CodeWeavers has unveiled its latest update, CrossOver 25, which significantly enhances the gaming experience for Mac users by expanding support for a multitude of games. This update now accommodates titles acquired from popular digital storefronts such as GOG Galaxy and the Epic Games Store, further enriching the Mac gaming landscape.
As a pivotal tool for enabling Windows games to run seamlessly on Mac, CrossOver has long been a cornerstone for gamers seeking to bridge the gap between operating systems. With the introduction of CrossOver 25, users can expect a wealth of new features that bolster compatibility and performance.
According to a recent blog post from the company, the update incorporates Wine 10.0, which boasts over 5,000 changes that enhance compatibility across numerous applications. Additionally, CrossOver 25 includes Wine Mono 9.4.0, vkd3d 1.14, MoltenVK 1.2.10, and D3DMetal 2.1.
The D3DMetal 2.1 component is particularly noteworthy, as it brings improved performance to major titles like Red Dead Redemption 2 and adds support for The Last of Us: Part 1. This enhancement also extends to other DirectX 11 games, ensuring a smoother gaming experience.
Furthermore, the introduction of DXMT, a Metal-based implementation of D3D11 on macOS, provides an additional avenue for running DirectX 11 titles. CodeWeavers has reported promising performance improvements during testing, especially for users with lower-specification Macs.
Platforms and tinkering
This release is particularly beneficial for gamers who frequent the Steam storefront, as the latest version now launches Steam “significantly faster,” allowing players to dive into their games with minimal delay. The update also extends its reach to the Epic Games Store and GOG Galaxy, offering players greater flexibility in choosing where to purchase their games.
In addition to these storefront enhancements, CrossOver 25 simplifies the setup process for players, reducing the need for extensive configuration. A new configuration system enables quick access to games, featuring an Auto setting that intelligently selects optimal graphics options based on the tool’s database for each specific game.
CrossOver can now automatically enable AVX for titles requiring ROSETTAADVERTISEAVX=1 to operate effectively on Apple Silicon. The update also includes overrides for various settings that were previously CrossTie-specific, such as those utilized for games like The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim Special Edition, which relied on CrossTies for audio fixes.
For those interested in upgrading, CrossOver 25 is available for , which includes 12 months of support. Alternatively, CrossOver Life is priced at 4, providing a long-term solution for dedicated gamers.
