Conquer new worlds in Age of Empires on your Mac
In a world where strategy is paramount and maintaining your dominion requires both strength and wisdom, the Age of Empires games have long captivated players with their immersive universe of historical grandeur and warfare.
This iconic series invites players to traverse time by commanding powerful civilizations through the ages, from the humble beginnings of the Stone Age to the formidable heights of the Imperial Age.
Through meticulous management of resources, strategic planning, and diplomatic finesse, players shape the destinies of empires, leading their chosen people to glory or ruin.
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For loyal Mac users, the dream of commanding mighty civilizations once seemed a distant fantasy, hindered by the lack of availability for Mac and Windows exclusivity.
It’s no longer an epic battle to play Age of Empires games on your Mac, especially the popular Age of Empires II: Definitive Edition. This could be the pinnacle of the Age of Empires universe — at least according to fans of the beloved series.
With Parallels Desktop, players can weave together the olden times and the modern era on their hardware of choice.
Discover how you can step into epic tales of the past, equipped with your trusty Mac.
If you’re ready to embark on this legendary journey through the Age of Empires, let the gaming capabilities of Parallels Desktop Pro lead the way.
How to play Age of Empires on a Mac
It’s time to take command of your realm in the Age of Empires. Here’s how to get started conquering new realms in Age of Empires II with Parallels Desktop:
1. Install Parallels Desktop
If you don’t already have it, download and install the latest version of Parallels Desktop. The Pro or Business edition is recommended for the best gaming performance.
2. Create a Windows 11 Virtual Machine
Open Parallels Desktop and set up the Windows 11* virtual machine using prompts on the screen.
3. Adjust virtual machine settings on Pro or Business Edition
Access the Parallels Desktop Control Center and navigate to the “Hardware” section.
If you are using Parallels Desktop Professional or Business editions, you can adjust the virtual machine settings by allocating an adequate amount of RAM, CPU, and GPU resources to ensure a seamless gaming experience.
You can accomplish this by enabling the Gaming Profile.
When the Gaming Profile is enabled, Parallels Desktop provides more RAM and CPU to Windows, enters full-screen view for greater immersion, and toggles the mouse mode for better compatibility with games.
To enable the Gaming Profile:
1. Shut down Windows via the Start menu and open its configuration.
2. Click “Change” and select “Games only”.
*Note that you’ll need to purchase a Windows license if you don’t already have one.
Can I run Age of Empires II: Definitive Edition on Mac?
Age of Empires II: Definitive Edition is primarily designed for Windows but can be run on Mac using virtualization software like Parallels Desktop.
As a Mac user, you can experience the excitement of building empires and leading armies in this legendary game if your Mac meets the minimum requirements:
| Requirement | Minimal |
| OS | Windows 10 |
| Processor | Intel Core 2 Duo or AMD Athlon 64×2 5600+ |
| Graphics | NVIDIA® GeForce® GT 420 or ATI™ Radeon™ HD 6850 or Intel® HD Graphics 4000 or better with 2 GB VRAM |
| DirectX | Version 11 |
| Network | Broadband Internet Connection |
| Storage | 15 GB available space |
| Memory | 4 GB RAM |
Does Age of Empires work on an M-series Mac?
Yes, you can transform your Mac into a formidable stronghold for playing Age of Empires on an M1, M2, or M3 chip Mac.
This video guide covers everything from setting up your virtual machine to improving its performance, getting you ready to play Age of Empires II: Definitive Editions as if you were playing on a Windows machine.
What versions of Age of Empires work on Mac?
The Age of Empires franchise has journeyed through time, with nine games released since 1997. Each chapter adds new lands to conquer, civilizations to develop, and challenges to overcome. As the series progresses, it brings more sophisticated gameplay, diverse cultures, and deeper historical narratives.
The Age of Empires universe encompasses:
- Age of Empires (1997)
- Age of Empires: The Rise of Rome (Expansion – 1998)
- Age of Empires II: The Age of Kings (1999)
- Age of Empires II: The Conquerors (Expansion – 2000)
- Age of Mythology (2002)
- Age of Mythology: The Titans (Expansion – 2003)
- Age of Empires III (2005)
- Age of Empires III: The WarChiefs (Expansion – 2006)
- Age of Empires III: The Asian Dynasties (Expansion – 2007)
- Age of Empires: Definitive Edition (2018)
- Age of Empires II: Definitive Edition (2019)
- Age of Empires III: Definitive Edition (2020)
With the release of Age of Empires IV in October 2021, the series achieved new heights, offering advanced graphics, refined mechanics, and an even broader historical scope.
The good news? You can play any of the Age of Empires games that are available on Windows on your Mac, provided your Mac meets the minimum game requirements.
Playing Age of Empires on Mac
The barriers that once prevented Mac users from partaking in the grand sagas of Age of Empires have been dismantled — if you use Parallels Desktop.
Embrace the challenge of strategy, conquer distant civilizations, and relive pivotal moments of history, all from sleek platform of your Mac.
Whether you’re strategizing the construction of your empire from the ground up, leading your armies into battle, or negotiating peace treaties, Parallels Desktop + Age of Empires provides an immersive gaming experience.
Ready to start your conquest and claim your place in history?
If your heart is set on this legendary odyssey, Parallels Desktop is the gateway to this epic voyage through time.
