Chromebooksaren’t designed for gaming. In fact, Google originally targeted students and schools, offering a lightweight, web-based platform powering affordable low-end devices. That has since changed, asa wider variety are now availablefrom cheap machines to premium, high-dollar Chrome OS PCs.
Still, the average Chromebook isn’t really designed for gamers. Sure, you can run Android games if theChromebooksupports the Play Store. Heck, you can even install Steam if Linux is enabled on the machine. But does your Chromebook have the hardware and storage to run most Linux games? In many cases, not really.
If you’re curious about playing Linux games on your Chromebook, this guide shows you how to get Steam. It’s not simple, and if you despise entering console commands, turn back now, but it can open up a much wider game library on your Chromebook.
Consider Steam Link for Android
Valve Software offers two Steam apps for Android on the Play Store: Thebase Steam clientandSteam Link. This version of Steam doesn’t allow you to install and play Linux-based games, but you’re able to certainly make purchases as seen on any other Android device. However, this app is not compatible with all Chromebooks.
Steam Link, meanwhile, turns your Chromebook into a receiver. This requires another, more robust PC that will stream its installed Steam games, regardless of the operating system, to your target Chromebook. If you have a second gaming PC, this might be the better route given Chromebooks normally don’t have the hardware — or the storage capacity for that matter — to play Linux games.
We offer a separate guide onhow to play Steam games on Androidusing the Steam Link app.
Install Linux
Google still classifies Linux support as “beta,” and it’s not available on all Chromebooks. If you’re uncertain about your Chromebook’s ability to handle Linux, Google providesa list of supporting devices.
Unfortunately, getting Steam on your Chromebook isn’t as simple as installing an Android app. The long road to Linux gaming starts here and can be a real headache if you’re not familiar with all the associated terminology and console commands.
Note: This integrated virtual machine is based on Debian 10 (Buster).
Step 1:Click on theSystem Clock, followed by theGearicon on the pop-up menu. This opens theSettingsscreen.
Step 2:SelectLinux (Beta)listed on the left.
Step 3:Click theTurn Onbutton.
Step 4:ClickInstallto get Linux. The process will take around 10 minutes, possibly more.
Install Steam
With the Linux container installed, we can now get Steam.
Here’s where the console commands come into play. You may want to load this guide on the Chromebook and copy/paste the commands into the Terminal. If you take this route, useCtrl + Cto copy the commands in the browser and thenCtrl + Shift + Vto paste them into the Terminal window.
Step 1:Press theCrtl + Shift + Tkeys simultaneously (if you previously closed the Linux terminal).
Step 2:Type the following command, and then press theEnterkey:
echo ‘deb http://httpredir.debian.org/debian/ jessie main contrib non-free’ | sudo tee -a /etc/apt/sources.list
Note:The sources.list file is stored locally and keeps a directory of repositories. Each line starts with “deb” which is the file format used to compile the binaries stored in these repositories. This command adds the repository where Steam is stored.
Step 3:Type the following command, and then press theEnterkey:
sudo dpkg –add-architecture i386
Note:This command adds 32-bit architecture support. The use of “sudo” — short for SuperUser DO — allows you to run programs at the high superuser security level.
Step 4:Type the following command, and then press theEnterkey:
sudo apt update
Note:This command refreshes the list of packages currently made available to the Advanced Package Tool, which installs and uninstalls Debian software.
Step 5:You’re almost done, honest. Type the following command, and then press theEnterkey:
sudo apt install steam
Note:This command tells the Advanced Package Tool to install Steam.
Step 6:Once Steam installs, log in to your account. You can also find the program inside theLinux Appsfolder on the Launcher.
Enable the microphone
If you need to trash talk while playing your favorite Linux games, the microphone needs to be enabled in Linux. It should be enabled by default, but if not, here’s how:
Step 3:Click theTogglenext to theAllow Linux to Access Your Microphonesetting to switch this feature on.
Troubleshooting Linux
Use these steps if you’re having issues with Linux and a reboot doesn’t help.
Update Linux packages
Step 1:Click theLauncherbutton and open theLinux Appsfolder.
Step 2:OpenTerminal. Alternatively, you can press theShift + Crtl + Tkeys simultaneously to open the Terminal.
sudo apt-get update && sudo apt-get dist-upgrade
Step 4:Restart the Chromebook if needed.
If you’re having problems with this command, you may need to type this first:
sudo dpkg –configure -a
Update the virtual machine
Step 1:Open theChrome browser.
Step 2:Type the following into the address field:
chrome://components
