MacGameFPS

Can you play Stellaris on Mac? Requirements and FPS on every model

Genre: 4X strategyDeveloper: Paradox Development StudioMac release: 2016
How demandingModerate
Steam ↗Reddit ↗

Yes: Stellaris has an official macOS version (built for Intel, runs through Rosetta 2) sold on Steam. It needs an Apple M1 or newer and 8 GB of unified memory. It runs on 40 of the 40 Apple Silicon Macs we track, and 35 of them go past 60 FPS at 1080p High.

The oldest Mac that clears 60 FPS at 1080p High is the MacBook Pro M1 Pro (about 96 FPS).

Data reviewed October 1, 2026

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What FPS does your Mac get in Stellaris?

Pick your model, then set memory, GPU cores and MetalFX.

Mac compatibility

Apple Silicon native
No, Intel via Rosetta 2
Store
Steam
Minimum chip
Apple M1
Minimum memory
8 GB
MetalFX
No
Mac release
2016

Stellaris FPS on every Mac model

Estimate

High preset, no MetalFX, on each Mac’s base configuration (with the memory the game requires). Sorted from most to fewest FPS.

Which Mac do you need for Stellaris?

For 30 FPS at 1080p High, the least powerful Mac that gets there is the iMac M1 (Apple M1), at about 46 FPS.

For 60 FPS at 1080p High, the least powerful Mac that gets there is the MacBook Air M2 (Apple M2), at about 61 FPS.

For 60 FPS at 1440p High, the least powerful Mac that gets there is the MacBook Pro M1 Pro (Apple M1 Pro), at about 61 FPS.

For 60 FPS at 4K High, the least powerful Mac that gets there is the MacBook Pro M5 Pro (Apple M5 Pro), at about 68 FPS.

If you are buying a new Mac to play Stellaris, the most modest current model that clears 60 FPS at 1080p is the MacBook Air M5.

Official Mac requirements

Minimum
macOS 13 Ventura · Intel Core i5-4570S · 8 GB memory · 1 GB GPU · 10 GB storage · Intel build, runs on Apple silicon through Rosetta 2
Recommended
macOS 13 Ventura · Intel Core i5-4670 · 8 GB memory · 2 GB GPU

Stellaris on Mac: FAQ

Does Stellaris run on an M1 Mac?

Yes. A MacBook Air M1 gets about 44 FPS at 1080p High.

How much memory does Stellaris need on Mac?

It asks for at least 8 GB of unified memory. On Apple Silicon that memory is also video memory, so more headroom keeps it steadier.

Which Mac do I need for Stellaris at 60 FPS?

At 1080p High, from the MacBook Air M2 (about 61 FPS). At 1440p, from the MacBook Pro M1 Pro.

Is Stellaris native to Apple Silicon?

No: it is an Intel build that runs through Rosetta 2, built into macOS.

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