Even after many years, Minecraft continues to lead the sandbox gaming genre. With its endless adventures, dynamic world generation, and robust multiplayer features, it offers limitless opportunities for creativity. Let's dive into the initial steps to start your Minecraft journey.
Table of Contents
- Creating a Minecraft Account
- How to Start Your Journey
- PC (Windows, macOS, Linux)
- Xbox and PlayStation
- Mobile Devices (iOS, Android)
- How to Exit Minecraft
Creating a Minecraft Account
To begin your Minecraft adventure, you'll need to create a Microsoft account, which is used to log into the game. Start by opening your web browser and navigating to the official Minecraft website. Locate the "Sign In" button in the top right corner and click it. You'll see an authorization window where you should choose to create a new account.
Image: minecraft.net
Enter your email address and create a strong password for your Minecraft account. Choose a unique username; if it's already taken, the system will provide alternative suggestions.
Image: minecraft.net
After setting up your account, verify your email address by entering the code sent to you. If the email doesn't arrive promptly, check your "Spam" folder. Once verified, your profile is linked to your Microsoft account. If you haven't purchased the game yet, you can do so from the website's store by selecting your preferred version and following the purchase instructions.
How to Start Your Journey
PC (Windows, macOS, Linux)
Minecraft on PC comes in two versions: Java Edition and Bedrock Edition. Java Edition, available for Windows, macOS, and Linux, can be downloaded from the official Minecraft website. After installing the launcher, log in with your Microsoft or Mojang account and select the game version you wish to play.
Image: aiophotoz.com
Upon your first launch, you'll be prompted to log in with your Microsoft account credentials. For solo play, click the "Create New World" button. In the world settings menu, choose between "Survival" mode for a classic experience or "Creative" mode for unlimited resources.
To play with friends, navigate to the "Play" section in the main menu, then to the "Servers" tab. You can join a public server or enter a private server's IP address if you have an invitation. To enable multiplayer in a single world, create or load your world, go to the settings, and activate the multiplayer option.
Xbox and PlayStation
On Xbox consoles (including Xbox 360, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S), download Minecraft from the Microsoft Store. Launch the game from your console's home screen and log in with your Microsoft account to sync your achievements and purchases.
Image: youtube.com
For PlayStation users (PS3, PS4, and PS5), purchase and download Minecraft through the PlayStation Store. Launch the game from the home screen and log in with your Microsoft account to access cross-platform play.
Mobile Devices (iOS, Android)
Purchase Minecraft from the App Store for iOS or Google Play for Android. After installation, log in with your Microsoft account. The mobile version supports cross-platform play with other devices.
Image: storage.googleapis.com
Note that Bedrock Edition enables cross-platform play across all listed devices, allowing for seamless multiplayer experiences. Java Edition, however, is exclusive to PC and does not support cross-platform play.
How to Exit Minecraft
To exit Minecraft on a PC, press the Esc key to open the game menu, then click "Save and Quit." This returns you to the main menu, from where you can fully exit the program.
Image: tlauncher.org
On consoles, access the pause menu with the appropriate gamepad button and select "Save and Quit." To completely close the game, use the console's menu by pressing the "Home" button, selecting the game, and choosing to exit.
On mobile devices, find the "Save and Quit" option in the game menu. To fully close the app, use your device's system menu. On Android, swipe up from the bottom and close Minecraft from the running apps. On iOS, double-press the "Home" button or swipe up to close the app.
Now that you're familiar with the basics, enjoy your time exploring and creating in the vast, blocky world of Minecraft, whether playing solo or with friends across different platforms.