How to Play PvZ2 Gardendless on Chromebook Using Docker

WilgufTech January 05, 2026


PvZ2 Gardendless is a fan-made reimagining of Plants vs. Zombies 2, built entirely with modern web technologies. Unlike the official Android version, this edition can run directly in a browser, making it surprisingly suitable for Chromebook users—especially when combined with Linux (Crostini) and Docker.

This guide explains how to run PvZ2 Gardendless on a Chromebook using Docker, including the exact commands you need and common Chromebook-specific notes.

What Is PvZ2 Gardendless?

PvZ2 Gardendless is a community project that recreates the PvZ2 experience without in-app purchases or mobile limitations. It runs as a web application packaged inside a Docker container, which makes it portable across Windows, Linux, macOS, and Chrome OS (via Linux).

Key features:

  • Runs in a web browser (Chrome, Edge, Firefox)
  • No Android emulator required
  • Lightweight compared to mobile emulation
  • Ideal for Chromebook experimentation

Requirements

Before starting, make sure your Chromebook meets the following requirements:

  • Chromebook with Linux (Crostini) enabled
  • Stable internet connection
  • Basic familiarity with Linux Terminal

Step 1: Enable Linux on Chromebook

  1. Open Settings on your Chromebook.
  2. Scroll down to About Chrome OS.
  3. Under the Developer section, select Enable.
  4. Allocate at least 10GB of storage for Linux.
  5. Wait until the setup is complete and the Linux terminal appears.

Step 2: Update Linux Packages

Open the Linux Terminal and run:

sudo apt update

This ensures your system packages are up to date before installing Docker.

Step 3: Install Docker on Chromebook

Install Docker using the official Debian package:

sudo apt install docker.io -y

Once installed, start and enable the Docker service:

sudo systemctl start docker
sudo systemctl enable docker

Step 4: Fix Docker Permission (Important)

By default, Docker requires root access. To avoid typing sudo every time, add your user to the Docker group:

sudo usermod -aG docker $USER

⚠️ Important: You must restart Linux or reboot your Chromebook after this step for the permission change to take effect.

Step 5: Run PvZ2 Gardendless Docker Container

After Linux restarts, open Terminal again and run:

sudo docker run --name pvzge -d -p 8080:80 gaozih/pvzge:latest

Docker will download the PvZ2 Gardendless image and start the game server in the background.

Step 6: Play PvZ2 Gardendless in Browser

Open Google Chrome on your Chromebook and visit:

http://localhost:8080

If everything is set up correctly, PvZ2 Gardendless will load and be playable directly in your browser.

Common Chromebook Notes

  • First load may take longer than expected
  • Hardware acceleration in Chrome may cause issues on some devices
  • If the screen stays black for several minutes, try disabling Chrome hardware acceleration

Troubleshooting

Docker Permission Denied Error

If you see an error like:

permission denied while trying to connect to the Docker daemon

Make sure:

  • You ran sudo usermod -aG docker $USER
  • You restarted Linux or rebooted your Chromebook

Is Docker the Best Way on Chromebook?

Docker works, but due to Chrome OS GPU and WebGL limitations, some users may experience loading issues. For casual gameplay, the official web version is often more stable.

However, Docker remains useful for:

  • Local hosting
  • Offline experimentation
  • Technical tutorials and testing

Final Thoughts (WilgufTech)

PvZ2 Gardendless proves that Plants vs. Zombies-style games can run smoothly on Chromebooks without Android emulation. While Docker setup requires extra steps, it offers a clean and flexible way to experience the game.

For Chromebook users who enjoy experimenting with Linux, this method is both educational and fun.

WilgufTech

Posted by WilgufTech

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