Full Minecraft guide to building the best world possible

Minecraft
(Image credit: Mojang)

A Minecraft guide for everything important in the game means that players can thrive in their blocky biomes. Minecraft is now a staple of gaming, whether you're playing in survival or creative mode, allowing players to create cuboid existences for themselves as they battle back Creepers or construct grandiose castles. And with regular updates still, over a decade later, there's always more for players to learn and discover to give them an edge while exploring, or just having more fun! 

And there's lots of ways to do both of those things, and all manner of tricks to find out how to play Minecraft in more engaging ways. Discovering new servers, changing things with console commands, altering skins and seeds for the best gameplay experience - whatever you're looking to get from the game, we've got something in our Minecraft guide laid out below.

Play for free

Minecraft guide

(Image credit: Mojang)

There's dozens of versions of the game available on pretty much every platform imaginable, and now you can even play Minecraft for free in your browser. It's a fairly basic rendition without many of the features, but if you're on a tight budget or looking for a quick distraction then there's no better price than free.

Commands and cheats

Minecraft guide

(Image credit: Mojang)

If you want to fully take control of your created world, then using Minecraft commands and cheats will let you do just that. We've got all the codes you need so you can teleport, set the time and weather, spawn items and entities, and a whole lot more.

Best servers

Minecraft guide

(Image credit: Mojang)

If you want to experience whole new adventures in blocks, then visiting the best Minecraft servers can transport you to worlds inspired by Grand Theft Auto, Pokemon, Game of Thrones, and more.

Realms

Minecraft guide

(Image credit: Mojang Studios)

If you want to manage your own personal multiplayer server for up to ten players, then Minecraft Realms lets you build and play with friends in private games. With a Realms Plus subscription you also get regular content drops of new maps, character skins, and mini-games to check out.

Best seeds

Minecraft guide

(Image credit: Mojang)

Seeds determine the layout of the land in your world, and different environments can completely change your gameplay experience. We've gathered the best Minecraft seeds so you can explore a giant mansion, survive a shipwreck on an island, or any number of other adventures.

Best mods

Minecraft guide

(Image credit: Microsoft)

If you want to tweak the actual gameplay mechanics for a different experience, then installing the best Minecraft mods will let you rework how the game functions. Choices include introducing fresh biomes, new wild animals, and even sending you into space.

Best shaders

Minecraft guide

(Image credit: Mojang)

If you want your game to look as great as possible, then installing the best Minecraft shaders will help you achieve this. Make your water shinier, add light rays and lens flares, improve shadows, and generally turn your worlds into visual masterpieces that are a feast for the eyes.

Best skins

Minecraft guide

(Image credit: Mojang)

Every player will be familiar with Steve and Alex, the default skins in the game, but sometimes you want to mix things up with new characters. The best Minecraft skins let you do this, so you can become mighty Thanos, Jedi warrior Yoda, and even Homer Simpson – d'oh!

Best texture packs

Minecraft guide

(Image credit: Mojang)

Bored with how the standard blocks and objects look in your world? Then install some of the best Minecraft texture packs and you can add in flowing grass, rippling water, and even photorealistic trees.

Nether

Minecraft guide

(Image credit: Mojang)

If you're thinking of delving down into the underworld, then we've got details on how the Minecraft Nether update has made some changes to the way things work below. We can also show you how to get Minecraft Netherite and what to do with it, including how to craft Minecraft Netherite tools and a full set of Minecraft Netherite armor.

Enchanting

Minecraft guide

(Image credit: Mojang Studios)

If you want to improve your weapons and items, then applying Minecraft enchanting to them will give them a significant boost. Our guide will show you how to construct an Enchanting Table, and configure it to get the highest level of enchantment possible.

Build the best house

Minecraft guide

(Image credit: Mojang)

Setting yourself up with a great Minecraft house is very important, as it provides you with a safe refuge away from any creatures and a place to store all of your hard-earned gear and treasure. Plus, you can show off your creative flair by making your home as impressive as you like.

Tame a fox

Minecraft guide

(Image credit: Mojang)

If you've spotted one of these nocturnal creatures in your world, you may be wondering how to tame a fox in Minecraft, so we've got all the details on how to make them your new furry pals.

Minecraft will always be one of the best games with destructible environments.

Iain Wilson
Guides Editor

Iain originally joined Future in 2012 to write guides for CVG, PSM3, and Xbox World, before moving on to join GamesRadar in 2013 as Guides Editor. His words have also appeared in OPM, OXM, PC Gamer, GamesMaster, and SFX. He is better known to many as ‘Mr Trophy’, due to his slightly unhealthy obsession with amassing intangible PlayStation silverware, and he now has over 500 Platinum pots weighing down the shelves of his virtual award cabinet. He does not care for Xbox Achievements.