Presenting the three best solutions for how to play Minecraft online for free (no download). Legal, safe, and cashless approaches to your favorite building game!
Since Mojang Studios released Minecraft in 2009, the video game has captured the imagination of millions worldwide.
The wildly popular sandbox game offers unique opportunities to build, create, and explore your surroundings, immersing yourself in an alternate world where creativity knows no bounds.
This single-player or multi-player game lets you use building materials – quite a collection of them – to create almost anything your mind can conjure. Its following only continues to grow yearly, with kids (above 8) and adults deriving pleasure from its numerous landscapes.
You can buy the Java Edition of Minecraft for around $27 if you wish to play on Windows, macOS, or Linux. The Bedrock version is your go-to for playing on all other platforms like consoles, Android and iOS. We mean your PlayStation, Nintendo Switch, Xbox, you got it.
But here is the million-dollar question: what if you want to enjoy Minecraft but don’t want to spend a dime? What if you wish to try it out for free before deciding whether to use your money?
Easy Ways to Play Minecraft for Free
Fortunately for you, the developers have made it possible to play the excellent game online for free without downloading. Let us discuss how you can do this.
Option 1: Play Online for Free on Minecraft Official Website
It is the simplest solution! All you need to do is open the official website: classic.minecraft.net. The developers made the original 2009 version available for playing online as a special tenth-anniversary treat.
You needn’t download anything and can enjoy the thrills of the original version of your favorite game. Here are the steps to follow:
- Go to classic.minecraft.net
- A level and link will get generated for you
- You can use the link to invite up to nine friends
- Create a username
- Begin!
Be warned: this version limits itself to 32 blocks. It also has all the bugs from back then, so get ready to work around them.
If you are fond of the mobs, you will miss dealing with them here as you only get the retro, patch-free version from over a decade ago.
Yet another drawback is the inability to save your game status. You will lose everything once you exit. Still, if you have been playing Minecraft since its inception, you will feel nostalgia for the times bygone!
Option 2: Get an Xbox Game Pass
If you own an Xbox, your game pass can be a convenient way to play Minecraft. The game is available to you if you pay for your pass (whichever is the platform of your choice). You will not have to pay anything extra to download Minecraft. The video game is conveniently available on all the consoles in the family (Xbox One, Series X, and Series S).
One advantage of this route is getting access to Minecraft Dungeons – not available for trial otherwise. The Xbox Game Pass lets you expand your horizons with the game by exploring the darkness of the dungeons.
Option 3: Get a free trial
Disclaimer: You will need to download the installer for this one.
This solution is perfect for those who want to play the full version of Minecraft without paying. You can get a free trial of the Bedrock version for different platforms.
We recommend trying the Bedrock edition for the meaningful ways it improves upon the Java version. For instance, you get saturated graphics and terrains with greater diversity.
Luckily, Minecraft offers free trials for both versions on the official website. Here are the main steps to obtain one:
- Go to www.minecraft.net/en-us/free-trial
- Select the icon that corresponds to your platform of choice
- Download the free trial by following the instructions
- You can also download a sample for the Java edition on Windows, Mac, and Linux
The trials come with time limits. It usually varies by device, and you will get notified accordingly. After your trial ends, you can choose to convert to a paid subscription. For instance, the Java trial lasts for about five game days. It roughly amounts to 100 minutes.
The best part about getting a trial is that you don’t need to part with payment information or share your credit card details. It is your choice to renew after the trial period ends. For instance, a console version of the Nintendo Switch will cost you $29.99. The one-time purchase amount varies by device, region, currency, etc.
One limitation is that you will not be able to access Minecraft Dungeons. It is not generally available for trial.
You can also get an Android demo through the Google Play Store. It follows similar constraints for time and players, but you should be able to enjoy the experience for free. The iOS store also has the game, but Apple’s policies might prevent you from enjoying the game on your iPhone.
Who should you try Minecraft for free before purchasing?
Free trials are not for everyone. You are unlikely to be interested in this route if you are a gaming connoisseur and have been playing for ages. Also, someone who enjoys building games and platforms that encourage creativity and exploration will adore Minecraft.
However, if you are new to gaming, it can be a good idea to try before you buy. You may be unsure if you will cherish the game or like to share the experience with your friends. Trying out a demo version also makes sense to test out your system requirements and see how the game performs on your chosen platform. Perhaps you need to invest in an upgrade before purchasing a new gaming title.
What is the limitation of playing Minecraft online for free?
Well, you cannot expect to save your money and not cut any corners at all. You can access much more content when you play a paid version of Minecraft.
Lately, the developers have introduced lots of exciting upgrades. You can dive into the ocean and play amid marine life.
Fancy getting surrounded by bees as you attempt to survive? There’s a Netherland version with new scares and terrifying threats. You can even swoon over cats and pandas! Minecraft now reaps the benefits of ray tracing technology to bring you better luminosity, sharper colors, and enthralling effects. Free versions will usually not offer you these latest upgrades.
Another shortcoming of not paying upfront is the presence of bugs. The version on the official website comes with all the original problems. See it as nostalgia or grit your teeth as the price for not buying your copy.
Minecraft is one of the highest-grossing video games, having sold 238 million copies by April 2021. It ranks next only to Tetris as far as popularity and sales go.
Part of the reason the game is so insanely popular is how easy it is to play. It is also not excessively violent and appeals to people of all ages. Players frequently share their creations and strategies with others.
The franchise has spread widely: from OTT platforms to collectibles and more. Even so, multiple ways still exist to get the experience for free.
We recommend trying out some of the above approaches to delve into Minecraft before committing to a purchase. Happy building!
