Minecraft: Java Edition modding guide — How to install and play with mods on PC
The ultimate guide to modding Minecraft: Java Edition.
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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 (usually built by third parties) that can do practically anything you can imagine, from completely altering a game’s core mechanics to simple things like tweaking textures and models.
Minecraftis already one of thebest 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:
Minecraft: Java Edition mods — How to prepare & what you need
Mods in Minecraft: Java Edition can massively expand the possibilities of play. You can even create your own mods for Minecraft: Java Edition if you’re so inclined. Before you can begin installing and playing with mods, though, there are a few things for which you’ll need to prepare.
Before we begin, let’s go over the minimum and recommended specs to run Minecraft: Java Edition. The minimum and recommended specs for Minecraft: Java Edition include:
Minecraft: Java Edition mods — How to install and use mods
Now that you’ve adequately prepared yourself for mods in Minecraft: Java Edition, you can follow these steps to become a modding professional. In order, you’ll need to:
You can use the menu to the left to quickly navigate to the sections you need if you’ve already completed one or more of these steps.
Minecraft: Java Edition mods — How to install the Minecraft Launcher
Your first step to installing and playing with mods in Minecraft: Java Edition is, of course, to actuallyhaveMinecraft: Java Edition. In this portion of our Minecraft: Java Edition mods guide, we’ll go over everything you need to know about how to purchase, install, and set up Minecraft: Java Edition via the Minecraft Launcher.
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The Minecraft Launcher is not just for playing Minecraft: Java Edition with mods, either. You can participate in the latest Minecraft: Java Edition snapshot tests, playMinecraft Dungeons, and even go back to previous versions of Minecraft if you want. When it eventually launches, you’ll also be able to playMinecraft Legendson PC from the Minecraft Launcher.
Minecraft: Java Edition is now available from the Microsoft Store, and is also included in PC Game Pass andXbox Game Pass Ultimate. The Minecraft: Java & Bedrock Edition bundle in the Microsoft Store includes both modern versions of the popular survival-crafting game, and the Minecraft Launcher that powers the Java edition. You can purchase or download the game via PC Game Pass at the Microsoft Store link below:
Minecraft: Java & Bedrock Edition
It’s never been easier to enjoy Minecraft on PC, thanks to its availability in the Microsoft Store and its inclusion in PC Game Pass and Xbox Game Pass Ultimate. Simply purchase the complete bundle or download via your subscription!
Buy from:Xbox
Alternatively, you can still purchase Minecraft: Java Edition the old-fashioned way, directly from the Minecraft.netMinecraft: Java Edition store page. If you already own the title and are familiar with downloading and installing the Minecraft Launcher for Minecraft: Java Edition, you can go straight to theMinecraft: Java Edition download page.
If you’re downloading Minecraft: Java Edition through the Microsoft Store, the installation process is much simpler, and you can likely skip to the set-up section farther down. If you’re downloading Minecraft: Java Edition through Minecraft.net, follow these steps to install it:
Once you’ve installed the Minecraft Launcher, follow these steps to set it up:
Minecraft: Java Edition mods — Installing Java
Having Minecraft: Java Edition installed on your computer is only the first step to playing with mods in Minecraft. The next step is to install Java, which is a necessary component for utilizing the Forge mod installer that we’ll go over in the next section. Java isn’t used for much anymore, so there’s a very good chance it won’t already be installed on your computer.
To install Java on your computer for Minecraft: Java Edition mods, follow these steps:
Minecraft: Java Edition mods — Installing Forge
Now that you’ve installed Java, you’re ready to install Forge. For the unaware, Forge is the most powerful, comprehensive way of installing mods for Minecraft: Java Edition. With a vast community of creators and constant support, Forge is always ready to modify your Minecraft experience in new and exciting ways.
To install the Forge mod installer for Minecraft: Java Edition mods, follow these steps:
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 (or create) 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:
Finding or creating the “mods” folder
If you’re already familiar with navigating your computer and don’t need the step-by-step, the exact address for the “mods” folder is:
To find or create the “mods” folder for Minecraft: Java Edition mods, follow these steps:
Installing and playing with mods
Once you’ve learned where to find the “mods” folder, follow these steps to install mods in Minecraft: Java Edition and get playing:
Minecraft: Java Edition mods — Everything else you need to know
Now that you’re an expert at installing and playing with mods in Minecraft: Java Edition, there are a few other things you need to always keep in mind. Fortunately, we’re here with our Minecraft: Java Edition mods guide to give you all the information you need to be the epitome of smooth sailing when modding Minecraft: Java Edition.
Minecraft: Java & Bedrock Edition
If you want to play Minecraft on PC, there’s no better way to do so than with this bundle, which includes both the mod-able, legacy Java Edition and the modern, cross-platform Bedrock Edition.
Buy from:Xbox
Minecraft: Java Edition is now available through PC Game Pass and Xbox Game Pass Ultimate, meaning players interested in modding Minecraft can now do it all through Microsoft’s flagship gaming subscription.
Zachary Boddy (They / Them) is a Staff Writer for Windows Central, primarily focused on covering the latest news in tech and gaming, the best Xbox and PC games, and the most interesting Windows and Xbox hardware. They have been gaming and writing for most of their life starting with the original Xbox, and started out as a freelancer for Windows Central and its sister sites in 2019. Now a full-fledged Staff Writer, Zachary has expanded from only writing about all things Minecraft to covering practically everything on which Windows Central is an expert, especially when it comes to Microsoft. You can find Zachary on Twitter@BoddyZachary.
