💻 PC & Mac
Paralives system requirements (2026)
Official minimum and recommended specs for Paralives Early Access on Windows and Mac, plus practical tips if you are on a modest PC.
🪟 Windows PC
| Spec | Minimum | Recommended |
|---|---|---|
| OS | Windows 10 (64-bit) | Windows 11 (64-bit) |
| CPU | Intel i5 / AMD Ryzen 5 @ 2.5 GHz | Intel i5 / AMD Ryzen 5 @ 3.0 GHz |
| RAM | 12 GB | 16 GB |
| GPU | NVIDIA GTX 1060 / AMD RX 6600 XT | NVIDIA RTX 2060 / AMD RX 7600 XT |
| VRAM | 3 GB | 6 GB |
| Storage | 8 GB | 8 GB |
🍎 Mac
| Spec | Minimum | Recommended |
|---|---|---|
| OS | macOS Big Sur 11+ | macOS Big Sur 11+ |
| Chip | Apple M2 | Apple M3 |
| RAM | 12 GB | 16 GB |
| Storage | 8 GB | 8 GB |
⚙️ Game tech (short version)
Paralives uses Unity 6. In practice, that means modern rendering with requirements closer to “mid-range PC from the last few years” than to ultra-heavy ray-traced blockbusters. If your rig is closer to minimum specs, start by lowering shadows and view distance — that usually helps the most in open neighborhoods.
🚀 Tips on a lower-end PC
- Shadows first — often the biggest FPS cost.
- View distance — fewer distant objects to draw.
- Close heavy apps — browsers and overlays use RAM and CPU.
- SSD — faster loads even when the GPU is mid-tier.
- GPU drivers — keep them current for Unity games.
- 12GB RAM minimum — 8GB total system RAM is below spec.
📊 Compared to other life sims
Some newer life sims ask for very high-end GPUs. Paralives targets a wider range of PCs on purpose. For a feature comparison, see Paralives vs Sims 4 vs inZOI.
🎥 Video: requirements & Steam page
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Can I run Paralives on a laptop? ▾
Yes, if it meets the minimum specs: Intel i5 or AMD Ryzen 5 at 2.5GHz, 12GB RAM, and a GTX 1060-class GPU with 3GB VRAM. Many mid-range gaming laptops from 2020 onward should work.
Can I play Paralives on a MacBook? ▾
Yes. Mac needs Apple M2 and 12GB RAM minimum; M3 and 16GB RAM is smoother.
Will Paralives run on integrated graphics? ▾
On Windows, a dedicated GPU with at least 3GB VRAM is recommended. Apple Silicon Macs use integrated graphics that meet the Mac requirements.
Can I play Paralives on Steam Deck? ▾
There is no official Verified badge yet. It may work in Proton, but treat it as try-at-your-own-risk until Valve or the devs confirm.
How much storage does Paralives need? ▾
About 8GB at launch; future updates will add more. Prefer an SSD for shorter loads.
📚 Related Paralives guides
Paramaker Character Creation Guide
Master the Paramaker: body sliders, Vibes, Talents, traits and the genetics system explained.
Build Mode Complete Guide
Build stunning homes with curved walls, free-angle placement, the color wheel, and split-level floors.
Live Mode Guide: Needs, Wants & Daily Life
Understand needs, emotions, Wants, Aspirations, group actions and the daily loop in Paralives.
Skills Guide: All Skills & How to Level Up
Complete list of all Paralives skills, how to unlock them and tips to level up fast.