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What is Match-3?

Match-3 games are a staple of modern gaming, and very often, they're among the first genres that introduce people to the fun world of video games. This is because they're simple, colorful, and so engaging that it's impossible to put them down. Match-3 games have some variety in mechanics and gameplay elements, but the basics are usually the same: you swap tiles on a grid to form combinations of same-type tiles. The simplest combination you can make is three tiles in a row, hence the name Match-3. The bigger and more complex your combinations are, the better your reward is, so the genre actually has some strategic depth despite being so newbie-friendly and easy to pick up.

There are scores of different titles in the Match-3 universe, and you can find games with just about any theme. Detective investigations, court intrigues in ancient Rome, running a store or a restaurant, exploring the high seas, or traveling through parallel universes. All of these stories can serve as a foundation for solid and immersive Match-3 titles. That's important because every player can find just the right recipe for their casual gaming needs in the setting that checks all the right boxes.

Last but not least, Match-3 games are rather light in terms of technology, so you can be sure that your Apple Mac will handle them without any lag or strain. As long as you have a relatively new version of macOS installed, you're all set up to download and play Match-3 titles by G5 Games. 

 

Why is Match-3 so popular on Mac?

Historically, Apple Mac players have somewhat fewer gaming options than those who opt for a PC. There are usually fewer titles released for macOS than for Windows in a given year. However, that doesn't mean Mac users can't enjoy an assortment of beautiful and engaging games. For instance, G5 offers a whole range of amazing casual gaming experiences in several popular genres, including Match-3. The specific titles described in more detail below feature an assortment of themes and storylines to fit any taste. So, check out our list of games, and you're sure to find a brain teaser puzzle that'll get you playing.

The popularity of Match-3 on Mac can also be explained by the fact that one can easily integrate this type of game into a tight schedule filled with work, study, and social interactions. You see, Match-3 games can be played for just a few minutes while you're sipping your cappuccino or for hours on end when you're trying to reach a high score in a time-limited event. The best thing is both approaches are valid and will provide you with that dopamine kick people get out of playing. So, in short, Match-3 can be enjoyed both as a short game and as a long one. Only you decide how much of your time and energy is devoted to matching those tiles.

 

Mechanics of the Games

In almost all G5 match-three games, you'll see these important gameplay features:

 

Combos
Every turn, you need to match at least 3 tiles of the same type or color. If you match more, you create combos. Matching 4 in a row gives you a power-up that can clear a column or a row. Matching 5 at a right angle makes a bomb that clears nearby obstacles. Matching 5 in a line removes all same-color gems. Combos are the key to success, and using the power-ups they create is an essential part of a winning strategy.

 

Obstacles
Obstacles are tiles you can't remove by matching 3 in a row. You'll often need to get rid of them to complete a level. Some need multiple matches next to them, while others require power-ups or tools to be used on them. As you progress, obstacles get trickier, adding to the challenge.

 

Tools
Tools are items you keep until you use them, unlike temporary power-ups that are available only for the duration of the current level. You can get tools from the in-game store, as level rewards, or by completing collections. Tools help you remove single tiles, rows, columns, or shuffle tiles when you're stuck on a tough puzzle. Basically, with enough tools, you can complete any level. They're that powerful. 

 

Collections
After completing a level, you always earn rewards like experience and currency, but you can also find collection items. Each game has different collections, each containing 4-5 items. Gathering all the items in a set gives you fantastic rewards, including more experience and currency, tools, talismans, and other premium goodies. Start collecting early to claim all the prizes available.

 

Main rules of the game

In match-three games, the basic rules are the same: players complete levels by achieving certain goals within a limited number of turns or in a certain amount of time if there's a time limit. If you can't do it, you lose. The goals can vary but usually involve clearing specific tiles from the game screen or reaching a certain score. At first, it might be as simple as removing a certain number of tiles of the same color. But as you progress, you'll face more challenging obstacles and tricky tiles that need clever use of power-ups and tools to be removed.

Simply put, the rule is to meet the level goals within the allowed number of turns (or time limit) to advance to the next level or try again.

 

The best free Match-3 games for Mac

 

Sherlock

Help the world's most famous detective, Sherlock Holmes, and his trusted friend, Dr. Watson, solve a new mysterious case. An evil force has changed the plots of famous books, and this is affecting the real world, too! Jump into well-known tales like Alice in Wonderland and Snow White to fix the stories and save both the book world and the real world.

 

Jewels of Rome

In Jewels of Rome, you become a Prefect sent to rebuild a settlement that's in ruins due to bad management. Gather resources, meet the townsfolk, and uncover mysteries in this ancient setting. Help those in need, restore justice, and prevent disaster!

 

Jewels of the Wild West

Play as a new sheriff in a Wild West town recovering from bandit attacks. Solve puzzles, tackle brain-teasing challenges, and lead Colinstown to safety and prosperity during the frontier development era.

 

Jewels of Egypt

Experience a thrilling mix of city-building and Match-3 gameplay. Restore a Nile delta settlement, follow a captivating story, and solve the mystery of your missing sister. As you rebuild, you'll interact with various people, from farmers to nobility, in Ancient Egypt.

 

Crime Mysteries

Join LA detectives Cache and Blunt to solve mysterious cases. Investigate scenes, analyze evidence, and make arrests in this exciting mix of Match-3 and hidden object gameplay. Explore iconic landmarks and tackle cases worthy of the best detective literature.

 

The Hidden Treasures

Set sail on a pirate adventure in the Caribbean! Search for treasure, meet intriguing characters, and uncover family secrets beneath the waves. Get ready for an unforgettable journey filled with surprises and excitement.

 

Survivors

Embark on a thrilling adventure as you find yourself stranded on a mysterious island at sea. Explore, gather resources, provide for castaways, craft tools using what little you have, and try to build connections with the island's natives.

 

Mayor Match

Perfect cities can exist with the right mayor! Take charge and create a beautiful city, catering to people's needs for transportation, accommodation, and more. Design your dream metropolis as you progress through the story, completing match-three challenges along the way.

 

Is it free to play on Mac?

Yes, it's absolutely free! When it comes to G5 games on Mac, you'll be happy to know that all our games are completely free. Our titles are in the f2p (free to play) category, which means you can enjoy the free full version of any game without spending any money. You can access everything, like puzzles, levels, collections, mini-games, social features, and more.

Additionally, if you want to make your gaming experience even better and get extra rewards, our games offer things you can buy while playing.

Also, there are no ads in our games. You won't see any videos that you have to watch. Sometimes, you might have the choice to watch an ad for extra rewards, but you never have to if you don't want to.

 

How to play

If you're interested in playing exciting G5 Match-3 games for free on your Mac, just follow these simple steps:

- Begin by visiting the G5 website.
- Navigate to the catalog section for MacOS by clicking "Mac" in the upper menu.
- Choose "Match-3" from the genre dropdown menu.
- Click the game you prefer.
- Click the black "Download on the Mac App Store" button.
- You'll see the game's official page on the Mac App Store. Click "Download".
- Congratulations! You've installed a G5 game. Enjoy playing the free full version!

 

Should you encounter any errors or need assistance at any point, please don't hesitate to contact our tech support team. They'll promptly address your concerns.

Best of luck, and welcome to the enchanting world of G5 games on Mac!

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