The community of millions of Minecrafters is ready for new adventures every day. Apart from the official updates, the developers in the community are also trying to make it more enjoyable. But is everything developed or created by the unofficial developers and creators legal to use? Is modding Minecraft illegal?

Minecraft modding or hacking, or distributing the mods for money is illegal. And Mojang has the final say on what constitutes a mod and whatnot. Minecraft end-user license agreement or EULA mentions the terms related to modding the Minecraft code. According to Minecraft EULA, as a gamer, you can create mods and plugins but only without a substantial amount of copyrightable code.

That is the reason there are so many mods flying around on the web. Mods can be created and used but not sold for money or grief. This topic needs to be discussed in detail before moving to other subheadings. The criteria for modding being legal or illegal is set by Mojang itself. Giving the developer of the game full control over the terms of usage and modding of the game. Rightly so, the developer should have the last say on the legality of using the code.

Is Modding Minecraft illegal?

According to EULA, copying the code and distributing it for money is illegal. But Mojang doesn’t stop creators from creating the mods for creative and gameplay purposes. Every game buyer has to agree before making the purchase.

What is Minecraft EULA?

End-user license agreement or EULA is done with the game developer company and the customer once Minecraft is purchased. The game code is the property of Mojang, and the copyright of this code lies with them. Mojang can decide when the agreement is breached and when not. This is what Mojang says about modding on their official EULA page.

“If you’ve bought the Game, you may play around with it and modify it by adding modifications, tools, or plugins, which we will refer to collectively as “Mods.” By “Mods,” we mean something original that you or someone else created that doesn’t contain a substantial part of our copyrightable code or content. When you combine your Mod with the Minecraft software, we will call that combination a “Modded Version” of the Game. We have the final say on what constitutes a Mod and what doesn’t. You may not distribute any Modded Versions of our Game or software, and we’d appreciate it if you didn’t use Mods for griefing. Mods are okay to distribute; hacked versions or Modded Versions of the Game client or server software are not okay to distribute.”

Furthermore…

“Any Mods you create for the Game from scratch belong to you (including pre-run Mods and in-memory Mods) and you can do whatever you want with them, as long as you don’t sell them for money / try to make money from them and so long as you don’t distribute Modded Versions of the Game. Remember that a Mod means something that is your original work and that does not contain a substantial part of our code or content. You only own what you created; you do not own our code or content.”

From this clear understanding of Modding the game and creating the mods for the game can be established. Well, there is a difference between the two. Any creator can create the mods for making the game interesting, but at the same time modding and hacking the game is not allowed. Selling the modded version of the game is the most illegal thing. Mods can be created for changing the look of the game and gameplay but changing the code of the game and selling it is not allowed.

According to the official EULA page, the mods created by any creator are their property unless it includes a substantial part of the copyrightable code. When it comes to modding, the last say lies with the game developers. Mojang even recommends users report any mods that look like they are breaching EULA. This applies to both multiplayer gaming and gaming on third-party servers.

And Mojang also doesn’t guarantee to support the mods if new updates are rolled out. In their words…

“With updates come changes that might not work well with other software, such as Mods. This is unfortunate, but it is something we don’t take responsibility for. If that is the case, try running an older version.”

All the mods in the Minecraft community are not official, therefore not supported by Mojang. If any mod or third-party software fails to work after the updates, Mojang is not responsible for providing the support. The mod developers are responsible for making it compatible with the latest updates.

Difference between modding the game & using the mods?

As mentioned in EULA if a significant part of the copyrightable code is copied to modify or hack the game then it’s called modding. To add the mods that were created by third-party developers is called adding the mods. That’s how mods are being used in the Minecraft community.

Is Minecraft Forge illegal?

Again it’s for the game developers to decide, they don’t have any official say on it. Forge is a Java-based open-source server on which Minecraft game mods can be run. It has been around for many years now. It is used by a large number of Minecraft community members. It makes it easier for the mods to be used inside the game. Minecraft doesn’t have many options to run the mods, Forge tool makes that bridge between the game and the Mods.

