If you own a Chromebook and you’re itching to play League of Legends, you’re not alone. With Chromebooks becoming increasingly popular for students, remote workers, and budget-conscious users, many wonder if Riot’s iconic MOBA can run on these lightweight machines. The short answer is: not natively—but there are workarounds.
Why League Doesn’t Run on Chromebook by Default
League of Legends is a Windows-based game designed for traditional desktop operating systems. Chromebooks, by contrast, run on ChromeOS, which is built for web-based applications and Android apps—not full-blown PC games.
The League client doesn’t have a native ChromeOS version, and you can’t install .exe files (Windows applications) directly on a Chromebook. That means you won’t be able to just download the client from Riot’s site and start playing.
Workaround #1: Use Linux Mode (Crostini)
Some Chromebooks support Linux (Beta), also known as Crostini. This lets you install a Linux environment and run desktop Linux apps.
To try this:
- enable Linux mode from your Chromebook’s settings
- install Wine, a compatibility layer for running Windows apps
- attempt to install the League client through Wine
However, performance is often poor, installation can be buggy, and updates may break compatibility. Unless you’re experienced with Linux and troubleshooting, this method is not ideal for most players.
Workaround #2: Use Cloud Gaming Services
A more practical option is using a cloud gaming platform. Services like:
- NVIDIA GeForce NOW (which supports League of Legends)
- Boosteroid or Shadow PC (if available in your region)
These platforms stream the game to your Chromebook through the browser, meaning your device doesn’t need to meet League’s specs—just a solid internet connection.
GeForce NOW, for example, allows you to log into your Riot account and play League from a remote gaming PC. All you need is:
- a Chromebook with a supported browser
- a decent keyboard and mouse
- fast, stable internet
For many, this is the easiest and most reliable way to play League on a Chromebook.
Final Thoughts
Can you play on a Chromebook? Not out of the box—but with the right tools, yes. Whether through Linux setups or cloud gaming, it’s possible to enjoy the Rift from a Chromebook screen. Just be aware that performance, latency, and compatibility can vary.
If you’re serious about climbing ranked, a proper gaming PC or laptop is still the way to go. But if you’re just looking to squeeze in a few ARAMs during study breaks, your Chromebook might just do the trick.
Written by:
Christian