FAQs: Homeworld Remastered Collection (Mac)
Homeworld Remastered Collection has been released on the Mac! But where can you buy it? Is it different from the Windows PC version? What about mods and other features? We’ve got these questions and more covered below. Check it out!
General
Q: What is Homeworld Remastered Collection?
A: Homeworld Remastered Collection is, as the name would imply, a completely remastered collection of both Homeworld and Homeworld 2. The game features significantly updated graphics, improved resolution support, remastered audio, and more.
For the historians and purists among us, in addition to the Remastered versions of Homeworld and Homeworld 2, players also receive access to the Classic editions of Homeworld and Homeworld 2.
You can learn more about the game and get the full description on its GameAgent page.
Q: How much does Homeworld Remastered Collection for Mac cost? Where can I purchase it?
A: Homeworld Remastered Collection for Mac may be purchased on the Mac App Store for $34.99. You may also purchase a Steam version of the game from GameAgent or directly from Steam for the same price.
Q: Will there be a Linux version of Homeworld Remastered Collection?
A: Unfortunately, there are currently no plans to release a Linux version.
Q: The game talks about using the Alt key and a middle mouse click, but I don’t have those on my Mac! What do I do?
A: Use the following keys/actions instead:
- Alt key -> Option Key
- Middle click -> ‘F’ key
Q: What are the system requirements to play Homeworld Remastered Collection on the Mac?
A: The minimum system requirements are below. Alternatively, you can visit the game’s GameAgent.com page and use our Mac Match feature to automatically determine whether your Mac meets the minimum system requirements.
- OS: 10.9.5 (Mavericks), 10.10 (Yosemite)
- CPU Processor: Intel Core 2 Duo (2 Cores)
- CPU Speed: 2.2 GHz
- RAM: 4 GB
- Disk Space: 20 GB
- Video Card – ATI: Radeon HD 3870
- Video Card – Nvidia: GeForce 640M
- Video Card – Intel: HD 4000
- VRAM: 512 MB
Unsupported Video Cards:
- ATI RADEON X1000 series, HD 2000 series, HD 4670, HD 6490, HD 6630
- NVIDIA GeForce 7000 series, 8000 series, 9000 series, GT 100 series, 300M series
- Intel Integrated GMA series, HD 3000
Q: What languages are supported in Homeworld Remastered Collection on the Mac?
A: Homeworld Remastered Collection supports English, French, Italian, German, Spanish, and Russian*. Audio is in English only.
*Please note that the Classic versions of Homeworld and Homeworld 2 do NOT support Russian.
Q: Are there any differences between the Windows PC version and the Mac version?
A: Unlike the Windows PC version on Steam, the Mac App Store version does not feature any multiplayer functionality or mod support.
The Mac version on Steam retains most of the same features and functionality as the Windows PC version; the only difference is that the Mac version does not support LAN multiplayer. It should also be noted that cross-platform multiplayer is not available between the two versions.
Q: I’m having some technical difficulties with the game/my question wasn’t answered…
A: We’ve got version-specific questions and answers below, but if you have general questions about Homeworld Remastered Collection not listed anywhere in this FAQ, leave them in the comments, and we’ll be happy to answer them.
Alternatively, if you’re having any kind of technical issues with the game, such as trouble with downloading, crashes, performance, etc, please contact Aspyr Support at http://support.aspyr.com or via email at support@aspyr.com. They’ll be happy to help in any way they can!
Mac App Store version
Q: Does Homeworld Remastered Collection on the Mac App Store feature multiplayer? What about cross-platform multiplayer?
A: No, Homeworld Remastered Collection on the Mac App Store does not feature any multiplayer functionality, whether via online or LAN. However, players still have access to a multiplayer-like experience in skirmish mode against bots.
Q: If I already own Homeworld Remastered Collection on Steam, can I get the Mac App Store version for free?
A: No, there is no way to transfer the license between the Mac App Store and Steam.
Q: Does Homeworld Remastered Collection on the Mac App Store feature mod support?
A: No, mods are not supported on the Mac App Store version of Homeworld Remastered Collection.
Q: Does the Mac App Store version of Homeworld Remastered Collection feature achievements?
A: Yes, achievements are earned and tracked via Game Center.
Steam version
Q: When will the Steam version of Homeworld Remastered Collection on the Mac be released?
A: The Steam version of Homeworld Remastered Collection on Mac is now available. You may purchase a Steam code from GameAgent or buy directly from Steam.
Q: Will Homeworld Remastered Collection be a Steam Play title?
A: Yes, players that own the game on Steam on any supported platform will have free access to the game on any other supported Steam Play platform.
Q: If I own the Mac App Store version of Homeworld Remastered Collection, can I get it on Steam for free?
A: No, there is no way to transfer the license between the Mac App Store and Steam.
Q: Will I be able to sync my game saves between the Windows PC and Mac versions?
A: Saved data from the Remastered versions of Homeworld and Homeworld 2 are cross-platform compatible, though they will not sync using Steam Cloud. Players will need to manually transfer the save data.
Saved data from the Classic version of Homeworld 2 is also cross-platform compatible (with the same limitations). However, saved data from the Classic version of Homeworld 1 is NOT cross-platform compatible.
Q: Will the Mac version of Homeworld Remastered Collection on Steam feature mod support? What about Steam Workshop?
A: Yes, the Mac version of Homeworld Remastered Collection on Steam will support mods. Mods are accessed and installed through the game’s launcher.
Q: Will the Steam version of Homeworld Remastered Collection on Mac feature multiplayer? What about cross-platform multiplayer?
A: Yes, the Mac version of Homeworld Remastered Collection on Steam does feature online multiplayer. However, there is no LAN multiplayer functionality.
Regarding cross-platform multiplayer, Homeworld Remastered Collection on Steam currently on features Mac-to-Mac multiplayer or PC-to-PC multiplayer. Cross-platform multiplayer is not an option, and likely won’t be any time soon.
Here’s some additional info on why cross-platform multiplayer isn’t available:
After months of work/research, Aspyr determined cross-platform to be nearly impossible to support. The reason for this is really quite complicated, but it boils down to math. Homeworld 1 and 2 multiplayer is built on a floating point integer system. We spent months working with our development partners to see if we could find creative workarounds for this issue but nothing resulted in a playable experience. How the different compilers on the different platforms deal with floating point calculations results in a myriad of issues: ships warping across the map suddenly, damage not being calculated properly, match instability, etc… Because the experience of cross-platform multiplayer is unplayable we made the tough decision to keep multiplayer isolated within the respective platforms. Mac users will not be able to see Windows multiplayer matches and vice versa. On the upside, you will only be able to see games you can join, but its important to note that we cannot prevent users from seeing a Steam Friend’s game on a separate platform within the Steam overlay. We understand and share the disappointment in not being able to play Homeworld Remastered against ALL of your friends, but hope you’ll enjoy epic space battles with your Mac friends.
