Mac compatibility
Can you play The First Descendant on a Mac?
Short answer: Probably not — The First Descendant uses a kernel-level anti-cheat, which no Wine-based tool can load. Untested, but the anti-cheat decides this one, not the graphics layer.
What we know
Steam lists The First Descendant for Windows only. Its requirements call for DirectX 12, which Grapple runs through D3DMetal — but the anti-cheat decides this one.
Steam's store page discloses that it uses a kernel level anti-cheat, NGS (Nexon Game Security), which needs manual removal after uninstalling.
AreWeAntiCheatYet lists the game as running on Linux/Proton, naming Nexon Game Security and Easy Anti-Cheat: it works there, but Nexon hasn't officially enabled it.
Grapple settings
Nothing verified yet. Where to start, based on its DirectX version (in the app, the same options are in the game's settings):
- DirectX 12 runs through D3DMetal, which comes with Grapple — a new install already uses it, and nothing needs downloading. See the Game Porting Toolkit guide.
- To see frame rates, turn on the Metal HUD:
grapple set Steam hud on
Heads-up: this game uses NGS (Nexon Game Security). Anti-cheat support can differ between Linux and macOS, so treat online play as unverified until someone has run it.
Test record
None yet.
Played it on Grapple?
Tell other players whether The First Descendant works for you. One tap does it.
FAQ
Can I play The First Descendant on a Mac?
Won't run, but nobody has tested it with Grapple yet. That's what the game's published facts suggest, not a result. The page changes to Works once players report it working.
Which DirectX does The First Descendant use?
The First Descendant's requirements list DirectX 12. Grapple starts it on D3DMetal, Apple's DirectX 11 and 12 translator, which Grapple includes and uses by default.
Is there a Mac version of The First Descendant?
Steam doesn't offer a macOS build of The First Descendant; it's listed for Windows only.
Sources
Every factual claim on this page comes from these. Spotted something out of date? Let us know.
- Steam store page — system requirements, platforms and anti-cheat disclosure (checked 23 September 2026)
- AreWeAntiCheatYet — The First Descendant, listed as "Running" on Linux/Proton (checked 23 September 2026)
- Wikipedia — Kernel-level anti-cheat (checked 21 September 2026)
Try The First Descendant yourself
Grapple's Free plan runs one game, forever, so you can find out on your own Mac without paying. Then tell us how it went with the buttons above, so the next player knows.
The First Descendant is a trademark of its owner and is named here only to identify the game. Grapple isn't affiliated with or endorsed by NEXON Games.