VASSAL Engine for Mac

VASSAL for Mac is a game engine for building and playing online adaptations of board games and card games. Play live on the Internet or by email. VASSAL Engine for macOS runs on all platforms and is free, open-source software.

VASSAL is a free engine for building and playing Internet-capable versions of turn-based, human-vs-human games. Players move and manipulate game pieces via the mouse while typing accompanying text. Moves can be recorded into a log file and stepped through one at a time for email play.

During live Internet play, all moves and text are automatically broadcast to other players in real-time. Combining a live VASSAL Engine for Mac session with a third-party Internet voice-chat tool (such as NetMeeting or TeamSpeak) allows you to play with people around the world at very close to the face-to-face pace.

What distinguishes VASSAL from other board gaming tools?

• Play in real-time over a live Internet connection or via email
• Switch between email and live play any number of times during the course of a game
• 100% Java application runs on any platform
• Intuitive drag-and-drop and menu-driven interface with many keyboard shortcuts
• Auto-report feature reports customizable messages automatically in response to every move
• Customizable maps: define the number of map windows, each with its own set of tools. Even define your own icons for the toolbar.
• Customizable counters: define a different right-click menu, with nested menus, for each counter. Define your own keyboard shortcuts.
• Customizable help files: define your own HTML-based online help pages. Define your own charts and tables for reference during play. Even write your own interactive tutorials.
• Advanced counter definitions: rotate to any number of facings, n-sided, combined layers, arbitrary shapes, text labels in customizable fonts and colors, property sheets.
• Limited information capability: pieces that hide their identity or turn completely invisible. Map windows can be hidden from other players.
• Import any GIF/JPG/PNG graphics file for your maps and counters
• Modular, extensible design with open-source Java codebase

VASSAL's interface is the simplest and most intuitive you'll find. To move a piece, simply click and drag. When connected to the server, you'll see your opponent's pieces move on your screen in real-time. You can also watch other people's games in progress without participating. Games with any number of players are supported.

VASSAL modules are highly customizable, allowing you to select exactly the features that make sense for your game. For example, you can organize the playing pieces into windows with any combination of tabs, pull-down menus, and scroll lists.

Game Pieces are the most customizable aspect of a VASSAL module. Each piece will have its own right-click menu of actions specific for that piece type with keyboard shortcuts for each entry.

Import your own graphics from any source in standard formats. When defining your pieces, you choose from a comprehensive list of traits that can be combined in almost unlimited ways.

How to Use

• Install Java if not already installed
• Open the VASSAL app from Applications
• Download and open a game module
• Use toolbar to start new game or join a server
• Navigate the board using zoom and pan tools
• Use chat and move pieces as per game rules
• Save game progress and logs if needed
• Customize preferences under File > Preferences
• Check help documentation for module-specific tips

System Requirements

macOS 10.11 or later

Java Runtime Environment (JRE) 11 or higher

Intel or Apple Silicon (M1/M2) processor

512 MB RAM minimum (1 GB or more recommended)

100 MB free disk space (plus space for modules)

Internet connection for online play

PROS

• Highly customizable game engine
• Supports wide variety of board games
• Active community and many free modules
• Cross-platform compatibility
• Free and open-source software

CONS

• Outdated and clunky user interface
• Java dependency issues sometimes
• Limited automation in gameplay
• No native mobile app version available

Also Available: Download VASSAL Engine for Windows