How to use Apple Arcade on Mac

Apple Arcade
(Image credit: Apple)

First introduced in 2019, Apple Arcade is a video game subscription service available across multiple platforms, including Mac, iPhone, iPad, and Apple TV. It offers over 180 games with no ads or in-app purchases. 

An Apple Arcade subscription is available separately or as part of an Apple One subscription. Both options include access for Apple Family Sharing members. 

Apple Arcade signup on Mac

(Image credit: Future)

Signing up for Apple Arcade on Mac

If you aren't already an Apple Arcade subscriber, you can become one in the Mac App Store app. To subscribe, click on the Mac App Store app on your computer, then choose 'Arcade' on the sidebar.

Click 'Try for Free', then follow the additional directions on the screen, which include signing into your Apple ID. If you don't have an Apple ID, you can create one during the setup process. 

Mac App Store Apple Arcade app

(Image credit: Future)

Introduction

Not every Apple Arcade game is available on Mac, but most are. New games and content updates are added to Apple Arcade each week. You can preview upcoming releases under the Coming Soon section across the various platforms. 

Apple keeps a running list of games exclusive to iPhone/iPad via its website.

Many Apple Arcade games include controller support. Those that do feature a controller icon on the game's Mac App Store product page.  

Apple Arcade on Mac App Store

(Image credit: Future)

Finding Apple Arcade content to play on Mac

To find new content to play on Apple Arcade on Mac, go into the Mac App Store app, then choose 'Arcade' on the sidebar. The section is divided into different subsections, including 'New Games', 'Most Popular', 'Categories', 'Must-Play Games', 'Collections', and 'Recently Updated'. At the bottom of the Apple Arcade page, you'll find a link to every current game available on Mac.  You can also use the Mac App Store 'Search' box to find games. 

To read more about an Apple Arcade game, click on it. To download a game, click 'Get' next to the game title. 

Apple Arcade game in Applications folder on Mac

(Image credit: Future)

Playing Apple Arcade games on Mac

Once you download a game onto your Mac, it's time to begin playing. Like other apps on your computer, the downloaded games are located in the Applications folder. To open, click 'Finder' on the dock. Next, click 'Go' on the menu bar, then select 'Applications'. Click on the game you want to play. 

Follow the directions on the screen to begin gameplay. 

Games on Apple Arcade are playable offline, and you can delete the games from your Mac at any time. 

Bryan M Wolfe

Bryan M. Wolfe is a staff writer at TechRadar, iMore, and wherever Future can use him. Though his passion is Apple-based products, he doesn't have a problem using Windows and Android. Bryan's a single father of a 15-year-old daughter and a puppy, Isabelle. Thanks for reading!