Minecraft
Build, Explore, Survive
★ Editor's Choice 2011
E10+
94
Critic Score
$29.99
Price
100h
Main Story
About
Minecraft is a sandbox game made by Mojang. You explore randomly generated worlds, gather resources, and build pretty much anything you can think of. You can keep it simple with a small house, go all out with a huge castle or a whole city, or just head off and explore.
How you play is completely up to you. In Creative mode, you get unlimited blocks and can build freely without worrying about health or enemies. Survival mode is a bit tougher because you have to gather resources, craft tools and weapons, watch your health, and defend yourself from mobs like zombies and creepers.
You can also play with friends across different platforms. Mojang keeps updating the game with new biomes, mobs, blocks, and items, so there's always something new to check out.
There's no one right way to play Minecraft. You can build, mine, explore, fight mobs, farm, or just wander around. Whether you want to create something huge or just take your time, Minecraft lets you play the way you like.
How you play is completely up to you. In Creative mode, you get unlimited blocks and can build freely without worrying about health or enemies. Survival mode is a bit tougher because you have to gather resources, craft tools and weapons, watch your health, and defend yourself from mobs like zombies and creepers.
You can also play with friends across different platforms. Mojang keeps updating the game with new biomes, mobs, blocks, and items, so there's always something new to check out.
There's no one right way to play Minecraft. You can build, mine, explore, fight mobs, farm, or just wander around. Whether you want to create something huge or just take your time, Minecraft lets you play the way you like.
Genres
Platforms
Cross PlatformMultiplayerOnline Co-opPvPController SupportBuildingCreative ModeCo-opOpen WorldMod SupportSandboxSurvivalExplorationCrafting
Game Details
DeveloperMojang Studios
PublisherMojang Studios
Release DateNov 18, 2011
Completionist1,000h
Copies SoldOver 300 million copies sold worldwide!
Peak Players100K
Features
✓ Single-player✓ Multiplayer✓ Online Co-op✓ Local Co-op✓ PvP✓ Cross-Platform✓ Mod Support✓ Controller
Multiplayer Info
Max Players Online100
Max Players Local4
Max Co-op Players8
Server RegionsNorth America, Europe, Asia, South America, Oceania, Africa, Middle East
Dedicated ServersYes
MatchmakingYes
Anti-CheatJava Edition: None / Bedrock: Custom Anti-Cheat
Platform Details
System Requirements
Minimum
OS: Windows 7 or later / macOS 10.12 or later
CPU: Intel Core i3-3210 / AMD A8-7600
GPU: Intel HD Graphics 4000 / AMD Radeon R5 series
RAM: 4 GB
Storage: 1 GB available space
Recommended
OS: Windows 10/11 / macOS 11 or later
CPU: Intel Core i5-4690 / AMD Ryzen 5 1600
GPU: NVIDIA GTX 1060 / AMD Radeon RX 580
RAM: 8 GB
Storage: 4 GB available space
Media
Awards
2012
Best Creative Game
Golden Joystick Awards 2012
2012
Game of the Year
Golden Joystick Awards 2012
2012
Most Influential Game
Game Developers Choice Awards 2012
2012
Best Downloadable Game
Game Developers Choice Awards 2012
2012
Best Game Design
BAFTA Games Awards 2012
2012
Best Family Game
BAFTA Games Awards 2012
2012
Best Multiplayer Game
The Game Awards 2012
2011
Game of the Year
The Game Awards 2011
2011
Best Independent Game
The Game Awards 2011
2011
Best PC Game
The Game Awards 2011
2011
Game of the Year
IGN Best of 2011
2011
Best Sandbox Game
GameSpot Best of 2011
2011
Game of the Year
Spike Video Game Awards 2011
2011
Best Downloadable Console Game
Spike Video Game Awards 2011
FAQs
What is Minecraft?
Minecraft is a sandbox video game where players explore a blocky, procedurally generated 3D world. You can mine resources, craft tools and items, build structures, and survive against monsters. The game offers both Creative mode (unlimited resources) and Survival mode (gather resources, manage hunger, fight mobs).
What platforms is Minecraft available on?
Minecraft is available on nearly every platform including PC (Windows, Mac, Linux), Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Nintendo Switch, iOS, Android, and even older consoles like Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3.
Does Minecraft have cross-platform play?
Yes! Bedrock Edition supports full cross-platform play between PC, Xbox, PlayStation, Nintendo Switch, iOS, and Android. Java Edition players can only play with other Java Edition players, but there are plugins and services that allow some cross-play functionality.
Is Minecraft free to play?
No, Minecraft is a paid game with a one-time purchase. However, there is a free demo version available for PC that allows you to try the game before buying. Minecraft also offers a free educational version for schools and educators.
What is the difference between Java Edition and Bedrock Edition?
Java Edition is the original PC version with mod support and is only available on PC. Bedrock Edition is the cross-platform version available on consoles, mobile, and Windows 10/11, featuring cross-play, multiplayer servers, and marketplace content. Both versions receive regular updates but have different features and modding capabilities.
Can I play Minecraft with mods?
Yes! Java Edition has extensive mod support with thousands of community-created mods available. Bedrock Edition also supports add-ons and custom content through the marketplace and third-party websites.
What is the Ender Dragon?
The Ender Dragon is the final boss of Minecraft, found in the End dimension. Defeating the Ender Dragon is considered the "end" of the game's main story, but players can continue exploring, building, and playing indefinitely.
What is the Nether?
The Nether is a hell-like dimension in Minecraft accessible through a Nether portal. It features dangerous terrain, hostile mobs like piglins and ghasts, and rare resources like ancient debris which can be crafted into netherite - the strongest material in the game.
Can I play Minecraft offline?
Yes! Minecraft can be played offline in singleplayer mode. You do not need an internet connection to play alone. However, an internet connection is required for multiplayer servers, marketplace downloads, and game updates.
What is the best way to find diamonds in Minecraft?
Diamonds are most commonly found at Y-level -58 (deep underground) in the Overworld. They are usually found in veins of 1-8 blocks. Use a pickaxe with Fortune enchantment to maximize diamond yield. Branch mining and exploring cave systems are the most effective methods.
What is Redstone and what does it do?
Redstone is Minecraft's equivalent of electrical wiring. It allows players to create complex machines, circuits, and contraptions by conducting power from sources to devices. Players have built everything from simple door openers to fully functional calculators and computers using redstone.