Minecraft Forge is known to create mods for every version of Minecraft. The mods created by the Forge website need the Forge tool to be installed for running them.

Before installing the Mods or Forge please read this from the official Minecraft website…

“Modifications to Minecraft, or “mods,” are available through several third-party websites. These mods can add or remove content to the game or change how it is played. Note that these mods are not created, reviewed or endorsed by Mojang Studios, and the same precautions should be taken when installing these mods as you would with any other piece of independently developed software. 

Modding is not officially supported, nor can we provide support for mods. Modding can be complex and may cause your game to malfunction or not be playable.”

This statement makes it clear that users are responsible for installing third-party software. Some mods are heavy on the system, and system configuration needs to be checked before installing them. Compatibility can vary with different platforms and system configurations.

Are mods on Minecraft free?

They better be if they are not, then they are not legal. Creating mods and selling them is not legal. Minecraft mods should be open source and free to use. This means third-party developers cannot claim the Minecraft code and cannot make money from it.

According to the Screenrant website, curseforge.com is very popular and has a large number of mods available.

Where is the Minecraft mods folder?

The Minecraft mods folder is present in the Minecraft directory. If absent, users may have to create it using the instructions given with the mods they want to use.

How can players add mods?

With third-party programs, Minecraft mods are being used by a large number of gamers for making the game more fun. This third-party software is not supported by Mojang, and official updates might not be compatible with these mods. Therefore before installing the mods it’s better to understand everything about the mods. It is easy to install mods with third-party software, but the game might crash if the mods are not tested or created by a reliable source.

What is Minecraft Forge client?

Minecraft forge acts as an interface between the mods and the Minecraft game. Without the forging tool, Minecraft cannot access the mods. Therefore the Minecraft forge tool is required to access these mods created in the forge. Minecraft forge has been around for many years, but Minecraft officially doesn’t recognize it.

As mentioned Minecraft doesn’t support any third-party mods but allows the players to add mods if they use it within the terms of the game agreement. But if the Minecraft crashes after the third party install Minecraft is not liable and in some cases, it might crash if the right version is not installed or the graphics in the mods are too heavy for the system to run.

Do all mods require Forge?

All the mods created in Forge require Minecraft forge.

What is a better alternative to the mods?

The better alternative of mods to make the game more fun is the use of add-ons. These are official Minecraft tweaks that work with the bedrock edition and the console edition. They are safe to use and updates of the game support them. Mods, on the other hand, change the code of the game. This means the behaviors of different mobs and items can be changed, the way they react to the Minecraft environment can be changed. That is why sometimes these mods crash the game. Therefore the add ons are recommended by Mojang studios.

How to install the add ons to Minecraft?

Minecraft is compatible with various operating systems and devices. Even cross-platform play is also possible. For each platform, the add ons are installed similarly, but the steps might be different. All these installation methods are present on the official websites. All the add ons are officially supported and are bug-free. It is advisable to check the system configuration as it may put a load on it. The minimum system requirement for Minecraft may be different for add ons.

Considering that the game is not installed on any platform, these step-by-step guides are created for every platform.

How to install Minecraft add ons on Windows 10?

Create Microsoft account

Step 1.1:- Open Microsoft.com go to the icon on the top right side.

Step 1.2:- Login in to your Microsoft account or create a new one.

Step 1.3:- Stay signed in; this account will be your official Minecraft account.

All the platforms require a Microsoft account to install Minecraft.

Installation of Minecraft on Windows 10

Step 1:- Go to the Minecraft official website https://www.minecraft.net/

Step 2:- Click on the “Get Minecraft” button. 

Step 3:- Now, a new page will open with different platform options.

Step 4:- Click on “Computer.”

Step 5:- New page will open with the options of PC, MAC, and LINUX.

Step 6:- Click on “PC.”

