Performance problems (detailed)

Support Mac Technical Support
1

System Info:

• MacBook Pro [insert model, e.g. M1 Max, 32GB RAM]
• macOS 14.6 beta (build 23G5063a)
• WoW installed on external SSD (USB-C)
• WoW client version: [insert current build number]
• Running native Apple Silicon (arm64), Metal API enabled

Issue Summary:
Since the latest War Within patch, I’ve been experiencing severe performance degradation on macOS:

• Frame drops during movement and combat, regardless of graphics settings
• Character frequently gets stuck running in one direction
• Input lag and desync, especially when engaging multiple mobs
• Game stutters even with addons disabled and settings minimized

Troubleshooting Steps Taken:

• Disabled all addons
• Cleared WTF, Cache, and Interface folders
• Verified native Apple Silicon launch (arch -arm64)
• Tested with and without Sidecar, Universal Control, and Handoff
• Moved WoW to internal SSD (no improvement)
• Enabled High Power Mode (no improvement)
• Monitored Metal logs—no errors or device loss
• Verified input events reaching WoW via log stream (no dropouts)
• Observed repeated update behavior via Battle.net after closing WoW

Console Logs:

• WindowServer shows frequent kCGSEventKeyDown sequences
• tccd and CommCenter logs active during gameplay
• No Metal faults, but input queue appears saturated under load

Repro Steps:

  1. Launch WoW on macOS 14.6 beta
  2. Enter a mob-dense zone (e.g. Zaralek Cavern or Delve)
  3. Engage multiple enemies while moving rapidly
  4. Observe frame drops and movement lockups

Additional Notes:

• This setup has worked flawlessly for years; issues began with the latest patch
• Other Mac users are reporting similar symptoms on forums and Reddit
• Would appreciate confirmation if this is a known regression or if a fix is in progress

2 Likes
2

14.6 beta? we’re on 15.6.1 and then tehre is macOS 26 beta. what beta is 14.6?

3

That was an error. I was using ChatGPT to assist me troubleshooting and at the end asked it to summarize. I’m running on 26 beta.

Also, I did more testing and the issue I’m having is seeming to me limited to delves? I had no issues in raid a moment ago.

4

I’ve been experiencing similar performance degradation since Patch 11.2, it’s very noticeable despite my setup and configuration being the same as it was prior to Patch 11.2, and performance was significantly better prior to Patch 11.2.

I’m running WoW on a 2024 MacBook Air M3 15" which isn’t exactly on par with my primary PC gaming rig, but it’s hardly a potato either. Prior to Patch 11.2 the performance on this system was perfectly fine, with framerates at or above 60 fps in most areas with the exception of busy hub cities. Older content never experienced issues, and current content performed smoothly for the most part.

Since Patch 11.2 the most noticeable issue is reduced framerate and framerate stutter or lag, even in older areas and zones where framerate was never an issue prior to Patch 11.2. Quick camera movements can also lead to stuttering.

One particular point where this has become noticeable is during Pet Battles, where it often seems as if the framerate has dropped below 30fps, with noticeable stutter or other graphical issues when pets are casting spells. It makes me wonder if this is some side effect of the apparently not quite functioning as expected attempt to optimize spell density or particle effects in 11.2.

Regardless it’s been a noticeable and annoying issue since the patch dropped. Right from the get go it was immediately apparent that something was amiss, and it hasn’t gotten any better through updates released since launch.

I’ve tried resetting my graphical settings and fiddling with the various options to no avail. It’s worth noting again that my system was performing just fine prior to 11.2, and given that it’s a reasonably well configured and relatively current system it really shouldn’t be experiencing any problems as long as I’m not trying to push it beyond it’s limits, which I most definitely have not done.

Some sort of update or acknowledgement from Blizzard that there’s an awareness of this issue would be appreciated because (again) it’s very annoying.

5

If Blizzard won’t acknowledge the 11.2 performance issues on Windows, then I don’t think they’ll do so for Mac. At this point, they’re fully focused on the Midnight expansion, and TWW is a closed book for them.

6

Fair point, it’s not like the game on PC has been running flawlessly either, I just have a beefy enough rig that it doesn’t really impact things much. The pet battles were consistently poor across both platforms for sure, although on PC those seem to have improved for the most part.

But yeah, you’re correct, this isn’t just limited to Mac with 11.2.

7

I’m gonna take a break from the game and hold off preordering the expansion until I see how well the game runs when 11.2.7 is released later this year.

8

It’s awful. I just don’t understand why there are so many issues on Mac. The problems I’ve been experiencing include:

  1. In full-screen mode, when the cursor disappears and reappears, causing a sudden frame rate drop.
  2. After running the game for a while, scrolling the mouse wheel causes a noticeable frame rate drop.
  3. In full-screen mode, the caps lock notification suddenly pops up and pushes the WoW window to the background.
  4. Since the recent update, there’s input lag in full-screen mode—every few seconds, there’s a brief period where character control becomes unresponsive.

Every time I try to play seriously, these problems keep attacking me relentlessly. It’s truly frustrating.

9

Same here with Macbook Air M3 with external ssd 2TB, graphic setting is 2 and resolution is 50% which is 720p. Faced sudden stutters and fps drops.

10

if on macOS 26 go here:

1 Like
11

Million thanks, worked like a charm! I can finally play without stutters even in mid settings.