Despite releasing well over a decade ago, Minecraft is still one of the most popular games on the market in 2024. Whether it’s veteran players continuing to play, returning players coming back after a hiatus, or new players hopping in for the first time, Minecraft still maintains a community of millions. If you’re a returning or new player, though, you might be confused about how to actually download and start playing Minecraft, as the process can be slightly confusing.
Below, I’ll explain how to play Minecraft on mobile, console, and PC.
Playing Minecraft on PlayStation, Xbox, and Switch
Fortunately for all console players, downloading Minecraft isn’t any more difficult than other games. All you need to do is navigate to your console’s store, which can be accessed online or through the console itself. For Switch players, go to the Nintendo eShop. Xbox players can go to the Xbox or Microsoft Store and PlayStation players need to visit the PS Store.
At any storefront, search for Minecraft and you’ll be greeted with a price to download the game. On PlayStation and Xbox, you can purchase Minecraft for $19.99 (excluding Game Pass pricing) while Switch players need to pay $29.99. You can also find physical copies of Minecraft for all platforms, which cost the same as their digital counterparts. Once you’ve paid for Minecraft, you can download the game, create or log into an existing account, and start playing.
Buying Minecraft
Minecraft is also included in Game Pass for Xbox or PC, meaning you can download it for no additional charge with an active Game Pass subscription.
Playing Minecraft on PC
If you’re on PC, the process to download and play Minecraft becomes slightly more complicated. For starters, you need to determine what edition of Minecraft you want to play: Bedrock or Java. Both editions can be purchased at the same time through the Microsoft Store on a PC, which all Windows devices have access to by default.
When you visit the Microsoft Store, search for Minecraft and choose to buy the Bedrock & Java Edition. From here, you have to sign into your Microsoft account if you are not already signed in. Once you’re signed in, you need to pay $29.99 for the edition. If you have Game Pass, the edition is already included with your subscription, allowing you to download the game for free. For those without Game Pass, use a payment method to purchase the Bedrock & Java Edition of Minecraft.
Buying Minecraft on PC
This triggers the installation of both the Minecraft Launcher and the Minecraft for Windows program. Open the Minecraft Launcher once it’s done installing and you’ll be able to sign into your Microsoft account and choose what edition you want to play. Choosing an edition will prompt a new installation, depending on which one you choose. After the edition has been installed, you can press “Play” at the top of the screen and begin playing Minecraft.
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Playing Minecraft on Mobile
Finally, all mobile players can download and play Minecraft relatively easily. You can access the game on both iOS and Android devices. iOS devices can visit the App Store while Android devices can go to the Google Play Store and search for Minecraft. The full version of Minecraft at either storefront costs $7 and there is no free “lite” version available, as it was discontinued in 2014.
Buying Minecraft on an iOS mobile device
After you’re done paying for Minecraft, it will install on your device. When it’s done installing, you’re able to open the application and the edition you’re playing is already decided for you. Bedrock Edition is the only edition of Minecraft available on mobile devices and consoles, so you won’t be able to play Java Edition. When you’re ready, press “play” and hop into a new world of Minecraft right from the comfort of your mobile device.
