How to Play Minecraft: The Beginner’s Guide
The all-round Minecraft guide to help you get up and running in no time.
Minecraft has changed the gaming industry forever.
How can a game that was launched more than a decade ago be so relevant nowadays?
There must be something really unique about this game, right?
Well, there is. Minecraft is more than a game: it’s a new world full of unlimited possibilities.
The path that Minecraft has created opened the window for other games based on creativity and environment, but don’t make a mistake here - Minecraft is more than just classic survival games.
If you are eager to start playing Minecraft, but you don’t know where to start, then allow Hypenoon to be your guide through the dangers of the Overworld, the Nether, and the End.
In this guide, we’ll start your adventure by giving you all the information you need about the following topics:
- How to play Minecraft;
- Things you need to know before you get started in this game;
- Java Edition, Survival Mode, and other things you need to know about the different Minecraft versions.
Chapter 1: Introduction
Minecraft has more than 130 million monthly active players all over the world. It’s hard to find games that managed to create what Minecraft achieved.
Way before millions of players started their adventures in the Overworld, an enormous company saw a unique opportunity: Microsoft.
Microsoft bought Minecraft for 2.5 billion dollars back in 2014. They wanted each Windows user to explore all that this game had to offer at the moment.
Needless to say, Windows and Microsoft’s unprecedented decision was full of success and unforgettable moments for many players out there.
What Is Minecraft?
Minecraft is a sandbox survival video game where players can customize their own character and build impressive structures using blocks. The blocks are the central part of Minecraft, since each block serves a different purpose for building purposes.
Minecraft is not free, but there’s a Free Trial version that you can install ( click here) and that serves as an entry-level game where players can get more details about the mechanics of the game.
What is the Main Goal in the Minecraft Game?
There are two main goals in Minecraft: survive and create. If you are a creative player, then you’ll surely use the blocks to unleash your full creativity by having amazing structures and objects crafted.
If you happen to be a player that needs a main point to play, then the survival mode is for you.
That brings us to Survival Mode vs. Creative Mode. In the Create Mode, you are free to craft whatever you want in a big open world where the only limit is your imagination.
On the other hand, there are different levels of difficulty for the survival mode where each character will need to fight for its life by mastering Crafting Skills.
Chapter 2: Game Mechanics
Creating is the keystone in Minecraft. It doesn’t matter in which device you decide to install the game: you’ll face different challenges that require you to have your eyes open at all times.
So, before you log in and start exploring the Overworld and the rest of the dimensions, you must understand Minecraft’s main mechanics first.
Crafting Table and Storage
You need to craft on Minecraft - it’s unavoidable. What’s more, you need to efficiently use your storage space in order to properly manage all your resources.
Wood, iron, stone, and more blocks will help you endure an adventure full of dangers. The Crafting Table and the different Chests are there for a reason, and you must learn to master them.
At first, you’ll experience really limited storage. You might even forget where you put a block! But, as the game advances, you’ll be able to craft unique boxes to save your items, such as the Shulker Box in Minecraft.
Combat Against Hostile Mobs
Be prepared to yield weapons and protect yourself! When you first install Minecraft on your device, you might think that it’s a friendly game with cute characters.
As you advance through the game, you’ll realize that there are hostile mobs trying to kill you all over the place. Create your favorite weapons and fight against annoying creatures!
Pro Tip: Let’s make sure we are on the same page - you need a Minecraft Crossbow, a sword, or a trident to survive. Failing to create these weapons will shatter your hopes of surviving in this universe!
Passive Mobs and Taming
Not all creatures in Minecraft are trying to kill you. There are some cute and loyal companions that your character can take care of, such as the Minecraft Cat and the Minecraft Fox.
These mobs will need food and a good location to live inside your house. Other mobs, such as Minecraft Bees, are a little harder to tame, but the resources they give you are necessary to create other valuable items.
You can also start shearing sheep and taking care of horses!
