Apple’s MacBook Pro M4 isn’t just a productivity beast — it’s also packing enough power to handle some serious gaming. Thanks to the new M4 chip with its beefy CPU and GPU cores, plus the Liquid Retina XDR display, gaming on a MacBook is no longer a joke.
If you’re wondering which games can run smoothly on this powerhouse, we’ve got you covered. Here’s a list of the top games that run like butter on the MacBook Pro M4 — no lag, just straight-up fun!
1. Baldur’s Gate 3
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Why It Rocks:
This epic RPG has been blowing up lately, and the M4’s performance makes it a smooth ride. The MacBook Pro’s powerful GPU handles the high-res graphics and epic battles effortlessly. Plus, the XDR display makes every spell and battle scene pop. -
Performance:
Medium to High settings at 60 FPS with no major frame drops.
2. Resident Evil Village
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Why It Rocks:
If horror and survival are your jams, the M4’s metal API support makes this game run flawlessly. You get smooth gameplay, crisp shadows, and scary-good lighting effects. Perfect for late-night gaming sessions! -
Performance:
Medium to High settings at 50–60 FPS.
3. Shadow of the Tomb Raider
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Why It Rocks:
Lara Croft never looked better! The M4’s GPU handles the jungle landscapes, climbing mechanics, and combat sequences like a pro. The cooling system keeps the MacBook from turning into a frying pan, so you can raid tombs for hours. -
Performance:
High settings at 50 FPS consistently.
4. Cyberpunk 2077 (via Parallels)
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Why It Rocks:
Yep, you can actually run Cyberpunk on a MacBook Pro M4 using Parallels! The M4’s multi-core performance helps handle Night City’s chaos decently. Don’t expect ray-tracing, but it’s more than playable with tweaked settings. -
Performance:
Low to Medium settings at 30–40 FPS (via Parallels).
5. Minecraft (Java Edition)
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Why It Rocks:
Minecraft is basically a must-have, and the M4 makes it feel smoother than ever, even with shaders and mods. The extended battery life means you can build for hours without hunting for an outlet. -
Performance:
High settings with shaders at 60+ FPS.
6. League of Legends
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Why It Rocks:
For MOBA fans, LoL runs flawlessly on the M4. Quick load times, zero lag during team fights, and buttery-smooth animations. The 120Hz ProMotion display on the MacBook Pro takes the experience to the next level. -
Performance:
Max settings at 120+ FPS.
7. No Man’s Sky
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Why It Rocks:
Exploring planets is super smooth with the M4’s GPU power. The XDR display makes alien landscapes look stunning, and the MacBook’s speakers add an extra layer of immersion with their surround sound. -
Performance:
Medium to High settings at 50–60 FPS.
8. The Sims 4 (with DLCs)
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Why It Rocks:
Whether you’re building a mansion or setting your Sims’ kitchen on fire, the M4 handles it without breaking a sweat. No lag when you stack those DLCs, and the MacBook’s battery life keeps the party going. -
Performance:
High settings at 60 FPS.
9. Fortnite
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Why It Rocks:
The M4’s GPU can crank up the settings to Epic and still maintain smooth gameplay. Paired with the ProMotion 120Hz display, building and battling feel insanely responsive. -
Performance:
High to Epic settings at 60–90 FPS.
10. Stardew Valley
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Why It Rocks:
A chill game for when you’re tired of shooting and raiding. The M4 handles Stardew Valley effortlessly, and the MacBook Pro’s battery can last through endless farming sessions. -
Performance:
Max settings at 60 FPS.
How to Optimize Your MacBook Pro M4 for Gaming
- Close unnecessary apps to free up RAM.
- Use Activity Monitor to keep temps in check.
- Update to macOS Sonoma for optimized Metal API support.
Final Verdict: Is MacBook Pro M4 a Legit Gaming Machine?
Let’s be real — the MacBook Pro M4 isn’t replacing a dedicated gaming rig anytime soon. But if you need a powerhouse laptop for work and some solid gaming on the side, it’s a killer option. The new M4 chip, combined with Apple’s display and battery life, makes it a legit choice for both productivity and play.
So, ready to game on your MacBook Pro M4?