macOS Version

👉 GnollHack has a native macOS version on Steam for Macs with Apple Silicon. The iOS version from the App Store also runs on these Macs.

1. Download Options

GnollHack's macOS version has the following download options:

• Steam — Recommended download option. A native Mac app, with full keyboard, mouse, and game controller support.
• App Store — The iOS version, which also runs on Macs with Apple Silicon.

1.1. Steam

The Steam version is a native Mac app, signed and notarized by Apple. It has the same desktop interface as the Linux and Windows versions; see Desktop Features.

1.1.1. Auto-Update Can't Be Disabled

You can't disable auto-update in Steam, but if your saved games become invalid, you can revert to a compatible version of GnollHack as follows:

1. Contact the GnollHack Dev Team and ask that the previous game version will be made available. They will give you a code.
2. Go to GnollHack Properties in Steam.
3. Go to the Game Versions & Betas tab.
4. Enter the code to Private Versions and click Check Code.
5. The requested game version should become available for choosing.

1.1.2. Steam Platform Features

• Revert to Old Version — You can revert to an old version using the Game Versions & Betas tab in the GnollHack properties in Steam (see above).

1.2. App Store

• This is the iOS version of GnollHack, which macOS runs on Macs with Apple Silicon.
• Please disable Automatic Updates in the App Store Settings/Preferences.
• It does not support game controllers.
• More information: iOS and macOS Version

The Steam version and the App Store version keep their saved games separately.

2. System Requirements

• A Mac with Apple Silicon (M1 or later). Intel Macs are not supported.
• macOS 15 (Sequoia) or later.
• In-game web pages, such as this wiki and the Gnoll Overseer, use the WebKit engine built into macOS, so nothing else needs to be installed.

3. Graphics

The Steam version draws the game with Metal, Apple's current graphics interface. If the game window flickers, stays black, or shows graphical glitches, turn Metal Rendering off under System in Settings to draw with OpenGL instead. The change takes effect when you start GnollHack the next time.

4. Keyboard

The Option key works as the Alt key of GnollHack's Keyboard Shortcuts. For example, Option+P is Pray (Alt+p).

If your keyboard layout types characters with the Option key, such as @ on Option+2 in the Finnish layout, turn on Allow Option Keys under System in Settings. Option and a key then types the character your layout puts there, and other Option combinations remain Alt commands. Text fields always accept the characters that Option types.

Cmd+Q and Cmd+W close the game the same way as the game's own exit. Quitting from the Dock, or logging out of macOS, saves the game without asking.

5. Game Controllers

You can play the Steam version with a game controller. The controls are the same as on the Steam Deck; see Steam Deck Controls.

• Xbox controllers and PlayStation DualShock 4 and DualSense controllers are supported, as are other controllers that macOS supports as gamepads.
• Pair a wireless controller in System Settings → Bluetooth, or connect it with a USB cable. The controller can be switched on before or during the game.
• Nintendo controllers have not been tested. Their face buttons may work by label rather than by position.
• The paddles of Xbox Elite controllers are not read, and the Home button keeps its usual macOS action.
• There is no on-screen keyboard, so type text, such as a wish or a name, on a keyboard.

6. Files and Logs

• Saved games and settings: ~/Library/Application Support/GnollHack
• Log file: ~/Library/Logs/GnollHack/GnollHack.log, and the previous run's log in GnollHack.previous.log in the same folder.

If you contact the GnollHack Dev Team about a problem, attaching the log file helps.