Can you play games on Chromebook? – 2023 Guide

In this guide, you will find out whether you can play games on Chromebook or not? Also, some games which can be enjoyed on your Chromebook will be recommended.

In 2018, the gaming industry generated just north of $135 billion. Shockingly, more than half of which came from Mobile games.

Mind-blowing! Isn’t it?

Astonishingly, this figure is expected to touch $180 billion by 2023.

Read Also: How do Virtual Reality Headsets Work?

Moreover, modern games are heavy-duty software which requires a powerful machine, such as a console or PC to run them smoothly. Additionally, some laptops are dedicated to playing games, for example, Alienware laptops are designed to experience gaming at optimum specifications. While others are dedicated to browsing the web or to run small light tasks, such as a Chromebook.

Now the question is, Can you play games on your Google Chromebook?

The definitive answer to this question is a big fat NO!

Why?

Because Chromebooks are lightweight, have long battery life, and fast boot-up, but do not have graphic cards to support high fps games. The Chromebook uses the Chrome OS, which was built by google with modest specs. The idea behind Chromebook was to have a machine with minimalist specs and easy to use.

However, it is not like you can’t absolutely play any game on your light machine. Yes, you can, but not GTA V or upcoming Cyberpunk 2077.

If you’re into hyper-casual games or android games, then don’t worry, Chromebook has you covered.

Before you can play games on your Chromebook, you need to make sure it supports the Google Play Store.

Firstly, If your machine does not support it, then this message will appear:

“Your device is not compatible with this version”

This message might pop-up because your device does not have a GPS and Google Play Store needs GPS to run properly. So, if you’re considering buying a Chromebook make sure it has Google Play Store support in it.

Secondly, make sure the Chrome OS of your Chromebook is up to date.

Lastly, allow in the Chromebook setting to download apps from the Google Play Store. After this, you’re ready to download and play games on your machine.

Best Games to Play on Chromebook

img source: chromeunboxed.com

Now that all the dust has settled and you’re ready to clack your keys, we’ve selected the best 10 games you can enjoy on your Chromebook. It is duly noted that not all the android games available on the Google Play Store can be run on your Chromebook. However, with the passage of time, new android games are being made compatible to run on the Chrome OS on a consistent basis. 

I’m feeling like there is a compromise on every step towards playing a game on Chromebook. HeHe!

Anyhow, without further ado, here are the best games to play on Chromebook.

Alto’s Odyssey

game for chromebook

Probably one of the best android games ever to be made. Set in the desert where alto and his skateboard through beautiful landscapes to find hidden secrets. The background scenes are mesmerizing and keep the player hooked to the game without even flicking an eye. The game is on Google’s Editor choice for a reason. 

Playing this game on mobile was fun, but playing it on a Chromebook is another experience. With a big screen and keyboard instead of a small touch screen, it is more fun to play this game this way. This game is highly recommended.

Pocket Mortys

game for chromebook

Wait a minute! There is a game of Rick and Morty. I’m a big fan of the series and their intergalactic adventures. So, basically, we’re training mortys in this game to compete with ricks. There are over 70 bizarre mortys in the game, not limited to Mustache Morty, Wizard Morty or Cronenberg Morty. This can be a very entertaining and fun game to play on your Chromebook, especially if you’re a fan of the cartoon series.

Asphalt 9: Legends

img source: muse.world

Let’s be honest, no game collection is complete without a great racing game. Before Asphalt series came on the android screen, there was not a single racing game as good as it. And it felt like there was a hole in the mobile gaming industry. When I for the first time played Asphalt on my smartphone, I was blown out of proportions. I was literally stunned and was like how is it possible to have such a rich graphics and dynamic gameplay racing game would be available on the mobile. Fortunately, this thrilling race game is available on the Chromebook. A must-have racing game on both android smartphone and Chromebook.

Injustice 2

game for chromebook

I’m a big fan of Batman and have seen the batman: the dark knight for like 1000 times. I know all the dialogues of the joker which In my opinion is the best performance by a villain ever in history.

Anyhow, Injustice 2 is a 1-on-1 fighting game with all your favorite characters from Batman to Superman. The android and Chromebook version does not have the same dynamics is the console version, but it does the job to some extent. The character movement is smooth and you’ve to use the touch screen to control characters.

NBA Jam 

img source: polygon.com

This is not your typical NBA 2K series, but it can quench your thirst of playing your favorite NBA players like King James, Kyrie Irving, Carmelo Anthony and so on. You cannot play the game with the keyboard. However, you can turn your Chromebook into tablet mode to enjoy this piece.

Fallout Shelter

img source: gamereactor.eu

Calling out all the fallout fans to come out of their bunkers. No pun intended. Adaptation to the original Fallout on console and PC, the game centers around building your own bunker from survivors of the post-apocalyptic wasteland.

The game uses touch controls instead of the keyboard.  

Tekken

game for chromebook

A classical 1-on-1 fighting game which has been around for over a decade now. This action-packed game is now available for android, tablet, and Chromebook. The graphics on the Chromebook look amazing and crisp. A must-have fighting game.

Sonic The Hedgehog Classic

game for chromebook

It is time to go back to Green Hill to fight Eggman’s Robotic Army. This classic retro game is available to play on the Chromebook for free, but with ads. You have to pay to remove ads. The classic game comes with a classic feature. Fortunately, you can play the game using W, A, S, D keys of your keyboard. 

Pac-Man

img source: usatoday.com

The last on the list today is the classic and everybody’s favorite PAC-MAN. This game can be played with up, down, left and right keys of the keyboard. Along with that, you can enjoy this classic by converting Chromebook into tablet mode and using touch to control the player.

Conclusion

In conclusion, although, it is not recommended to play games on the Google Chromebook, however, if you own one and have the urge to play games on it, then android games are your best bet. Maybe in the future, the Chromebook might become sophisticated enough to support hi-def games.