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3 Ways to Play PC Games on Android
What to Know
- Using emulation: Install an emulator like Winlator on your phone, then download and play any DRM-free game.
- Using game streaming: Stream your games using a service like GeForce Now.
- Using ports: Open Google Play, then search for the game you want to play to see if a port is available.
Can You Play PC Games on Android?
You can’t install a PC game directly on an Android device because of hardware and operating system differences, but there are a few ways to get around those issues.
Here are the best ways to play PC games on Android:
-
Emulation: This flexible option is also the most complicated. It requires a PC emulator and the files for the game you want to play. The emulator runs directly on your Android device, so you don’t need a gaming PC to use this method.
- Streaming: This is the easiest way to play PC games on Android, and it allows you to play PC games you already own on your phone, tablet, and various other Android devices. The downside of this method is that it requires a PC to run the game and stream it to your Android device.
- Ports: The easiest way to play PC games on Android is to look for games officially ported to Android. These official ports started as PC games but have been modified and optimized for Android hardware. The selection is limited, but there isn’t any complicated setup or configuration process, and you don’t need additional hardware.
How to Emulate PC Games on Android
Emulation is a process where an app designed for a specific operating system or hardware can run under a different operating system or hardware with the help of an emulator app. In this case, emulating a PC game on Android requires a PC emulator that’s designed to run on Android. Emulation isn’t perfect, so some PC games run on emulators just fine, and others don’t. You may find that the game you want to play works with one emulator and not with others, doesn’t run at all, or requires additional configuration to get it working.
Several options for emulating PC games on Android include Exagear, Winlator, and Box64.
Note:
Before you proceed, you will need to obtain PC games to use with this method from sources that don't include digital rights management (DRM) or look for free PC games, and then transfer the game files to the downloads folder on your Android device.
\Here’s how to play PC games on Android using Winlator:
Navigate to the Winlator repository on Github and download Winlator_x.x.apk.
Open the Winlator_x.x.apk file on your Android device.
Tap Install.
Tap Open.
Tap Allow.
Allow Winlator to download and install the .obb file.
Tip:
You can also tap menu > settings, scroll to the bottom, and install the .obb file there.
Tap the + icon to create a new container.
Adjust the settings as necessary, then tap the check mark.
Note:
You may need to try different settings to get your game to work, as different games require different settings.
Tap the ⋮ icon (three vertical dots) > Run.
Select Computer > D.
Note:
Winlator will automatically find any games you placed in the Downloads folder on your Android.
Locate the game you want to play, and tap the executable (.exe) file.
The game will launch.
How to Stream PC Games on Android
This method requires a PC or a game streaming service to run the game, which is then streamed to your Android device via your local network or internet connection. If you’re a Steam gamer with a gaming PC, you can use the Steam Link app to stream your Steam games to your Android device for free. Other game streaming options like GeForce Now, Amazon Luna, and Xbox Game Pass require a subscription.
Here’s how to play PC games on Android with GeForce Now:
Note:
If you don’t already have a controller set up, connect a gamepad to your Android device before you get started. You’ll need a controller to play your games.
Download and install GeForce now on your Android device.
Get GeForce Now from Google Play
Open GeForce Now on your Android, and tap AGREE & CONTINUE.
Tap the profile icon.
Select a login method to create your account, or select the method associated with your existing account.
Tap Play Now.
Tap Connect your store accounts.
Tap CONNECT next to the store you want to connect.
Log into the service you selected, and authorize the connection.
Tap the menu icon (three horizontal lines).
Note:
You can also connect additional stores at this time if you like.
Tap Games.
Tap the game you want to play.
Tap Play.
How to Play PC Ports on Android
Some PC games are also available on Android, either as simultaneous releases or older games that receive a port later. Most PC games aren’t available in this manner, but a surprising number of options are available. These games are typically available through the Google Play Store and run directly on your Android device, so this is the simplest, easiest way to play PC games on Android.
To play a PC port on Android:
Open Google Play, and search for the title of the game you’re looking for.
If that game is available, it will appear in the search results.
Select the game.
Tap Buy or Get.
Install and play the game.
