"I installed Parallels basically so I could use my MacBook as a gaming laptop in my free time, so this is perfect for me because I can play a game and keep my regular processes running on the side."
Freelancer
How to Play Age of Empires on Mac (II, III, IV & Definitive Editions)
Shape the destiny of your empire and command civilizations through the ages using diplomatic finesse, careful management of resources, and strategic planning — and your Mac! Play the various editions of Age of Empires on your Mac with Parallels Desktop.
Why Age of Empires Doesn't Have a Native Mac Version
Most Age of Empires games are built for Windows, which means they rely on Windows-specific system requirements, graphics support, and distribution paths through platforms such as Steam and the Microsoft Store. Because modern releases do not offer native macOS versions, Mac users cannot install and run Age of Empires directly through macOS alone.
With Parallels Desktop Pro Edition, you can run Windows on your Mac and play Age of Empires without needing a separate PC. This allows you to install the Windows version of the game through Steam or the Microsoft Store while continuing to use your favorite Mac applications.
Looking for more Windows games that work on Mac? Visit our Games on Mac page to discover additional strategy, simulation, role-playing, and action titles that run with Parallels Desktop.
Which Age of Empires Games Can You Play on Mac?
Using Parallels Desktop Pro Edition and Windows, Mac users can play several titles from the Age of Empires franchise, including:
- Age of Empires II: Definitive Edition
- Age of Empires III: Definitive Edition
- Age of Empires IV
These games can be installed through Steam or the Microsoft Store after Windows is set up on your Mac. Compatibility and performance may vary depending on your Mac model, available memory, game settings, and the specific title being played.
For the best experience, review the game's system requirements and ensure your Mac meets the recommended specifications. Looking for more strategy games that run on Mac? Visit our Games on Mac hub to discover additional Windows titles that work with Parallels Desktop.
Getting started with Age of Empires on Mac is straightforward with Parallels Desktop Pro Edition.
- Download and install Parallels Desktop Pro Edition.
- Install Windows 11 on your Mac.
- Sign in to Steam or the Microsoft Store.
- Download and install your preferred Age of Empires title.
- Launch the game and adjust graphics settings for the best experience.
New users can start with a free trial of Parallels Desktop
Want to discover more Windows games that run on Mac? Explore our Games on Mac hub for additional compatible titles.
Performance: Age of Empires on M-Series Macs
Age of Empires can run successfully on Apple silicon Macs using Parallels Desktop Pro Edition and Windows. Users with M1, M2, M3, and M4 Macs can enjoy popular Age of Empires titles while benefiting from the performance and efficiency of Apple silicon.
Performance depends on several factors, including your Mac model, available memory, game version, and graphics settings. For the best experience, make sure your Mac meets the game's recommended system requirements, allocate sufficient CPU and memory resources to your Windows virtual machine, and close unnecessary background applications before launching the game to free up system resources.
Parallels Desktop Pro Edition includes advanced resource allocation controls that help users optimize Windows workloads, including gaming, development, and other performance-intensive applications.
Looking for more supported games? Browse our Games on Mac hub to discover additional Windows titles that run on Mac.
How to play Age of Empires on your Mac with Parallels Desktop
How to play Age of Empires on a Mac
Purchase and download Parallels Desktop*
- Open Parallels Desktop
- Set up a Windows 11 virtual machine by following the prompts on the screen.
- Access the Parallels Desktop Control Center and navigate to the “Hardware” section and enable the Gaming Profile.
- To enable the Gaming Profile, shut down Windows via the Start menu and open its configuration. Click "Change" and select "Games only". Now close the configuration menu and start Windows.
- Purchase and download Age of Empires.
- Enjoy!
*The Pro Edition is recommended for best gaming performance.
**Windows license needed
***Option only available in the Pro Edition or Business Edition. The Gaming Profile allows users to allocate an adequate amount of RAM, CPU, and GPU resources to ensure a seamless gaming experience. When the gaming profile is enabled, Parallels Desktop provides more RAM and CPU to Windows, enters full-screen view for greater immersion, and toggles the mouse mode for better compatibility with games.
Parallels Desktop for Mac
Authorized by Microsoft
Optimized for Mac M-series
Billed annually
- Use 200,000+ Windows apps
- Access the full range of features
- No need for a second Windows or Linux machine
- Switch between macOS, Linux, and Windows effortlessly
Playing Age of Empires on a Mac FAQs
Yes. Age of Empires can be played on a Mac using Parallels Desktop Pro Edition and Windows. Since most Age of Empires titles do not have native macOS versions, Parallels Desktop allows Mac users to run Windows and play supported versions of Age of Empires without needing a separate PC.
Yes. Age of Empires IV can run on Apple silicon Macs using Parallels Desktop Pro Edition and Windows. Performance may vary depending on your Mac model, available memory, and game settings.
Using Parallels Desktop, Mac users can play multiple Age of Empires titles, including Age of Empires II: Definitive Edition, Age of Empires III: Definitive Edition, and Age of Empires IV, subject to game requirements and system compatibility.
Yes. In addition to Age of Empires, Parallels Desktop allows Mac users to run many popular Windows strategy games, simulation games, RPGs, and other PC titles. Visit our Games on Mac hub to explore additional compatible games and learn more about running Windows games on Mac.
Yes. After installing Windows with Parallels Desktop, you can sign in to Steam, download supported Age of Empires titles, and play them on your Mac. Compatibility and performance may vary depending on the game version and your Mac's hardware configuration.
See what Parallels – and you – are capable of
Microsoft 365
Experience the Windows version of Microsoft 365 on Mac.
Learn more about Microsoft 365
Learn more about gaming on Mac with Parallels Desktop
Run your favorite PC games and more on your Mac with Parallels Desktop Pro
Play Age of Empires and other popular Steam and Windows-exclusive games on Mac.
