(Download Any Game on a Chromebook Using Linux) Chromebooks have become popular devices because of their low weight and cost, but many people believe that they cannot be used for gaming. Although Chromebooks are powered by ChromeOS, a web-based OS, the devices can also run Linux apps. This makes it possible for users to run several programs and games, including those developed for the Linux operating system. In this guide, I’ll show you how to download any game on your Chromebook using Linux if that is what you want.
1. Enable Linux on Your Chromebook
For that and a few other things, you need to learn how to enable Linux on your Chromebook. So before you can get any game, remember that you will need to turn on the Linux (Beta) option within the Chromebook. Notably, Linux permits the running of Linux-based applications in all genres such as many games and game launchers.
Steps to Enable Linux:
Step 1: Navigate to the settings on your Chromebook to access the gear at the bottom right of the screen that is beside the clock.
Step 2: On the settings menu go down and click on the Linux (Beta) menu.
Step 3: Click Turn On if you want to enable Linux. You will be asked to put in Linux on your Chromebook.
Step 4: In Linux follow the instructions displayed on the screen to install the operating system. You may be required to assign some space for Linux; you do this depending on the storage available to you and the general usage that you will be putting the partition into.
Step 5: After the operating system is installed you start a terminal and are now ready to start installing Linux software.
2. Install Game Software or Platforms
The majority of games available for Linux can be purchased and installed either through game launchers, or downloadable software platforms such as Steam, GOG, or Lutris. To be able to play the games you will need to download one or more of these platforms.
A. Install Steam on Your Chromebook
Steam is the most famous game client that is compatible with Linux operating systems.
To install Steam:
Step 1: Now tap open the terminal for the Linux-based app from the launcher.
Step 2: To update your Linux package list, type:
Step 3: Install Steam by typing:
Step 4: After installation, launch Steam from your app menu, sign in, and download your games.
B. Install Lutris (For Non-Steam Games)
Lutris is another App Store that lets you install and play games from GOG, Epic, Steam, and Windows games using Wine.
Step 1: First, let us install the required dependencies in the terminal by typing:
Step 2: Install Lutris with:
Step 3: If you are new to Lutris, just open it and use the sources provided to add your favorite games or use Wine to install any Windows game.
3. Download and Install Your Game
To download games to your Chromebook first you need to install your favorite gaming interface whether it is Steam or Lutris and so on.
Downloading from Steam:
- Start the Steam application from your Linux apps.
- You may simply go through the list, otherwise, use the search to find the game you are most interested in.
- To download and install the game, go to the Install button or Install the Game option.
Downloading from Lutris:
- To open Lutris it’s required to launch its icon and then to find the game or platform you need (GOG, Epic Games, etc.).
- Choose the actual game you are willing to download and install.
- To install the game, follow the on-screen prompts of the game to download and install the application.
4. With Chromebook, How Can I Improve My Games Performance?
Though Chromebooks are not traditionally designed for heavy gaming, you can optimize performance for smoother gameplay:
Allocate more resources to Linux: Click on your Chromebook’s Settings > Linux (Beta) where you can give Linux more disk space and RAM.
Adjust Graphics Settings: Games should be played on low graphics quality to improve their performance.
Use External Accessories: If the Chromebook’s built-in keyboard and trackpad won’t work with games well, try plugging in an external mouse and/or keyboard.
5. Playing Windows Games Using Wine
Most popular games are available only for Windows operating systems. Games that are developed for Windows operating system can be played with the help of a compatibility layer called Wine, which is used to run Windows applications.
Installing Wine:
Step 1: Open the terminal and type:
Step 2: Once installed, you can download Windows games from platforms like Lutris and run them through Wine.
6. Cloud Gaming as an Alternative
In the case of Chromebook hardware being incapable of local gaming, cloud gaming is a perfect solution. Google Stadia, NVIDIA GeForce Now, and Xbox Cloud Gaming – the option enables users to play games without the requirements of powerful hardware. The way it works is very easy just open the Cloud gaming website choose your games, sign in, and start enjoying your games right from the browser.
Conclusion
Gaming on a Chromebook using Linux has never been as easy as it is right now with downloadable and play. With Linux, which itself supports various games and with the help of installing Steam and Lutris along with the use of Wine options, you could play practically any game that is not officially available on ChromeOS.
As for customers with weak devices, cloud-based gaming is a perfect solution to guarantee a successful process. That’s it; if you have followed these steps then you will be gaming on your Chromebook in no time at all.