How to Run Steam Games on Your Chromebook

[Sneakyone]

How to Run Steam Games on Your Chromebook

Although Chromebooks are designed primarily for lightweight tasks, you can still play many Steam games on your Chromebook using a variety of methods. Whether through Linux (Beta), Steam Link, or by using cloud gaming services, you can enjoy your favorite Steam games on your Chromebook. This guide will show you how to set up and run Steam games on your Chromebook.

Method 1: Run Steam Games Using Linux (Beta)

If your Chromebook supports Linux (Beta), you can install the Linux version of Steam and play compatible games directly on your device.

Step 1: Enable Linux (Beta) on Your Chromebook

1. Click the clock in the bottom-right corner of your screen to open the system tray, then click the Settings gear icon.
2. In the Settings menu, scroll down the left sidebar and select Developers.
3. Under Linux development environment (Beta), click Turn on and follow the setup instructions to install Linux.
4. Once Linux is enabled, the Terminal app will appear in your Launcher.

Step 2: Install Steam via Linux

1. Open the Terminal app from your Launcher.
2. Update your Linux environment by typing the following command:

 

Code:

sudo apt update && sudo apt upgrade

3. After the update, install Steam by typing the following command:

 

Code:

sudo apt install steam

4. Press Enter and follow the on-screen instructions to complete the Steam installation.

Step 3: Launch Steam and Install Games

1. Once Steam is installed, open it from the Linux apps folder in your Launcher.
2. Sign in to your Steam account.
3. Browse your library and install games that are compatible with Linux or support Proton (a tool that allows Windows games to run on Linux).

Step 4: Play Steam Games on Your Chromebook

1. After installing a game, click Play to launch it.
2. For Windows-only games, you can enable Proton by going to Steam > Settings > Steam Play and checking Enable Steam Play for all titles. Select a version of Proton to use with these games.

Note: Performance will depend on your Chromebook's hardware and the game's system requirements.

Method 2: Run Steam Games Using Steam Link (For Powerful PCs)

Steam Link allows you to stream games from a powerful Windows or Linux PC to your Chromebook.

Step 1: Install the Steam Link App

1. Open the Google Play Store on your Chromebook.
2. Search for Steam Link and install the app.

Step 2: Set Up Steam Link on Your Chromebook

1. Launch the Steam Link app and follow the on-screen instructions to pair your Chromebook with your gaming PC.
2. Ensure both devices are on the same Wi-Fi network.

Step 3: Play Steam Games Using Steam Link

1. Once paired, your PC's Steam library will be accessible on your Chromebook.
2. Select a game from your Steam library and click Play. The game will be streamed from your PC to your Chromebook.

Note: Steam Link requires a powerful PC for game processing, and a stable, fast Wi-Fi connection for smooth streaming.

Method 3: Use a Cloud Gaming Service (GeForce NOW or Stadia)

Cloud gaming services like GeForce NOW allow you to play Steam games without relying on your Chromebook's hardware. These services run the games on powerful remote servers and stream the gameplay to your device.

Step 1: Sign Up for GeForce NOW

1. Go to the GeForce NOW website: https://www.nvidia.com/en-us/geforce-now/.
2. Sign up for a free or paid account depending on your gaming needs.

Step 2: Install the GeForce NOW App

1. Open the Google Play Store on your Chromebook.
2. Search for and install the GeForce NOW app.

Step 3: Launch Steam Games Using GeForce NOW

1. Open the GeForce NOW app and log in with your account.
2. Search for the Steam game you want to play and click Play. You may be prompted to log into your Steam account.
3. The game will stream from NVIDIA's servers to your Chromebook, allowing you to play without taxing your Chromebook's hardware.

Note: GeForce NOW supports many Steam games but not all. Check the GeForce NOW library for compatibility.

Method 4: Install Windows on Chromebook via Parallels (Enterprise Users)

For enterprise users, running Windows apps and games on a Chromebook through Parallels Desktop allows access to Windows Steam games.

Step 1: Install Parallels Desktop

1. If you're part of an organization, ask your IT administrator to install and configure Parallels Desktop on your Chromebook.
2. Set up the Windows virtual machine (VM) through Parallels Desktop.

Step 2: Install Steam on Windows

1. Open the Windows environment in Parallels Desktop.
2. Download and install Steam on Windows.
3. Install your Steam games through the Windows virtual machine and run them.

Conclusion

Running Steam games on a Chromebook can be done in several ways, depending on your device's capabilities and the types of games you want to play. Using Linux (Beta), Steam Link, or cloud gaming services like GeForce NOW, you can access and enjoy Steam games on your Chromebook. Follow this guide to set up the best method for your needs and start gaming.