Minecraft Now Requires Java 17 – Here‘s What You Need to Know

ByJames Dorn Last Update on

As an avid Minecraft gamer and content creator, one of the most impactful changes I‘ve seen in a recent update is Minecraft 1.18 now requiring Java 17 to run properly. This essential upgrade brings huge benefits, but also catches some players off guard.

In this detailed guide, I‘ll break down everything you need to know about Minecraft moving to Java 17 – from why it happened, to how to upgrade, to what performance improvements you can expect. Let‘s dig in!

Minecraft 1.18 Strictly Uses Java 17

First off, I want to definitively state the key fact: to launch and play Minecraft 1.18 and all newer versions, you must have Java 17 installed and set as your default Java Runtime Environment (JRE).

This requirement was introduced in the Minecraft 1.18 pre-release 2 notes, which bluntly said "Minecraft now uses Java version 17". Prior updates like 1.16 and 1.17 could still work with older Java 8 and 16 installations. But Mojang decided to fully upgrade to Java 17 with the massive 1.18 "Caves and Cliffs Part 2" release.

For context, here is a comparison of recent Minecraft versions and their Java requirements:

Minecraft VersionMinimum Java Version Required
1.16Java 8
1.17Java 16
1.18Java 17
1.19Java 17

As you can see, Minecraft has incrementally upgraded its Java requirements over the past few major updates. But 1.18‘s complete switch to Java 17 is the biggest leap yet and an important milestone.

Why Upgrade to Java 17? Performance and Future-Proofing!

"But why does Minecraft suddenly need a newer Java version to run properly?", I hear some of you asking.

It primarily comes down to performance optimization and future-proofing. Mojang likely determined that Minecraft‘s continual evolution required modernizing to the latest Java standards.

Based on my testing, Java 17 does provide better Minecraft performance over previous versions. My 1.18 gameplay feels noticeably smoother with Java 17 compared to Java 8 or 16.

Benchmark data also backs this up:

  • Java 17 performs about 2-9% faster than even Java 16 for gaming (Source)
  • Upgrading from Java 8 to Java 17 improves Minecraft server tick rates by over 35% (Source)

So players can expect a nice quickness boost from Java 17!

Its advanced features like reimplemented Garbage Collectors, foreign memory access API, and vector API also provide a solid foundation for Minecraft‘s future needs. Overall, Java 17 is shaping up to be the new "gold standard" for development.

How to Upgrade to Java 17 for Minecraft

If you play Minecraft through the official launcher, upgrading to Java 17 is thankfully very easy. The launcher will automatically handle installing Java 17 the first time you attempt to launch the 1.18 update.

But if you use custom launchers or launchers like MultiMC, you‘ll need to manually upgrade Java on your system to meet 1.18‘s requirements.

Luckily, getting and installing the Java 17 JRE is straightforward:

  1. Download the latest Java 17 JRE installer from Oracle‘s website.
  2. Run through the standard install process for your Windows, Mac or Linux machine.
  3. Confirm Java 17 is now your default system JRE by running java -version in a command line. It should output something like java version "17.0.5" 2022-10-18 LTS.
  4. Configure your custom Minecraft launcher to use the Java 17 runtime executable.
  5. Launch Minecraft 1.18+ and enjoy the improved performance!

Be sure to uninstall any old Java versions like 8 or 16 to prevent conflicts. I also recommend sticking with Oracle‘s official binaries versus open source builds for best results.

The full migration may take 15-20 minutes, but trust me – it‘s well worth it! Java 17 will also future-proof you for all upcoming Minecraft updates.

Key Takeaways – Get Excited for Java 17!

I hope this detailed breakdown clearly answers any questions about Minecraft 1.18 requiring Java 17. To recap the key takeaways:

  • Minecraft 1.18 strictly relies on Java 17 to run properly
  • Upgrading delivers better performance and future-proofs your game
  • The Minecraft Launcher handles upgrades automatically
  • For custom launchers, manually install Java 17 from Oracle‘s site
  • Expect buttery-smooth gameplay with Java 17!

Personally, I‘m thrilled Mojang moved to Java 17 for 1.18. As a tech-savvy Minecraft enthusiast, I always want the best experience possible. The boost in responsiveness and assurance of support is super valuable.

Let me know if this guide helps you get Java 17 up and running smoothly! I‘m happy to help fellow Minecraft players any way I can. Game on!

James K. Dorn, a passionate gamer deeply immersed in the world of video gaming. My journey in gaming is not just about playing; it's about exploring every facet of the games I love. I am particularly fascinated by the intricate worlds of role-playing games like "The Witcher" series and "Elder Scrolls: Skyrim," where every decision shapes the story.

As a strategy game enthusiast, I spend hours devising tactics in games like "Civilization VI" and "StarCraft II," always eager to share my strategies with fellow gamers. I'm also an ardent follower of the ever-evolving landscape of indie games, finding gems like "Hollow Knight" and "Celeste" that offer unique, compelling experiences.

My content isn't just reviews; it's about deep dives into game mechanics, storytelling, and the art of game design. I love dissecting the narratives of games like "The Last of Us" and discussing the innovative gameplay of titles like "Death Stranding."

Being at the forefront of gaming news, I eagerly anticipate and share insights on upcoming releases like the next big open-world adventure or the latest in the "Final Fantasy" series. My goal is to build a community where we not only play games but also appreciate the artistry and effort behind them. Join me in this gaming journey, where every session is an adventure, and every game is a story waiting to be told.

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