Total War games are famous for the scale of their battles. Hundreds of soldiers on a single battlefield is certainly impressive.

War games free download - Star Wars: Empire at War Update, StarCraft and StarCraft: Brood War, Ares, and many more programs.

Add to that a deep gameplay that requires smart tactics and strategies and you get some of the best Strategy games for Mac. Warhammer is all that plus orcs, heroes, and other fantasy creatures.

Plus, Total War: Warhammer’s Mac version is the newest Total War game available on MacOS.

In this review:

But all those units and great graphics must require a powerful Mac to run right? No need to jump to conclusions, we are here to figure it out together.

Ready? Let’s see if your Mac has what it takes.

First things first, is the game any good?

Released for Mac almost a year ago, there are more than enough reviews to give us an idea of the quality of this game.

With an impressive 86 Metascore (weighted average of scores given by critics), Warhammer can be considered a great game:

Reading what the big guns had to say, it certainly seems like this is a fun, satisfying and well-made game.

IGN, for example, gave it an 8.6/10 score and said:

Total War: Warhammer brims with exciting ideas, awesome characters, and delightful units and faction mechanics.

Gamespot gave it a 9/10 entirely and praised the way the Warhammer Universe meshes naturally with Total War’s gameplay, it’s massive AI improvements and stellar audio design.

On the other hand (like it’s often the case) gamers were far more challenging than professional critics. The game has 75% positive reviews from over 21,000 total users. By Steam reviews standards, that’s a good score too.

My take?

Total War games are usually not for everyone. They feature campaigns full of accurate historical elements and battles that require a lot of thinking and strategy.

But with the introduction of a fantasy universe and monsters and griffons, Warhammer is a better Total War with more appeal to casual gamers.

Until Thrones of Britannia comes to MacOS, this is the Total War to have.

Total War: Warhammer Mac requirements

Remember, if you don’t pay attention to the system requirements, you risk buying a game you won’t be able to play!

These are Warhammer’s minimum system requirements:

• OS: Mac OS X 10.12.4
• Processor: Intel 2.0 GHz
• RAM: 8GB
• Hard Disk: 37GB
• Graphics: 1.5GB

The game is supported on the following graphics cards:

• All AMD graphics cards released from 2014 onwards
• All Nvidia cards with 2GB+ VRAM released from 2012 onwards
• Intel Iris Graphics 540 & 550 cards released from 2016 onwards

The following graphics cards are capable of running the game, but do not consistently meet the standards required for official support:

• All Nvidia cards with 1 GB VRAM released from 2012 onwards
• All Intel Iris and Iris Pro cards released from 2013 onwards

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If you don’t have one of these, I’m afraid this game isn’t for you…

The Test: Can you play Total War: Warhammer on Mac?

I can confidently tell you this is a good game. But can your Mac run it? We went ahead and tested the game on the following Mac models:

• MacBook Pro (15-inch, 2017): 3.1 GHz Intel Core i7, 16 GB RAM, Intel Radeon Pro 560 (4GB)
• MacBook Pro (13-inch, Late 2016): 2.0 GHz Intel Core i5, 8 GB RAM, Intel Iris Graphics 540 (1.5GB)
• iMac (5K, 27-inch, Late 2014): 3.5 GHz Intel Core i5, 8 GB RAM, AMD Radeon R9 M290X (2GB)
• Mac Mini (Late 2014): 2.5 GHz Intel Core i5, 4 GB RAM, Intel Iris 5100 (1.5GB)
• MacBook Pro (13-inch, Mid 2012): 2.5 GHz Intel Core i5, 4 GB RAM, Intel HD Graphics 4000 (1.5GB)

As you can see, the purpose is to go wide and cover Macs that are as different from each other as possible. In this case, we have the:

• New high-end Macs (the 2017 MacBook Pro).
• Older high-end Macs (the 2014 iMac).
• New, but basic Macs (the 2016 MacBook Pro).
• Older and basic Macs (the Mac Mini and 2012 MacBook Pro).

Hopefully, your setup will closely match one of these.

