Skip to main content
Join The Community
- Join our community
11
Premium Benefits
24/7
Access Available
21K+
Active Members
Commenting
Join the discussion
Exclusive Articles Coming Soon
Member-only articles
Weekly Newsletters
Weekly gaming & entertainment news
Member Badges
Earn badges as you go
Exclusive Competitions
Members-only prize draws
Curated Deals Coming Soon
Tech and gaming deals worth grabbing
GET COMMUNITY ACCESS QUICK
For the quickest way to join, simply enter your email below and get access. We will send a confirmation and sign you up to our newsletter to keep you updated on all your gaming news.
By submitting your information you agree to the Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over.
FIND OUT ABOUT OUR MAGAZINE
Want to subscribe to the magazine? Click the button below to find out more information.
Find out more
GET Community ACCESS QUICK

Join the GamesRadar community for quick access. Enter your email below and we'll send confirmation, and sign you up to our newsletter.

By submitting your information you agree to the Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over.

Background
Welcome to GamesRADAR+ Community !
Hi ,

Your membership journey starts here.

Keep exploring and earning more as a member.

MY ACCOUNT

Badge picture
Earn your first badge
Read 1 article to unlock your first badge.
Keep earning badges
Explore ways to get more involved as a member.
Latest Games News

Latest Games News

Breaking gaming news and updates

Read Now
Latest Games Reviews

Latest Games Reviews

Expert verdicts on the newest releases

Read Now

See what you’ve unlocked.

Explore your membership benefits.

Explore
Member Exclusives

Stay Ahead with GamesRadar+

Get the biggest gaming news, reviews, and releases straight to your inbox.

