How to Install and Run Steam on Apple Silicon Macs Using Whisky

If you're a gaming enthusiast with an Apple Silicon Mac, you might be missing out on a plethora of games that are typically only available for Windows. Fortunately, there's a workaround using Whisky, a handy tool that allows you to run Steam and its vast library of Windows games on your Mac. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to set it all up.

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06-05-2024 07:33

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Get Whisky: Visit getwhisky.app to download the Whisky application. This app will serve as your gateway to installing both the Game Porting Toolkit (GPTK) and WINE, which are crucial for running Windows applications on macOS.

Set Up GPTK: Once you've installed Whisky, open the app and follow the instructions to install the Game Porting Toolkit. This toolkit is essential as it helps translate Windows API calls into something your Mac can understand, specifically targeting older Win32 architecture games.

Get Steam: Head over to the Steam website and download the Windows version of the Steam installer (SteamSetup.exe). Make sure to choose the version compatible with Windows, as it contains many games that aren't available on the macOS version of Steam.
Install Steam: With Whisky and GPTK installed, transfer the SteamSetup.exe file into the virtual C: drive as you would on a Windows machine. Then, create a new bottle in Whisky for the Steam installer and run it through Whisky. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the installation of Steam.

Create a Bottle for Steam: Once the installation is complete, exit the installer and go back to Whisky to create a bottle for the newly installed Steam application.
Launch Steam: Now, you can run Steam from within Whisky. Log into your Steam account (or create a new one if you don't already have one) and start browsing and installing your favorite Windows games.

Play Your Games: Once you've installed your games, you can run them directly from Steam within Whisky. Remember, the performance of these games may vary based on their compatibility with GPTK and how graphics-intensive they are.

Check Game Compatibility: Before purchasing games, check the Whisky website for a list of games known to work well with the software. This can save you from buying games that won't run properly on your Mac.
Optimize Performance: For the best gaming experience, consider connecting a wired controller and using a wired internet connection to minimize latency and enhance gameplay.