Minecraft has come a long way since it first took the gaming world by storm in 2011. But despite a decade of steady technological advancements, the widely popular game doesn’t require a top-of-the-line gaming PC to play today.
However, the latest Bedrock Edition won’t run on a low-powered laptop with a basic graphics card, either.
So what do you need to begin your block-building endeavours?
It depends on what version you choose. In this post, we’re covering the three main game versions (including their minimum and recommended specs) and the top considerations when shopping for a Minecraft-capable machine.
And to point you in the right direction, we’ll recommend the best Minecraft gaming laptops from HP.
Understanding Minecraft
Arguably the greatest sandbox game ever made, Minecraft offers an enriching open world with virtually limitless terrain. Players prospect and extract raw materials, which they use to craft nifty tools. From mining ore to building weapons, armour, and food, resource gathering and crafting are the two fundamental components of the game.
Players can choose from two modes: survival and creative.
In survival mode, you harvest resources and construct items while fending off creepers like spiders and skeletons. You’ll need to constantly gather food to stave off starvation and replenish health after impromptu mob encounters.
The more easy-going creative mode gives you all the building blocks outright, so you can start crafting anything you like from the get-go. All the mobs are friendly, and you can fly across the sky to effortlessly navigate rugged terrain.
Minecraft Versions: Vanilla vs Java vs Bedrock
Minecraft comes in three versions: Vanilla, Java, and Bedrock.
What is Minecraft Vanilla Edition?
The entry-level version is Vanilla, which is Minecraft’s purest, original form without any mods or plug-ins. Vanilla has modest system requirements and isfree to play on your web browser. It’s a great, risk-free introduction for new players, and some old hands love it for the nostalgic appeal.
What is Minecraft Java Edition?
Java is Vanilla with the addition of mods and plug-ins. These extra add-ons let you customise skins, use community-made mods, and team up with other Java (PC, Mac, and Linux) players online. The system requirements are more demanding, and you’ll need to make a modest one-time purchase, which includes the Bedrock Edition.
What is Minecraft Bedrock Edition?
Mojang Studios released the Bedrock Edition to enable cross-play, allowing users on PC and console (Nintendo, Microsoft, and Sony) to buddy up with their world-building adventures. This version includes a slew of improvements, from updated graphics to varied terrain and exclusive in-game items.
Minecraft System Requirements
The minimum and recommended specs vary between versions. Always aim for the recommended hardware to ensure a smooth gaming experience.
If you’d like to play Minecraft with real-time ray tracing (RTX), you’ll need an NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2060 or better (the AMD Radeons aren’t compatible).
· Graphics: GeForce 700 Series or AMD Radeon Rx 200 Series
Minecraft Bedrock minimum requirements
· Processor: Intel Celeron J4105 or FX-4100
· RAM: 4 GB
· OS: Windows 10
· HDD space: 2 GB
· Graphics: Intel HD 4000 or Radeon R5 220
Minecraft Bedrock recommended specs
· Processor: Intel Core i7-6500U or A8-6600K
· RAM: 8 GB
· OS: Windows 10
· Storage: 2 GB
· Graphics: NVIDIA GeForce 940M or Radeon HD 8570D
Top considerations for a laptop with Minecraft
Ensure the specs on your laptop align with your favourite version. It’s better to future-proof your investment than buy the bare minimum. That way, you can switch between versions without suffering performance issues.
A sizeable monitor (15.6” or more) can enhance the gaming experience at the cost of portability. Aim for a small laptop with a good battery life if you intend to play on the road.
Convertibles are an excellent option for Minecraft fans who want a laptop and tablet in one—they’re also a hit with the kids.
Best laptops for playing Minecraft
Now you’re up to speed on what you need, let’s examine the best Minecraft-friendly laptops from HP. Our handpicked recommendations cover all three versions and include a top-of-the-line machine for high-spec gaming and an ultra-portable two-in-one.
You don’t need an elite machine to run Vanilla Minecraft; this entry-level laptop will suffice. The affordableHP 15s-fq2044na Laptop greatly exceeds the recommended requirements, so you can enjoy fast-flowing gameplay without breaking the bank.
Under the hood, the 15-inch laptop boasts an 11th Generation i3 processor, 8GB of RAM, integrated Intel Ultra High Definition (UHD) Graphics, and a 256 GB SSD.
One of the great things about this model is it’s highly customisable, so you can ramp up or tone down the specs as you need. Even if you choose the most affordable option possible, it’ll still run Vanilla just fine.
The more graphically-intensive Java version needs better specs than Vanilla, so you’ll want to step up to a mid-range machine.
While it’s not explicitly made for gaming, theHP Pavilion Plus 14-eh0001na hits all the recommended specs for fast-flowing gameplay. Its 12th Generation i5 processor, 8 GB of RAM, and integrated Intel Iris Xᵉ Graphics offer a seamless block-building experience. And with a spacious 512 GB SSD, you’ve got plenty of spare storage for an extensive file library.
Much like the HP 15s mentioned above, this unit is customisable. A few hundred quid extra will snag you a dedicated graphics card, a better processor, more RAM, and a superior screen.
Up to nine hours of battery life and a petite 14-inch frame make it great for Minecrafters on the move.
Best Bedrock Edition: OMEN 15-en1007na QHD Gaming Laptop
Blaze through Bedrock Minecraft (and more graphically-intensive titles) with this speedy gaming-orientated dream machine.
With an AMD Ryzen 7, 16 GB of RAM, and an NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3060 (6 GB) under the hood, theOMEN 15-en1007na far exceeds the recommended Bedrock requirements. That lets you crank up the ray tracing and install shader packs without impacting performance.
What’s more, the power-efficient mobile AMD Ryzen 7 processor offers over six hours of battery life for gaming on the road.
Best High-Spec Gaming: OMEN by HP 17-ck1011na Gaming Laptop
A glance at the specs will tell you theOMEN by HP 17-ck1011na is overkill. We’ll be frank: you don’t have to invest that much for building blocky Minecraft worlds.
But for gamers who want to combine Minecraft with intensive Triple A (AAA) titles, it’s a solid high-spec option.
Brand new in 2022, this sizeable 17-inch OMEN boasts a 12th Generation Intel i9, 32 GB of RAM, and a 16 GB GeForce RTX 3080. That kind of hardware is enough to run any modern game on high settings and will continue to do so for many years to come.
Best Convertible: HP ENVY x360 15-ew0000na Convertible Laptop - Core™ i7 (2022)
Then check out theHP ENVY x360 15-ew0000na. The streamlined 360-degree swivel design lets you switch between a laptop and a tablet with ease. That versatility is ideal for curious children and tablet-adoring adults alike.
There’s plenty of juice under the hood to run any version of Minecraft you please, plus an impressive selection of other modern games. If you’d prefer a more affordable convertible, the HPENVY x360 13-bd0018na is powerful enough for the Java Edition.
Choosing the best laptop for Minecraft
The ideal laptop for playing Minecraft depends on your preferred version and what add-ons or features (ray-tracing, shader packs, etc.) you want.
The good news is unless you’re planning on cranking up the settings on the Bedrock Edition, you won’t need a high-end machine. Laptops that can run Minecraft don’t have to break the bank.
Take a look at the relevant system requirements and peruse our list to find a suitable laptop for your Minecraft gaming needs.
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