Highball
Which renderer to use
Highball can run each game through three different Direct3D translation layers. This is what the database knows for this title — empty rows are open questions, not failures.
| Renderer | Verdict | Evidence |
|---|---|---|
| DXVKDirect3D 9-11 over Vulkan | Untested | no report yet — send one |
| DXMTDirect3D 11 over Metal | Recommended | 1 report |
| D3DMetalApple's Game Porting Toolkit | Untested | no report yet — send one |
last confirmed 2026-09-06 · engine x64-crossover26.3-r27 · macOS 27.0.1. Dated runs record the engine build and, where the reporter gave it, the macOS version.
Notes
Installed and played through the EA app on the Wine 11 (CrossOver 26.3) engine: 26 GB download, signed-in main menu, Create-A-Sim, the Willow Creek world map, and live mode on a lot (moved in, career panel, clock running) at 128-130 fps (7.8 ms frame, GPU 5.5 ms) at 1728x1117 on DXMT, D3D11 feature level 11_0. Needs the EA app recipe (cross-process swapchain flag, junction handling) and that engine; the EA app does not install on the bundled Wine 10 engine. First launch shows a black full-screen window for about two minutes before the intro. Starting the executable directly hands off to the EA app, which relaunches the game, so its graphics settings and the Metal HUD come from the EA app's process. The Steam-sold copy and the other renderers were not tried. The Steam copy works too, through the EA app that Steam installs inside the environment: on its first two launches the EA app came up but the game did not, and the third worked once the EA app showed the game in its own library, which it does after it links a Steam purchase to the EA account. The same player could not start the download with Highball's Install button and installed it from Steam's own window.
Known issues
After minimizing the game window, the mouse stays confined to part of the screen
What helps none known
Why not diagnosed
Steam copy: the first launches start the EA app but not the game
What helps keep the EA app open until the game shows in its library, then press Play again
Why the EA app has to link the Steam purchase to the EA account and list the game in its library first
Provenance
verified by Highball through the EA app (free-to-play edition), 2026-09-06 The Steam copy (app 1222670) reported by udance4ever (highball-db#719, 2026-10-26), Apple M1, macOS 27.0.1, Highball 0.10.22, engine x64-crossover26.3-r27, DXMT for the game, the EA app recipe, rated 4 of 5 after 12 minutes.
Before installing anything, it is worth checking whether the game already ships a native Mac build.
Common questions
Does The Sims 4 work on Mac?
The Sims 4 has no native Mac build, but it is reported to run on Apple Silicon through Highball, a free open-source compatibility layer. Highball has run it on Apple Silicon (last confirmed 2026-09-06 · engine x64-crossover26.3-r27 · macOS 27.0.1).
Which renderer should I use for The Sims 4?
DXMT. Highball can translate Direct3D through DXVK, DXMT or Apple's D3DMetal, and the right choice varies by game. The database records DXMT for The Sims 4. Highball uses it automatically when the game has a row; to set it by hand, open Settings, then Environments.
Contribute a result
This page is generated from an open database. If you have run The Sims 4 on Apple Silicon, working or not, a report takes a minute and fills in the empty rows above. Send a report, or read how the data is put together.