Notice neither the 2012 MacBook Pro nor the 2014 Mac Mini are officially supported.

These are the settings we used to run the game’s internal benchmark :

• 1280×800 (or equivalent 1344×756) resolution
• Medium Preset
• Anti Aliasing: OFF

Why 1280×800 and not more? Because most Mac users have slightly old MacBook Pros. 1280×800 is a little better than basic High Definition (720p), but still low enough to give MacBook Pros a chance…

The Results: A pretty but demanding game

It goes without saying that this great looking game requires power to render those beautiful and chaotic battles.

We expected this game would be demanding. And we were not wrong:

Keeping in mind that we aim for 30 frames per second (FPS) or more, these results are discouraging for anyone but those with very powerful Macs.

Unlike turn-based games such as Civilization 6, Total War: Warhammer on Mac really shines during its huge real-time battles. Are 10-15 FPS enough to enjoy them?

We’ll have to take our tests a little further to answer that question. And the answer will obviously depend on your setup.

As a reminder, this is how we describe the different levels of performance:

• Below 20 FPS: Unplayable: Laggy gameplay, full of stutters and slowdowns.
• 20-30 FPS: Borderline: Can be OK in slow-paced games. Still, not optimal.
• 30-45 FPS: Playable: Acceptable for most (most gaming consoles do this).
• 45-60 FPS: Smooth: Fluid gameplay, with no perceivable stutters.
• 60+ FPS: Very Smooth: For hardcore and professional players, a luxury for most.

Can my Mac run Total War: Warhammer?

This one’s easy. If you have a high-end Mac (or a Mac with a dedicated graphics card and 2GB of Video RAM or more), TW: Warhammer will run beautifully on your machine.

In fact, you can confidently play the game at higher settings and resolutions and still have over 30FPS of smooth gameplay.

Can you play Total War: Warhammer on a MacBook Pro?

This is where it gets tricky. Looking only at the results, I’d be inclined to say you should not get this game. 15 FPS is much too low to enjoy a game.

But what if you’re prepared to compromise and play the game at lower settings?

Testing the game at the same resolution as before (1280×800), but using the Minimum settings, we got 23.0 FPS running the in-game benchmark.

Still low, but barely enough to enjoy it.

But before you run out to purchase a copy, keep in mind that compromises are needed. If you need to play your games at 60 FPS and 4K, don’t bother.

If you want to enjoy the game at lower settings but decent performance, you can go ahead and buy it.

Do you have an older and basic Mac?

If you have anything older than our 2016 MacBook Pro with integrated graphics, I advise you pass on this game. Unfortunately, performance will be too low.

Bottom line: If you get anything lower than 12 FPS (like the 2016 MacBook Pro we tested), I wouldn’t recommend it

PS: These are our favorite accessories for playing/testing games on Mac!

Download Total War: Warhammer for Mac

Total War: Warhammer is available from most digital stores and prices are stable across the board. You can really get it from your store of choice:

Total War: Warhammer Mac Review

With the introduction of a fantasy universe filled with monsters and griffons, Warhammer is the Total War for casual gamers who are usually intimidated by the series. And on top of the fantasy setting, this remains an excellent strategy game. That said, you will need a powerful Mac to run it.

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When it comes to strategy games on Mac, there are a lot of impressive choices. Some of these are available through Apple Arcade, while others are just a download away from the Mac App Store. Here are our current favorites.

Civilization V

When it comes to turn-based strategy games, you can't do better than Sid Meier's series of Civilization titles. In this fifth edition, you begin with 20 historical leaders, and your job is to slowly take over the world from the dawn of man into the space age. Along the way, you'll get to discover surprising new civilizations and wonders, excellent gameplay systems, and much more.

Currently, Civilization V offers 10 in-app purchases, including Brave New World and Gods and Kings. With these options, you get to decide just how far you want to go through the game.

How far will you go?

Civilization V

Diplomacy or War?

Sid Meier's Civilization V offers a brilliant story that's advanced further with a lengthy listing of in-app purchases big and small.

