How to Download and Install EA Games on MacUpdated 2 months ago
Downloading and installing EA games on your Mac can be a straightforward process, but it may vary depending on whether you're using an official EA app or a specific game platform like Origin or Steam. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to get your favorite EA titles running on your Mac.
1. Using the EA App (Formerly EA Desktop) for Mac
The EA App (formerly known as Origin) is the official platform for downloading and managing EA games. However, as of now, EA does not officially support the EA App for macOS directly. But don’t worry, there are still ways to get EA games on your Mac, using either Origin or third-party software such as Boot Camp or Parallels Desktop.
Step-by-Step Guide to Download EA Games via EA App on Mac:
Download the EA App:
- As of now, EA has not released the EA App for Mac directly. The official support for EA App is currently limited to Windows. However, if EA eventually expands support for macOS, you can go to the EA website to download and install it.
Install and Sign In:
- If the EA App supports macOS in the future, sign in to your EA account, and access your library of EA games available for download. You will be able to search for specific EA games, like FIFA, The Sims, or Apex Legends, and click Download.
Download the Game:
- Once logged in, choose your desired game, click Install, and wait for the game to finish downloading and installing.
2. Downloading EA Games via Origin on Mac
For Mac users, Origin is the more common method of downloading and managing EA games. Though EA has made shifts to newer platforms, Origin remains a reliable way for downloading games like The Sims, Battlefield, and Dragon Age. Here's how to do it:
Step-by-Step Guide to Download EA Games via Origin:
Download and Install Origin:
- Visit the Origin website at www.origin.com.
- Navigate to the Mac section to find the download for the Mac version of the Origin client.
- Download the Origin installer and follow the instructions to install it on your Mac.
Sign In or Create an EA Account:
- Launch the Origin app after installation.
- Sign in with your existing EA account. If you don’t have an EA account, create one by selecting the “Sign Up” button on the login page.
Browse and Buy EA Games:
- In the Origin store, you can browse through EA’s catalog of games for Mac. Some popular titles like The Sims 4 and Plants vs. Zombies are available for macOS, but many newer titles may not be compatible with macOS.
- If you already own a game on your account, simply search for it in your Library.
Download and Install the Game:
- Select your game and click on the Download button.
- Origin will begin the download and automatically install the game once it's finished.
- After installation, you can launch and start playing the game directly from the Origin client.
3. Using Steam for EA Games on Mac
Some EA games are available on Steam, a popular gaming platform that is compatible with macOS. Here's how you can download EA games on your Mac using Steam:
Step-by-Step Guide to Download EA Games via Steam:
Download and Install Steam:
- Go to the Steam website at store.steampowered.com.
- Download the Steam client for Mac and install it on your computer.
Sign In or Create an Account:
- Open the Steam app and sign in with your Steam account. If you don’t have an account, create one.
Browse and Search for EA Games:
- Once logged in, use the search bar to find EA games available for Mac.
- Popular titles like The Sims 4, Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order, and Apex Legends are available through Steam for macOS.
Buy and Download the Game:
- Select the game you want to download.
- Complete the purchase (if needed) and then click Download.
- Steam will download and automatically install the game for you.
Play the Game:
- Once the game has been downloaded and installed, you can launch it directly from your Steam Library.
4. Using Boot Camp to Play EA Games on Mac
If the game you want to play is not available on macOS, one alternative is to use Boot Camp to install Windows on your Mac. This allows you to download and play Windows-only EA games, including those that may not natively support macOS.
Step-by-Step Guide to Using Boot Camp:
Set Up Boot Camp:
- Open the Boot Camp Assistant app on your Mac (found in the Utilities folder).
- Follow the prompts to create a partition on your hard drive and install Windows.
- You’ll need a Windows installation disc or ISO file to complete the process.
Install Windows:
- Boot Camp will guide you through the installation of Windows on your Mac. Once installed, you can boot into Windows whenever you need to play Windows-only games.
Download EA Games on Windows:
- Once in Windows, you can download EA games via platforms like EA App, Origin, or Steam just like you would on a regular PC.
Play Your EA Games:
- After installation, you can enjoy all the EA games available on Windows, even those that are not available for macOS.
5. Using Parallels Desktop
Another method for playing Windows-only EA games on a Mac is by using a virtual machine application like Parallels Desktop. This allows you to run Windows applications directly from your macOS environment.
Step-by-Step Guide to Using Parallels:
Download Parallels Desktop:
- Go to the Parallels website and download the Parallels Desktop app.
- Install Parallels on your Mac.
Install Windows:
- Follow the instructions in Parallels to install Windows on your virtual machine.
- Parallels will allow you to run Windows alongside macOS without rebooting.
Install EA Games:
- Once Windows is set up in Parallels, you can install the EA game platforms such as EA App or Origin, and download your games.
- Run Windows-only games directly within the Parallels environment.
Play Your Games:
- Launch your downloaded EA games from the virtual Windows environment within Parallels Desktop.
Common Issues and Solutions
- Game Compatibility: Not all EA games are available for macOS. Always check if the game you're interested in supports macOS before purchasing.
- System Requirements: Ensure your Mac meets the minimum system requirements for the game you're downloading. EA games can be resource-heavy, so a high-performance Mac is recommended for the best experience.
- Performance Issues: Some games might not run as well on macOS due to hardware or software limitations. Consider using Boot Camp or Parallels Desktop for better performance with Windows-only games.
- Game Updates: Make sure your game is regularly updated to avoid bugs, crashes, or performance issues.
Conclusion
Downloading and installing EA games on a Mac is achievable, whether through Origin, Steam, or using workarounds like Boot Camp or Parallels Desktop. While not all EA games are available for macOS, there are several options to play EA games on your Mac, from native macOS games to using Windows emulation. Make sure to check the system requirements and the compatibility of the game before purchasing to ensure the best experience possible on your Mac.