How to Install & Play GTA San Andreas Multiplayer (SAMP) on Linux/Chromebook with PlayOnLinux 4.4 (2025)


If you are a fan of the legendary Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas and want to relive the multiplayer chaos of SAMP (San Andreas Multiplayer) in 2025, you’ll be glad to know that it’s possible to run it on Linux and Chromebook devices. Thanks to PlayOnLinux 4.4, you can install GTA SA, set up SAMP, and enjoy the online community without needing a native Windows machine.

In this guide, I’ll walk you through the installation process step by step, including both package installation and a ready-to-play download method.


Why PlayOnLinux?

PlayOnLinux is a frontend for Wine, designed to make installing and managing Windows applications much easier. Instead of dealing with raw Wine commands, PlayOnLinux provides a graphical interface where you can set up environments (Wine prefixes) for each game or program.

With the release of PlayOnLinux 4.4 in 2025, compatibility and performance for older titles like GTA SA have improved, making it an excellent choice for running SAMP smoothly.


Step 1: Update Your Linux or Chromebook Environment

First, make sure your Linux (or Linux on Chromebook) is up-to-date. Run:

sudo apt update

This command refreshes the list of available packages and their versions to ensure you’re downloading the latest updates.


Step 2: Download GTA SA + SAMP Package

You don’t need to install GTA SA or SAMP manually — everything is already packed and ready to go. Just download the prepared game files from the link below:

🔗 Download GTA SA + SAMP Files

Once downloaded:

  1. Extract the ZIP file using your Chromebook’s built-in file manager.
  2. Move the extracted folder into your Linux files directory.

This makes it easy to point PlayOnLinux directly to the game files later.


Step 3: Install Flatpak

Flatpak is a universal package manager that makes it simple to install software across different Linux distributions. Install it with:

sudo apt install flatpak

Step 4: Add the Flathub Repository

Flathub is the most popular repository for Flatpak applications. Add it to your system using:

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

This ensures you can access a wide range of apps, including PlayOnLinux.


Step 5: Install PlayOnLinux 4.4

Now install PlayOnLinux directly from Flathub:

sudo flatpak install flathub com.playonlinux.PlayOnLinux4

Once installed, you can find PlayOnLinux in your applications menu. Launch it to set up Wine environments.


Step 6: Add GTA SA + SAMP to PlayOnLinux

  1. Open PlayOnLinux.
  2. Click Install a Non-listed Program.
  3. Create a new 32-bit Wine environment (required for GTA SA).
  4. When asked for the installer, instead of running setup, browse and select the extracted GTA SA + SAMP folder.
  5. Add the gta_sa.exe or samp.exe file as the program launcher.

Now GTA SA and SAMP are both registered inside PlayOnLinux.


Step 7: Configure and Play

  • If you notice performance drops, enable Virtual Desktop Mode in Wine settings.
  • Lower resolutions and disable extra graphical effects for better FPS.
  • Mods can be added into the same GTA SA directory inside PlayOnLinux.

Once configured, you’re ready to join multiplayer servers, chat with friends, and enjoy the full SAMP experience.


Final Thoughts

Running GTA San Andreas Multiplayer on Linux/Chromebook with PlayOnLinux 4.4 (2025) is easier than ever with this method. You can either install GTA SA the traditional way or use the ready-to-play GTA SA + SAMP package for faster setup.

Even after two decades, SAMP remains a fun, community-driven experience. Whether you’re joining roleplay servers, racing groups, or classic freeroam chaos, the multiplayer spirit of GTA San Andreas is still alive—and now it runs smoothly on Linux.


Post a Comment

0 Comments