RPG Maker VX will not run directly on a Chromebook
RPG Maker VX is Windows-only software. Chromebooks run Chrome OS, which does not support Windows programs. You cannot install VX on a Chromebook the way you would on a Windows laptop, and no official version exists for Chrome OS or Linux.
If you want to make RPG Maker games on a Chromebook, you have three realistic paths: use a remote desktop to access a Windows computer elsewhere, switch to RPG Maker MV or MZ (which have web-based versions), or use a different game engine altogether that runs natively on Chrome OS.
The choice depends on whether you already own VX, whether you need to work offline, and how much you want to spend on new software.
Key Takeaways
- RPG Maker VX requires Windows and cannot be installed on Chrome OS, even with workarounds like Wine or virtual machines.
- Remote desktop software like Chrome Remote Desktop lets you run VX on a Chromebook if you have access to a Windows PC elsewhere, but you need an internet connection and the Windows machine must stay powered on.
- RPG Maker MV and MZ both have browser-based editors that work on Chromebooks without needing Windows at all.
- Free game engines like Godot and Ren'Py run natively on Chrome OS and are better choices if you do not already own RPG Maker software.
Why VX does not work on Chromebooks
RPG Maker VX was built for Windows using DirectX, a graphics system that only exists on Windows. Chrome OS does not include DirectX, and Chromebooks do not have the ability to run Windows software directly. Even if you could somehow copy the VX files to a Chromebook, the operating system would not know what to do with them.
Some people try workarounds like Wine (a Windows compatibility layer for Linux) or virtual machines that run Windows inside Chrome OS. These do not work on Chromebooks because Chrome OS does not allow the kind of low-level system access that Wine and virtual machines need. Chromebooks are locked down by design — they prioritize security and battery life over the ability to run arbitrary software.
If you own VX and want to use it, you need either a Windows computer or a way to access one remotely.
Using Chrome Remote Desktop to access VX on a Windows PC
Chrome Remote Desktop is a free tool built into Chrome that lets you control another computer from your Chromebook. If you have a Windows PC at home or at an office, you can use it to run RPG Maker VX on that machine while sitting at your Chromebook.
To set this up: install Chrome Remote Desktop on your Windows PC (search "Chrome Remote Desktop" in the Chrome Web Store), sign in with the same Google account on both machines, and enable remote access on the Windows PC. Then open Chrome Remote Desktop on your Chromebook, select the Windows PC from the list, and you will see the Windows desktop on your Chromebook screen. You can then open RPG Maker VX and work normally.
The catch is that your Windows PC must be powered on and connected to the internet. If you are away from home or the PC shuts down, you cannot work. The connection also depends on your internet speed — if your connection is slow or unstable, the remote desktop will lag and feel sluggish. For short work sessions or when you are in the same building as the Windows PC, this works well. For full-time development, it is frustrating.
Switching to RPG Maker MV or MZ instead
If you do not already own VX, RPG Maker MV and RPG Maker MZ are newer versions that work on Chromebooks. Both have web-based editors that run inside your Chrome browser — no installation needed. You can start a project on your Chromebook, save it to the cloud, and pick it up on any other device.
MV and MZ use JavaScript instead of VX's Ruby scripting language, so if you have VX experience, there is a learning curve. The game-making process is similar — you still place tiles, create events, and build maps the same way — but the underlying code is different. Both versions have large communities and plenty of tutorials online.
MZ is the current version and receives updates. MV is older but still fully functional and often cheaper if you find it on sale. If you are starting fresh and want to work on a Chromebook without workarounds, MZ is the straightforward choice.
Free game engines that run natively on Chromebooks
If you do not want to pay for RPG Maker at all, Godot and Ren'Py are free engines that run on Chrome OS. Godot is a general-purpose game engine good for any genre, including RPGs. Ren'Py is specialized for visual novels and story-heavy games but can handle RPG-style mechanics.
Both have steeper learning curves than RPG Maker — you will write more code and have fewer built-in tools for map design. But both have active communities, free tutorials, and no licensing fees. If you are willing to learn programming, Godot especially is powerful enough to make commercial games.
The trade-off is time: RPG Maker gets you making a playable game faster because it handles the boring parts for you. Godot and Ren'Py give you more control but require more work upfront.
Comparing your options side by side
| Option | Cost | Works on Chromebook | Requires Windows PC | Offline work |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| RPG Maker VX (remote desktop) | Already owned | Via remote access | Yes, must be on | No |
| RPG Maker MZ | $60–$80 | Yes, in browser | No | Yes |
| Godot | Free | Yes, native | No | Yes |
| Ren'Py | Free | Yes, native | No | Yes |
What to do if you already own VX
If you have already bought RPG Maker VX and want to keep using it, remote desktop is your only option on a Chromebook. The setup takes about 10 minutes, and it works reliably as long as your Windows PC is available and your internet is stable.
If you find remote desktop too slow or inconvenient, consider whether upgrading to MZ makes sense for your situation. MZ costs money upfront but eliminates the need for a Windows PC and lets you work offline. Some people buy MZ specifically because they switched to a Chromebook and wanted to stop depending on a desktop machine.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use Wine or a virtual machine to run VX on a Chromebook?
No. Chromebooks do not allow the system-level access that Wine and virtual machines need. Chrome OS is designed to block these kinds of workarounds for security reasons. You cannot install either one on a Chromebook.
Will RPG Maker VX work if I use a Chromebook with Linux support?
Some Chromebooks can run Linux apps in a container. However, VX is still Windows-only and does not have a Linux version. Linux support on Chromebooks does not solve this problem. Remote desktop remains your only option.
Is RPG Maker MZ the same as VX?
No. MZ is newer and uses different code (JavaScript instead of Ruby). The game-making process is similar, but scripts and plugins are not compatible. If you have VX projects, you cannot open them directly in MZ — you would need to rebuild them.
Can I play RPG Maker games on a Chromebook?
Yes. Games made with RPG Maker MV and MZ can be played in a web browser on any Chromebook. Games made with VX can also be played on a Chromebook if they are exported as web versions, though the original VX editor itself cannot run on Chrome OS.
What if I do not have a Windows PC for remote desktop?
Then remote desktop is not an option. Your choices are to buy RPG Maker MZ (which works on Chromebooks), use a free engine like Godot, or borrow access to someone else's Windows PC. If you do not already own VX, MZ or a free engine is the simpler path.