Explore

Sign Out
GamesRadar+ GamesRadar+
US EditionUS CA EditionCanada UK EditionUK AU EditionAustralia
Sign in
  • View Profile
  • Sign out
  • Games
    • Game Insights
      • Games News
      • Games Features
      • Games Reviews
      • Games Guides
      • Big in 2026
      • The Big Preview
      • On The Radar
      • Indie Spotlight
      • Future Games Show
      • Golden Joystick Awards
    • Genres
      • Action Games
      • RPGs
      • Action RPGs
      • Adventure Games
      • Third Person Shooters
      • FPS Games
    • Platforms
      • PS5
      • Xbox Series X
      • PC
      • Nintendo Switch
      • Nintendo Switch 2
      • Tabletop Gaming
    • Franchises
      • Grand Theft Auto
      • Pokemon
      • Assassin's Creed
      • Monster Hunter
      • Fortnite
      • Cyberpunk
      • Red Dead
      • The Elder Scrolls
      • The Sims
  • Entertainment
    • TV Shows
      • TV News
      • TV Reviews
      • Anime Shows
      • Sci-Fi Shows
      • Superhero Shows
      • Animated Shows
      • Marvel TV Shows
      • Star Wars TV Shows
      • DC TV Shows
    • Movies
      • Movie News
      • Movie Reviews
      • Big Screen Spotlight
      • Superhero Movies
      • Action Movies
      • Anime Movies
      • Sci-Fi Movies
      • Horror Movies
      • Marvel Movies
      • DC Movies
    • Streaming
      • Apple TV Plus
      • Disney Plus
      • Netflix
      • HBO
      • Amazon Prime Video
      • Hulu
    • Comics
      • Marvel Comics
      • DC Comics
    • Toys & Collectibles
    • Lego
    • Dungeons and Dragons
    • Merch
  • Hardware
    • Insights
      • Hardware News
      • Hardware Reviews
      • Hardware Features
    • Computing
      • Desktop PCs
      • Laptops
      • Handhelds
    • Peripherals
      • Headsets & Headphones
      • TVs & Monitors
      • Gaming Mice
      • Gaming Keyboards
      • Gaming Chairs
      • Speakers & Audio
    • Accessories & Tech
      • Gaming Controllers
      • Tech
      • SSDs & Hard Drives
      • VR
      • Accessories
      • Retro
  • Deals
    • Game Deals
    • Tech Deals
    • TV Deals
    • Buying Guides
  • Video
    • Video
    • GR+ Replay - Submit Your Clips
  • Newsletters
    • Quizzes
    • About Us
    • How to pitch to us
    • How we score
    • Newsarama
    • Retro Gamer
    • Total Film
  • home
  • Games
    • View Games
      • Games News
      • Games Features
      • Games Reviews
      • Games Guides
      • Big in 2026
      • The Big Preview
      • On The Radar
      • Indie Spotlight
      • Future Games Show
      • Golden Joystick Awards
      • Action Games
      • RPGs
      • Action RPGs
      • Adventure Games
      • Third Person Shooters
      • FPS Games
    • Platforms
      • View Platforms
      • PS5
      • Xbox Series X
      • PC
      • Nintendo Switch
      • Nintendo Switch 2
      • Tabletop Gaming
      • Grand Theft Auto
      • Pokemon
      • Assassin's Creed
      • Monster Hunter
      • Fortnite
      • Cyberpunk
      • Red Dead
      • The Elder Scrolls
      • The Sims
  • Entertainment
    • View Entertainment
    • TV Shows
      • View TV Shows
      • TV News
      • TV Reviews
      • Anime Shows
      • Sci-Fi Shows
      • Superhero Shows
      • Animated Shows
      • Marvel TV Shows
      • Star Wars TV Shows
      • DC TV Shows
    • Movies
      • View Movies
      • Movie News
      • Movie Reviews
      • Big Screen Spotlight
      • Superhero Movies
      • Action Movies
      • Anime Movies
      • Sci-Fi Movies
      • Horror Movies
      • Marvel Movies
      • DC Movies
    • Streaming
      • View Streaming
      • Apple TV Plus
      • Disney Plus
      • Netflix
      • HBO
      • Amazon Prime Video
      • Hulu
    • Comics
      • View Comics
      • Marvel Comics
      • DC Comics
    • Toys & Collectibles
    • Lego
    • Dungeons and Dragons
    • Merch
  • Hardware
    • View Hardware
      • Hardware News
      • Hardware Reviews
      • Hardware Features
      • Desktop PCs
      • Laptops
      • Handhelds
    • Peripherals
      • View Peripherals
      • Headsets & Headphones
      • TVs & Monitors
      • Gaming Mice
      • Gaming Keyboards
      • Gaming Chairs
      • Speakers & Audio
      • Gaming Controllers
      • Tech
      • SSDs & Hard Drives
      • VR
      • Accessories
      • Retro
  • Deals
    • View Deals
    • Game Deals
    • Tech Deals
    • TV Deals
    • Buying Guides
  • Video
    • View Video
    • Video
    • GR+ Replay - Submit Your Clips
  • Newsletters
    • Quizzes
    • About Us
    • How to pitch to us
    • How we score
    • Newsarama
    • Retro Gamer
    • Total Film
Trending
  • Crimson Desert
  • Pokopia
  • Arc Raiders
  • The Boys S5
  • Starfield
  • Submit your clips. Win prizes
  1. Games
  2. Adventure
  3. Minecraft

How to play Minecraft for free at home, legally

Guides
By Leon Hurley Contributions from Joel Franey, Will Sawyer, Marloes Valentina Stella last updated 8 November 2024

Play Minecraft for free and on your browser - no download needed

When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Here’s how it works.

Free Minecraft
(Image credit: Mojang)
  • Facebook
  • X
  • Pinterest
  • Flipboard
  • Email
Share this article
Join the conversation
Follow us
Add us as a preferred source on Google
Sign up to the GamesRadar+ Newsletter

Weekly digests, tales from the communities you love, and more


By submitting your information you agree to the Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over.

You are now subscribed

Your newsletter sign-up was successful


Want to add more newsletters?

GamesRadar+

Every Friday

GamesRadar+

Your weekly update on everything you could ever want to know about the games you already love, games we know you're going to love in the near future, and tales from the communities that surround them.

GTA 6 O'clock

Every Thursday

GTA 6 O'clock

Our special GTA 6 newsletter, with breaking news, insider info, and rumor analysis from the award-winning GTA 6 O'clock experts.

Knowledge

Every Friday

Knowledge

From the creators of Edge: A weekly videogame industry newsletter with analysis from expert writers, guidance from professionals, and insight into what's on the horizon.

The Setup

Every Thursday

The Setup

Hardware nerds unite, sign up to our free tech newsletter for a weekly digest of the hottest new tech, the latest gadgets on the test bench, and much more.

