New to Minecraft

What is Minecraft?

Minecraft is an open-world sandbox video game developed by Mojang Studios and published by Microsoft.

In Minecraft, you have complete freedom to do what you please in a voxel-based open world. You can build any structure, craft countless items using resources you gather throughout the world, and even fight monsters or other players!

Java vs. Bedrock edition

Minecraft has two versions of roughly the same game: Minecraft Java edition, and Minecraft Bedrock edition.

Java edition

Minecraft Java edition is the original version of Minecraft, developed by Mojang before the company was acquired by Microsoft. Minecraft Java edition is only compatible with Windows, MacOS, and most Linux distros.

Ark Computing's Minecraft server is on a modified version of Minecraft Java edition, therefore only players using the Java edition of Minecraft can connect to the server.

Bedrock edition

Minecraft Bedrock edition is a cross-compatible version of Minecraft developed by Mojang after the company's acquisition by Microsoft. It is unique in that players across all platforms (i.e. iOS, Xbox, Playstation) can play together.

This version of the game is incompatible with the Ark Computing Minecraft server. All players must use the Java edition to play on the server.

How to play Minecraft

To play Minecraft, you must purchase a copy from either the official Minecraft website, or the app-store for the platform you wish to play Minecraft on. The installers will guide you the rest of the way after you download the game.

IMPORTANT: If you would like to play on the Ark Computing Minecraft server, you must purchase a copy of Minecraft Java edition. Additionally, Ark Computing LLC does not condone software piracy. As a result, illegitimate copies of Minecraft will not be able to connect to the Ark Computing Minecraft server.

Currently supported platforms

(Platforms in bold are compatible with Minecraft Java edition, and can join the Ark Computing Minecraft server)

• Windows
• MacOS
• Linux* (Check to see if your distro is compatible with Java edition)
• Xbox (All Xbox consoles since Xbox 360)
• PlayStation (All PlayStation consoles since PlayStation 4)
• Mobile (iOS and Android)
• Nintendo Switch

Ready to join the server?

Make sure you fulfill the following requirements

• You have a machine running Windows, MacOS, or a Java edition compatible Linux distro.
• You own a legitimate Java edition copy of Minecraft.

Next, follow the link below to get started.

How to install the Ark Computing modpack