Cyberpunk 2077 on Mac: Simplified Graphics Settings for Optimal Play

In a significant development for gamers, CD Projekt Red's acclaimed title, *Cyberpunk 2077: Ultimate Edition*, is now available for Mac users, marking a pivotal moment in gaming on Apple platforms. Announced as part of Apple's introduction of its M4 MacBook Pro last fall, the game’s release on July 16, 2025, broadens the accessibility of this popular open-world experience to a new audience. With the game capable of running on devices featuring Apple Silicon, even the most compact Mac mini hardware can handle the graphics demands, albeit with specific requirements.

To play *Cyberpunk 2077*, users must possess at least 16GB of unified RAM, rendering the 8GB versions of the M1, M2, and M3 chips incompatible. This requirement stems from the game's substantial resource needs, which necessitate robust hardware capabilities. Notably, any Pro, Max, or Ultra chips from any generation meet this criterion, highlighting a clear distinction for potential buyers of entry-level Macs, who may find themselves at a disadvantage. Additionally, players must install the macOS 15.5 update, as the game will not function on older operating systems.

The storage demands for the game are also considerable; players should anticipate a requirement of 92GB when downloading from Steam, GOG, or the Epic Games Store, whereas the Mac App Store version necessitates 159GB due to its inclusion of all voiceovers, adhering to Apple’s stringent App Review guidelines, which restrict post-download file additions.

An Apple M1 with the minimum required RAM can achieve approximately 30 frames per second at resolutions of 1440 by 900 or 1600 by 900. For those aiming to enhance their gaming experience, the game provides support for AMD’s FidelityFX Super Resolution (FSR) and Apple’s MetalFX upscaling technologies, thereby allowing players to pursue higher resolutions and frame rates with minimal compromises in image quality.

*Cyberpunk 2077* represents a notable addition to the Mac gaming landscape, aligning with a trend of increasing AAA game titles becoming available on Apple platforms. However, this release comes years after the game’s original launch on PC and consoles, raising questions about whether this delay might affect its reception among gamers who have since moved on to other titles.

The graphics settings of *Cyberpunk 2077* reflect the unique advantages of Mac as a gaming platform. Unlike the vast array of configurations available on PCs, which can complicate development and optimization, Apple Silicon Macs offer a finite number of hardware setups, enabling developers to fine-tune their games for specific models. This is exemplified by the game’s “For this Mac” preset, which dynamically adjusts settings based on the specific hardware configuration in use. In contrast to the fixed settings of its PC counterpart, this adaptive feature ensures that users receive a tailored experience, maximizing performance based on their individual Mac’s capabilities.

Despite its advantages, the game’s inability to automatically enable ray tracing on M3- and M4-series Macs remains a notable limitation. Players desiring to utilize this feature must manually activate it, highlighting the need for advanced knowledge of the game’s settings for optimal performance.

As the gaming industry continues to evolve, the implications of *Cyberpunk 2077*’s arrival on Mac extend beyond mere accessibility; they underscore a broader trend of increasing compatibility and optimization for Apple devices in a competitive gaming market. This shift could encourage further development of high-profile games for Mac, thereby enhancing the platform's reputation within the gaming community. As technology advances and user expectations rise, the future of gaming on Mac appears promising, particularly as developers leverage the unique capabilities of Apple Silicon to create engaging experiences tailored to their audience’s needs.

In conclusion, *Cyberpunk 2077*’s launch on Mac not only signifies a growing acceptance of Apple devices in the gaming sphere but also serves as a bellwether for future gaming developments on these platforms. As more titles adapt to the unique advantages of Mac hardware, players can anticipate a richer and more diverse gaming experience in the years ahead.