Games like SimCity on Mac
4 of the 5 modern alternatives to SimCity (1989) run on Mac. One of them is free, and the cheapest paid option is TheoTown at € 9,75. One is made by independent developers.
Mac support for classics is patchier than PC, and Apple's move away from 32-bit software broke a lot of older re-releases. What works well: games sold through Steam or GOG with native Apple Silicon builds, cross-platform open-source engine ports, and browser-based versions. Many remaining gaps can be closed with an emulator or a compatibility layer.
Prices, platform availability and Steam Deck compatibility can change at any time. Always check the store page before buying.
TheoTown Indie
€ 9,75A pixel-art city builder that deliberately recreates the old SimCity feel, and runs on almost anything.
TheoTown runs on PC, Mac, Linux, iPhone, iPad, Android phone, Android tablet. Not available on PlayStation, Xbox, Switch. It is Steam Deck Playable.
Cities: Skylines
€ 27,99 + in-app purchasesThe definitive modern city-builder with vast modding support.
Cities: Skylines is also an alternative to 3 other classics
Cities: Skylines runs on PC, Mac, Linux, PlayStation, Xbox, Switch. Not available on iPhone, iPad, Android phone, Android tablet. It is Steam Deck Verified.
Micropolis
FreeA free, open-source release of the original SimCity engine.
Micropolis runs on PC, Mac, Linux. Not available on iPhone, iPad, Android phone, Android tablet, PlayStation, Xbox, Switch, Steam Deck.
SimCity 4 Deluxe Edition
€ 19,99The last great classic SimCity, with regional play and a mod scene that has kept it alive for two decades.
SimCity 4 Deluxe Edition runs on PC, Mac. Not available on Linux, iPhone, iPad, Android phone, Android tablet, PlayStation, Xbox, Switch. It is Steam Deck Playable.
Not on Mac
These alternatives to SimCity are listed on the main page, but do not run on Mac:
All 5 games like SimCity