Chromebooks are known for their simplicity and lightweight operating system, but what many users don’t know is that they can run Linux, which opens the door to a wide variety of games. Whether you’re looking to play classic titles, indie games, or even mainstream hits, enabling Linux on your Chromebook allows you to download and run many of your favorite games. So, how to download any game on Chromebook on Linux? Let’s walk through the steps to get you gaming on your Chromebook.
1. Enable Linux on Your Chromebook
Before downloading any games, you’ll first need to enable Linux (Beta) on your Chromebook. Follow these steps to do so:
- Go to Settings by clicking on the time at the bottom-right corner of the screen, then selecting the gear icon.
- Scroll down to Developers and find the Linux (Beta) option.
- Click Turn On and follow the prompts to install Linux. This will take a few minutes, and once completed, you’ll have access to a Linux terminal on your Chromebook.
Enabling Linux allows you to run a variety of apps and programs, including gaming platforms like Steam and other game launchers.
2. Install Game Launchers on Linux
Once Linux is enabled on your Chromebook, you’ll need to install game launchers to download and run your games. For example, if you want to play PC games, you can install Steam or Lutris—both of which are popular platforms for downloading and playing games.
3. Download Games via Steam or Lutris
Once your game launcher is installed, you can start downloading games just like you would on any other device. If you’re using Steam:
- Open Steam from your Linux apps in the launcher.
- Log in to your Steam account or create one if you don’t already have one.
- Browse the Steam Store and select any game you want to download.
- Click Install and let the game download. Once completed, you can play the game directly from your Chromebook.
For Lutris, which supports games from different platforms (such as GOG, Epic Games, or even emulators), you can follow similar steps to download your desired games.
4. Optimize Performance for Gaming on Linux
Chromebooks aren’t always built with gaming in mind, so you might need to optimize the performance to ensure a smooth experience. Here are a few tips:
- Check System Requirements: Before downloading a game, make sure your Chromebook meets the game’s system requirements. While many Chromebooks can run lighter games with ease, more resource-intensive titles may require higher specs.
- Use External Storage: Chromebooks typically come with limited storage space. To avoid running out of space, consider using an external USB drive or SD card to store larger game files.
- Update Linux Drivers: Make sure your Linux installation and drivers are up-to-date to get the best possible performance when gaming.
5. Installing Non-Steam Games
Not all games are available on Steam, but you can still download games from other sources using Linux on your Chromebook. Some popular game distributors like GOG (Good Old Games) offer DRM-free games that can be downloaded and installed directly through Linux.
You can download the Linux versions of games from these platforms and follow the instructions provided by the game’s developers for installation. Most of the time, this involves running a few simple terminal commands to install the game files.
Conclusion
Learning how to download any game on Chromebook on Linux is a great way to expand your Chromebook’s gaming capabilities. By enabling Linux on your device, installing game launchers like Steam or Lutris, and downloading your favorite titles, you can turn your Chromebook into a powerful gaming machine. While there may be some limitations based on your hardware, Linux provides a vast array of gaming opportunities for Chromebook users.
