How to Play Rocket League on Chromebook: A Comprehensive Guide for Gamers
Do you want to play Rocket League on your trusty Chromebook? Good news: it’s possible! As a gamer myself and a content specialist, I have developed a guide to help you play Rocket League and other games like League of Legends on your Chromebook.
Why Your Chromebook Struggles with Gaming
Chromebooks are known for their portability, long battery life, and affordable price point, but they’re not necessarily built for gaming. Chromebooks utilize the Chrome OS operating system, which is a lightweight system designed primarily for web-based activities like browsing, emailing, and using web apps.
One of the biggest obstacles to gaming on a Chromebook is its hardware. Chromebooks usually come with a limited amount of storage, slower processors, and integrated graphics cards, which can’t handle the demands of AAA games like Rocket League or League of Legends.
The good news is that there are ways to overcome these limitations and play games on your Chromebook. Here’s how to do it.
How to Play Rocket League and League of Legends on Your Chromebook
Check Your Chromebook’s Specifications
Before you can start playing Rocket League or League of Legends on your Chromebook, you need to ensure that your Chromebook can handle it. Check the system requirements and specifications for each game you want to play. The requirements for Rocket League and League of Legends are as follows:
Rocket League:
- OS: Windows 7 or newer, macOS X Yosemite or newer, or SteamOS/Linux
- Processor: 2.5 GHz Dual core
- RAM: 4 GB
- Graphics: NVIDIA GeForce 760, AMD Radeon R7 270X, or equivalent
- Storage: 20 GB
League of Legends:
- OS: Windows 10, 8, or 7
- Processor: 3 GHz or faster
- RAM: 4 GB or higher
- Graphics: NVIDIA GeForce 8800 or equivalent
- Storage: 8 GB
If your Chromebook doesn’t meet these specifications, you may not be able to play these games.
Install a Linux-based Operating System
One way to overcome your Chromebook’s limitations is to install a Linux-based operating system (OS). Linux is an open-source OS that’s designed for power users, developers, and gamers. Linux, unlike Chrome OS, is capable of running more demanding applications and games.
One of the most popular Linux-based OS for Chromebooks is GalliumOS. GalliumOS is specifically designed for Chromebooks and has been optimized for performance and compatibility with Chromebook hardware. Installing GalliumOS can be a bit tricky, but the rewards are worth it: you’ll be able to play games like Rocket League and League of Legends on your Chromebook.
Use Steam or GeForce Now
Another way to play Rocket League or League of Legends on your Chromebook is to use the Steam app or GeForce Now. These cloud-based services allow you to stream games from a remote server to your Chromebook. You’ll need a stable internet connection and a subscription to either service to use them.
GeForce Now is a special service by Nvidia that offers gamers a cloud-based gaming platform, streaming games to their devices through an internet connection. It is currently the fastest and most optimized cloud gaming service, capable of streaming games with minimal lag and high-quality graphics.
If you prefer to play games locally and don’t want to rely on streaming, you can use the Steam app to play Rocket League and League of Legends. Steam is a popular platform for buying and playing games, and it has a growing library of compatible Linux games.
External Hard Drive
Last but not least, if your Chromebook’s limited storage is holding you back, you can add an external hard drive. This will give you additional space to hold your games and other files.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can any Chromebook run Rocket League?
Not all Chromebooks can run Rocket League, as the game requires a certain level of hardware performance. Check the system requirements and specifications for Rocket League before purchasing the game to avoid disappointment.
Is GalliumOS safe to install on my Chromebook?
Yes, GalliumOS is safe to install on your Chromebook. However, installing any operating system on your device comes with risks. Always backup your data and be prepared to troubleshoot in case something goes wrong.
How do I install Steam on my Chromebook?
To install Steam on your Chromebook, you’ll first need to install GalliumOS or another Linux-based OS. Then, follow the instructions on the Steam website to download and install the Linux version of Steam.
Conclusion
Playing Rocket League or League of Legends on your Chromebook isn’t impossible, but it does take some extra effort. Whether you choose to install a Linux-based OS, use GeForce Now, play locally using Steam, or add external storage with an external hard drive, you can overcome the limitations of your Chromebook and enjoy your favorite games.