How to play Homeworld 3 on Mac

Game Overview

Homeworld 3 is a highly anticipated real-time strategy game developed by Blackbird Interactive and published by Gearbox Publishing, set to release on May 13, 2024. The game continues the epic space saga of its predecessors, offering a rich storyline and strategic gameplay in a 3D space environment. One of the key features of Homeworld 3 is its emphasis on three-dimensional tactical maneuvering, allowing players to utilize the depth of space for complex battle strategies. The game introduces new gameplay modes such as the War Games mode, a roguelite co-op experience where players can team up as co-commanders. This mode involves a series of short missions with single objectives, culminating in a boss battle. Players start with a premade fleet and can build and reinforce their ships while unlocking power-ups with each completed mission. Additionally, Homeworld 3 incorporates large-scale battles with dynamic environments, including massive space structures known as megaliths. These structures can be used strategically for ambushes or to hide fleets from enemies. The game also features fully simulated ballistics, making line of sight and cover crucial strategic considerations. To run Homeworld 3 on a PC, the minimum system requirements include an Intel i5-8600K or AMD Ryzen 5 3600X CPU, 12 GB of RAM, and an NVIDIA GTX 1060 or AMD R9 480 graphics card. The game also requires at least 40 GB of free disk space and runs on Windows 10 64-bit or higher. Regarding the possibility of running Homeworld 3 on Mac, particularly on machines with the M1 chip, there is currently no official support or announcement from the developers about a dedicated ARM build or a version for macOS that would run natively on M1 Macs. The game is primarily developed for Windows, and there has been no mention of macOS compatibility in the press materials or official announcements. For Mac users, a potential workaround could be using Windows emulation or virtualization software that supports Windows 10 or 11, such as Crossover or Parallels Desktop. Alternatively, you can use cloud gaming services to run any Windows game on Mac.

1. Play Homeworld 3 with CrossOver via Steam

CrossOver is a software tool that enables users to run Windows applications on macOS and Linux without needing a Windows operating system license. It is based on the popular open-source Wine project and works by translating Windows API calls into POSIX calls on-the-fly, eliminating the performance and resource penalties of virtual machines. With CrossOver, users can seamlessly integrate Windows applications into their native environment, running them as if they were native applications on their Mac or Linux systems. This software is especially useful for those who need access to certain Windows-only programs for business, education, or gaming purposes, providing a streamlined and efficient solution without the complexity of dual-booting or maintaining a separate Windows installation. Here’s how to play Homeworld 3 using CrossOver through Steam:

1. Visit the CrossOver website, purchase the software, and download it. Install CrossOver on your Mac by dragging it into the Applications folder.
2. Open CrossOver, click Install a Windows Application, and select Steam from the list. Follow the prompts to install.
3. On the right side, in the Advanced Settings, switch D3DMetal and MSync toggles.
4. Launch Steam within CrossOver, log into your Steam account, find Homeworld 3 in the Steam store, and install it.
5. Navigate to the Library in Steam, find Homeworld 3, and click Play to start your simulation.

Install a Windows Application -> Steam

Install Steam on Mac via Crossover

If you are getting “dx12 not supported error”, go to the Steam bottle in CrossOver and -> Wine Configuration and change the Windows version to Windows 11.

2. Play Homeworld 3 on cloud gaming services (Boosteroid and AirGPU)

Cloud gaming platforms stream games from remote servers, offering high performance without demanding hardware. Cloud gaming services are expanding the accessibility of gaming by eliminating many of the traditional barriers, such as the need for constant hardware upgrades and the initial cost of games. As internet speeds increase and technology advances, cloud gaming continues to grow as a popular alternative to traditional console and PC gaming.

AirGPU

AirGPU is a cloud gaming service that offers users the ability to rent high-performance virtual gaming PCs on demand. This platform enables gamers to stream the latest and most demanding games directly to their devices without the need for high-end local hardware. AirGPU provides a flexible rental model, allowing users to pay by the hour for access to powerful gaming rigs equipped with top-tier graphics and processing capabilities. The service supports a variety of devices including desktops, laptops, and some tablets, ensuring that users can enjoy a premium gaming experience from virtually anywhere. AirGPU stands out by offering personalized settings and configurations, giving gamers the freedom to customize their virtual machines to meet specific gaming needs.

1. Sign up at AirGPU and rent a high-performance virtual PC.
2. Connect to your cloud PC, install Homeworld 3 from any digital platform.
3. Enjoy the game with high-quality graphics.

3. Play Homeworld 3 using Parallels

Homeworld 3 is playable on Parallels, on Intel or M Macs, however you need to have at least 16 GB of RAM, because Windows 10 or 11 VM eats many resources.

Parallels is a software application that allows users to run Windows and other operating systems simultaneously alongside macOS without rebooting. This virtualization technology is particularly popular among Mac users who need to access Windows applications for work or play. Parallels Desktop is known for its seamless integration, offering features like Coherence Mode, which allows applications from different operating systems to run side-by-side as if they are part of the same system. This makes it incredibly convenient for users to switch between macOS and Windows applications. Additionally, Parallels is designed to optimize performance, ensuring that both the Mac and the virtualized environments run efficiently. This software is a robust solution for those who require multiple operating systems but prefer to use one computer. Here’s how to use it:

1. Go to the Parallels website, download the installer and apply for free trial.
2. Install a Windows operating system within Parallels. You’ll need a Windows license.
3. On Windows, download and install Homeworld 3 as you would on a PC (using Steam).
4. Launch the game within the Windows virtual machine.

Install Windows 11 on Mac with Parallels (Step 1)

Install Windows 11 on Mac with Parallels (Step 2)

Install Windows 11 on Mac with Parallels (Step 3)

Install Windows 11 on Mac with Parallels (Step 4)

4. Use Boot Camp (for Intel-based Macs only)

Note: Boot Camp is not supported on Macs with M1/M2/M3 chips.

Boot Camp is a utility software included with macOS that allows users to install and run Windows on Macintosh computers in a dual-boot configuration. By partitioning the computer’s hard drive, Boot Camp enables a Mac to boot either into macOS or Windows, providing full system performance for Windows as it runs natively on the hardware. This solution is ideal for Mac users who need to run Windows applications that do not have macOS versions or who require the performance benefits of running certain programs directly on the hardware without virtualization overhead. Boot Camp simplifies the installation process, guiding users through the setup with step-by-step instructions and making it straightforward to switch between operating systems.

1. Get the Windows 10 ISO file (Windows 11 ISO file) from the Microsoft website. Choose the version that matches your license.
2. Find Boot Camp in the Utilities folder within your Applications. Open it to start the setup.
3. Use Boot Camp Assistant to allocate space on your hard drive for Windows. Follow the on-screen instructions to adjust the partition size.
4. Follow the prompts in Boot Camp Assistant to begin the Windows installation. Your Mac will reboot into the Windows setup.
5. During the Windows installation, choose the BOOTCAMP partition and format it.
6. Complete the installation by following the Windows setup instructions.
7. To switch between macOS and Windows, restart your Mac and hold the Option key to select the operating system you want to use.
8. Once Windows is installed, set up Homeworld 3 like on any PC.