Apple Silicon Macs to Encounter Significant Gaming Benchmark with Cyberpunk 2077 Launch

Apple Silicon Macs to Encounter Significant Gaming Benchmark with Cyberpunk 2077 Launch

Apple Silicon Macs to Encounter Significant Gaming Benchmark with Cyberpunk 2077 Launch


**Cyberpunk 2077: Ultimate Edition Set to Arrive on Apple Silicon Macs**

*CD Projekt Red reveals a Mac adaptation of the acclaimed open-world RPG, tailored for Apple Silicon.*

In a notable advancement for gaming on Mac, CD Projekt Red has declared that *Cyberpunk 2077*, recognized for its high graphical demands and breathtaking visuals, will soon be accessible on Apple Silicon Macs. This edition, titled *Cyberpunk 2077: Ultimate Edition*, is designed to fully leverage Apple’s proprietary silicon technology and cutting-edge graphics capabilities.

### A New Dawn for Mac Gaming?

The announcement was communicated through CD Projekt Red’s [official blog](https://www.cyberpunk.net/en/news/50947/just-announced-cyberpunk-2077-ultimate-edition-coming-to-mac) and made a brief appearance during Apple’s MacBook Pro event. The *Ultimate Edition* will feature the original game as well as the highly praised *Phantom Liberty* expansion, providing Mac users with the complete *Cyberpunk 2077* journey. The game will be accessible on several platforms, including the Mac App Store, Steam, GOG, and the Epic Games Store.

This launch aligns with Apple’s ongoing mission to introduce AAA titles to its ecosystem, a domain historically held by Windows PCs and gaming consoles. Recent games that have found their way to the Mac platform include *Assassin’s Creed Mirage*, *Death Stranding*, and *Resident Evil Village*. However, the arrival of *Cyberpunk 2077* is particularly significant given the game’s previous performance challenges on less powerful hardware and its reliance on advanced technologies such as ray tracing and AI enhancement.

### A Bumpy Beginning, Yet a Robust Conclusion

*Cyberpunk 2077* debuted in 2020 amidst a mixed response, primarily attributed to its inadequate performance on older consoles and less powerful PCs. Nonetheless, CD Projekt Red has extensively worked on updates and enhancements. The *Phantom Liberty* expansion, along with various patches, has contributed to a restoration of the game’s reputation among critics and players. The version set to be offered to Mac users reflects these considerable post-launch enhancements.

### Tailored for Apple Silicon

A major highlight for the Mac version of *Cyberpunk 2077* is its fine-tuning for Apple Silicon, the custom processors that energize contemporary Macs. This iteration will not be available for earlier Intel-based Macs but will fully utilize the M-series chips, including the newly introduced M4 Pro and M4 Max.

As stated by CD Projekt Red, the game will harness Apple’s Metal API, akin to Microsoft’s DirectX. Metal boasts advanced features such as MetalFX, an AI-based upscaling technology reminiscent of Nvidia’s DLSS (Deep Learning Super Sampling) or AMD’s FSR (FidelityFX Super Resolution). Preliminary evaluations of MetalFX have yielded encouraging results, with some reviewers suggesting that it rivals or even outperforms AMD’s FSR under certain conditions.

This optimization may enable *Cyberpunk 2077* to operate seamlessly on newer Macs, despite the game’s significant dependence on resource-heavy elements like ray-traced lighting, reflections, and shadows.

### A Positive Step Forward, Yet Obstacles Persist

Although the inclusion of *Cyberpunk 2077* in the Mac gaming catalog is a noteworthy achievement, it also underscores the hurdles Apple encounters in drawing more AAA titles to its platform. Despite recent initiatives, the quantity of prominent games on Mac still represents a small fraction of what is available on Windows PCs, PlayStation 5, or Xbox Series X|S.

Apple’s venture into gaming often appears more as a collection of technical showcases than a comprehensive dedication to the gaming community. While titles such as *Resident Evil Village* and *Assassin’s Creed Mirage* highlight the potential of Apple Silicon, the Mac has considerable progress to make before it can truly compete with established gaming platforms.

### In Summary

The impending launch of *Cyberpunk 2077: Ultimate Edition* for Apple Silicon Macs is an exhilarating milestone for both Mac users and the gaming sector. It illustrates that Apple’s devices can handle even the most demanding AAA experiences, thanks to advancements like Metal and MetalFX. However, for the Mac to genuinely evolve into a competitive gaming venue, Apple must continue to strengthen partnerships with game developers and broaden its selection of titles.

For now, Mac users can eagerly anticipate exploring the vibrant streets of Night City in one of the most ambitious open-world experiences ever—this time, optimized for their devices.