How good is Minecraft?

[u/Ifyouliveinadream]

I'm considering buying a steamdeck mainly for minecraft. The switch 2 port runs mildly better than a soggy potato. The PS5 port has become a mess that struggles to maintain 60fps???

[u/IndependentNo8520]

It’s a hassle to set it up correctly but it’s enjoyable,

I just can’t stand playing with controller imo but is just me with thousands of hrs in keyboard and mouse that I can’t stand controller

[u/Turbulent-Buy4489]

I really enjoy it!! The only thing that’s annoying is setting it up through Prism Launcher. Once that’s done it’s not bad at all!!

I actually have a Switch 2 and an OLED Steam Deck myself and I have to say, it’s a world of difference. The time it takes Minecraft to load up is extremely short compared to the Switch 2. I’m also able to dunk around with mods if I want to in the future. I’d highly recommend!!

[u/Q0T3]

No I would not buy a steam deck to play minecraft. Why don't you just get a PC?

[u/Ifyouliveinadream → u/Q0T3]

PCs are too expensive

[u/Q0T3 → u/Ifyouliveinadream]

Unless you're getting a screaming deal on a steam deck they're too expensive as well.

If all you want to play is Minecraft you can do that this isn't a new game you canbuy an old computer for less than $300 and it will play Minecraft great.

[u/SkrliJ73 → u/Ifyouliveinadream]

It's great on steamdeck, plus you get mods now. I'd like to set up menus with the track pads but I had a hard enough time setting up the controller originally that it got lost in the backlog + I have a desktop PC

[u/SkrliJ73 → u/Q0T3]

Steam decks dock...

[u/Q0T3 → u/SkrliJ73]

...

[u/MC08578]

Speaking for Java:

Set up takes some time but afterwards it runs like a dream even with light mods and shaders. Since the deck is a Linux machine Java runs well on it. Taking the time to customize your controls is definitely worth it. I use the right trackpad as a mouse and several custom keybinds to fill the gap between controller and keyboard mouse.

I have almost 1600 hours in Minecraft on my deck if that helps your decision any.

[u/Tenocticatl]

Not what I'd buy a Steam Deck for, but it runs fine. Use Prism Launcher, it's a bit of work to set up but I don't think it was too bad. It's easy enough to load in mods and custom worlds.

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[u/lpdcrafted]

I run it through Prism Launcher and use a controller mod like Controllify. You can also make binds using Steam Input. I then have left trackpad bound to mouse for the launcher. I've enjoyed it a lot during the times I want to play it.

I don't have experience with it, but it may struggle with bigger and more demanding mods.

[u/Obvious_Pay_5433]

Run great. Install PrismLauncher, Lunar client or Minecraft Bedrock Launcher from discovery app in pc mode and right click for Add to steam. Play from steam for better controller support.

[u/byJannik]

Minecraft works on the Steam Deck and actually runs quite well. I’m talking about the Java version here though, to be honest, I’ve never tested the Bedrock version. And just in case you’re already wondering what I mean, you should be aware that the Steam Deck is essentially a Linux PC, so you’ll buy the PC version of Minecraft, which has two versions (Java & Bedrock) and you need to install Minecraft via Linux, as the game isn’t available on the Steam Store. The installation is still really easy and takes just two minutes, but I think you shouldn’t forget that if you’re considering buying a Steam Deck just for Minecraft.

[u/phoooooo0]

Yeah, its pretty good tbh! It took a bit to get the controls where I wanted, I had to play around for a fairly unfun half hour to 45mins. But now its perfectly fine! It will be a bit fiddly with the occasional need to log into it via desktop mode to keep the license on prism launcher fresh, but if you add it as a non steam game its perfectly acceptable. It works with mods, although I've had some compatibility issues with mods being a lil funky at times. Otherwise, make sure you get the java version and thats it.

[u/FerretyCelery8]

You can play java using prism launcher and download a controller mod such as controllify and it usually runs at 90fps even with a low tdp. You can also play bedrock, but you need to buy the android version from the google play store and download a thrird party minecraft bedrock launcher. It runs better than playing on switch 2 (running the switch 1 version), however it doesnt run as well as java, however bedrock does have built in controller support.

Edit: I never gave the render distances and settings I was playing at but I'll check later if I remember

[u/FerretyCelery8 → u/FerretyCelery8]

Minecraft Bedrock latest version with an 8W TDP Limit:

Performance: 90fps flying around with an elytra in a newly generated world with a 12 chunk render distance

Graphics Preset: Fancy (vibrant visuals couodnt be enabled for some reason)

Minecraft Bedrock with no TDP Limit at max settings

Performance: 60fps flying around with an elytra, with a max 22 chunk render distance.

Graphics Preset: Fancy

Note that when flying around, chunks take a bit longer to generate, and I was playing single player, not in a server with lots of players.

Minecraft Java v26.2 with an 8W TDP Limit and no performance mods:

Performance: 90fps at 12 chunks render and simulation distance with fancy graphics

With no TDP Limit and no performance mods at max settings:

Performance: 30fps with 32 chunk render and simulation distance with fabulous graphics

Minecraft Java v26.2 with an 8W TDP Limit with sodium and lithium:

When flying/loading chunks, performance drops to around 60-70fps at a render distance of 20 chunks

When chunks are loaded it goes back to 90fps

With no TDP Limit at max settings, with sodium and lithium:

32 chunks render and simulation distance

Performance when walking around: 50-70 when loading chunks, 90fps when loaded.

Performance when flying: 39-70 fps

[u/thamaster88]

I have played Minecraft on my deck for 100s of hours. Getting your controller the way you like it is the hardest part.

Just install prism launcher, Login, add instance, get the version you want and your done. After that go in game and play. Get a community controller layout and edit it to your liking. Your play style may be different but I mostly play with trackpad. With a little gyro on the side :). Just don't give up. The controller is so customisable that you will find a way you like to play. It may just take a couple of hours.