How to Download Maps for Minecraft
At its core, Minecraft is a game all about discovery. Always seeking what’s over the next hill or on the other side of this ocean. And that’s why so many users create and share their own maps for others to play.
Downloading Minecraft maps can give you unique adventures in locales that would never appear organically. But first, you need to know how to use these maps in your own game.
So to help you add a new dimension to your next game, let’s take a look at how to download maps for Minecraft.
First, You Have to Find the Maps
Before we can get started, you need to find a few maps that you want to explore. Popular sites like MinecraftMaps allow users to upload screenshots and videos to show potential downloaders what the map is like.
However, scrolling through pages worth of uploads to find an interesting-looking map can be like looking for a needle in a haystack. A better method is to go looking on Minecraft fansites, forums, or YouTube for good-looking maps and designs.
Very often you’ll find that if someone has gone to the trouble of capturing footage of their map, editing it, and posting it on YouTube, they’ll usually include a link where other players can download and try it out for themselves. At the same time, plenty of content creators run channels where all they do is review maps and mods. Find someone who appears to have similar interests as you, and try their recommendations.
How to Download Maps for Minecraft
Once you find the page for a map you want, follow the bottom or prompt to download the map files. They should show up in your Downloads folder as a ZIP or RAR folder.
Unzip the folder. If you’re on Windows, you may need a program like WinRAR to extract the files. If you’re on Mac, you should only need to double-click the file.
Next, find and open your Minecraft folder.
On Windows, the easiest way to do this is to press the Windows key + R to open the Run menu, and type “%appdata%\.minecraft”. On Mac, open a Finder window, click “Go” at the top of the screen, and then “Go to Folder”. In the window, enter “~/Library/ApplicationSupport/minecraft” and press “Go.”
When you find your Minecraft folder, look for the “Saves” folder. Open that to see a list of all your current Minecraft worlds.
Grab your downloaded map and either drag or copy and past it into the “Saves” folder. Now when you launch Minecraft, your new map should be available when you click “Play Selected World”.
Having Custom Maps Created
So what do you do if you can’t find the exact gameworld you want, and don’t have the time to build it yourself?
The most straightforward way to get results is to find Minecraft developers for hire. With the help of sites that put clients in touch with freelancers, all you need to do is submit a request outlining what you want, have a brief interview with the candidates, and hire the creator who’s the right fit for you.
Every Map Is a New Adventure
If you know how to download maps for Minecraft, the possibilities for your games are unlimited. Any world other creators have shared can become the site of your next campaign.
But this Minecraft guide is only one way to liven up your next play session. For more quality-of-life improvements, be sure to follow our latest gaming news and tips.
