How to play Minecraft for free at home, legally

Free Minecraft
(Image credit: Mojang)

Not only is it possible to play Minecraft for free, it's surprisingly easy too. To get free-to-play Minecraft, you only need a working device and a stable internet connection - no downloads or high-end rigs required. It's a perfect way to practice your block-building skills or try a Minecraft demo, but don't expect the latest Minecraft features.

Unlike modern Java and Bedrock editions, the free Minecraft game is very simple and more like Minecraft Classic, which only had 32 block types. Furthermore, you won't find any zombies or creepers as the free version of Minecraft comes in creative mode only - but at least you won't suffer any jump scares. 

If that sounds good enough for you, here's how to play Minecraft for free.

Playing Minecraft for free explained

Players can enjoy Minecraft for free at this link right here, which is an in-browser form of Minecraft Classic that's far more limited than any current paid model.

Play Minecraft for free

(Image credit: Mojang)
Best Minecraft Mods

Minecraft best mods optifine

(Image credit: Microsoft/sp614x)

If you've got the Java version of the game, try some of the best Minecraft mods listed here!

Specifically, this version of the game has only creative mode from Minecraft Classic, with none of the comparatively modern additions like mobs and survival mechanics - you're essentially in a time machine back to 2009. There are only 32 different types of blocks (with most of them being dyed wool), and all the original bugs are in there, although you can build as much as you want. It even has multiplayer with other browser players - just send your session's URL to up to nine other players.

Unfortunately, the major downside to free Minecraft is that you can't save the game! Any progress, creations, or discoveries you make in this browser version of Minecraft are lost when you close the game, and there's no way to get them back. Keep that in mind and don't get too invested in what you build!

This probabyl goes without saying, but that also means you can't use the best Minecraft seeds or join the best Minecraft servers. None of your saved Minecraft skins will be visible.

Still, this free version of the game isn't without its charms and could potentially work as a Minecraft demo for those who are considering a full purchase, want something for their kids to enjoy on a rainy day, or who just don't have the money to burn on games right now. 


If you want more Minecraft, here’s some other games like Minecraft to try out, or watch the video below for some top Minecraft facts.

© GamesRadar+. Not to be reproduced without permission

Leon Hurley
Managing editor for guides

I'm GamesRadar's Managing Editor for guides, which means I run GamesRadar's guides and tips content. I also write reviews, previews and features, largely about horror, action adventure, FPS and open world games. I previously worked on Kotaku, and the Official PlayStation Magazine and website. 

With contributions from
Read more
Minecraft
25 games like Minecraft to play that will let your imagination run wild
Rocket League Rankings
The 15 best free Xbox One games you can download and play right now
Captain America from one of the best free games, Marvel Rivals
The 25 best free games you can play in 2025
Sky: Children of the Light
The best free Switch games to play right now
Best free Steam games - Doom Eternal image showing a large armored enemy with a gun for an arm
25 Best free Steam games you can play right now
Minecraft Netherite Armor
A developer porting Minecraft to the Dreamcast is now able to "Blast through an existing world file at 2,800 km/h"
Latest in Minecraft
Minecraft key art showing Steve holding a pickaxe.
Minecraft modder uses "3 hours of my life that I'll never get back" to create a new mod that gives Steve Jack Black's voice
Minecraft Netherite Armor
A developer porting Minecraft to the Dreamcast is now able to "Blast through an existing world file at 2,800 km/h"
Minecraft Steve
Notch cancels the "Minecraft 2" he announced days prior because spiritual successors are "always kinda sad nostalgia dumps"
Minecraft Diamond Armor
OG Minecraft creator "basically announced Minecraft 2" in the oddest way, but he won't "sneakily infringe" on Mojang's work
Minecraft Steve
Minecraft is the winner of the Still Playing Award at the Golden Joystick Awards 2024
Luma Island
This co-op farm sim is a whimsical blend of games like Minecraft and Stardew Valley, and I'm obsessed after playing the Steam Next Fest demo
Latest in Guides
Assassin's Creed Shadows Claws of Awaji expansion Naoe and Yasuke in Awaji forest
Assassin's Creed Shadows roadmap, DLC and future content
A scary emoji shown in horror game REPO.
Is REPO coming to consoles?
Monster Hunter Wilds Nu Udra Palico
How to get the Monster Hunter Wilds Aqua Sac and Flame Sac
WWE 2K25
WWE 2K25 DLC guide to all Season Pass wrestlers
Monster Hunter Wilds screenshot showing a fiery octopus monster grabbing player
Monster Hunter Wilds Black Flame location and boss fight guide
Monster Hunter Wilds Aqua Sac and Flame Sac
The best Monster Hunter Wilds mods and how to install them