How to Install Minecraft on Computer for Free
Minecraft is the biggest game in the world, with a massive following. It's available on almost every platform, from mobile to desktop.
This means you can run the full version of Minecraft on Linux, with a dedicated installer suited to your distro. If that isn't suitable, you can still install the Java Edition on lower spec computers.
Want to take Steve on some new adventures on your Linux PC? Here's how to install Minecraft on Linux.
Minecraft for Linux: JavaScript or Dedicated Installer?
Previously, Minecraft was distributed purely as JavaScript software. This made releasing it on multiple platforms simpler---as a result, you would find it on Windows, macOS, Linux.
However, Java has a bad reputation when it comes to security. It was once declared the most vulnerable software on Windows computers, weaknesses also present on Linux or macOS.
Installing Java on your Linux computer will, therefore, make it less secure. Rather than become a security issue, Minecraft has been rebuilt by Mojang (following purchase by Microsoft). There are now dedicated versions for each platform.
Linux users can find a version for Debian distributions. But there remains a Java Edition that you can install on lower-spec PCs.
Steps for installing Minecraft on each can be found below.
First, however, just make sure you've actually bought Minecraft before proceeding.
How to Download Minecraft for Linux
Once upon a time, Minecraft was free. That is no longer the case. As of 2020 it has become the best-selling video game of all time, with 200 million copies sold across all platforms. It has 126 million monthly active users.
To play Minecraft, you need the right version. Three main Minecraft downloads are available for Linux. These bundle the game software and JDK (Java Development Kit) to make installation easy.
- Debian and Debian-based distributions: a DEB installer file
- Other distributions: this is a TAR file for unpacking and compiling
- Java Edition; visit the Minecraft Java Edition page to download
Get Started: Install Graphics Drivers
Whichever version you're installing, you'll need the right graphics drivers. After all, Minecraft utilizes 3D graphics.
Most Linux distributions install open source graphics drivers, but in most cases, proprietary alternatives (drivers produced by the graphic card's developers) are available. Which drivers you need depends on your GPU:
- Intel Graphics: You'll already have the best driver installed.
- Nvidia Graphics: Swap from the open source driver to the proprietary version.
- AMD Graphics: Again, you'll need to overlook the open source driver in favor of the proprietary option.
To change the driver in Ubuntu (and similar) Linux operating systems, open Software & Updates, select the Additional Drivers tab, and select the proprietary option. Click Apply Changes when done, and wait. Once complete, you'll need to click Restart to reboot your computer for the changes to take effect.
Usually the proprietary driver isn't selected by default, but you can switch to it here. See our guide to installing proprietary drivers in Linux for further details.
Installing Minecraft on Debian, Ubuntu, Linux Mint and similar distributions is straightforward.
Simply download the DEB file and double click it to prompt the installer software to run.
Alternatively, grab it with wget and install it with dpkg in the terminal:
wget -o ~/Minecraft.deb https://launcher.mojang.com/download/Minecraft.deb
sudo dpkg -i Minecraft.deb You can launch the game from your usual applications menu.
Install Minecraft Java Edition
To install the Java Edition, you'll need to choose a suitable Java runtime. This is a software platform upon which the Minecraft software will run.
Two options are available
- Open source OpenJDK, available via your distro's software center, ideal for keeping things as open source as possible
- Official Java runtime from Oracle: ensures Minecraft runs at its most optimum, available in RPM format from the Oracle website, and easily installed using your package manager
You can also install this using a PPA. Open your terminal emulator and add:
sudo apt-add-repository ppa:webupd8team/java Wait for this to install, then update your system.
sudo apt update Finally, install Java.
sudo apt install oracle-java8-installer Meanwhile, if you need more detailed instructions, Oracle provides a guide for installing Java on other Linux operating systems.
After installing JavaScript find the Minecraft.jar file and right-click. Select Open with > Java Runtime and wait while the game starts and checks for updates.
Want to Play Minecraft Free on Linux?
Long term Minecrafters will know that the game was originally free. Things have changed considerably in the intervening years, but you can still play Minecraft for free.
Several options are available:
- Install the Minecraft Pi Edition. This requires a Raspberry Pi computer running the Raspberry Pi OS. If Minecraft Pi isn't preinstalled, it can be installed via this Minecraft download page.
- Learn how to code as you play Minecraft with Code.org's Minecraft Hour of Code. See our guide to Minecraft Hour of Code for more details.
- Hanker for the days of Minecraft for free, the original blocky goodness? Revisit the halcyon days of Steve and the Creepers (great band name) by playing Minecraft Classic in your browser.
Who says you can't play Minecraft for free any more?
Now You've Installed Minecraft on Linux It's Time to Play
While relying on JavaScript elements, the Linux version of Minecraft is the main desktop version. As such, you'll be able to host your own Minecraft server. In time, the Java version of Minecraft will fade away, forcing Linux users to employ the DEB version. There is also an Arch version, although this isn't yet considered stable enough to use reliably.
On a high spec system running Linux, Minecraft will be indistinguishable from the Windows or console versions. It's exactly the same game, the Bedrock version, and compatible with all subsequent updates. Minecraft is an important element of Linux gaming, a phenomenon that has seen the open source operating system grow considerably in the past decade.
Now you've installed Minecraft on Linux, it's time to begin building. Who knows what you'll do next with Minecraft?
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About The Author 
Christian Cawley (1548 Articles Published)
Deputy Editor for Security, Linux, DIY, Programming, and Tech Explained, and Really Useful Podcast producer, with extensive experience in desktop and software support. A contributor to Linux Format magazine, Christian is a Raspberry Pi tinkerer, Lego lover and retro gaming fan.
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How to Install Minecraft on Computer for Free
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