Since its release in 2017, Fortnite has risen to the top as one of the greatest battle royale games. One of its standout features is the variety of game modes that players can choose from depending on their preferences. Fortnite players have surged from 400 million in 2021 to over 500 million in 2023, demonstrating the game's continued appeal and replayability. While Fortnite is available to play on platforms such as PlayStation, Nintendo Switch, and Xbox, playing the game on Mac is more complicated.

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Despite not being among the best gaming laptops for running demanding games, Mac laptops are decent performers, making them appealing to users. Due to issues between Apple and Epic Games, the publisher of Fortnite, the former has made it tough to play the game on Mac. Although players can get Fortnite running via the Epic Games launcher, the gameplay will feel limited as it is an outdated version. Fortunately, there's a workaround for this issue that guarantees Mac laptop users access to the latest version of Fortnite.

3 Ways to Play Fortnite on Mac

As mentioned, you have the option of running the Epic Games launcher natively on your Mac. Unless you're comfortable with the outdated version, the alternative strategy is to use one of the cloud gaming platforms listed below.

1. Xbox Cloud Gaming

2. Amazon Luna

3. Nvidia GeForce Now

Xbox Cloud Gaming

Playing Fortnite on your Mac using the Xbox Cloud Gaming service is perhaps the easiest method. This is because, while it is a subscription-based service, games like Fortnite are available to play for free. Start by visiting epicgames.com to link your Epic Games account to your Xbox account. Create new ones before proceeding if you have neither.

When you're on Epic Games’s website, hover the mouse on the person icon found in the top right corner and proceed to sign in. When this is done, place your mouse over the person icon and click on Account. Check for Apps and Accounts on the left-hand sidebar. Choose Accounts and below Xbox, click on “Connect” and then “Connect Account”. Linking the accounts helps store your progress and ensures that it is moved from other platforms.

At this point, visit Xbox.com/play and choose Fortnite from the list of games available to play. If you can't see it, then consider using the search icon to bring it up. To get it running, click on “Sign in” and then click on “Play”. It's worth mentioning that you'd need a gaming controller to navigate the platform as it doesn't currently support gaming mice and keyboards. You also need a fast and reliable internet connection to get the best experience.

A good thing about the platform is that you don't have to download any additional applications to run the game as Chrome, Firefox, or any available native browser will do. Note that if you get the “Browser Not Supported” prompt when trying to play, then you need to switch to a different browser.

Amazon Luna

Amazon Luna is Amazon’s cloud gaming platform, and unlike Xbox cloud gaming, its compatibility extends to the mouse and keyboard combo. If you already have an Amazon Prime subscription, then this service will be free to use. If not, you'd need to register to use Luna. A browser is needed to run Amazon Luna on your Mac, so make sure your preferred browser is installed.

Start by visiting Luna.amazon.com and confirm that you've logged in using an Amazon account. Click on Fortnite on the home page. It's in the Free to Play category, which is the first category you should see. Click on Play Now with the prime button. Note that this won't work unless you have an active Prime subscription. An alternative is to join the Luna+ membership ($9.99 monthly), which offers a 7-day free trial period for new users.

Upon concluding that aspect, click on the Play Now button and choose the “Sign in Epic Games” icon. Ensure that you follow the prompts to successfully link your Luna and Epic accounts as it guarantees that your data will be synced properly.

Nvidia GeForce Now

Unlike the other cloud gaming platforms, GeForce Now allows you to play games either on the Nvidia app or a browser. If you're using a browser, the first step is to visit the Nvidia GeForce Now membership page to find your preferred subscription plan. It's worth mentioning that while this platform's subscription tiers are pricier than others (between $8.99 monthly and $16.99 monthly), you can use the free tier to play Fortnite.

Once you've selected your preferred membership tier, sign in using your Nvidia account and finalize the process. The next step is visiting play.geforcenow.com. Ensure that you're signed in before proceeding. You'll find the “Connect Your Store Accounts” on the left-hand side near the top of the page. Choose “Epic Games”, choose Connect, and then follow the prompts to complete the process. Once this is done, return to the Nvidia GeForce Now page, select Fortnite, and launch.

If you intend to use the GeForce Now app, go to geforcenow.com and choose “Download” in the top menu bar. Select the macOS version and install it. Once it's been installed, launch the app and then log in, link to your Epic Games account, and then go back to the app. Select Fortnite and launch to play.

What About Running Epic Games Launcher Natively on Mac?

Although running the Epic launcher natively has limitations such as the absence of an updated version and no cross-platform play, some Mac users may still want to use it. To do this, visit epicgames.com and choose Fortnite from the homepage. If you can't see it, you need to use the search tool to find the game.

When you're on the Fortnite page, add the game to your library and then download the Epic Games launcher. After the download is complete, install the launcher and launch the app to play. Ensure that your Mac has modest hardware to handle the demands of Fortnite. Being a competitive game, the slightest lag can give your opponents a sizable advantage over you. If your Mac doesn't have the necessary hardware, any of the above cloud gaming platforms is your best bet.

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FAQ

Q: Can you download Epic Games on Mac?

Yes, but note that you'll be limited to the outdated version. Also, there's no cross-platform play.

Q: Is Fortnite blocked on Mac?

Technically, yes. Due to a dispute between Apple and Epic Games, players can't play the latest version of Fortnite on Mac natively.

Q: Is 8GB RAM enough for Fortnite?

According to Epic Games, the minimum requirements for Fortnite include 8GB RAM, though 16 GB RAM or higher is strongly recommended for the best experience.