Valorant,or Riot Games’ popular tactical, has taken the gaming world by storm. With millions of active players globally, it’s no surprise that many Mac users want to join the action. However, there’s one problem: Valorant is not natively supported on macOS, and unlike some other games, it requires Riot’s anti-cheat system, Vanguard, which is deeply integrated into Windows.
Traditionally, Mac users could install Windows using Boot Camp, Apple’s dual-boot utility. But with the rise of Apple Silicon (M1, M2, M3 chips) and the phasing out of Boot Camp on newer Macs, many users are left wondering:
How can you play Valorant on a Mac without Boot Camp?
This article breaks down your options, steps, and requirements to play Valorant on a Mac without using Boot Camp whether you’re on Intel or Apple Silicon.
Can You Play Valorant on Mac Without Boot Camp?
The short answer is: Yes, but not natively.
Valorant runs only on Windows, and Riot’s anti-cheat system, Vanguard, does not work on macOS. So while you can’t install and run it directly on macOS, you can emulate or virtualize Windows, or stream the game from another machine.
Let’s go over the most effective and safe methods to do this without Boot Camp.
Method 1: Use a Cloud Gaming Service (Best Option for Beginners)
What is Cloud Gaming?
Cloud gaming lets you stream games from a remote server to your device like Netflix for video games. The actual game runs on a high-end PC in the cloud, while you control it from your Mac.
Recommended Cloud Gaming Services for Valorant:
- Shadow PC
- You rent a full Windows 10/11 machine in the cloud.
- Fully supports Vanguard and Valorant.
- Works on macOS and Apple Silicon.
- Monthly subscription required.
- AirGPU
- Pay-per-hour cloud PC rental.
- Install and play any game, including Valorant.
- Requires your own Windows license and setup.
- GeForce NOW
- Not currently compatible with Valorant (Riot Games is not supported).
- Listed for awareness, but not usable for Valorant.
Pros:
- No installation required on your Mac.
- Works on both Intel and M1/M2/M3 Macs.
- Minimal configuration.
- Play at high settings with a good internet connection.
Cons:
- Requires fast, stable internet (at least 20 Mbps).
- Monthly or hourly fees.
- Input lag might be noticeable for competitive play.
How to Use Shadow PC for Valorant:
- Sign up at https://valoplant.org/
- Choose your plan and wait for your cloud PC to be provisioned.
- Access the Shadow PC app on your Mac.
- Install Valorant as you would on any Windows PC.
- Launch and play.
Method 2: Use Parallels Desktop (Virtual Machine)
If you want to run Windows on your Mac locally, consider using Parallels Desktop, a popular virtualization software that lets you run Windows alongside macOS.
However, there’s a catch: Valorant’s anti-cheat system (Vanguard) does not work on virtual machines.
So why mention Parallels?
This is mostly for educational purposes some users attempt it, but it will not work for Valorant. Riot Games has confirmed that Vanguard requires kernel-level access, which virtual machines don’t provide.
Therefore, Parallels is not a viable solution for playing Valorant, but it’s often confused as one.
Method 3: Play Valorant via Remote Play From a Windows PC
If you own a Windows gaming PC but want to use your Mac for convenience, you can use remote desktop streaming to play Valorant.
Tools You Can Use:
- Steam Remote Play
- Parsec
- Moonlight + Sunshine (NVIDIA-based)
How It Works:
- Install Parsec or Moonlight on both your Windows PC and your Mac.
- On the Windows PC, launch Valorant.
- Connect to your Windows machine from your Mac and play remotely.
Pros:
- No need for cloud subscriptions.
- Leverages your own hardware.
- Low latency with a good local network.
Cons:
- Requires a second Windows PC.
- Needs both machines to be powered on and networked.
- Performance depends on your network speed.
Recommended Setup:
- Wired Ethernet (or fast 5GHz Wi-Fi)
- Gamepad or mouse with low-latency support
- Monitor resolution matching the host PC
Important Considerations for All Methods
Vanguard Anti-Cheat
Vanguard is a kernel-level anti-cheat software, which means it installs low-level drivers into Windows. It will not work in virtualized environments, and Riot has explicitly blocked support for VMs and macOS.
If your method doesn’t give full access to a Windows kernel (like in Parallels or other VMs), Valorant will not launch.
Internet Speed
If you’re using cloud gaming or remote desktop software, you need:
- Minimum 20 Mbps (50+ Mbps recommended)
- Low ping (under 40ms for competitive play)
- Ethernet or strong 5GHz Wi-Fi
Controller Support
Valorant is primarily a keyboard and mouse game. While controllers can technically be used through software remapping, it’s not recommended for competitive play.
Is Valorant Coming to macOS?
As of now, Riot Games has not announced any plans to release a native macOS version of Valorant. The primary reason is the complexity of porting Vanguard, which relies heavily on Windows-specific technologies.
While Riot has expanded to mobile with games like Wild Rift and Teamfight Tactics, there’s no official roadmap for a Mac-compatible Valorant.
Final Thoughts
Playing Valorant on a Mac without Boot Camp is entirely possible, but it requires workarounds. Your best options are:
- Cloud gaming with services like Shadow PC
- Remote desktop streaming from a personal Windows PC
Unfortunately, methods like Parallels, Crossover, and Wine will not work due to Riot’s strict anti-cheat requirements.
If you’re serious about playing Valorant competitively or frequently, consider one of the following:
- Buying a budget Windows gaming laptop or PC
- Subscribing to a high-performance cloud gaming service
- Streaming from a powerful gaming rig in your home
Until Riot officially supports macOS, these are your most practical options.
