Apple's latest Mac computers are excellent devices for students. That's because they support an extensive library of productivity apps, in addition to a wide variety of games. As such, users get to rely on these machines for studies, work, and play. If you happen to be interested in running Steam games on macOS Sonoma or an earlier version, then you can download and install any compatible title by following the steps below.

How to download and install Steam on your Mac

First, you will need to install the Steam app by following these steps:

  1. Head to store.steampowered.com on your favorite macOS browser and hit on Install Steam in the top right corner.
    install steam button in safari
  2. Once you're taken to the download page, hit Install Steam again.
    install steam button on steam website
  3. Allow the download to go through.
    Allow downloads from steam website button
  4. Once done, click on the Downloads icon in the top right corner then double-click the steam.dmg file. You can alternatively access it from the Downloads folder in Finder.
    steam.dmg file in safari downloads section
  5. Once you double-click it, drag the Steam icon to the Applications folder, as instructed.
    move steam to applications folder banner
  6. You will then find the Steam app in your Launcher. Tap it and hit Open after you get the shown security alert.
    open downloaded file button on macOS alert
  7. It will then have to do additional downloads in the background. Just leave it be.
    updating steam banner
  8. When it finishes downloading, you will be taken to the account screen where you can log in or sign up.
    login or create new steam account banner
  9. Once you enter your username, password, and 2FA (2-factor authentication) code, hit Finish.
    finish button after signing in to steam

How to create a Steam account

If you don't already have a Steam account, you can do the following:

  1. Hit the Create New Account button.
    login or create new steam account banner
  2. You will be asked to enter your email address, choose your country of residence, and agree to the terms of service.
  3. Once you do, a confirmation email with an activation link will be sent to the email address you've entered.
  4. When you click the link, your account will be active, and you'll get to set a password, change its settings, and do more.

How to download and install Steam games on macOS

To actually install Steam games on your Mac, you then do the following:

  1. Launch the Steam app, and hit Home under Library in the top left corner.
    home button under library section in steam
  2. Choose the game you want to download from the sidebar, or head to the Store where you can buy games you don't already own.
    list of games purchased on steam in sidebar
  3. After choosing a game from the sidebar, hit on Install.
    install game button in steam
  4. You will be given the choice to add desktop and application shortcuts. Customize them based on your preferences.
    install steam game prompt with next button
  5. Your game will then start downloading, and you can track its progress by clicking on Downloads in the bottom center.
    steam game download in progress
  6. Once it's done downloading, it will automatically install. Afterward you can launch it by hitting Play on the right.
    play button in steam
  7. That's all! Enjoy playing your favorite Steam games on macOS.
    stardew valley game main screen

As our guide reflects, downloading and installing Steam games on macOS is incredibly simple. All you need to do is follow the basic instructions displayed on your Mac. You can rely on this method to download as many games as you want, as long as you have enough storage on your computer.