Is the Mac mini M1 good for gaming? FPS in 35 games
The Mac mini M1 (Apple M1, 8-core GPU) runs 31 of the 35 Mac games we track. 0 go past 60 FPS at 1080p High and 21 stay above 30. On the base 8 GB configuration, 3 of them need more memory.
It is a fan-cooled desktop that sustains the chip’s full performance. You just add a display, keyboard and mouse or controller.
Data reviewed October 1, 2026
9
Gaming score (0-100)
- Chip
- Apple M1
- GPU
- 8 cores
- Memory
- 8 / 16 GB
- Cooling
- Fan
- Year
- 2020
Average gaming performance (2026)
1080p
37FPS
24/100 vs the most powerful Mac
1440p
23FPS
15/100 vs the most powerful Mac
4K
12FPS
10/100 vs the most powerful Mac
At 37 FPS on average at 1080p High, the Mac mini M1 games with lower settings: recent AAA titles are tight.
Average on High, no MetalFX, across the games this Mac runs.
MetalFX on the Mac mini M1
Average of the 10 games with MetalFX at 1440p High.
Native
19FPS
Quality
24FPS
Balanced
29FPS
Performance
32FPS
What FPS does the Mac mini M1 get in your game?
Games on the Mac mini 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 | 12FPS | Too slow | Not reached |
| Baldur's Gate 3 | 18FPS | Too slow | Not reached |
| Control Ultimate Edition | 18FPS | Too slow | Not reached |
| Death Stranding Director's Cut | 34FPS | Playable | 1080p Low + MetalFX Quality |
| Hitman World of Assassination | 40FPS | Playable | Not reached |
| Lies of P | 51FPS | Smooth | 1080p Medium |
| Metro Exodus | 30FPS | Playable | Not reached |
| Resident Evil 4 | 26FPS | Struggles | 1080p Low + MetalFX Performance |
| Resident Evil Village | 26FPS | Struggles | 1080p Low + MetalFX Performance |
| Total War: PHARAOH | 16FPS | Too slow | Not reached |
| Total War: WARHAMMER III | 15FPS | Too slow | Not reached |
| Frostpunk 2 | 37FPS | Playable | Not reached |
| GRID Legends | 47FPS | Smooth | 1080p Low |
| No Man's Sky | 37FPS | Playable | 1080p Low + MetalFX Quality |
| Resident Evil 2 | 37FPS | Playable | 1080p Low + MetalFX Quality |
| Resident Evil 3 | 28FPS | Struggles | 1080p Low + MetalFX Performance |
| Resident Evil 7 biohazard | 37FPS | Playable | 1080p Low + MetalFX Quality |
| Rise of the Tomb Raider | 43FPS | Playable | 1080p Low |
| Shadow of the Tomb Raider | 31FPS | Playable | Not reached |
| XCOM 2 | 37FPS | Playable | Not reached |
| Cities: Skylines | 53FPS | Smooth | 1080p Medium |
| Civilization VI | 53FPS | Smooth | 1080p Medium |
| Civilization VII | 46FPS | Smooth | 1080p Low |
| Crusader Kings III | 53FPS | Smooth | 1080p Medium |
| Divinity: Original Sin 2 | 53FPS | Smooth | 1080p Medium |
| Final Fantasy XIV | 53FPS | Smooth | 1080p Medium |
| Myst | 27FPS | Struggles | Not reached |
| Pathfinder: Wrath of the Righteous | 53FPS | Smooth | 1080p Medium |
| Stellaris | 53FPS | Smooth | 1080p Medium |
| Stray | 20FPS | Struggles | Not reached |
| Valheim | 53FPS | Smooth | 1080p Medium |
| 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 Mac mini M1 was sold with it).
Similar Macs
MacBook Pro M1
MacBook Air M1
iMac M1
MacBook Pro M1 Pro
MacBook Air M2Mac mini M1 FAQ
Is the Mac mini M1 good for gaming?
At 37 FPS on average at 1080p High, the Mac mini M1 games with lower settings: recent AAA titles are tight.
Which games run at 60 FPS on the Mac mini M1?
No demanding game reaches 60 FPS at 1080p High; some do with MetalFX and Low settings.
Which games do not run on the Mac mini 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 Mac mini M1 for gaming?
It ships with 8, 16 GB. Pick 16 GB: many current games will not launch with 8 GB.