Check out our Monthly Survey Page to see what our users are running.
We do often include affiliate links to earn us some pennies. See more here.

Minecraft's new launcher is now available on Linux

By - | Views: 63,610
That's right, post-Microsoft purchase Minecraft is still seeing great support for Linux. Their shiny new launcher is now available.

image image
Click to make each bigger - Far sexier than the old launcher that's for sure.

My son adores Minecraft, so having continued support for it on Linux is really great news for me. It looks like Mojang actually hired people with more Linux knowledge, so that's a good sign. One of their developers appears to be an Arch user, wow.

The Minecraft developers are looking to get their own Linux repository setup, but for now they are giving you direct downloads.

It's not 100% finished yet, but it should soon replace their dated and ugly old launcher that used Java.

They are including downloads of a .tar.gz for everyone, a .deb file and they also have an official package in the Arch AUR. Find all the info on this reddit post. Be sure to let them know about missing dependencies!

I've tested the launcher on Antergos, and it works perfectly.

What's the point of the new launcher? It doesn't depend on Java and with their proper installers (like .deb and being in the AUR) it will bring in any dependencies it needs without causing gamers hassle. It's exactly what a launcher should be, essentially. Article taken from GamingOnLinux.com.
6 Likes
About the author -
author picture
I am the owner of GamingOnLinux. After discovering Linux back in the days of Mandrake in 2003, I constantly came back to check on the progress of Linux until Ubuntu appeared on the scene and it helped me to really love it. You can reach me easily by emailing GamingOnLinux directly. Find me on Mastodon.
See more from me
The comments on this article are closed.
12 comments
Page: 1/2»
  Go to:

edo Jan 18, 2017
java isnt a bad thing, its a great language than its one of the most popular ones, but if devs wants to create GUIs with it, they should use JavaFX instead of Swing.


Last edited by edo on 18 January 2017 at 3:07 pm UTC
Levi Jan 18, 2017
I've just tried it on my system. Doesn't work at this point.
I kinda expected it, seeing as my system is a bit aged at this point. (Ubuntu 14.04 base)

Still, great to see Mojang is keeping their word and is still maintaining linux as a platform.
Perkeleen_Vittupää Jan 18, 2017
Works great as it should on Manjaro :)
Vexation Jan 18, 2017
I'll dig through my passwords and see if I can give a whirr with Arch and keep you posted here.
Previously ran the java client on Ubuntu 16.04 with no issues.
Kithop Jan 18, 2017
I'll tackle this one probably later tonight or this week, too - I'm curious to see if the whole 'multiple presets' functionality is still there (i.e. what if I want to play an old version of MC? Or switch to a custom path i.e. modpack? Can Forge still hook and install into it?), or if this is really more like a fork than a proper rebuild.

Just glancing at that screenshot I'm tempted to say it doesn't look to be anywhere near as full-featured as the 'legacy' launcher, but we'll see.

We've been at the point of using the wonderful MCUpdater with its ability to feed it custom packs built from XML for years, though, so I don't see that changing. :)
Vexation Jan 18, 2017
Quoting: VexationI'll dig through my passwords and see if I can give a whirr with Arch and keep you posted here.
Previously ran the java client on Ubuntu 16.04 with no issues.

After updating my icu57 and some java dependencies, installing went pretty smooth on Arch.
Not too much of a hassle since it's available on AUR and can be easily packaged and installed.
Performance seems good, and it looks pretty damn neat as well.

Some pics:




Liam Dawe Jan 18, 2017
Quoting: KithopI'll tackle this one probably later tonight or this week, too - I'm curious to see if the whole 'multiple presets' functionality is still there (i.e. what if I want to play an old version of MC?
Yes, I added a second screenshot to the article just now to clear that up. This is still perfectly possible.
TacoDeBoss Jan 19, 2017
Quoting: LeviI've just tried it on my system. Doesn't work at this point.
I kinda expected it, seeing as my system is a bit aged at this point. (Ubuntu 14.04 base)

Still, great to see Mojang is keeping their word and is still maintaining linux as a platform.

Yeah, the Reddit post says Ubuntu 16.10 or its equivalent minimum.
TacoDeBoss Jan 19, 2017


Looking good!
Crave_KlipZ Aug 21, 2017
Quoting: GuestWorks on fedora 26
You need at least Ubuntu 16 LTS
hey i have 16 lts and the launcher isnt working is there any way to fix it please let me know
While you're here, please consider supporting GamingOnLinux on:

Reward Tiers: Patreon. Plain Donations: PayPal.

This ensures all of our main content remains totally free for everyone! Patreon supporters can also remove all adverts and sponsors! Supporting us helps bring good, fresh content. Without your continued support, we simply could not continue!

You can find even more ways to support us on this dedicated page any time. If you already are, thank you!
The comments on this article are closed.