With almost 140 million monthly players in 2021, Minecraft is arguably the most popular video game of all time that is appealing to players of all ages. As a huge, expansive sandbox game, Minecraft allows players to utilise different terrains, materials, and craftables to show off their creativity and unique designs.
Overclockers UK has decided to compile this handy guide detailing everything you need to know about this hugely successful sandbox game. We’ve even included some of our favourite gaming PCs and laptops that are perfect for playing Minecraft.
3D Adventures
Unleash your creativity in this 3D sandbox game.
There are no required goals for players to accomplish, meaning you can choose how you want to play the game. The game world is split into different biomes such as jungle, mushroom forests, deserts, and even underground caverns. The in-game system also includes a day and night cycle. What’s more, the world is constructed out of 3D blocks that consist of different harvestable materials. Players can ‘mine’ dirt, ores, lava, and much more, to then create incredible structures and designs.
Just look at this extraordinary recreation of Minas Tirith from Lord of the Rings posted on reddit by u/Cornbass.
Different Game Modes
Minecraft has five different game modes, meaning you get to play and create exactly how and what you want.
Creative: In creative mode, you have unlimited resources and creativity to build anything and everything you dream of!
Survival: Play to survive. Forge for resources, construct your shelters, and battle mobs as you prepare yourself to take on the Ender Dragon.
Hardcore: An advanced survival mode that includes permadeath for players.
Adventure: Players can explore user-crafted custom maps.
Spectator: Players can fly through blocks and watch gameplay without interacting or having an inventory. This game mode can only be selected using the Java edition or Console Legacy editions.
Did you know you can even play Minecraft in VR?! Check out our handy guide on how to get set up in the virtual reality.
Expansive Multiplayer
You can play Minecraft as a single player or with a group of friends.
The expansive multiplayer mode allows you to play either locally via LAN or using an online server, and even split screen. What’s more, the Bedrock Edition even supports crossplay.
Minecraft Realms
Minecraft Realms is a subscription service that you can sign up for and create your own Minecraft server. This enables you and up to 10 friends to play together all at one time in your shared world across multiple devices! Only people who you invite can access your realm, so easily manage any permissions or ban unwelcome players at any time.
Next-Gen Graphics
Whilst Minecraft was originally released in 2011, technology and graphics have since evolved, and developers have begun to look into how the latest technology can be integrated into the game. The most notable of which is, Ray Tracing.
Ray Tracing simulates how light behaves in the real world by extending any rays and bouncing light off surfaces to add realistic, cinematic effects to your game’s environment.
Take a look at this video down below from NVIDIA on RTX Ray Tracing in Minecraft.
Official PC System Specifications
| Minimum | With Ray Tracing | |
|---|---|---|
| OS | Windows 7 64bit | Windows 10 64bit |
| Processor | Intel Core i3 3210 / AMD A8 7600 CPU | Intel Core i5 or higher |
| Memory | 4GB RAM | 8GB RAM |
| Graphics | Intel HD Graphics 400 / AMD Radeon R5 Series / NVIDIA GeForce 400 series / AMD Radeon HD 7000 series | DirectX compatible GPU, e.g., NVIDIA GeForce RTX 20 series / AMD Radeon RX 6000 series or higher |
| Storage | 180MB to 1GB available space | 2GB available space |
Our Top PCs to Play Minecraft
We’ve searched and high on the OcUK website and picked out our top gaming PCs and laptops for playing Minecraft. All of which are suitable for a range of budgets, games, and playstyles. However, if there isn’t a PC or laptop here that suits your vibe, you can browse the our full range by clicking the buttons.
Refract Gaming Amber Pre Built PC:
- Pre built gaming PC
- Designed for casual gaming
- AMD Ryzen 5 7500F CPU and NVIDIA RTX 4060 GPU
- 16GB DDR5 RAM
- Integrated RGB lighting
ASUS TUF Gaming F16 Laptop:
- 16.0” WUXGA display
- 165Hz refresh rate
- Intel Core i7 13760HX CPU
- NVIDIA RTX 4060
- 16GB DDR5
- Windows 11 Home
OcUK Gaming Radiance Frosty MK2 PC:
- Configurable gaming PC
- Customisable base hardware specification
- Intel Core i5 11400F CPU and NVIDIA RTX0 3060
- 16GB DDR4 RAM
- Flexible storage options to choose from
Looking for Even More Minecraft Content?
Have You Played Minecraft?
Have you explored the 3D block world in Minecraft? Which game mode is your favourite? Share your thoughts in the comments!
*Prices correct at time of writing and PC specs are subject to change.
- 5 min read
Ruth Rowley
Author
Ruth has been with Overclockers UK for over a year and has gone on to write about everything ranging from in-depth hardware guides to monthly game releases.
Outside of writing blog posts, she can be found wrapped in a blanket with her black cat, engrossed in a book or playing life-simulation games such as The Sims, Stardew Valley, and Animal Crossing.
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