Whats The Best Type Of Machine For Playing Minecraft
Jack Schofield looks at the options including tablets, laptops, desktops and games consoles
My son wants a computer to play the full version of Minecraft for his birthday. What are the options? Is there a tablet that can cope with the full version , or can you recommend a laptop? I am hoping to find something on a tight budget. Virginia
I answered a similar question last year , but it has since been raised again so theres clearly an unmet need for advice. Im going to try to provide a broader answer.
One of the problems evident from the Minecraft Wiki is that benchmarks are all over the place. Apparently similar systems can run at 3fps or 300fps. Real-world performance can vary dramatically depending on the settings chosen for graphics, lighting, textures, render distance, the number of mods and plug-ins installed, and the screen size. Adults, let alone children, may not be aware that free enhancements have a performance cost.
Then theres the subjective aspect. One person sets a render distance of five chunks and thinks Minecraft is just fine at 30fps while another sets a render distance of 12 chunks and thinks 150fps isnt good enough.
My general advice is to buy something with a graphics card rather than integrated graphics . The graphics card seems to be the single most important factor in Minecraft performance. Also, aim for a PC with a 64-bit operating system and 4GB or more memory, and make sure you install the 64-bit version of Oracles Java.
How To Play Minecraft Java Edition On Meta Quest Or Quest 2
You can also play Minecraft Java Edition in VR on your Quest, but its more complicated. It requires a mod called Vivecraft, which enables the Java edition of Minecraft to operate in VR. The VR implementation here is more robust than the Bedrock version, providing you with many movement and interaction options to customize your experience.
To play Minecraft Java Edition on Quest, you need to install Java, install Steam, and install Steam VR. If you dont already have all three installed, make sure to install them before proceeding.
Heres how to play Minecraft Java Edition on a Quest:
Navigate to and click the latest version of Vivecraft.
Click vivecraft-x.xx.x-jrbudda-x-x-installer.exe and download the file.
Launch the file when it finishes downloading, and click Install.
The installation will fail if you havent installed Java on your computer.
Launch the Oculus app on your computer.
Put on your Quest headset, and connect it to your computer with a link cable.
On your computer, locate Steam VR in your Steam library and click Launch.
In the Steam VR interface in your headset, select the monitor icon.
If you have multiple monitors, select the one Minecraft will run on.
If you select the wrong monitor, Minecraft will not appear on your virtual desktop after the next step. In that case, you can either repeat this step to choose the correct monitor or take your headset off and move the Minecraft window to your other monitor.
Check the box, and select Play.
How To Play Minecraft For Free
You could play Minecraft for free on an impressive number of platforms!
The massive hit Minecraft may be the best-selling video game of all time, but there are still a surprising number of ways to play for free.
It may seem like everyone already owns the sandbox sensation, but if you’re curious about the hype and don’t want to part with the cash just yet then we have some good news for you.
While there are several paid-for versions that will offer more content, there’s at least one way to play absolutely free and a few more cheap options available too.
We’ll explain all below on how to get Minecraft for free – and soon you’ll be building with blocks rather than stacking your coins!
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How To Play Minecraft For Pc
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If you want to play Minecraft on the PC but don’t know how to begin, this article should help you get set up and start playing.
How To Set Up A Minecraft Account
A Minecraft account is required to play any version of the game. Thankfully, setting up an account is free, and you can use it with the free game version without any issue.
Pocket Edition
To register a Minecraft account on a mobile device, follow the steps below:
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Can You Play Minecraft On Meta Quest Or Quest 2
There is a native version of Minecraft Bedrock edition for the Rift VR headset, but Minecraft isnt available for Quest or Quest 2. You can still play Minecraft on this platform, but only if you have a VR-ready PC and a link cable. Your computer runs the Minecraft app and sends visual data to the headset, allowing you to play Minecraft in VR as long as you remain tethered to your PC.
Its possible to play some versions of Minecraft on your Quest, but the processes are a bit different. If you dont own either version yet, youll have to purchase one or the other before you can play on your Quest.
Here are the versions of Minecraft you can play on Quest:
- Windows 10 edition: This is the version of Minecraft that you can purchase from the Microsoft store. It has VR capabilities built into it and is easy to get up and running, but this version cant be modded in the same way that the Java version can.
- Java edition: This is the original version of Minecraft that has tons of free mods available online. Its a little more complicated to get this version running in VR, as you need to install Java, Steam, and Steam VR if you haven’t already done so, but the implementation is more interesting. For example, you can mine bricks by physically swinging your controllers.