And then there are neutral mobs, such as the Minecraft Axolotl, which you might as well breed but are hard to find in the world.
In short - you’ll never be alone in Minecraft! Hundreds of different characters are waiting to explore the world with you and join your adventures.
Potions and Enchantments
Buildings are not the only thing you can create in Minecraft. The Brewing Stand in Minecraft allows players to fill empty bottles with potions that can, later on, help them in their adventure.
Is there an environment with minor light sources? Craft a Potion of Night Vision!
Do you want to get underwater for a long time without dying? The Respiration Enchantment is the answer to your problems.
The brewing feature gives you control over certain things and settings that can’t be changed in survival mode, unless you use mods… but we’ll get to it.
Chapter 3: Getting Started: How to Play Minecraft
Now that you know what to expect, it’s time to play the Minecraft game. New adventures are about to be forged in a world waiting for you to explore it, so fasten your seatbelts, and let’s get to it!
Java Edition vs. Bedrock Edition
Depending on the device you play in, you’ll be choosing two different versions of the game to install: Java Edition and Bedrock Edition.
PC users can install both Java Edition and Bedrock Edition, but if you play on a game console, such as PlayStation, Nintendo, or Xbox, you’ll be playing on Bedrock Edition.
On the other hand, mobile users play in the Pocket Edition, which is a version that they can install on their phones and play the game in no time.
Simply download and install the version available for you in Windows, Mac, or Console - you are free to decide. You’ll need to create a Microsoft account that will link with your device.
Learn more about the differences between Java Edition and Bedrock Edition by clicking on this page.
Pro Tip: Do you enjoy playing Minecraft on Windows, but now you want to Change the Minecraft Version? You can do so, but keep in mind that your character and other details won’t be the same between the Bedrock and Java Edition. Fill in with the information you need by reading our article!
Collect Resources and Prepare to Survive
Now that you have registered for the game, it’s time to get started. You’ll notice that you’ll be dropped in the middle of the world with no tools, so what now?
The place where you start is your spawn point. You can later on set a respawn point in your house in case you die, so it’s crafting time!
Also, you’ll need food, but not raw food, because it won’t give you enough life - you need to search for the suitable materials and craft a Campfire or a Smoker in Minecraft.
Cover the basic needs of your character and then get ready to face new challenges.
Cover Your Necessities and Beware of the Night
The night is dark in Minecraft. If you are not prepared for when the night falls, you’ll be in trouble.
Feel free to get the tools you need, so you are on the same page with the other creatures in this world. Collect materials and start creating a place where your character feels safe.
Chapter 4: Crafting in Minecraft
Minecraft revolves around crafting. There’s no way around it - you either craft or witness your character die in the wild.
A Blast Furnace in Minecraft controls the speed at which some materials are crafted. Likewise, other tools, such as the Cauldron in Minecraft, serve specific purposes related to the items you collect.
Read Also: Crafting in Minecraft is most likely the most important part of this game. If you want to know more about this, be sure to check out the complete guide we’ve written about this topic.
Main Materials of the Game
You craft with blocks of many kinds, so it’s important to know them all. There’s wood, iron, stone, diamond, and more.
While you can harvest wood easily in a wood forest, you can’t easily mine diamonds since they won’t break quickly. From iron, you can create iron ore, but you’ll need an iron pickaxe to break the blocks.
The iron pickaxe is just one of the many pickaxes available in this world. There’s also Concrete in Minecraft, Obsidian, and other materials needed to experience a proper adventure.
Chapter 5: Structures in Minecraft
Minecraft would be nothing without structures. The creativity of the players shines when they are allowed to build places that can’t be found in other games.
You need a house one way or another, so feel free to check our Minecraft House guide to get some sweet ideas for your builds.
Do you want something fancier with a big door, like a Minecraft Castle? Or perhaps something warmer and cozier, like Minecraft Cottage.
The choice is yours!
