How to install 0 A.D. on a Chromebook

In this guide, we'll walk you through the process of installing 0 A.D. on your Chromebook using Linux apps (Crostini). This powerful, open-source strategy game brings historical warfare to life, and thanks to Linux support on Chromebooks, you can enjoy it with just a few simple commands.

What is 0 A.D.?

0 A.D. (pronounced "zero ey-dee") is a free, open-source, historical real-time strategy game currently under development by Wildfire Games. The game focuses on the period between 500 B.C. and 500 A.D., covering ancient civilizations such as the Romans, Greeks, Carthaginians, Persians, and many others. It features detailed graphics, complex economic systems, and engaging military tactics that rival commercial RTS games.

What makes 0 A.D. particularly appealing is that it's completely free with no in-app purchases, runs well on modest hardware (perfect for Chromebooks), and is actively maintained by a dedicated community of developers. Whether you're a history enthusiast or simply enjoy strategy games, 0 A.D. offers hours of engaging gameplay.

Prerequisites

Before we begin, you'll need to ensure that your Chromebook supports Linux apps (Crostini). Most modern Chromebooks released after 2019 include this feature, but you can verify your device's compatibility by checking our complete list of Chromebooks with Linux Apps (Crostini) support.

If you haven't already enabled Linux on your Chromebook, you can do so by going to Settings > Advanced > Developers > Linux development environment and clicking "Turn On."

Video Tutorial

Follow along with the video above for a visual walkthrough of the installation process. The video demonstrates each step in real-time, making it easy to follow along on your own device.

Installation Instructions

The installation process for 0 A.D. is straightforward and only requires two commands. Let's break down what each command does:

Step 1: Update Your Package Lists

First, we need to update the package lists to ensure we're installing the latest version available in the repositories. This command contacts the Debian repositories and refreshes the local database of available packages and their versions.

sudo apt update

Step 2: Install 0 A.D.

Next, we'll install 0 A.D. itself. The apt package manager will automatically handle all dependencies and install everything needed to run the game.

sudo apt install 0ad

During installation, you may be prompted to confirm the download size and installation. Simply type 'Y' and press Enter to proceed. The download size is approximately 600-800 MB depending on dependencies, so ensure you have adequate storage space and a stable internet connection.

Launching the Game

Once the installation is complete, you can launch 0 A.D. in several ways:

• Open your Chromebook's launcher and look for "0 A.D." in the Linux apps folder
• Type 0ad in the Linux terminal to launch it from the command line

The first launch may take a moment as the game initializes its settings and creates necessary configuration files. Subsequent launches will be faster.

Performance Tips

While 0 A.D. is designed to run on modest hardware, you can optimize performance on your Chromebook by:

• Adjusting graphics settings within the game's options menu - start with medium settings and adjust based on performance
• Closing unnecessary Chrome tabs and Android apps before playing to free up system resources
• Ensuring your Chromebook is plugged in, as performance mode typically activates when connected to power
• Starting with smaller maps and fewer AI opponents if you experience lag

Additional Resources

For more information about 0 A.D., including gameplay guides, modding resources, and community forums, visit the official 0 A.D. website.

We've also prepared a Google Doc with these commands for easy reference during installation.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

If you encounter any issues during installation or gameplay:

• Installation fails: Ensure your Linux container is up to date by running sudo apt update && sudo apt upgrade
• Game won't launch: Try restarting your Linux container by right-clicking the Terminal icon and selecting "Shut down Linux"
• Graphics issues: Update your Chromebook to the latest version of Chrome OS, as graphics drivers are included in system updates
• Audio problems: Check that Linux apps have permission to access audio in your Chromebook settings

Need Help?

If you have any questions or run into issues following this guide, please leave a comment on the YouTube video and we'll be happy to assist you. We regularly monitor comments and respond to technical questions.

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