It also works on Chrome OS, which opens the door to many more titles. If you do have a Windows PC, as I did, streaming over your local network is also an option, but even better is support for Proton, the compatibility layer that allows Windows games to be supported on Linux, and which has been a key point for the Steam Deck. I could easily install Portal, Stardew Valley, and Cities: Skylines, but many other games in my library only support Windows such as Risk of Rain 2, Satisfactory, Raft, Subnautica, and Star Wars: Squadrons, which meant I had to go to greater lengths to install those.Īpproximately half of my personal Steam library was available to play on Chrome OS. There’s an obvious limitation here, with only games that support Linux being installable by default. Notably, installing Steam didn’t require me to turn on Linux support in the Settings menu, which hints that this might be a little more user-friendly than the existing Linux app integration.Īfter setup is complete, you’ll be prompted to sign into Steam, and from there you can download games in your library, or buy new ones. But when it boots up, it’s the same native app that you’d find on other platforms. Once installed, Steam for Chrome OS sits in the app drawer alongside Chrome, system apps, Android apps, and web apps. As it stands today, Steam for Chrome OS is not for the average Joe, but it does give us a peek into an exciting future for the platform.

Installing Steam for Chrome OS is a bit of a hassle at this moment, as you’ll need a compatible high-end and modern Chromebook, as well as the Chrome OS Dev Channel which is subject to stability issues. It’s an official port of one of the most popular storefronts for PC gaming. Steam for Chrome OS is exactly what the name implies.

Why does anyone need Steam on Chrome OS?.

Ok, but do PC games actually work on a Chromebook?.

Steam chrome os