface, Dave The Diver seems like your run-of-the-mill, cookie-cutter fishing or restaurant management game, but it’s addictive. You’re bound to spend hours in one of the best games of Macos in 2023.

Even after spending hours and hours in this game, you’ll still be enthralled by the creative new systems and fun that the game has to offer. The game captivates you with its gorgeous pixel art and hundreds of different sea creatures to capture.

You’ll spend your time killing sharks, hacking sea creatures, and using grenade launchers and samurai swords to battle it out with what you’ll find in the ocean. The game is charming and fun and gives you good vibes all throughout.

The game gives you a whopping 30 hours of content to enjoy, and it feels like a real adventure. Kill sea creatures, serve sushi, battle bosses, and get new weapons. Rinse and repeat. The fun is never-ending.

System requirements: Catalina 10.15, 8 GB RAM, Radeon Pro 555X, 11 GB.

Art	Game	Genre	64-bit?	64-bit	API	M1 Support	Performance
	DAVE THE DIVER	Adventure	Yes		Metal	Rosetta	Good

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No Man’s Sky

No Man’s Sky is a game that offers virtually countless opportunities for exploration and discovery in an ever-expanding cosmos. Developed by Hello Games, it offers a procedurally generated universe with over 18 quintillion planets, each containing unique landscapes and ecosystems. The main reason for No Man’s Sky’s popularity is its open-ended gameplay, which allows players to explore, trade, fight, and survive in this vast cosmos in any way they like.

Furthermore, the game also has very high-end graphics, which have improved even more with the latest update. The latest update has also introduced multiplayer options, as well as base building and more features, which have improved the overall experience even more. Despite its high graphics, it runs smoothly on most Macs, including Intel Macs as well. Thus, if you’re looking for a high-end space exploration game to play with your friends, then you should definitely try out No Man’s Sky.

System requirements: Intel i5-based Mac or more with 8GB RAM and Radeon Pro 570X 4GB Graphics Card, 20GB Storage.

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Art	Game	Genre	64-bit?	64-bit	API	M1 Support	Performance
	No Man's Sky	Adventure	Yes		Metal	Native	Excellent

 

Psychonauts 2

Unlike movies, for which sequels often disappoint, sequels in gaming are often better than the originals. In fact, some of the best releases mankind has ever seen are sequels. There’s Team Fortress 2, Half-life 2, and Borderlands 2. Psychonauts 2 is no exception. If you are a fan of the first Psychonauts, you’re gonna love this one.

One of the greatest 3D adventure platformers released in recent years, Psychonauts 2 is a work of art. With an insanely unique art style and a psychedelic gameplay experience, Psychonauts 2 is a gem in its genre. Whether it be running on a giant bowling ball or slamming enemies with psychic powers, this game will take you for a wild ride.

Despite being released in late 2021, it’s so fantastic we just couldn’t keep it off the 2022 list.

System requirements: macOS 12, Core i5 (I5-7500), 8 GB RAM, Radeon Pro 570 or equivalent, 30 GB hard drive space.

Art	Game	Genre	64-bit?	64-bit	API	M1 Support	Performance
	Psychonauts 2	Adventure	Yes		Metal	Rosetta	Good

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Stray

While modern games are known for being expansive, Stray is a short experience that’s worth the salt. Stray finally made it to macOS in 2023 and packs tons of fine details and experiences that hook you from the get-go.

You control a stray cat and roam a futuristic city, interacting with a host of quirky characters and robots. While it’s a short game, the main story is deeper than your usual indie game. It’s an immersive title that does a great job of making you feel like a part of the world.

While the main game can be finished in a few hours, the side quests kick things up a notch by a few mere 3 hours, but they’re definitely worth it. The game is basically a puzzle game, and it’s surprisingly very well done. It’s engaging and will keep you scratching your noggin for yours.

All-in-all, Stray is a beautiful experience from start to finish. If you’re looking to play a relaxing and cozy experience with some eye-popping visuals on your MacBook, then Stray is worth looking into.

System requirements: macOS 13 Ventura, 10 GB Space, Apple Silicon

Art	Game	Genre	64-bit?	64-bit	API	M1 Support	Performance
	Stray	Adventure	Yes		TBC	Native	Good

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Vampire Survivors

Casual games have always had a strange place in the gaming community. People either ignore them or play them occasionally as a stress relief. However, Vampire Hunters are a different breed.

As a casual rogue-lite with gothic horror elements, Vampire Hunters is a retro-styled auto battler. It has a very arcade feel to it: simple movement controls, auto-attacks, power-ups, and endless waves of monsters to kill. The only goal here is to have fun, and Vampire Hunters makes sure of that.

It is hard to explain why Vampire Hunters feels so addicting. Maybe because it feels like a murder slot machine, but really, who knows? Try it out yourself, maybe you’ll find out why.

System requirements: macOS 10.11, Intel Core 2 Dual Core 2.4 GHz, 4 GB RAM, NVIDIA GeForce 9600M GT or ATi Radeon HD 2600 Pro, 16 GB hard drive space.

Art	Game	Genre	64-bit?	64-bit	API	M1 Support	Performance
	Vampire Survivors	Action	Yes		TBC	Rosetta	Excellent

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Lies of P

We get and understand all the hate this game is getting. Lies of P seems like a Souls Like rip-off on the surface, but it’s by far one of the best macOS games of 2023. It makes sure to distinguish itself from the Souls games and Souls formula.

