How much storage does Minecraft Java Edition need?

Who this is for: Players planning to install Minecraft Java Edition who want to know how much disk space to allocate.


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Base Installation Requirements

Minecraft Java Edition requires approximately 1GB of storage space for the base game installation. This includes the core game files, launcher, and essential assets needed to run the game.

World Save Files: Where Storage Really Adds Up

Your world saves are where storage usage can grow significantly. A typical world file starts around 10-50MB but can expand dramatically based on how much you explore and build:

  • Small worlds: 50-200MB (limited exploration)
  • Medium worlds: 500MB-2GB (moderate exploration and building)
  • Large worlds: 5GB+ (extensive exploration, multiple biomes)
  • Massive worlds: 20GB+ (years of gameplay, extensive builds)

Additional Storage Considerations

Several factors can increase your storage needs beyond the base game:

Mods and Resource Packs

Popular modpacks like Feed the Beast or All the Mods can add 2-10GB depending on complexity. High-resolution resource packs (512x or 1024x textures) can consume 1-5GB each.

Multiple Game Versions

The launcher stores different Minecraft versions separately. Having 5-10 versions installed adds roughly 500MB-1GB total.

Screenshots and Recordings

Screenshots accumulate in your .minecraft folder, and if you record gameplay videos, these files can quickly consume gigabytes.

For a comfortable Minecraft Java Edition experience, allocate:

  • Casual players: 5-10GB
  • Regular players: 15-25GB
  • Heavy modders/builders: 50GB+

This ensures room for world growth, mods, and multiple saves without constantly managing storage space. If you’re looking to dive into the world of Minecraft-style gaming, there are plenty of browser-based alternatives that require zero storage space.

TL;DR

Minecraft Java Edition needs ~1GB for installation, but world saves can grow from 50MB to 20GB+ depending on exploration. Allocate 5-50GB total depending on your play style.

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Joyst1ck

Gaming Writer & HTML5 Developer

Answering gaming questions—from Roblox and Minecraft to the latest indie hits. I write developer‑focused HTML5 articles and share practical tips on game design, monetisation, and scripting.

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