Source: Aspyr Media, Inc.

Total War Game Mac

And here we go again! Similar to the previous installments, Civilization VI has one goal for players: to create and maintain a lasting civilization. In this most recent installment, you achieve victory through military domination, technological superiority, or cultural influence. It offers a nice mix of new and old civilizations. There's also renewed emphasis on the terrain and fresh artificial intelligence mechanics for computer-controlled opponents.

The game's first expansion pack, Rise and Fall, features entry into a prosperous Golden Age and terrifying Dark Age. There's also a Heroic Age. The second expansion pack, The Gathering Storm, features ecosystem difficulties that could impact the entire planet, including floods, volcanoes, and more.

The newest in the series

Civilization VI

Bigger than ever

This game is the newest in the long Civilization series and was first introduced to Mac in 2016.

Source: Dinosaur Polo Club

Being stuck in traffic is never fun unless you're playing Mini Motorways! The strategy simulation game gives you the power to keep existing roads clear while also expanding your digital city by adding new locations and road networks.

Featuring different color modes, including colorblind and night, Mini Motorways is for anyone with an imagination. Better still, like all Apple Arcade games, it comes without in-app purchases or any additional costs.

They will come

Mini Motorways

Create your city

As your city expands, make sure it remains easy to get from point A to point B. Otherwise, no one will be happy.

Source: Feral Interactive

Offering 3D real-time battles on land and at sea, Total War: Empire allows you to lead one of 12 great nations. Your success is determined by your diplomatic skills and military force, when necessary. Set in the 18th century, the game allows you to conquer overseas territories to establish colonies and profitable trade networks. Along the way, you'll need to learn more about your enemies and beat them on the battlefield accordingly.

First introduced on Mac in 2014, Total War: Empire is the fifth installment in the Total War series, which, as a whole, comes recommended. The turn-based strategy game was released for Windows in 2009. Before purchasing the game, just check the Mac App Store for compatibility with your Mac, since some older machines aren't supported.

Non-stop action

Total War: Empire

How will you succeed?

Empire is a thrilling installment in the Total War series. Just make sure your Mac supports it!

Source: Blindflug

In this multi-player real-time strategy game, you are fighting for control of distant planets. You have just seven minutes to destroy your opposition or the world as you know it will collapse and explode right before your eyes.

To accomplish your goal, you slowly gain access to rockets, tanks, and stealth generators. Futuristic troops are also available if you can find a way to unlock them.

Stellar Commanders is currently one of the best-reviewed Apple Arcade games available. Download it today.

Fly those rockets

Stellar Commanders

The world needs your help

You have seven minutes until success or destruction. Which path will you take?

Source: Tortuga Team

Old-school meets the 21st century in this impressive turn-based strategy game from Tortuga Team. Featuring a unique system of dynamic turn-based battles that last no more than 15 minutes, Spaceland features 10 different enemies from alien animals to unnerving monsters.

Offering a squad of space rangers, each with a unique fighting style, the game includes an exciting backstory about a mysterious planet, which you must protect. Use rifles, machine guns, grenade launchers, and more to get the job done. Fail, and you must start again!

Single player fun

Spaceland

Protect this fascinating world

Shoot, kick, blow up, and destroy and achieve greatness in this Apple Arcade game.

Source: iMore

In This War of Mine, you aren't a great commander or a space fighter looking to protect the outer reaches of the universe. Instead, you're just one in a group of civilians trying to survive in a besieged city. Along the way, you must struggle with the lack of food, water, and medicine. At the same time, there's a constant worry that snipers and hostile scavengers could cause further pain.

This War of Mine has been well-received since it was first released and continues to receive kudos with each new expansion. While it's not necessarily a 'fun' game to play, per say, it tells a relevant and emotional story that should not be missed.

Can you survive?

The War of Mine

There's no escape

Can you find and explore all of the different outcomes of the game?

What's your favorite?

Strategy games and Macs go together well. Which games are you currently enjoying on your desktop or laptop? Let us know in the comments below. Perhaps we'll add it to our list on a future update!

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