Pro Tip: We have created a list with 40+ Cool Things to Build in Minecraft. If you want to take a look at some unremarkable structures, check out our article - you’ll be surprised!
Chapter 6: Minecraft Community
The Minecraft Community has kept the light of this game turned on during all these years.
The multiplayer settings in the game are top-notch, which means that you can play with your friends across different platforms.
What’s more, there are dozens of Top Minecraft Youtubers which you can watch and subscribe to their page.
Minecraft-related content is one of the secrets behind the success of this universe. Minecrafters indeed took the gaming industry by storm, and the hype won’t go anywhere anytime soon.
Read Also: Are you ready to start a new multiplayer match with your friends in this game? Learn how to Add Friends in Minecraft! This process is effortless, but if you are having problems doing it, read our guide on our page to learn more about it.
Chapter 7: Advanced Minecraft Features
Now, it’s time to take a look at those advanced features that surely enhance your Minecraft adventure and take it to the limit.
Boss Battles
There are many dangers lying around in Minecraft. The final boss of the game is called the Ender Dragon, and it won’t be easy to beat it.
There are other mobs that will give you a tough fight, such as the Minecraft Enderman.
Hence, you need to plan the right strategy in order to beat them efficiently. The days when you just played for the sake of playing are long gone!
Minecraft Realms
Minecraft Realms is a paid subscription service that allows you to play on dedicated servers with your friends, as well as other important features mentioned on Minecraft Realms official website.
Minecraft Realms is aimed at those players who really want to make the best out of their Minecraft adventure. You can try the service and then Cancel Minecraft Realms any time you want, so give it a try!
Higher Tier Tools and Items
Minecraft can be as easy or as hard as you want it. Sure, building a house is elementary, but building a Minecraft Beacon requires a considerable effort that some are unwilling to take.
For advanced combat, you might need Full Diamond Armor Set, and if you are struggling playing hardcore mode, then you perhaps want to Turn on Hitboxes in Minecraft.
And then, there’s the cherry on the cake: Redstone. Redstone Comparators, Repeaters, and Redstone Lamps are just some of the blocks that use complex logic circuits to create amazing things.
At first, they might look hard to use, but once you get the hang of it, you’ll become a master builder.
Chapter 8: Minecraft Troubleshooting
Most digital products out there, including games, can fail from time to time. Fortunately, Minecraft problems are infrequent, and they usually have a proper solution that can be achieved within minutes.
In any case, Minecraft Support Team is always ready to help you out whenever you are facing any issue with their platforms.
Pro Tip: Are you facing minor issues, like not being able to Change your Minecraft Username or Turning Off Narrator in Minecraft? You can fix them by yourself by reading our guides! For more advanced features, you’ll need to contact Minecraft support.
Minecraft Servers
Minecraft servers are great for those users who want to implement mods and other advanced settings into it. But what happens when the Minecraft Server Can’t Keep Up? You need to solve it as soon as possible!
Of course, before you install a server, keep in mind that there are private servers and official servers in Minecraft Realms, which host a feature called Minecraft Worlds. Are you Unable to Connect to World in Minecraft? We know exactly how to solve it, so check out our guide!
And then there are fixes that require more advanced technical knowledge, such as Clearing Dropped Items in Minecraft. Whatever your problem is, you’ll find a great solution here at Hypenoon.
Final words - Minecraft opened the door of a universe that will forever be remembered in the years to come.
This game will only get bigger from now on, and now you know everything to get started - don’t wait any longer, Minecrafter!
FAQ
What Are Minecoins in Minecraft?
Minecoins is an in-game currency that can be used to enhance the appearance of your avatar in Minecraft.
Learn how to Get Minecoins in Minecraft by reading our blog post!
Is Minecraft Game Safe for My Kids?
Yes, it is. Minecraft Parental Control Features help to create a safe environment where users of all ages are safe and sound from any kind of problem.
Learn more about these features on Minecraft’s official website.