Show Only Mac Games Steam: How to Filter

Yes, Steam lets you filter your library and the store to show only Mac-compatible games. You can do this in two main places: in your own game library under the “Mac” category, and in the Steam Store using the platform checkboxes in the search filters. This article explains both methods, what the Mac filter actually includes, and how to avoid common pitfalls like missing the Mac version of a game you already own.

Why the Mac Filter Matters

Steam is the largest PC gaming platform, but not every game on it runs on macOS. Many titles are Windows-only, some are Linux-only, and others support multiple operating systems. If you are on a Mac, seeing only the games that will actually install and run saves you from buying something you cannot play. The filter also helps you find games that support your specific Mac model, since older Macs may not meet the requirements of newer titles.

How to Filter Your Steam Library to Mac Only

The library filter is the easiest way to see which of your owned games work on macOS. Here are the steps:

1. Open Steam and log in.
2. Click on the “Library” tab at the top of the window.
3. In the left sidebar, you will see a list of categories. Scroll down to find “Mac” under the “Steam Categories” section.
4. Click “Mac” to show only games that have a macOS version.

If you do not see the “Mac” category, it may be hidden. You can unhide it by clicking the “Categories” dropdown at the top of the library, selecting “Add/Remove Categories…”, and checking the box next to “Mac”. The same method works for Linux and Windows filters.

How to Filter the Steam Store to Mac Only

When browsing the store, you can restrict results to Mac-compatible games using the search filters. Here is how:

1. Go to the Steam Store and type a keyword or browse a genre.
2. On the results page, look for the “Narrow by” section on the right side.
3. Under “Platform”, check the box for “Mac OS”.
4. Click “Apply Filters” or press Enter to refresh the results.

You can combine this with other filters like price, tags, and user reviews to narrow down further. Note that the store filter shows games that have a Mac version available, but it does not guarantee the game runs well on your specific hardware.

What the Mac Filter Includes (and Excludes)

The Mac filter on Steam includes games that have a native macOS version. This means the game was compiled to run on macOS without needing a Windows emulator or compatibility layer. Games that are Windows-only, even if they run through tools like CrossOver or Wine, are not shown when the Mac filter is applied. Also, some games have a Mac version but it may be older or less updated than the Windows version, so the filter does not guarantee feature parity.

Another important point: the filter does not consider your Mac’s hardware. A game may have a Mac version but require a newer macOS or a more powerful GPU than your machine has. Always check the system requirements on the game’s store page before purchasing.

Common Problems and How to Fix Them

Users often run into a few issues when trying to show only Mac games. Here are the most common ones and their solutions:

• Mac category missing in library: As mentioned, you can add it via the Categories dropdown. If it still does not appear, restart Steam.
• Store filter not working: Make sure you have selected “Mac OS” under Platform and that you have not accidentally selected “Windows” as well, which would show games that run on either OS.
• Game shows as Mac-compatible but won’t install: This can happen if the Mac version is not available in your region or if the game uses a third-party launcher that is not Mac-compatible. Check the game’s community hub for known issues.
• Filter shows games that are not actually Mac compatible: Occasionally, a game may be mislabeled. You can report this to Steam support, but it is rare.

Comparing Mac Filters on Steam vs. Other Platforms

Steam is not the only store with a Mac filter. GOG, Epic Games Store, and itch.io also have platform filters. However, Steam’s filter is more granular because it lets you filter by OS in both the library and the store. GOG offers a similar feature, but the library filter is less prominent. Epic Games Store has a Mac filter in the store, but it does not have a library-level filter as of this writing. If you use multiple stores, you will need to apply the filter separately on each one.

Costs and Alternatives

Using the Mac filter is free; it is a standard feature of the Steam client. There is no cost to filter your library or store. If you are looking for Mac games outside of Steam, consider the Mac App Store, which only shows Mac-compatible apps. However, the Mac App Store has a smaller game selection and often lacks the deep discounts found on Steam. Another alternative is to use a service like GeForce Now or other cloud gaming platforms, which stream Windows games to your Mac without needing native Mac versions. These services require a subscription and a good internet connection, but they expand your game library significantly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the Mac filter show games that work on Apple Silicon?

No, the Mac filter shows all games with a macOS version, regardless of whether they are optimized for Apple Silicon (M1/M2/M3) or Intel Macs. Many older games are Intel-only but will run on Apple Silicon via Rosetta 2. To see if a game is optimized for Apple Silicon, check the game’s store page for the “Apple Silicon” tag or read the system requirements.

Can I filter my library to show only Mac games that I have installed?

Yes, you can combine filters. In your library, click the “Mac” category, then click the “Installed” toggle at the top. This will show only Mac-compatible games that are currently installed on your machine.

Why do some games show as Mac-compatible but have no Mac download?

This can happen if the game’s developer has removed the Mac version temporarily, or if the game uses a third-party DRM that does not support macOS. The game may still be listed as Mac-compatible in the store, but the download button may be grayed out. Check the game’s news page for updates.

Is there a way to filter the Steam store to show only Mac games that are on sale?

Yes, on the store search results page, after applying the Mac OS filter, you can also check the “Special Offers” box under “Discounts” to see only games that are currently discounted. You can also sort by discount percentage.

Does the Mac filter work on the Steam mobile app?

The Steam mobile app has a limited store filter. You can select “Mac OS” under platform filters in the app’s search, but the library filter is not available on mobile. For full filtering, use the desktop client.

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