Minecraft Earth was a version launched in 2019 and came to an end in 2021 by the decision of developers, who preferred to reallocate resources for other projects. Despite its short life, it remains alive among the fans who enjoy the collaborative mode in gameplay.
In this guide, we remember the differentials of Minecraft Earth, modes of playing, and mechanics, that shape the following launches of the game genre.
What is Minecraft Earth?
Minecraft Earth was an innovative Minecraft AR game that took the classic Minecraft experience into augmented reality, allowing players to interact with Minecraft blocks, creatures, and adventures in the real world.
Released by Mojang Studios and Microsoft, the game aimed to expand Minecraft’s possibilities, blending physical spaces with virtual building and exploration. Through a mobile device, players could gather resources, build structures, and interact with Minecraft characters in their surroundings.
The game was initially launched in 2019, with its unique AR capabilities quickly attracting fans. Unfortunately, due to the challenges posed by the pandemic, Minecraft Earth was discontinued in 2021.
However, it left a significant mark as a groundbreaking experience in augmented reality gaming, merging creativity with exploration and outdoor interaction. Although no longer available, the Minecraft Earth download experience gave players an exciting new way to connect with Minecraft.
How to play and build in Minecraft Earth’s AR mode?
The core gameplay of Minecraft Earth revolved around using augmented reality to bring Minecraft creations into the real world. Through the game, players could explore their neighborhoods, collect resources called “tappables,” and use these materials to create structures visible in AR. Here’s how players engaged with Minecraft Earth’s immersive features:
- Collecting tappables: players encountered these items in various locations, which contained essential resources like wood, stone, and minerals.
- Crafting and building in AR: with resources collected, players could craft items and build structures in AR. Using a “Build Plate” (a virtual workspace), they could construct buildings, landscapes, or farms and view them in life-sized AR through their device. This allowed for full interaction with their Minecraft builds in real-world spaces.
- Adventuring with friends: one of the most popular features of Minecraft Earth was the ability to go on “Adventures,” where players encountered mobs, gathered rare resources, and collaborated with friends. The AR setup enabled multiplayer experiences, making it a truly social way to explore and build together.
These elements combined to make Minecraft Earth an engaging Minecraft AR game that redefined what Minecraft could be in a real-world environment. Players used their surroundings as a canvas for Minecraft creations, allowing them to craft imaginative builds in parks, backyards, and city streets.
What are the updates and gameplay tips for Minecraft Earth fans?
Despite its discontinuation, Minecraft Earth introduced unique gameplay elements that many players found exciting, leaving a legacy for future AR gaming ideas. If you’re still interested in the concepts Minecraft Earth introduced, here are some tips that could apply to similar AR experiences:
- Stay safe and aware: with location-based games, remember to be mindful of your surroundings. This version encouraged outdoor exploration, so players needed to stay safe when collecting tappables or building in public spaces.
- Gather resources wisely: resources were essential for crafting and building Minecraft Earth. Just like in Minecraft, players needed to prioritize which tappables they collected based on upcoming projects or desired builds.
- Explore collaboratively: the game was best enjoyed with friends. If you’re playing other AR games with multiplayer features, adventuring with friends can make resource gathering faster and build projects more collaborative.
While Minecraft Earth download links are no longer active, its innovations still resonate with fans and influence future AR game designs. Players who love the adventure of Minecraft Earth can look forward to new AR experiences that capture the game’s spirit.