Play Minecraft on Chromebook: A Step-by-Step Guide

Playing Minecraft on a Chromebook: A Guide

Chromebooks aren't typically considered the best choice for running Minecraft. This is primarily due to the game's Java-based nature and the absence of a dedicated web or Chrome app version.

However, Chromebook users aren't entirely without options if they desire to experience the game.

The Challenges of Running Minecraft on Chrome OS

Directly playing Minecraft on a Chromebook presents difficulties. The standard version of Minecraft is built using Java, a platform not natively supported by Chrome OS.

Furthermore, neither a browser-based nor a dedicated Chrome application version of Minecraft currently exists.

Potential Solutions for Chromebook Minecraft Players

While not straightforward, playing Minecraft on a Chromebook is achievable for those comfortable with some technical adjustments.

Individuals who prefer a simple, plug-and-play experience might find a Chromebook unsuitable for their Minecraft needs.

Considerations Before Proceeding

Be aware that successfully running Minecraft on a Chromebook often requires a degree of technical expertise and willingness to experiment.

If you're hesitant to engage in such tinkering, alternative gaming platforms might be more appropriate.

Playing Minecraft on a Chromebook: Enabling Developer Mode and Utilizing Linux

Mojang explicitly states that Minecraft does not have official support for Chromebook devices. However, for those wishing to experience the game on a Chromebook, enabling developer mode and installing the Linux version is recommended.

This approach, while functional, is acknowledged by Mojang as potentially undermining the core simplicity that Chromebooks are designed to provide.

The Trade-offs of a Dual-System Setup

Adding a Linux system alongside Chrome OS introduces a degree of complexity. Chromebooks are generally favored for their streamlined user experience. Nevertheless, for users comfortable with system customization, this process can be an engaging project.

The result is dual access: both Chrome OS and a full desktop Linux environment, switchable via a designated hotkey – without the need for system restarts.

Installing Linux via Crouton

The initial step involves transitioning your Chromebook into developer mode. Following this, a desktop Linux system must be installed using Crouton. Detailed instructions for this process are available in our guide on installing Linux on your Chromebook with Crouton.

Installing and Running Minecraft on Linux

Once the Linux environment is established, the Java runtime needs to be installed. Subsequently, Minecraft can be downloaded and executed as a standard desktop Linux application. Refer to our guide on installing Minecraft on Linux for comprehensive instructions.

Switching to the Crouton system allows you to launch Minecraft. Alternating between Chrome OS and Linux is then possible using a keyboard shortcut.

While not as seamless as Alt+Tabbing on traditional operating systems, this method provides a viable gaming experience.

Hardware Considerations: ARM vs. Intel Chromebooks

Performance will vary depending on your Chromebook's processor. ARM-based Chromebooks, such as older Samsung models, lack graphics acceleration within the Linux environment. This results in significantly reduced performance for Minecraft.

Intel-based Chromebooks, utilizing Intel's integrated graphics, generally offer better compatibility and performance. Proprietary drivers for NVIDIA or AMD graphics cards typically aren't required.

Therefore, Intel-based Chromebooks are strongly recommended for a satisfactory Minecraft experience.

Installing Minecraft: Pocket Edition Using the Android Runtime on Chrome OS

Previously, utilizing Minecraft for Linux was the sole method for experiencing the game on a Chromebook. However, a new avenue has emerged. Google has been actively developing an Android runtime specifically for Chrome OS.

This runtime is engineered to enable the execution of any Android application directly within the Chrome OS environment. While currently in its developmental stages, official support is limited to a select number of applications.

The ARChon Solution

The Chrome OS community has responded proactively to this development. A customized runtime, known as ARChon, has been created.

Furthermore, tools are available to easily package any Android APK file into a Chrome app, facilitating installation on Chrome OS. Given that Minecraft: Pocket Edition is available as an Android app, it presents a viable candidate for execution on a Chromebook.

This approach represents a potential solution, and its functionality is expected to improve with ongoing development. Ideally, the Chrome runtime developers might collaborate with Minecraft’s creators.

Such collaboration could result in an officially packaged version of Minecraft’s Android app optimized for Chromebooks. However, Microsoft’s recent acquisition of Minecraft, coupled with their perceived lack of support for Chromebooks, may hinder this possibility.

Currently, users can attempt to install the ARChon runtime. Then, utilize a tool such as ARChon Packager on an Android phone to package the owned Minecraft: Pocket Edition application for installation on the Chromebook.

Past Challenges and Future Prospects

As of October 2014, attempts to run Minecraft: Pocket Edition on a Chromebook were unsuccessful. Reports indicated that newer versions of Minecraft for Android were incompatible with ARChon.

The expectation is that compatibility will improve over time, aligning with Google’s objective of enabling all Android applications to function seamlessly under Chrome OS. This would be a significant advancement for Chromebook users.

The benefit of this method, should it become fully functional, lies in the ability to run Minecraft directly within a window on the Chrome OS desktop, without the need for Developer Mode modifications.

It’s important to note that this would be the mobile Minecraft: Pocket Edition application, and not the full desktop version available on Linux. This distinction is crucial for understanding the limitations.

Alternative: Remote Desktop Streaming

Another possibility involves establishing a remote desktop connection. This would allow running Minecraft on a separate desktop PC and streaming the gameplay to the Chromebook.

However, the performance of this method may be suboptimal with the current remote desktop solutions available for Chrome OS. Chrome OS does not support Steam in-home streaming or NVIDIA GameStream.

These technologies would provide a more efficient streaming experience with reduced performance impact. Therefore, remote desktop streaming may not be the ideal solution for playing Minecraft on a Chromebook.

Image Credit: Kevin Jarrett on Flickr