How To Play Minecraft Offline
This article was co-authored by wikiHow staff writer, Travis Boylls. Travis Boylls is a Technology Writer and Editor for wikiHow. Travis has experience writing technology-related articles, providing software customer service, and in graphic design. He specializes in Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, and Linux platforms. He studied graphic design at Pikes Peak Community College. This article has been viewed 220,947 times.Learn more…
There are several benefits to playing Minecraft offline, such as enjoying gameplay when you dont have an Internet connection, avoiding the installation of updates, reducing lag time, and playing without having to log in and authenticate with Minecraft session servers. You can play Minecraft offline simply by selecting Play Offline in the Minecraft Launcher, or by modifying your Minecraft server information.
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Minecraft: Java Edition Modding Guide How To Install And Play With Mods On Pc
There are already nearly unlimited possibilities within the magical world of Minecraft, but you can make it even grander with mods. Mods are additions and expansions that can do practically anything you can imagine, from completely altering a game’s core mechanics to simple things like tweaking textures and models.
Minecraft is already one of the best games on PC, but mods can help breathe new life into a title that some people have been playing for over a decade. Installing and playing with mods can be a daunting task for the uninitiated. That’s why we’ve put together the ultimate guide to installing and playing with mods in Minecraft: Java Edition:
Can I Play Minecraft On A Chromebook Which Editions Work
Minecraft is a sandbox construction video game developed by Mojang Studios. Players interact with a fully customizable three-dimensional environment made of blocks and entities. Its diverse gameplay lets players choose the way they play, with countless possibilities. There are currently three actively maintained editions of Minecraft Java Edition, Bedrock Edition, and Education Edition. If you recently switched to a Chromebook, you might be wondering if you can play Minecraft on your new device.
This question is a bit nuanced, as it depends on which edition of Minecraft youd like to play. Lets take a look at the options for playing each edition of Minecraft on a Chromebook or other Chrome OS device.
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Where Can I Download Minecraft For Windows 10
If you wanted the Java version of Minecraft in the past, you may have had to get the Minecraft launcher from their website.
However, all you need to do now is go to their website. There, you get the latest version of both Java and Bedrock, under the same purchase. You can choose to install whichever one you want, so you no longer need to download variants like in the past.
How To Play Minecraft For Free At Home Legally
Play Minecraft for free and on your browser – no download needed
To play Minecraft for free is incredibly easy – players can now access a version of the game on their browsers, with no download, payment or money involved at all. Admittedly, that doesn’t mean it’s necessarily the full experience, as explained momentarily, but it’s certainly better than nothing and might be enough to sate some people’s desire to knock blocks around for a while.
Put simply, the free browser version of Minecraft is literally an older version of the game, and solely limited to the creative mode, restricting your choices and experiences pretty substantially over the actual game. But again – it’s definitely better than nothing, and will serve as a decent substitute for those who want their fix. Read on for details on how to play Minecraft for free, at home, legally.
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Minecraft: Java Edition Mods Installing And Playing With Mods
It’s been a long road, but you’re now ready to install and play with mods in Minecraft: Java Edition. There’s a little bit more you’ll have to learn first, but all the groundwork has already been laid. To install and play with mods in Minecraft: Java Edition, you’ll have to learn how to take advantage of CurseForge, which is the largest library of Minecraft mods you’re going to find anywhere. Creators worldwide have built high-quality mods for Minecraft: Java Edition, and CurseForge is where you can go to download new mods to enjoy.
Before you rush off to CurseForge and start downloading the mods of your dreams, there are a few things we need to do first. Mainly, you need to know how to locate the “mods” folder on your computer. Then you can master installing and playing with mods in our Minecraft: Java Edition mods guide.
To install and play with mods in Minecraft: Java Edition, follow these steps:
Minecraft Free Online: How To Play Minecraft Free Trial
Introduction
Hey! Are you bored at home, scratching your chin, thinking about the best ways to play Minecraft online without downloading it so you could play it for free?
Have you ever wondered how to play Minecraft online free, but are confused about how to do it?
If your answer to this question is yes then dont worry! weve got you covered. Youve landed in the right place. This blog discusses the ways one can play Minecraft online free trial without downloading.
Minecraft is one of the worlds largest and most popular video games.
So its natural to wonder whether Minecraft is paid or if you can play it directly online without downloading and is free on pc or if you can participate in world-building for free.
Ill give you a quick rundown of how to play Minecraft for free in this blog. But first, let us learn a little more about Minecraft.
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So Where Can You Play Minecraft In 2021
PC
Lets start where it all began? There are a few different ways you can play Minecraft on PC. The original version, built in Java, is still available and supported by Microsoft. You can access this version by visiting Mojangs site directly. Players will need to have a Microsoft account in order to access the games multiplayer though. Microsoft has stated its intention to continue supporting the Java edition in the future, although its not clear how long that support may last.
