Minecraft Beginner's Guide: What You Must Know First

Are you ready to dive into the world of Minecraft? Before you start your adventure, there are a few essential things you need to know. This guide will walk you through the most important steps, from getting the game to starting your first world.

This guide has been created based on the experiences of players who have enjoyed Minecraft for years at 'Gcafe,' Korea's renowned gaming cafe. It contains only the essential information for those new to Minecraft or parents looking to give the game as a gift to their children.

How to minecraft

1. The Game Isn't Free (and What the "Free" Versions Are)

First, a crucial point: Minecraft is a paid game. It costs about $26.95 USD. You'll often find links claiming to offer "free Minecraft," but these are usually scams or illegal copies that can put your computer at risk. If you see a free version, it's likely one of these: a completely separate game called Minecraft Dungeons (which is a different paid game entirely); a special Minecraft Education Edition for schools; or illegal copies that can harm your device. The only way to play the real game is to buy it directly from the official Minecraft website.

How much does Minecraft cost?
How much does Minecraft cost?

2. The Two Main Versions: Java & Bedrock

When you buy the game, you'll get a bundle that includes two main versions: Java Edition and Bedrock Edition. You can download and play both, but they have key differences. Java Edition is the original PC version and is popular for its huge community, custom servers, and vast library of mods. This is the version most popular with the gaming community, and you can only play with other Java users. Bedrock Edition is designed for cross-platform play, so you can play with friends on consoles, mobile devices, and Windows 10/11 PCs. It's also the only version that supports ray tracing for enhanced graphics.

3. System Requirements

Before purchasing Minecraft, it's important to check if your computer can run the game smoothly. The good news is that Minecraft isn't too demanding on most modern computers:

Component Minimum Requirements Recommended
Operating System Windows 7 or later Windows 10 or later
Processor Basic dual-core processor (2013+) Modern quad-core processor
Memory (RAM) 4 GB 8 GB
Graphics Basic graphics (most computers from 2012+) Dedicated gaming graphics card
Storage 4 GB available space 4 GB available space (SSD preferred)

Most computers purchased within the last 5-7 years should handle Minecraft without issues. If you're unsure about your computer's specifications, you can check them by typing "System Information" in your Windows search bar.

4. How to Download, Install, and Launch

Once you've purchased the game, the process is simple. You'll need to create your account by going to the official Minecraft website, where you'll also make your purchase. The website will then prompt you to download the Minecraft Launcher. This is the application you'll use to install and open the game. Once the launcher is open, log in with your account and choose which version you want to install. After the installation is complete, click Play in the launcher, and you can create a new single-player world and begin your adventure.

Minecraft play
Minecraft play

5. Important Safety and Parental Information

For parents considering Minecraft as a gift, here are crucial safety considerations:

Online Play Safety: Minecraft allows players to join online servers with strangers. While many servers are well-moderated, consider starting with single-player mode or private servers with friends only. You can disable online features entirely in the game settings if preferred.

Account Setup for Children: When creating an account for a child, use a parent's email address to maintain control. Avoid using the child's real name as the username, and ensure the password is secure. Consider enabling two-factor authentication for added security.

Screen Time Management: Minecraft can be highly engaging. The game doesn't have built-in time limits, so consider using your computer's parental controls or setting manual gaming schedules to manage play time effectively.

6. Money-Saving Tips and Policies

When to Buy: Minecraft occasionally goes on sale during major gaming events like Steam sales, Black Friday, or back-to-school periods, though discounts are typically modest (10-20% off). The game rarely sees deep discounts due to its continued popularity.

Refund Policy: Minecraft's refund policy follows the standard Microsoft Store policy. Generally, a refund can be requested within 14 days of purchase, provided that you have played the game for less than 2 hours. Once these conditions are not met, refunds are typically not available unless there are technical issues preventing gameplay. Make sure to test the game on your system as soon as possible after purchase.

One Purchase, Multiple Devices: Remember that buying Minecraft gives you access to both Java and Bedrock editions, so you're essentially getting two versions of the game for one price. This makes the $26.95 cost more reasonable compared to buying games separately.

7. Standard vs. Deluxe: Which Should You Buy?

When purchasing Minecraft, you may notice that there are two options: the Standard Edition and the Deluxe Collection. Both versions give you full access to Minecraft Java & Bedrock, but the Deluxe includes additional downloadable content (DLC) and cosmetic packs. Here's a quick comparison:

Feature Standard Edition Deluxe Collection
Game Access Minecraft: Java & Bedrock Minecraft: Java & Bedrock
Character Creator Items Basic set 1600 Minecoins + Deluxe skins & items
Included DLCs Not included 5+ downloadable worlds and packs
Best For New players or those just wanting the core game Players who want extra content and customization
Price ~$26.95 USD ~$39.99 USD

If you're gifting Minecraft or want to enjoy custom characters and extra maps right away, the Deluxe Collection may be worth it. But if you're just starting out, the Standard Edition already offers full gameplay with access to both Java and Bedrock versions.

Knowing these key points will help you avoid common mistakes, ensure safe gameplay, and get straight to building and exploring. Welcome to Minecraft!


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Author: Denis Oh (Dongchul Oh)

As a director of pro-gaming spaces, I provide PC optimization solutions based on 25 years of professional expertise.

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