In this guide, we'll walk you through the process of installing OSU! on your Chromebook. OSU! is a popular rhythm game that offers a challenging and entertaining experience for music enthusiasts. By following these steps, you'll be able to enjoy this game on your Chromebook, expanding its capabilities beyond typical Chrome OS applications.

Compatibility Check

Before we begin, it's important to note that this tutorial is specifically designed for Chromebooks with either an Intel or AMD CPU that support Linux Apps. Unfortunately, this method won't work on Chromebooks with an ARM64 architecture CPU. If you're unsure about your Chromebook's specifications, you can check our comprehensive list of Chromebooks with Linux Apps (Crostini) support.

Installation Process

The installation process involves using Flatpak, a next-generation technology for building and distributing desktop applications on Linux. Flatpak allows us to install OSU! in a sandboxed environment, ensuring system stability and security. Here are the steps to follow:

1. Update your system packages:

   sudo apt update

2. Install Flatpak:

   sudo apt install flatpak

3. Add the Flathub repository:

   sudo flatpak remote-add --if-not-exists flathub https://flathub.org/repo/flathub.flatpakrepo

4. Install OSU! using Flatpak:

   sudo flatpak install flathub sh.ppy.osu

5. Set the correct permissions for bwrap (bubblewrap), which is used by Flatpak for sandboxing:

   sudo chown root:root /usr/bin/bwrap && sudo chmod u+s /usr/bin/bwrap

These commands will download and install OSU! on your Chromebook. The last step is crucial for ensuring that the game runs correctly within the Flatpak environment.

Additional Resources

To assist you further in the installation process, we've prepared a Google Doc with detailed instructions and screenshots. This document can be particularly helpful if you prefer a visual guide alongside the written instructions.

About OSU! and Flatpak

OSU! is a free-to-play rhythm game that challenges players to tap, slide, and spin their way through various songs. Its popularity stems from its vast library of user-created content and its competitive online community.

We're using Flatpak to install OSU! because it provides several advantages:

• Sandboxed environment for better security
• Easy updates and dependency management
• Consistent runtime environment across different Linux distributions

You can find more information about the Flatpak version of OSU! on the Flathub page.

For the latest news, updates, and to engage with the OSU! community, visit the official OSU! website.

Troubleshooting Tips

If you encounter any issues during the installation or while running OSU!, here are a few things to try:

• Ensure your Chromebook's Linux environment is up-to-date by running sudo apt update && sudo apt upgrade
• Check that your Chromebook has enough free storage space
• If the game doesn't launch, try restarting your Chromebook
• Make sure your Chromebook's graphics drivers are up-to-date

If you're still experiencing problems, don't hesitate to reach out to us via a YouTube comment. We're here to help!

Video Tutorial

For a visual walkthrough of the installation process, check out our video tutorial above. It provides a step-by-step guide that complements the written instructions in this post.

Conclusion

Installing OSU! on your Chromebook opens up a world of rhythmic gaming fun. By following these steps, you've expanded the capabilities of your device and joined a vibrant gaming community. Remember to explore the vast library of user-created content and maybe even try your hand at creating your own beatmaps!

If you're in the market for a new Chromebook or looking to upgrade, be sure to check out our Chromebook comparison and Buyers Guide. It can help you find the perfect device for your needs, including ones that are well-suited for gaming and Linux applications.