Next up theres Minecraft on Microsofts store. Microsofts flagship version of Minecraft is known as the Bedrock Edition. Microsofts edition is simpler than the Java edition, running far smoother for those on lower end PCs. However, the Bedrock Edition lacks the mod support which is popular amongst long standing players of the game. However, Bedrock has one major feature which Java does not, ray-tracing support.
Outside of those editions, Minecraft is accessible in two other ways. The Bedrock Edition can be downloaded through Microsofts Game Pass service. Players can also stream the game using xCloud streaming. PC gamers have the best of both worlds, with a choice between both modded Minecraft and the Windows-focused version which features ray-tracing support.
Consoles
Play Minecraft Trial Instantly In Browser
Play Minecraft Trial online for free with now.gg mobile cloud. Try it out and see why this open-world creative experience has gone on to become one of the biggest games in the world. Explore massive virtual worlds where you have the total freedom to build whatever you can dream up, from simple homes to massive structures and architectural masterpieces.
This time-limited trial gives you a taste of the Minecraft survival mode, where youll have to do anything and everything it takes to stay alive in a world filled with dangerous mobs. Gather resources, build a shelter, and explore an incredible universe like no other. You can purchase the game at any point to remove the time limit and get the full Minecraft experience!
Enjoy the very best Android games and apps whenever and wherever you want with now.gg, the premier cloud streaming platform that delivers the hottest Android titles straight to your browser. No more dealing with long downloads or messy updates, either. Just open up now.gg in your browser and get right into it!
Because now.gg is browser-based, that means you can play on any device with a browser and an internet connection. That means you can transform your old laptop or tablet into a fully-fledged Android gaming machine!
now.gg is the ultimate platform for playing games online for free without downloading. Just click the Play in Browser button and play Minecraft Trial instantly in browser!
Mobile Cloud
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Laptops With Dedicated Graphics
Most laptops have integrated graphics so you will have to search around for models that include separate Nvidia GeForce or AMD Radeon graphics. Unfortunately, these usually cost from about £600 to £1,800, which is rather a lot for a Minecraft machine. However, dedicated graphics chips sometimes turn up in cheaper laptops with slower processors.
When @jessevershed asked on Twitter a couple of months ago, I suggested the Asus X552CL-SX037H, which is still available at £390.99 with free delivery, reduced from £459.99. This has a 15.6in screen, a 1.8GHz Intel Core i3-3217U processor, 6GB of memory, a 500GB hard drive, DVD and, most importantly, Nvidia GeForce GT710M graphics. I cant see anything else at a similar price.
The next step up is the Asus X550CC-XO071H, which has a 1.8GHz Core i5-3337U 8GB of memory, 1TB hard drive, DVD and Nvidia GeForce GT720M graphics for £520.53 plus £4.99 UK delivery.
The best budget Minecraft laptop I can find at the moment is another Asus. The 15.6in X550CA has a 1.8GHz Intel Core i3-3217U with 6GB RAM, 1TB hard drive, DVD and HD 4000 Integrated Graphics for , £319.97 at Laptops Direct or £329.97 at Save On Laptops.
Whichever laptop you buy, remember to add an external USB mouse.
How To Play Minecraft With Friends: 5 Different Ways
Want to party up and craft with your crew? Here’s how you can enjoy Minecraft multiplayer with your friends.
Playing Minecraft by yourself is a blast… but playing Minecraft with friends is an entirely new world of fun. If you’re not sure how to play Minecraft with friends yet, fear not! We’ll make it quick and easy for you in this article.
You have more than a few options for Minecraft Multiplayer some of which require an internet connection, while you can play other methods offline and from the same room.
Regardless of how you want to craft, we’ll look at how to play Minecraft with friends!
We’ve included instructions for both Minecraft Java Edition and Minecraft Bedrock Edition .
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Desktops And Games Consoles
You would get more power for your money by buying a desktop PC such as a Chillblast Fusion Scythe or Fusion Strikeforce 2 . Laptop manufacturers fit low-voltage processors that generate less heat, but an airier desktop PC could use a hotter and much cheaper processor such as the 3.1GHz Pentium G3240, which has a TDP of 53W.
Desktop PCs have two other big advantages for Minecraft. First, they have internal slots for cheap graphics cards, and if a card isnt fast enough, its easy to upgrade it. Second, theyre much less likely to be damaged.
Finally, if you want the maximum graphics processing power for the lowest cost, consider a Microsoft Xbox 360 or Sony PS3 games console, from £140. The console version of Minecraft does not have all the features of the PC version, but its in a different league to the Pocket Edition.
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