Activision Blizzard has recently launched Overwatch 2. As expected, the launch was not that successful. Plenty of players experienced disconnects and other issues. Things have settled down since the launch, and it seems like the situation has stabilized. Some fans of the franchise had expressed their concern about the state of the game even before it was launched. The promise of a sequel built a lot of hype initially, but as soon as the first gameplay videos appeared on the Internet, it became clear that Overwatch 2 is virtually the same game with some visual modifications.
It is hard to justify such an approach from the developers, but this is the situation we have. Mac users who have wanted to play Overwatch can now try the so-called sequel. Back in the day when the original Overwatch was launched, Mac models had relatively low specs in terms of hardware. Running a video game as demanding as Overwatch was not optimal, to say the least.
Things have changed since then, thankfully. Modern MacBook models now come with much better hardware, which also means that playing video games is not as bad. Of course, you are still likely to run into certain issues, such as Mac running hot or playing a game in a limited FPS, but you are still better off with current MacBooks. Coming back to Overwatch, is the game worth playing? It depends on what video games you like. If the IP fits your interests, then you might be interested in it.
The Gameplay
Overwatch has relatively simple gameplay. Before the match begins, you select one of the available characters. There are tank, support, and damage roles, but each character comes with its own set of skills. New players will lack the teamplay because they are not familiar with mechanics and do not know other players. The goal is to defend an objective when you are on the defensive. When you are on the offensive, you need to go through enemies and escort the objective to a specific location on the map.
It is hard to justify such an approach from the developers, but this is the situation we have. Mac users who have wanted to play Overwatch can now try the so-called sequel.
Naturally, you will likely be running around solo for a while, so going with a character that does damage is probably the right approach. At least in the early stages of understanding the game. After you get familiar with the game mechanics, you can deepen your knowledge of different characters and even try your luck at playing supports or tanks. It should not take too long before you find a gameplay style that suits you and is the most enjoyable. All in all, one could define Overwatch as a shooter brawler. The game is in the FPS genre, but there are some elements that you commonly see in brawlers, such as Dota 2 or League of legends.
Needing WindowsBoot
For some MacBook owners, it might be necessary to use a WindowsBoot. In other words, you have to install MS Windows to play Overwatch on Mac. It is annoying to solve the problem by installing a third-party tool, but if there is no other option, you have to use it. Unfortunately, having to deal with these extra steps puts off some players from even attempting to play Overwatch. Instead, they give up and look for alternatives.
Alternatives to Overwatch You Can Play on a Mac
CS: GO
Counter-Strike: Global Offensive is arguably the best alternative as far as competitive shooter games go. Valve has managed to do an excellent job and built a game that is one of the most popular esports titles at the moment. Unlike Overwatch. CS: GO is not as complicated in terms of available characters. There are two sites, and you modify your character by buying guns and utilities. There are no exclusive skills that characters in Overwatch have.
Counter-Strike: Global Offensive is arguably the best alternative as far as competitive shooter games go. Valve has managed to do an excellent job and built a game that is one of the most popular esports titles at the moment.
Valorant
Riot’s Valorant is quite similar to Overwatch in the sense that there are different characters in the game as well, each coming with unique skills. Similarly to CS: GO, Valorant also has a gun shop that you can utilize before a round begins. One of the best ways to describe Valorant is by saying that it is a mix of Counter-Strike: Global Offensive and Overwatch.
Team Fortress 2
Even though Valve has not bothered to really update TF 2 in years, the game is still going strong, thanks to its dedicated community and players who love the game. The lack of updates is a concern, but you can still find plenty of enjoyment in Team Fortress 2. One could argue that TF 2 was the biggest inspiration for Overwatch, considering how many similarities there are. From different characters in a shooter to how objectives are for both teams, TF 2 represents a simpler Overwatch version. And since the game is relatively old, it is not that demanding resource-wise, which is great for MacBook owners.
