When Minecraft first started back in 2009, it was merely just a video game that is played on computers or laptops. Most players only got to build blocks, making basic items, chopping trees, and so on. But now? Players are able to take things to the next level by playing Minecraft Earth, also known as a virtual world of Minecraft mixed with reality.
What Is Minecraft Earth?
In simpler terms, Minecraft Earth is Microsoft’s own version of Pokemon Go and Harry Potter: Wizard’s Unite. Unlike Pokemon Go where AR (Augmented Reality) is not a requirement, Minecraft Earth on the other hand requires AR to function. This is because the whole game is mapped into the real world since the map is based on Open Street Maps. Hence, players are required to use their cameras and hold their phones in order to play.
Minecraft Earth is an AR game for iOS and Android that allows players to build Minecraft creations, collaboratively or with friends, that are brought over to the real world for you and your friends to play with. All throughout the gameplay, players are required to collect several materials and mobs to build things with. You can also build your own mini Minecraft world by simply using just an app. On the actual Minecraft game online, the only way to build your own mini Minecraft world is to have a server hosting Minecraft. Otherwise, your regular server will not be able to handle the usage.
How Do You Play Minecraft Earth?
Minecraft Earth uses Open Street Maps data of the actual real-world where players get to experience it, virtually. The graphics are similar to blocky Minecraft paint, but despite that fact, the overall graphic design is pretty decent. On the map, you are able to tap for rewards, which are called tapables. Just like Pokemon Go, Minecraft Earth will also decide where game objects will be located, such as public spaces and not somewhere dangerous such as roads. Tapables offer players a reward in the form of animals, items or blocks.
Unlike its competitors, Minecraft Earth offers more than just Tapables, there are various Adventures too! These are basically mini-games that are linked to a location in the real world. For example, when you are walking along the park, you will see an Adventure pop up. As you walk towards it, you will find some Minecraft blocks placed on the ground. If you decide to mine these blocks, you might discover a cave consisting of skeletons that you’re supposed to kill or solve a puzzle.
When you are playing the game, whatever happens on your phone, happens in reality too. For instance, if an arrow is coming right at you, you must dodge and avoid it in real life. If you need to pick up something laying on the ground, you will have to walk in real life as well.
The best part of Minecraft Earth compared to Pokemon Go and other competitors? You can even play at home! You could simply switch on the app and walk to your living room to start building some blocks! These blocks are the ones you have already collected while you are walking around outside. You can build a plate map on a flat surface such as a table and increase the view to a life-size scale in order to view your own creation from the perspective of a first-person.
Although there is no multiplayer, you can still play with your friends provided they are in the same room as you and visit your Build Plate. However, do take note that you can’t simply allow anyone to see your Build Plate because they have the right to move it.
Since the game is free to play for everyone, there will not be any micro-transactions, though the game developers mentioned they are considering it. However, one thing’s for sure, there will not be any ‘pay to win’ situation.
In order to play Minecraft Earth, as long as you have the basic knowledge of playing Minecraft on your PC, you are good to go. Despite having additional variations and functions on the mobile app, Minecraft Earth is definitely a game that will bring diehard fans to play it long-term.