The developers have added an interesting range of mechanics that distinguish itself from other games. Take the example of the unlockable attacks that are parried successfully, make for a rewarding experience, and end up becoming extremely punishing if you mess things up.

Another unique quirk of this game is the puppet parts that function as pieces of your armor. It frees you from the monotonous need of wearing specific armor sets and gives you a sense of customization never before seen in Souls Like games. The enemies bring a wealth of challenges to the combat system. You’ll mostly go up against puppets with choreographed barrages of attacks that sometimes mess up or short-circuit, making the combat aspect of this game a bit unpredictable.

If you’re a fan of Souls Like games but want a bit of flair added into the mix, then Lies of P is the next big thing to play in 2023, especially if you’re looking for a gut-punching souls-like experience on macOS.

System requirements: macOS Ventura 13.0, Apple Silicon, 8 GB RAM, 50 GB space

Art	Game	Genre	64-bit?	64-bit	API	M1 Support	Performance
	Stray	Adventure	Yes		TBC	Native	Good

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The Stanley Parable: Ultra Deluxe

The Stanley Parable is a game you probably have heard of, but have no clue of what it is. Explaining what the Stanley Parable is and isn’t, is a very complicated affair.

In a nutshell, The Stanley Parable is a game about Stanley and his choices, or lack thereof. With over a hundred endings plus a couple more in The Stanley Parable: Deluxe Edition, your experience is only limited by your curiosity. But technically, this game has no ending, which also makes every ending scenario pointless.

So what is the Stanley Parable about? It is a game about nothing and everything all at once. There are no endings or beginnings. It is meaningless, yet meaningful. Additionally, play it without spoilers for the best gameplay experience.

System requirements: macOS 10.8 or above, Intel i5 or newer, 4 GB RAM, GTX 660 / RX 460, 5 GB hard drive space..

Art	Game	Genre	64-bit?	64-bit	API	M1 Support	Performance
	The Stanley Parable: Ultra Deluxe	Adventure	Yes		Metal	Rosetta	Good

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Subnautica: Below Zero

Subnautica: Below Zero returns you to planet 4546B of the original Subnautica, this time to an arctic region. A disaster at the research station leaves you stranded and alone with only your skills to survive. You’ll need to explore below and above the water’s surface to find the food and materials you’ll need to survive.

Some of the planet’s creatures will help you, most will not. And along the way you’ll continue to unravel the mystery of the aliens who had explored the planet before you. A visually stunning entry in your adventure catalog.

System requirements: macOS 10.15, 2.0 GHz Intel Core i5, 8 GB RAM, 40 GB HD space, 2GB AMD Radeon R9 M290 or better, 1.5GB Intel Iris 540 or better

Art	Game	Genre	64-bit?	64-bit	API	M1 Support	Performance
	Subnautica	Adventure	Yes		Metal	Rosetta	Average

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Celeste

If you’re not a fan of platformers, then this game isn’t for you. Still, Celeste is worth a try. The core mechanics of the game are pretty simple. It’s a platforming game where you’re supposed to jump, climb, and avoid death traps and obstacles.

It’s an indie classic through and through, reminiscent of the platforming sequences a 2D Mario game would offer. But Celeste kicks things up a notch with its tougher levels and challenges. But the best part about this game is that it doesn’t feel unfair at all. Don’t expect to smash that neat MacBook keyboard anytime soon playing this indie title.

Being one of the best macOS games for 2023, Celeste allows you to take the role of a young lady by the name of Madeline, who’s on her way to traverse a mountain. Aside from the fact that the game is a platformer, it does take a deeper toll on the story aspect of things, delving into themes of depression, self-discovery, turmoil, and the many problems plaguing Madeline.

System requirements: Lion 10.7.5, Core i3 M380,  2 GB RAM, OpenGL 3.0+

Art	Game	Genre	64-bit?	64-bit	API	M1 Support	Performance
	Celeste	Action	Yes		Vulkan	Rosetta	Poor

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Return of the Obra Dinn

Hey, the Obra Dinn is back! What is it? It’s a ship that was lost at sea in 1803. It’s now 1807 and the ship has drifted into port with no crew aboard. You play an insurance investigator hired to assess damages, but the mystery of what happened will quickly take over your investigations.

Depicted in stippled black-and-white graphics like on the Mac SEs (but so much more advanced), the visuals of the game become almost as compelling as the story. A logic-based mystery for the detective crowd.

Art	Game	Genre	64-bit?	64-bit	API	M1 Support	Performance
	Return of the Obra Dinn	Adventure	Yes		TBC	Rosetta	Good

Buy on Humble Bundle

Last updated: December 18, 2023

We keep our content up to date! These are the latest changes made to this guide:

• Added No Man’s Sky
• Added Dave the Diver
• Added Stray
• Added Celeste
• Added Lies of P
• Removed Life is Strange: Before the Storm
• Removed Firewatch
• Removed TUNIC
• Removed Cuphead: The Delicious Last Course
• Removed Rise of the Tomb Raider

Bottom line: This guide has been updated to fully reflect the current state of our favorite Action Adventure games for macOS! Stay tuned, and don’t forget to bookmark in a few months!

Disclaimer: Some of the links above are affiliate links, which means that if you choose to make a purchase, I will earn a commission (this is how we pay the bills). This commission comes at no additional cost to you.

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