Sooner or later every player asks: should I buy Minecraft or play a cracked copy? What the "Licence required" label means and how offline-mode servers work is covered in Licensed vs offline-mode servers. This guide answers a different question: what to choose for yourself and what each option means in practice.
The short version
| Purchased game | No licence | |
|---|---|---|
| Servers | every Java server, including licensed ones | only offline-mode servers or servers with their own launcher |
| Name | reserved for you worldwide | protected only by a password on each server |
| Skin | your own, visible everywhere | depends on server and launcher |
| Updates | official launcher, every version | depends on the source |
| Realms, official Marketplace | yes | no |
| Malware risk | minimal when bought from official sellers | high when downloading "packs" from unknown sites |
| Account recovery | via your Microsoft account | only via the server staff |
What a licence gives you
Every server
Many large projects, especially international ones, verify accounts (online-mode=true). Without a purchased game you simply can't join them. In our catalogue they carry the "Licence required" label and are collected under premium servers.
A protected name
Your name belongs to you: nobody can join a licensed server under it. On offline-mode servers your name is protected only by the password you type with /login, and it's different on every server.
Skin and cape
A skin uploaded in the official launcher is visible on all licensed servers. Many offline-mode servers support skins too, but through plugins and not everywhere.
The official launcher and every version
The official launcher lets you pick any version, from old ones to the latest 26.x, and create separate profiles, for example for mods. See Minecraft 26.x version numbering.
Java, Bedrock or the bundle
Minecraft for PC is now sold as Minecraft: Java & Bedrock Edition: buying the game for a computer gives you both editions on one Microsoft account. That's handy:
- Java — for modded servers, most Russian-speaking projects and minigames;
- Bedrock — to play with friends on phones and consoles.
The mobile version is bought separately in the app store (Google Play or App Store). On consoles it's bought in the console store, and online play there usually needs a platform subscription as well.
How the editions differ and which to pick if you buy only one: Java or Bedrock.
Tip: prices change and sales happen. Check the current price on the official Minecraft website and official stores, not in old videos or forum posts.
How to buy safely
- Buy on the official Minecraft website, in the Microsoft Store or from official partners (console stores, Google Play, App Store).
- Don't buy "cheap keys" or "licensed accounts" on marketplaces and in chats. They are often stolen: the real owner recovers them, and you lose both the money and the game.
- Right after buying, enable two-step verification on your Microsoft account and set a strong password.
- Never share your password or verification codes with anyone — not with "admins" or "support" in private messages.
How accounts get stolen is covered in How not to get scammed.
What you lose without a licence
You can play without buying: our catalogue has many offline-mode servers — see cracked servers. But keep the limits in mind:
- Not every server is open to you. Licensed projects are closed.
- Your name isn't protected. You register again on every server with a separate password; if you don't register right away, someone else may take your name.
- The server sees your password. It's stored by that server's login plugin. Never reuse your email or social media password.
- No official updates or support.
The main risk is the launcher, not the server
The most common problem for players without a licence isn't a ban or a lost name — it's malware in a "free launcher". Programs that steal browser passwords, Telegram and Discord sessions and crypto wallets are spread disguised as modpacks, "launchers with cheats" and "cracked clients".
To reduce the risk:
- Download a server's own launcher only from its official website or via the link on its Minecraft-Servera page.
- Don't download files from video comments, private messages or "everything free" sites.
- Never disable your antivirus because a video told you to — a classic malware trick.
- Don't run programs as administrator unless necessary.
- If in doubt, ask the server staff in their Discord or Telegram.
Important: servers with their own launcher are normal, especially modded ones. The problem isn't launchers as such but files of unknown origin.
FAQ
Will I be banned for playing without a licence?
Not on offline-mode servers: they deliberately accept everyone. Bans are for breaking that server's rules (cheats, griefing where it's forbidden, insults), not for lacking a licence.
Will my progress stay if I buy the game later?
Progress is stored on the server and tied to your name. If the server is offline-mode and you join with the same name, it usually stays. Progress from one server never moves to another project, of course. If unsure, ask the server staff beforehand.
Can I change my name on a licensed account?
Yes, a Java account name can be changed in your profile, but only as often as Minecraft's rules allow. Note that on offline-mode servers a new name is a new player, and moving progress has to go through the staff.
Do I need internet to play a licensed copy?
For singleplayer the launcher lets you play offline after the first sign-in. Servers need internet either way.
So what should you choose
- You play a lot and for the long run — buying pays off: every server, your own name and skin, official updates, account security.
- You just want to try — start with offline-mode servers or projects with their own launcher downloaded from the official site. Buy the game if you like it.
- You play on a phone — you need Bedrock from the app store and Bedrock-compatible servers: Java + Bedrock and Bedrock-only.
- Friends on different devices — the Java & Bedrock bundle for PC plus crossplay servers.
Not sure which server fits? Take the quiz: it asks about the licence and removes servers you can't join.