Step 7:- You will see two more options on the next page: Minecraft Java Edition and Minecraft Windows 10 Edition.

Step 8:- Click on “Minecraft Windows 10 Edition.”

Step 9:- After this, you will see two options: “Starter Collection”, and “Master Collection”

Step 10:- Pick anyone and click on “Buy.”

Step 11:- Change the downloaded file pack name with the extension “.McPack” or “.McWorld”

Step 12:- Both, the world or the pack will be visible in the game. Select it and click to play.

How to use the add ons with Minecraft java?

Minecraft java doesn’t support the add-on feature. Add-ons are only available for bedrock edition and console edition.

How to install the addons on Minecraft Mac?

Minecraft on Mac is available only in Java edition. Add-ons are not supported in the java version.

How to install the add ons on Android?

Step 1:- Go to google play on your android device

Step 2:- Buy the game

Step 3:- Go to the location of the add-on files using the file explorer or any app that lets you access the files on your android phone.

Step 4:- Click on the file

Step 5:- Choose the option to open with the Minecraft app.

Step 6:- Click on play to open the world you have selected or imported.

How to install add ons on Amazon?

Step 1:- Go to the Minecraft official website https://www.minecraft.net/

Step 2:- Click on the “Get Minecraft” button. 

Step 3:- Now, a new page will open with different platform options.

Step 4:- Click on “Others.”

Step 5:- New page will open with the options of OCULUS, and AMAZON FIRE.

Step 6:- Click on “AMAZON FIRE.”

Step 7:- Pick anyone and click on “Buy.”

Step 8:- Connect your device with the PC.

Step 9:- Go to the Minecraft folder inside the device.

Step 10:- Open the MineCraftWorlds folder and copy the add-on files.

Step 11:- Change the extension of the files to .zip.

Step 12:- Now disconnect the device.

Step 13:- Open the game and go to Worlds Menu or resource packs and select the add-ons.

How to install the add ons on Gear VR?

Step 1:- Install the game on Gear VR-compatible mobile phone.

Step 2:- Connect the mobile phone with the PC and access the location of the add ons.

Step 3:- If you don’t want to use the PC. Go to the file locations on your device and remain the files by changing the extensions to .zip. Extract the contents to the MineCraftWorlds folder.

Step 4:- For .McPack files copy the files in the behavior packs folder, and resource packs folder.

Step 5:- Convert the file to .zip.

Step 6:- Open the game to access the add ons from the world menu or the resource packs option.

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How to install add ons on Oculus Rift?

Step 1:- Go to the Minecraft official website https://www.minecraft.net/

Step 2:- Click on the “Get Minecraft” button. 

Step 3:- You will see different options of devices.

Step 4:- Click on “Others.”

Step 5:- New page will open with the options of OCULUS, and AMAZON FIRE.

Step 6:- Click on “OCULUS.”

Step 7:- Click on “Get Minecraft.”

Step 8:- You will be taken to the Microsoft app store, click on the Buy option.

Step 9:- Open the game in Oculus Rift using the Oculus link.

Step 10:- Change the downloaded file pack name with the extension “.McPack” or “.McWorld”

Step 11:- Both, the world or the pack will be visible in the game. Select it and click play.

How to install the add ons on IOS?

Step 1:- Open the safari browser and open the official Minecraft website.

Step 2:- Click on the “Get Minecraft” button. 

Step 3:- Now a new page will open with different platform options.

Step 4:- Click on “Mobile.”

Step 5:- New page will open with the options of ANDROID, and IOS.

Step 6:- Click on “IOS.”

Step 7:- New page will open. Click on “Buy Minecraft.”

Step 8:- Now go to the folder where you have downloaded the addons.

Step 9:- Click on the file

Step 10:- If the format is proper, you will get the option to open the file with the Minecraft app.

Step 11:- Now, the game will open with the selected file or the world.

Step 12:- Click on Play and start playing.

Sample add ons can be downloaded from the Minecraft official website. Use this link to download the add ons and check the compatibility.