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How to load a map in Minecraft Java edition

Bored of your own Minecraft world? Use a ready made map instead

Updated: Apr 11, 2022 1:08 pm
How to load a map in Minecraft Java edition

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While there may be a lot of fun to be had playing your own survival or creative worlds in Minecraft, there are also masses of ready made worlds and adventures awaiting you.

Far from where Minecraft first started back in 2010 with a simple survival world, there are now endless possibilities to create maps using custom items, redstone machines and command blocks. Over the last few years, particularly creative people have run with this, resulting in thousands of adventure maps, parkour worlds and puzzle experiences. On Minecraft Java edition for PC, these worlds can be downloaded and played for free, but there’s a bit of a process to then load it up in game. Keep reading to find out how to play custom-made Minecraft worlds.

How to find Minecraft custom maps

Find Minecraft Maps Planet Minecraft

Not only is there an incredible amount of choice for new Minecraft maps – and it’s increasing all the time – but you also want to make sure what you’re downloading to your computer is safe, so it can be hard to know where to find trustworthy downloadable content for Minecraft.

The main, and safest, option is to stick to worlds promoted by Minecraft themselves, and these do come up quite a lot. For example, you can currently download the “Howl of the Wild” map at Minecraft.net.

When there aren’t any maps available directly from Minecraft, then you can check sites like Planet Minecraft and Minecraft Maps, where there are literally thousands to choose from. From there, you can check the reviews and ratings to make sure other people in the Minecraft community have had success downloading and installing the world. Both sites allow you to drill down your options so you can find your perfect map, whether you like parkour, adventure, puzzles, sky blocks, horror or any of the other many, many choices!

Finally, another great way to discover fun maps is from your favorite Minecraft YouTubers. Loads of YouTubers, such as DanTDM and CaptainSparklez, will run through maps on their channels, so you can not only see maps that you might enjoy, but that are also trusted. Just don’t watch the whole thing if you don’t want spoilers!

How to install Minecraft maps

Once you have downloaded the zip folder, follow the instructions below to create your new world.

  • Unzip the folder
  • Copy the whole world folder into your Minecraft “saves” folder
  • Launch Minecraft
  • Select “Singleplayer” (unless you are playing on a server)
  • You should now see your new map save in your world list
How to install Minecraft Map

Installing resource packs

Some worlds may not work or look right unless you have the correct resource packs installed as well. Resource packs are selected from the main menu, so once you start using resource packs, you will need to make sure you change them every time you switch between your own world and different maps.

  • Go to the unzipped world folder and locate the resource pack folder within it
  • Move it into the Minecraft “resourcepacks” folder
  • Launch Minecraft
  • Select Options
  • Click on Resource Packs
  • Move the required resource to the right hand side
  • Remove any resource packs (other than default) that you don’t need
How to install Minecraft resource pack

Where is the Minecraft saves folder?

Where do Minecraft files save

If you are unsure of where your Minecraft files are saved, then you can find out fairly easily through the Minecraft itself.

  • Launch Minecraft Jave edition
  • Click on Options from the main menu
  • Select Resource Packs
  • Click on “Open Pack Folder”

This will open your “resourcepacks” folder. From here, you can then locate your original “minecraft” folder in the address bar. We recommend then pinning this folder to Quick Access.

Let us know in the comments if you have any questions about any of this, or let us know your favorite maps and worlds so we can give them a try!

More Minecraft guides

And head over to our Minecraft hub for even more news, guides and how-tos!


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