Minecraft is, without a doubt, one of the world’s most popular games. Minecraft created a new form of gaming genre called sandbox games after its release, where players could build, change, or even destroy their world. This article upholds the fact how to install and play Minecraft on Chromebook.
The game was later developed for a range of platforms including Windows, Linux, MacOS, Android, iOS, and more. However, many years have passed; still, the game was not available on Chrome OS. But there is nothing to worry about since Chrome OS has received support for Linux.
Also Read: How to Install Chrome OS on Your PC
Today you can easily install Minecraft on your Chromebook and play. So, let’s go ahead and discover the steps to install Minecraft on a Chromebook using Linux.
Selecting a Chromebook to Play Minecraft
Most people buy a Chromebook just to play Minecraft, believe it or not.
Intel HD Graphics will run the game on a smooth 30FPS and even on older laptops. If you own an older model, with an Intel Pentium or Celeron processor, you’ll typically have 2 GB of RAM. This is good and runs the game at about 30-40FPS smoothly.
Features a Chromebook Must Have to Play Minecraft
If you’re looking for a new Chromebook, you’ll notice that many newer devices now come with 4GB of RAM. This is a brand new standard, and it’s great for getting the best FPS out of your device. They are still loaded with Intel HD graphics, but they have new and faster chips, so you can play the game like butter.
If you are planning to buy a laptop and you want to play Minecraft easily, then I would suggest that you buy a Chromebook made in 2017 or beyond. This is because all models made from 2017 onwards have the ability to run Google Play Store apps by default.
They also have better specifications than older versions, and they are frequently updated, to play games better. You can run the game on newer models with a stunning silky-smooth 60FPS. A fitting example would be an Intel Core m3 processor which is powered by the ASUS Flip 2. It has 4 GB of RAM to back up.
Such new laptops have ample processing power and RAM to make the game without a hitch. If you possess a newer Chromebook, you should consider yourself lucky.
List of Chromebooks that Run Minecraft
If you need a quick list of some of the finest models to play the game, here they are:
- Acer Chromebook 14 (CB3-431-C5FM)
- Acer Chromebook 15 (CB5-571-C09S)
- ASUS Chromebook Flip C302
- Acer R11 (CB5-132T-C32M)
- Lenovo N23
- Acer 11 (CB3-131-C3SZ)
How to Install Minecraft on Chromebook
Before I begin, there are a few things that I want to make clear. Chromebook will run your Minecraft, and you don’t have to switch to the Developer Mode and install Crouton for that.
Having said all that, let’s move ahead and learn how to install Minecraft on Chromebook.
1. Install the Most Updated Version of Linux
Before going forward, make sure you have Linux installed on your Chromebook. Since the past few months, Google is running a much improved Linux on Chrome OS. They brought many of the features like GPU acceleration to the stable channel.
So, just move ahead and activate it. It brings a day and night difference in the gameplay by making it a lot more placid.
2. Download and Install the Debian Version of Minecraft
Next, download the file called Minecraft.deb (Debian/Ubuntu) from the official website. Then, double-click on the file that you have downloaded and hit the “Install” button. In a few minutes, your Chromebook will have Minecraft installed.
3. Check for the Minecraft Launcher
Now, explore the Linux Folder out of the App Drawer, and you will see “Minecraft Launcher”. Open it up and voila, there you have it. Minecraft performs out of the box on Chrome OS without any tampering.
4. For Any Installation Error Occurs, Manually Install Jdk via Terminal
If you experience any installation errors, run the Linux command “sudo apt-get install openjdk-13-jdk” and manually install the Java Development Kit on your Chromebook via terminal. Then install the Minecraft.deb file as usual.
How to Play Minecraft on Chromebook
Due to the improved performance of Linux on Chrome OS, the bug called mouse-capture on Minecraft on the Chromebook is nearly gone. This has enhanced the responsiveness of the game, and you can also change the mouse sensitivity as per your will.
Now, after the successful installation of the Minecraft game on your Chromebook, its time to play it. Here, are the steps to be followed to experience the butter-smooth performance of Minecraft.
1. Download the Latest Version of Minecraft
Log in to your Minecraft account, download the latest version and install updates yourself. Upon launch, the app will close automatically. So, open it again in the app drawer.
2. Fasten the Mouse Sensitivity through Mouse Settings Option
The game works fine with WASD button controls, but the mouse sensitivity is slightly lower. To fix this problem, click Option > Mouse Settings and change the sensitivity to Fast. Now be ready to play Minecraft smoothly, without any hassle on your Chromebook.
Conclusion
This is my guide on how to install and play Minecraft on Chromebook. Advanced Linux (Beta) seems to have improved the overall situation of Linux applications and Chrome OS games. The best thing is that your Chromebook does not require any changes to be made from your end.
Everything is built into the Linux system, including packages and dependencies. Also, GPU acceleration can make a huge difference in gameplay. However, this is all from me. Enjoy gaming Minecraft on your Chromebook.
