Fortnite remains one of the most popular games in the world, and therefore it is essential for some people to have a platform where they can play this game.
However, situations vary, and sometimes you have a device at hand on which it's not that easy to play certain games, including Fortnite. An example of such a device is a Chromebook. In this article, you will learn how to play Fortnite on a Chromebook.
Can you download and play Fortnite on a Chromebook?
Chromebook is quite a specific series of devices designed to run web applications and operate on the ChromeOS, which does not support most standard PC or console games. Additionally, Fortnite is not available on Google Play for Chromebooks.
This becomes a primary issue for users who are constrained to this device but wish to play Fortnite. However, there is a way out, and we will tell you several methods on how to play Fortnite on a Chromebook.
Method 1: How to play Fortnite on a Chromebook using NVIDIA GeForce NOW
The simplest and most reliable way to play Fortnite on a Chromebook is to use the NVIDIA GeForce NOW cloud gaming system. With GeForce NOW, you do not need a powerful device, as the game runs on NVIDIA servers, and you simply stream the game to your Chromebook.
Here's a step-by-step guide:
- Create a GeForce NOW account. Go to the NVIDIA GeForce NOW website and create a free account. You can choose a paid subscription for enhanced performance and fewer limitations, but the free tier is suitable for most Fortnite players.
- Install the GeForce NOW web app. Once logged in, you need to install the GeForce NOW web app on your Chromebook.
- Open Chrome and go to the GeForce NOW site.
- Click on the "three dots" menu in the upper right corner of Chrome.
- Select “Install GeForce NOW” from the dropdown menu. This will add the GeForce NOW app to your Chromebook for convenient and fast access.
- Link your Epic Games account. You will need to link your Epic Games account with GeForce NOW to access Fortnite. When you launch GeForce NOW, find the game Fortnite and log into your Epic Games account when prompted.
- Launch Fortnite and start playing. Now you're all set to play. Thanks to Fortnite on GeForce NOW, you can play with smooth performance and minimal lag, as long as you have a stable internet connection.
Method 2: How to play Fortnite on a Chromebook using Xbox Cloud Gaming
This method is similar to the previous one, albeit using a different cloud gaming platform, specifically Xbox Cloud Gaming, and you don't need a subscription. You can play Fortnite on a Chromebook through the browser.
Step 1: Sign in to Xbox Cloud Gaming
- Open the Chrome browser and go to xbox.com/play.
- Log into your Microsoft account or create one first.
Step 2. Launch Fortnite
- Once you log into your account, find Fortnite in the game catalog.
- Launch Fortnite directly in the browser.
Additional details about cloud gaming on Chromebook:
You can use any other cloud gaming services that support launching EGS games to run Fortnite on a Chromebook.
To play Fortnite smoothly via GeForce NOW, you need to have a good internet connection (at least 100 Mbps). Otherwise, you may experience high latency (ping), poor graphics, or get disconnected from the gaming session.
Although GeForce NOW offers a free tier, a paid version of this or another service would be more beneficial. However, it will incur additional monthly expenses.
Method 3: How to play Fortnite using Chrome Remote Desktop
If you have access to another PC (laptop) or Mac that can install and run Fortnite without issues, you can use Chrome Remote Desktop to stream the game from the computer to your Chromebook.
This method is not as reliable and seamless as GeForce NOW, but it works if you have another device nearby.
Step-by-step guide to launching Fortnite via Chrome Remote Desktop:
- Set up Chrome Remote Desktop on both devices. Install Chrome Remote Desktop on both your Chromebook and the computer with Fortnite installed. Follow the setup instructions to connect the two devices.
- Launch Fortnite on your PC/Mac. Open Fortnite on your computer as you usually would.
- Stream to your Chromebook. Once connected through Chrome Remote Desktop, you can control your PC/Mac from your Chromebook. This allows you to play Fortnite on your Chromebook by streaming the game from another device.
- Use a gamepad for a better experience. While this method enables you to play Fortnite on a Chromebook, controlling the game with a keyboard and mouse via Chrome Remote Desktop may be inconvenient. If possible, use a gamepad for more adaptive gameplay.
Although this method is quite simple, it is not very suitable since having another gaming device at home makes it easier to play on that device. This might be appropriate if you're away from home, but someone would need to turn on your computer for you to implement this method.
Method 4: How to play Fortnite using Linux (Crostini) on a Chromebook
For advanced users, there is another way to run Fortnite on a Chromebook using Linux (Crostini). This method requires more effort but can provide a more direct path for running the game.
Step-by-step guide:
- Enable Linux on your Chromebook. Open your Chromebook's settings and go to the "Linux (Beta)" section. Enable Linux and set it up by following the on-screen instructions.
- Download and install Wine. Wine is a software that allows running Windows applications on Linux. Install Wine by entering specific commands in the terminal (detailed instructions can be found online, depending on your Chromebook model).
- Download Epic Games Launcher. After installing Wine, download the Epic Games Launcher from the official website. Run the installer using Wine, and the Epic Games Launcher will install on your Linux system.
- Install Fortnite and run the game. Open the Epic Games Launcher and download Fortnite as you would on a Windows PC. Be prepared for the performance to not be as smooth as with other methods, but this option is suitable for those who like to experiment with Linux.
Limitations of this method:
— Not all Chromebooks support Linux. However, even so, these methods do not guarantee a smooth gaming experience.
— This method may be somewhat difficult for users who do not know Linux and cannot use it.
Method 5: How to install Fortnite on a Chromebook via the Android mobile app
Some Chromebooks that support the Google Play Store can run Android apps, and theoretically, you can try to install the mobile version of Fortnite. However, there are significant limitations, so this method may work unstably. Additionally, the method is somewhat longer than the previous one and also not possible everywhere.
Step 1: Enable Google Play Store on your Chromebook
- Go to your Chromebook’s Settings.
- Scroll down and find Google Play Store, click Enable if it is not already activated.
Step 2: Install the Epic Games app
- Open the Google Play Store and find the Epic Games app.
- Download and install it.
- After installation, open the app and install Fortnite through the Epic Games app.
Step 3: Launch Fortnite
- Open the Epic Games app and log into your account.
- Launch the game.
Tips for playing Fortnite on a Chromebook
Use a good internet connection
Since most of these methods rely on streaming, having a fast and stable internet connection is crucial to playing without lag.
Optimize settings
Even if you are playing on a Chromebook, you can still adjust in-game settings to prioritize performance over graphics. Lowering settings such as texture quality or resolution can significantly improve game speed and connection stability.
Try a Bluetooth gamepad
If you find it uncomfortable to play with a keyboard and mouse, connect a Bluetooth gamepad to your Chromebook. It will be much easier than using the keyboard and mouse of the device itself.
Is it worth playing Fortnite on a Chromebook?
If a Chromebook is your primary and only device, these methods are a great way to enjoy Fortnite without needing a gaming PC or console.
Of all the presented methods, playing through a cloud service is the best, provided you have a stable internet connection. All other options will have worse smoothness and performance. Otherwise, playing on a Chromebook is not feasible since it is not a gaming platform.
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