Cyberpunk 2077 is officially set to make its Mac debut, arriving on Apple Silicon-powered devices in early 2025. Announced during Apple’s recent keynote featuring the new M4-equipped MacBook Pros, this long-awaited arrival marks a major step forward for AAA gaming on Mac. Originally released in 2020, the game has undergone numerous updates and improvements, making it an even more compelling experience as it makes its way onto Apple’s high-performance hardware.
The Mac edition of Cyberpunk 2077 will launch as the Ultimate Edition, complete with the acclaimed Phantom Liberty expansion. Players can look forward to experiencing new missions, characters, and a fresh storyline in the expansion, which has been widely regarded as a vast improvement on the game’s original offering. By including Phantom Liberty, CD Projekt Red ensures that the Mac version provides players with all the content that has made the game a staple in RPG circles. Additionally, the Ultimate Edition will be available for download via both the Mac App Store and Steam, providing flexible purchasing options for Mac users.
One of the key highlights of the Mac version will be its optimization for Apple Silicon, Apple’s custom-designed processors found in the latest M-series Macs. CD Projekt Red has developed Cyberpunk 2077 specifically to leverage Apple’s Metal graphics API, which enables smoother graphics and faster frame rates. Features like path tracing—often dubbed the next frontier in real-time game graphics—will allow for more realistic lighting and shadows, providing a stunningly immersive environment. Alongside path tracing, Mac players will also benefit from Spatial Audio for a heightened audio experience, enveloping them in the sounds of Night City like never before.
An important note for existing players: CD Projekt Red has confirmed that those who already own Cyberpunk 2077 on Steam will be able to play it on their Macs without having to purchase it again, so long as they meet Apple Silicon requirements. This feature will allow for seamless cross-platform play, further enhancing accessibility. However, while the game will be available on Apple Silicon Macs, it remains uncertain whether it will run effectively on earlier M1 models. The M2 and M4 models are expected to provide the best gaming performance.
Apple’s recent strides in supporting AAA gaming titles indicate a new era for Mac gamers, as the company works closely with developers to optimize popular titles for the M-series lineup. During its recent event, Apple mentioned a growing list of AAA games making their way to Mac, hinting that Cyberpunk 2077 could be one of many to come. CD Projekt Red’s addition to the Mac lineup places the title alongside other major games Apple has recently announced for macOS, signaling a broader trend of high-quality games becoming accessible to Apple’s audience.
In response to fans eagerly awaiting the game, CD Projekt Red emphasized that they are committed to bringing the best experience possible to Mac, stating, “Apple’s custom technology allows us to deliver Cyberpunk 2077 with graphics, audio, and gameplay that immerse the player in a world like no other.” This commitment to optimization is evident with plans for advanced graphical features and a dedicated focus on Apple’s capabilities.
The original Cyberpunk 2077 release encountered numerous issues upon its 2020 launch, leading to a rocky start. However, extensive updates, patches, and new content—including the recent Phantom Liberty expansion—have transformed the game, re-establishing its place in the RPG genre. With the game’s Mac debut on the horizon, Apple users can finally look forward to stepping into Night City, a sprawling open world filled with futuristic landscapes, deep storylines, and intricate character development.
