How to play Distant Worlds: Universe on Mac

From Windows game to Mac launch

1. 01

   Install Pixel Port

   Download Pixel Port and let it set up the runtime on first launch.

2. 02

   Request Distant Worlds: Universe

   Find Distant Worlds: Universe in the app and request it. During the beta, our small team enables games manually for each user.

3. 03

   Or ask us on Discord

   Join the Pixel Port Discord and tell us you want to play Distant Worlds: Universe. That is usually the fastest way to get it enabled.

More games that run on Mac

• Half-Life 2

  Half-Life 2

• Borderlands 2

  Borderlands 2

• Flow Of War

  Flow Of War

Common questions

Does Distant Worlds: Universe run on Mac?

Distant Worlds: Universe is graded playable on Apple Silicon through Pixel Port's runtime. Its current grade is playable for Apple Silicon Macs. Distant Worlds: Universe is built on Other, and Pixel Port's runtime translates its rendering to Metal automatically. It is not enabled in the beta yet, so request it in the app or join the Pixel Port Discord before trying to install it.

Do I need to own Distant Worlds: Universe on Steam?

Yes. Pixel Port does not sell, host, or distribute games. Distant Worlds: Universe downloads through Steam, to your own Steam account, exactly as it would on a PC — you need to own it there first. Pixel Port is the compatibility layer that runs the Windows build Steam delivers.

Do I need Windows, Boot Camp, or a VM to play Distant Worlds: Universe on Mac?

No. Pixel Port runs the Windows build of Distant Worlds: Universe directly on macOS — no Boot Camp partition, no virtual machine, and no Windows license.

Which Macs can run Distant Worlds: Universe?

Any Apple Silicon Mac — M1 through M4, MacBook Air to Mac Studio — on macOS 14 or later.