Minecraft is part of that constantly evolving video game category where each new version brings with it new features and changes. The latter are created to make the game even more exciting and rewarding, but if a user prefers to use one of the previous versions of the game, what can he do? Fortunately, restoring a previous version of Minecraft is an extremely simple operation, which allows you to play online with all users who have made the same choice (in other words, it is still possible to play multiplayer with all players who are using the same version. of the game). Continue reading this article to find out how to proceed.
Steps
Method 1 of 3: Edit Your Profile
Step 1. Launch Minecraft
You can use its launcher to load an older version of Minecraft. In order to access this option, you must be using version 1.6 or earlier. You can use this procedure to play any mode either by using the latest snapshot available (these are experimental versions under development) or by using Minecraft Classic. To be able to play an earlier version of the game, continue reading one of the next sections of the article.
Step 2. Access the profile editor window
To do this, press the "Edit Profile" button. A new dialog will appear.
Step 3. Select the version
Use the "Use Version" drop-down menu to select the version of Minecraft you want to upload. When you have finished making your selection, press the "Save Profile" button.
Step 4. Restart the launcher and load the game
Remember that you will not be able to connect to multiplayer servers that use a different version of Minecraft than the one you have selected. However, you will still be able to play in "single player" mode or connect to all servers that use the same version of Minecraft as you.
Method 2 of 3: Replace the Minecraft Files
Step 1. Download the installation files of the version you want to use
You can find the related.jar files within several websites. Make sure you download them from a reliable and safe source, as files of this type can carry viruses and malware.
Step 2. Go to the "AppData" folder
You can do this by going to the menu or the "Start" screen and performing a search using the string "% appdata%". Press the Enter key to access the indicated folder. You will be redirected to the "Roaming" subfolder inside the "AppData" folder, linked to the profile with which you are logged in to the computer.
Step 3. Go to the Minecraft folder
It is named ".minecraft" and should be at the top of the list that appears. Access the "bin" folder located inside the ".minecraft" directory.
Step 4. Backup the original Minecraft file
Locate the file named "Minecraft.jar", then rename and copy it to a backup folder. This way, when you feel the need, you can restore the current version of the game.
Step 5. Copy the new Minecraft file you downloaded in the previous steps
Copy it into the "bin" folder from which you backed up the original file. Make sure you name it "Minecraft.jar".
Step 6. Launch Minecraft
Load its launcher as you normally do. You can now play Minecraft using the version you downloaded. You can repeat the process to use whatever version you want. Remember that you will not be able to connect to multiplayer servers that use a different version of Minecraft than the one you have installed. However, you will still be able to play in "single player" mode or connect to all servers that use the same version of the game as you.
Method 3 of 3: Use an MVC
Step 1. Download an MVC (acronym for "Minecraft Version Changer")
It is a program that contains files of all versions of Minecraft currently available to give you the possibility to choose which one to play with. It is important to download such programs only from safe and reliable sources, as they can contain viruses and malware. The most popular and used programs are:
- Minecraft Version Changer.
- MCNostalgia.
Step 2. Backup the current version of Minecraft
This step allows you to avoid any accidental loss of data or saves related to the currently installed version of Minecraft in the event of an incompatibility with the new version selected. To do this, follow these instructions:
- Create a new folder directly on the desktop. Rename it as "Minecraft_Backup" or something similar.
- Type the string " % AppData%"inside the" Search "field or the address bar of the" File Explorer "window, then press the Enter key. Once inside the" AppData "folder linked to your user profile, access the" Roaming "directory. Inside you will find a folder called “.minecraft.” This directory contains all the files related to the version of Minecraft installed on your computer.
- Copy the entire ".minecraft" folder into the backup directory created on the desktop. Make sure you make a copy and don't move any files from their original location.
Step 3. Start the MVC program of your choice
The appearance and graphical interface of these programs may vary slightly from each other, but the operations they perform are identical. Their function is to automatically locate the Minecraft installation folder and then offer the user a list of available versions to replace it with. Within this list should be all versions of Minecraft released over the years, up to the first versions "alpha" (marked with the letter "a") and "beta" (marked with the letter "b").
Step 4. Choose the version you want to use
Use the list that appears to select the version of Minecraft you want to play with. Its installation file will be automatically downloaded and copied to the correct folder. When the editing process is complete, you can close the MVC you used to make the changes.
Step 5. Launch Minecraft
Once you have downloaded all the necessary updates for the installed version you will be able to log in and play Minecraft exactly as you normally do. Remember, you will not be able to connect to multiplayer servers that use a different version of Minecraft than the one you have installed, but you will still be able to play in "single player" mode or connect to all servers that use the same version of the game as you. Also remember that some mods may be incompatible with the version of Minecraft you are using.
