Tutorial: How to Play Fortnite Using a Chromebook [4 Methods]

Introduction

Fortnite has taken the gaming world by storm, becoming one of the most popular battle royale games globally. However, if you own a Chromebook, you might have found that playing Fortnite isn’t as straightforward as it is on a Windows PC or a gaming console. Chromebooks, known for their simplicity and focus on web-based tasks, aren’t traditionally seen as gaming devices. But don’t worry—there are several ways you can play Fortnite on your Chromebook. This guide will walk you through the steps, ensuring you can drop into the action no matter what Chromebook you have.

What is Fortnite?

For those who might be new to the game, Fortnite is an action-packed battle royale game where 100 players fight it out on a colorful, dynamic map. The last person standing wins. It’s known for its unique building mechanics, fast-paced gameplay, and a vast array of skins and emotes that allow players to express themselves. But can Fortnite really be played on a Chromebook? Let's find out.

Understanding Chromebook's Limitations

Before diving into how to play Fortnite, it’s essential to understand the limitations of a Chromebook. Chromebooks run on Chrome OS, an operating system designed for lightweight computing, primarily focusing on web applications and cloud storage. Unlike Windows or macOS, Chrome OS doesn’t natively support many high-end games, including Fortnite.

This doesn’t mean it’s impossible to game on a Chromebook; it just requires a bit of creativity and the right tools. Chromebooks generally have less powerful hardware, which can be a challenge for resource-intensive games like Fortnite. However, with cloud gaming services and Linux support, there are ways to make it work.

Minimum Requirements for Playing Fortnite

Fortnite has specific hardware and software requirements to run smoothly. These include a good processor, decent RAM, and a capable graphics card. Chromebooks, especially the lower-end models, may not meet these requirements directly.

To check if your Chromebook can handle Fortnite, look into your device’s specifications. Typically, a Chromebook with at least 4GB of RAM and an Intel processor stands a better chance. If your Chromebook falls short, don’t worry—cloud gaming services and remote desktop options can bypass these limitations.

How to play Fortnite using a Chromebook [4 methods]

There are a number of ways to tackle how to play Fortnite with Chromebook, and below you'll see four different ways:

Method 1. Using the Epic Games Launcher via Linux

One way to play Fortnite on a Chromebook is by installing the Linux (Beta) environment and running the Epic Games Launcher through it. Here’s how you can do it:

Step 1. Enable Linux on Your Chromebook: Go to your settings and find the “Linux (Beta)” section. Enable it to set up a Linux environment on your Chromebook.

Step 2. Install the Epic Games Launcher: Once Linux is set up, download the Epic Games Launcher for Linux. Open the Terminal and follow the installation instructions.

Step 3. Run Fortnite: After installation, launch the Epic Games Launcher and install Fortnite. You can now play Fortnite on your Chromebook, though performance might vary based on your device’s specs.

Method 2. Using Xbox Cloud Gaming

Xbox Cloud Gaming (formerly known as Project xCloud) allows you to stream games, including Fortnite, directly to your Chromebook.

Step 1. Set Up Xbox Cloud Gaming: Visit the Xbox Cloud Gaming website and log in with your Microsoft account. You may need an Xbox Game Pass subscription to access the service.

Step 2. Launch Fortnite: Find Fortnite in the game library and start playing. Since it’s cloud-based, your Chromebook’s specs won’t matter as much, making this an excellent option for low-end devices.

Step 3. Pros and Cons: The main advantage is the minimal demand on your Chromebook’s hardware. However, a stable and fast internet connection is crucial for smooth gameplay.

Method 3. Using NVIDIA GeForce NOW

NVIDIA GeForce NOW is another powerful cloud gaming service that supports Fortnite.

Step 1. Set Up GeForce NOW: Create an account on the NVIDIA GeForce NOW website. Once you’ve signed up, you can access the service from your Chromebook’s browser.

Step 2. Play Fortnite: Search for Fortnite in the GeForce NOW library and start playing. This service streams the game to your Chromebook, making it possible to enjoy Fortnite even on less powerful devices.

Step 3. Benefits of GeForce NOW: It provides high-quality graphics and performance, as the heavy lifting is done on NVIDIA’s servers. However, like Xbox Cloud Gaming, it requires a strong internet connection.

Method 4. Playing Fortnite via Chrome Remote Desktop

If you have a powerful Windows or Mac PC at home, you can use Chrome Remote Desktop to play Fortnite on your Chromebook.

Step 1. Set Up Chrome Remote Desktop: Install Chrome Remote Desktop on both your Chromebook and the host computer. Set up remote access between the two devices.

Step 2. Access Your PC Remotely: Use your Chromebook to control your PC remotely. Launch Fortnite on the host PC and play it via your Chromebook.

Step 3. Pros and Cons: This method allows you to use the full power of your gaming PC while enjoying the portability of your Chromebook. The downside is that it relies heavily on a strong network connection and may introduce some latency.

AnyViewer: Best way to play Fortnite remotely

What if you want to play games on a more powerful machine, especially resource-intensive games like Fortnite? That's where AnyViewer comes in handy. AnyViewer is a remote access software that allows you to remotely control another computer from your device. This means you can play Fortnite remotely on a high-performance computer, but use the computer you downloaded Fortnite from as your screen and input device, effectively bypassing the hardware limitations of your device. Pretty cool, huh?

AnyViewer is easy to set up, a smooth experience, and ensures you play Fortnite with better graphics and performance even on less powerful devices. It's an excellent solution if you want to enhance your gaming experience without compromising on performance.

You can connect to your PC from anywhere, as long as both devices are online. Plus, AnyViewer supports cross-platform connections, so you can easily link your device to your Windows or Windows Server computer. Besides, you also can control your computer with your phone or tablet.

AnyViewer stands out as the top choice for remote gaming with its impressive features, including 4:4:4 color mode for exceptional visual accuracy, up to 60 FPS for smooth gameplay, and Ultra HD streaming for detailed, immersive graphics. It also offers convenient file transfer capabilities, multi-monitor support for better screen management, and the ability to connect to unlimited concurrent sessions, making it perfect for simultaneous gameplay or managing multiple gaming setups.

Step 1. On both your local and distant devices, begin by downloading and installing AnyViewer. Log in to your AnyViewer account on each device.

Step 2. On your local PC, select the remote computer where Fortnite is installed. Enable unattended access by clicking "One-click control."

Step 3. After setup, you can use the remote computer's mouse and keyboard to play Fortnite remotely, just as if you were physically there.

★Tips:

Versatility Beyond Gaming: AnyViewer is more than just a gaming tool; it provides a full remote access solution, including file transfer, mobile control, and screen sharing.

Limitless Access: With AnyViewer's free version, you can remotely access up to three devices without needing to be physically present. If you require control over more devices simultaneously, upgrading to the Professional or Enterprise plan offers advanced remote control features.

Ultra HD Display: Enhance your remote gaming experience by upgrading to Ultra High Quality, 4:4:4 True Color, and 60 FPS modes in AnyViewer for sharp, crystal-clear visuals.

Conclusion

Playing Fortnite on a Chromebook is not only possible but can be an enjoyable experience with the right tools and methods. By following this guide on how to play Fortnite using a Chromebook, you can choose the best method that suits your device and preferences. Whether you opt for Linux installation, cloud gaming, or remote desktop solutions like AnyViewer, each option ensures that you can dive into the action without major hiccups. Now that you know how to play Fortnite using a Chromebook, you're all set to enjoy the game on your terms.