Since the developer behind the worldwide phenomenon, Mojang Studios, is now owned by Microsoft, there are a lot of incentives to play on Xbox consoles too. Then you have Xbox Game Pass to take into account that in a way, makes Minecraft free. So when people ask if Minecraft is free, it's hard to give a straightforward answer.
To break this all down, head below for all the latest Minecraft information regarding how to play the game for free.
How to play Minecraft for free
Minecraft can be played for free via your web browser by heading to classic.minecraft.net, with no need to download or install anything. This free version is the original Minecraft creative mode from all the way back in 2009 was made available as part of the 10th-anniversary celebrations but is still fully playable.
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Once a level has automatically been generated, you'll be given a shareable link allowing you to play with up to nine friends. From there, you simply create a username and press start to get going. It's easy to pick up too with the left-click on the mouse letting you place or mine blocks (right-click to toggle between the two) and move using WASD.
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As this is the original 2009 creative mode, it comes with all the game's limitations from the time. So don't expect any of the latest updates. There are no mobs present at all, there are only 32 blocks to build with, and all the original bugs are still present. There's also seemingly no way to save your game, so if you close the tab you'll lose all your retro recreations.
It's obviously worth noting that this is a completely free game, intended as an anniversary novelty rather than a fully-fledged platform for the sandbox game. It's also a rare chance to see a live service game in its original, unpatched form, sure to bring on a wave of nostalgia for those who have played since the very beginning.
Is there a Minecraft free trial?
If you want to play the full Minecraft experience, as opposed to the free anniversary version, you might be wondering if there is a way to obtain a free trial of Minecraft. And the good news is that there is indeed a free trial.
Head to the free trial page via the Minecraft website, and you'll be able to peruse your options. A free trial of Minecraft: Bedrock Edition (the main version of Minecraft) is available across PlayStation 4, PlayStation 4, Windows, Android and PlayStation Vita. There are also links on that page which will take you to the storefronts in question.
If you scroll a bit further down that page, you'll see that there is also a free trial for Minecraft: Java Edition (the slightly simpler version of Minecraft). That particular free trial is available on Windows PC, MacOS and Linux.
How much does Minecraft cost?
If you fancy skipping the free trial or like what you're seeing from it, then Minecraft: Jave & Bedrock Edition can be picked up for £24.99 via the Microsoft Store.
The Minecraft: Java & Bedrock Edition Deluxe Collection can also be purchased at £34.99. This version throws in 1,600 Minecoins, five maps, five Persona items, three emotes, three Skin Packs and one texture pack.
Anyone looking to play on a console is better off heading to Amazon where physical copies of the game can be acquired – like this one on Nintendo Switch at £19.99.
Is Minecraft Dungeons free?
Alas, Minecraft Dungeons is not free to play. The game was released in 2020 for Xbox One, PlayStation 4, Nintendo Switch and PC before then coming to Xbox Series X/S. As this is a full release, it is not free. It has dropped in price considerably since then, though. Just a quick look on Amazon shows how much cheaper the dungeon crawler spinoff is.
Better yet, if you subscribe to Xbox Game Pass, Minecraft Dungeons is available to play via the subscription service. It can then be downloaded from the library at any time.
Is Minecraft on Xbox Game Pass?
Minecraft is available on PC via PC Game Pass as well as on Xbox consoles via Xbox Game Pass. As long as you're a paying Xbox Game Pass member on your platform of choice, you will be able to download Minecraft without having to pay anything extra on top of your usual subscription.
On the Xbox Game Pass app, search for Minecraft and you'll see that you can install Minecraft to your Xbox Series X/S, Xbox One and PC via Windows 10.
Minecraft Dungeons is also available on Xbox Game Pass, so that's another bonus for Minecraft-loving members of Microsoft's gaming subscription service. That's the next best thing to playing it for free!
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