Is the iMac M1 good for gaming? FPS in 35 games
The iMac M1 (Apple M1, 7-core GPU) runs 31 of the 35 Mac games we track. 0 go past 60 FPS at 1080p High and 19 stay above 30. On the base 8 GB configuration, 3 of them need more memory.
The iMac uses the same chip as the laptops of its generation, with a built-in 4.5K display that you will want to upscale to for gaming.
Data reviewed October 1, 2026
8
Gaming score (0-100)
- Chip
- Apple M1
- GPU
- 7 cores
- Memory
- 8 / 16 GB
- Cooling
- Fan
- Year
- 2021
Average gaming performance (2026)
1080p
32FPS
20/100 vs the most powerful Mac
1440p
20FPS
13/100 vs the most powerful Mac
4K
10FPS
8/100 vs the most powerful Mac
At 32 FPS on average at 1080p High, the iMac M1 games with lower settings: recent AAA titles are tight.
Average on High, no MetalFX, across the games this Mac runs.
MetalFX on the iMac M1
Average of the 10 games with MetalFX at 1440p High.
Native
17FPS
Quality
21FPS
Balanced
25FPS
Performance
28FPS
What FPS does the iMac M1 get in your game?
Games on the iMac M1
EstimateFPS at 1080p High, and the highest setting that holds 60 FPS.
| Game | 1080p High | Verdict | For 60 FPS |
|---|---|---|---|
| Assassin's Creed Shadows | Needs Apple M1 Max | — | — |
| Crimson Desert | Needs Apple M2 Pro | — | — |
| Cyberpunk 2077 | 11FPS | Too slow | Not reached |
| Baldur's Gate 3 | 16FPS | Too slow | Not reached |
| Control Ultimate Edition | 16FPS | Too slow | Not reached |
| Death Stranding Director's Cut | 30FPS | Playable | 1080p Low + MetalFX Balanced |
| Hitman World of Assassination | 35FPS | Playable | Not reached |
| Lies of P | 45FPS | Smooth | 1080p Low |
| Metro Exodus | 27FPS | Struggles | Not reached |
| Resident Evil 4 | 22FPS | Struggles | Not reached |
| Resident Evil Village | 22FPS | Struggles | Not reached |
| Total War: PHARAOH | 14FPS | Too slow | Not reached |
| Total War: WARHAMMER III | 13FPS | Too slow | Not reached |
| Frostpunk 2 | 32FPS | Playable | Not reached |
| GRID Legends | 41FPS | Playable | Not reached |
| No Man's Sky | 32FPS | Playable | 1080p Low + MetalFX Balanced |
| Resident Evil 2 | 32FPS | Playable | 1080p Low + MetalFX Balanced |
| Resident Evil 3 | 25FPS | Struggles | Not reached |
| Resident Evil 7 biohazard | 32FPS | Playable | 1080p Low + MetalFX Balanced |
| Rise of the Tomb Raider | 38FPS | Playable | Not reached |
| Shadow of the Tomb Raider | 27FPS | Struggles | Not reached |
| XCOM 2 | 32FPS | Playable | Not reached |
| Cities: Skylines | 46FPS | Smooth | 1080p Low |
| Civilization VI | 46FPS | Smooth | 1080p Low |
| Civilization VII | 40FPS | Playable | Not reached |
| Crusader Kings III | 46FPS | Smooth | 1080p Low |
| Divinity: Original Sin 2 | 46FPS | Smooth | 1080p Low |
| Final Fantasy XIV | 46FPS | Smooth | 1080p Low |
| Myst | 24FPS | Struggles | Not reached |
| Pathfinder: Wrath of the Righteous | 46FPS | Smooth | 1080p Low |
| Stellaris | 46FPS | Smooth | 1080p Low |
| Stray | 17FPS | Too slow | Not reached |
| Valheim | 46FPS | Smooth | 1080p Low |
| World of Warcraft | Needs Apple M2 | — | — |
| World of Warcraft: Forever | Needs Apple M2 | — | — |
Calculated with 8 GB, or with the game's minimum memory when higher (if the iMac M1 was sold with it).
Similar Macs
MacBook Pro M1
MacBook Air M1
Mac mini M1
MacBook Pro M1 Pro
MacBook Air M2iMac M1 FAQ
Is the iMac M1 good for gaming?
At 32 FPS on average at 1080p High, the iMac M1 games with lower settings: recent AAA titles are tight.
Which games run at 60 FPS on the iMac M1?
No demanding game reaches 60 FPS at 1080p High; some do with MetalFX and Low settings.
Which games do not run on the iMac M1?
Assassin's Creed Shadows, Crimson Desert, World of Warcraft, and World of Warcraft: Forever: they need a stronger chip or more memory.
How much memory should I get on the iMac M1 for gaming?
It ships with 8, 16 GB. Pick 16 GB: many current games will not launch with 8 GB.