Switch 2 Spotlight

Every Wednesday

Switch 2 Spotlight

Sign up to our new Switch 2 newsletter, where we bring you the latest talking points on Nintendo's new console each week, bring you up to date on the news, and recommend what games to play.

The Watchlist

Every Saturday

The Watchlist

Subscribe for a weekly digest of the movie and TV news that matters, direct to your inbox. From first-look trailers, interviews, reviews and explainers, we've got you covered.

SFX

Once a month

SFX

Get sneak previews, exclusive competitions and details of special events each month!


Join the club

Get full access to premium articles, exclusive features and a growing list of member rewards.


An account already exists for this email address, please log in.
Subscribe to our newsletter

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.

Article continues below

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.

Sign up to the GamesRadar+ Newsletter

Weekly digests, tales from the communities you love, and more

By submitting your information you agree to the Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over.

© GamesRadar+. Not to be reproduced without permission

CATEGORIES
iPhone Android Nintendo Switch Nintendo Wii-u PS4 PS5 PlayStation PC Gaming Xbox Series X Xbox Xbox One Platforms Mobile Gaming Nintendo PlayStation Xbox
Leon Hurley
Leon Hurley
Social Links Navigation
Managing editor for guides

I'm GamesRadar's Managing Editor for guides. 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
  • Marloes Valentina StellaFreelance Writer
  • Will SawyerGuides Editor, GamesRadar+
  • Joel FraneyGuides Editor, GamesRadar+
Latest in Minecraft
Pixelated cow looks toward camera in Minecraft
Minecraft Mojang hired a "cow whisperer" to record new Minecraft animal noises: "The cows started to speak to him immediately"
 
 
Minecraft frogs temperate
Minecraft Minecraft devs say anything is possible as they start to dip into old ideas for new updates
 
 
Screenshot from Minecraft Dungeons 2's reveal trailer, showing a bunch of villagers standing around a blocky village.
Minecraft Minecraft Dungeons 2 takes another stab at Mojang's surprisingly great Diablo-inspired RPG spin-off later this year
 
 
A Wandering Villager and a Llama and followed by a crowd of other Minecraft mobs
Minecraft All Minecraft mobs, from passive pigs to hostile piglin brutes
 
 
The Sulphur Cube mob from the next Minecraft update
Minecraft Minecraft 26.2 release date estimate
 
 
Best Minecraft skins
Minecraft Minecraft devs swore off yearly updates after giant Caves and Cliffs patch pushed them to the brink
 
 
Latest in Guides
Arc Raiders Canto
Third Person Shooters How to get the Canto SMG blueprint in Arc Raiders
 
 
Dust on the Wires quest in Arc Raiders
Third Person Shooters How to complete Dust on the Wires in Arc Raiders
 
 
Clamoring for Attention in Arc Raiders
Third Person Shooters How to complete Clamoring for Attention in Arc Raiders
 
 
Arc Raiders flex rubber
Third Person Shooters Where to find Arc Flex Rubber in Arc Raiders
 
 
Arc Raiders Dolabra
Third Person Shooters How to get the Legendary Dolabra in Arc Raiders
 
 
Sableye stands in from of a Pokemon Center in Pokopia
Pokemon Pokopia Sableye event date, time, and details
 
 
LATEST ARTICLES
  1. Arc Raiders character grimacing
    1
    Arc Raiders boss promoted to Nexon chief backs AI push for "redesigning game development"
  2. 2
    Nintendo's Pokemon battling claim is too "obvious" to stand, US patent office says
  3. 3
    MTG Secrets of Strixhaven finally fixes a problem I've had with Magic for years
  4. 4
    Nearly 2 weeks after Crimson Desert's launch, tons of players are still in the first region
  5. 5
    WoW lead asks how players would feel about playing on controller, fans fear it'll "get worse" on PC

GamesRadar+ is part of Future US Inc, an international media group and leading digital publisher. Visit our corporate site.

Add as a preferred source on Google Add as a preferred source on Google
  • Terms and conditions
  • Contact Future's experts
  • Privacy policy
  • Cookies policy
  • Accessibility statement
  • Careers
  • About us
  • Advertise with us
  • Review guidelines
  • Write for us
  • Accessibility Statement

© Future US, Inc. Full 7th Floor, 130 West 42nd Street, New York, NY 10036.

Please login or signup to comment

Please wait...