Minecraft now requires more memory, faster processors, and more capable graphics cards to run smoothly.
Mojang Studios has updated the PC system requirements for Minecraft–specifically for the Java Edition–to better reflect the game's modern needs 17 years after launch. The new requirements increase the demands for memory, processors, and graphics cards, bringing them closer to the standard specifications of modern PCs.
"Like a teenager outgrowing their shoes–Java Edition needs room to keep growing, too," Mojang’s announcement stated. “The previous system requirements for Minecraft: Java Edition were based on older hardware and older graphics technology. While those specifications may have reflected what Minecraft needed in the past, they no longer represent what the game needs to run well today.”
Here are the updated minimum and recommended system requirements for Minecraft (Java Edition).
What are the updated system requirements for Minecraft?
Minimum Requirements
- Target: 1080p @ 30 FPS, Fast preset
- OS: Windows 10 64-bit, Windows on ARM, macOS 12+, or Linux 64-bit
- Architecture: x64, ARM64
- Memory: 8 GB (with discrete GPU) or 12 GB (with integrated GPU)
- Processor: Intel Core i3-10100, AMD Ryzen 3 3100, Qualcomm Snapdragon X, or Apple M1 (minimum of 4 physical cores)
- Graphics: Vulkan 1.3-capable GPU with at least 2 GB VRAM. Supported options include NVIDIA GTX 950 or newer, AMD Radeon RX 460 or newer, Intel Arc A310 or newer (discrete), Intel i5-6400 or newer (integrated iGPU), Apple M1 or newer, or Qualcomm Snapdragon X
Recommended Requirements
- Target: 1080p @ 60 FPS, Fancy preset
- OS: Windows 11 64-bit, macOS 14+, or Linux 64-bit
- Architecture: x64, ARM64
- Memory: 16 GB
- Processor: Intel Core i5-12400, AMD Ryzen 5 5600, or Apple M2 Pro
Graphics: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2060, AMD Radeon RX 5600 XT, Intel Arc A580, or Apple M2 Pro with 6 GB VRAM
You can also find the system requirements for Minecraft: Bedrock here.
Can your PC run Minecraft if it does not meet the requirements?
If your computer falls below the minimum requirements, you may still be able to run Minecraft, but there is a higher chance of experiencing lower frame rates, visual issues, longer loading times, or performance that does not meet player expectations, according to Mojang's blog post.
However, older hardware may eventually struggle to launch Minecraft: Java Edition, as Mojang Studios transitions away from OpenGL and towards Vulkan. The studio has stated that it will provide advance notice if support for older hardware is being discontinued, giving players time to prepare.
