How to Download and Play Snapshots in Minecraft

This practical guide walks through how to download and play snapshots in minecraft, explains the main requirements, and highlights common issues that may appear along the way.

For years, Mojang has provided (free) the development of the latest Minecraft features and updates via Snapshot. This leaves many Minecraft fans with reason to look forward to Wednesdays as most Snapshots are released in those days. However, some of us don't know how to take advantage of these free releases and are always waiting for the official Minecraft update. Therefore, in this article, TipsMake.com will guide you on how to download and play Snapshots in Minecraft to experience before the new features that may be added to the game.

I. How to download and play Snapshots in Minecraft

Players will have to manually download and install development versions. Since Snapshots are usually temporary and only last for a few weeks before the next release, people are less inclined to test newer versions, resulting in less response. For now, Mojang has made it significantly easier to test these new versions, and you just need to follow the steps outlined below to download and play Snapshots in Minecraft.

Step 1: Go to the Installations tab

After opening Minecraft Launcher, do not click Play, but click Installations to go to the screen to select the version of Minecraft that you want to play.

Step 2: Turn on and create Snapshot file

This step has 2 parts. First you need to click Snapshots to make Snapshot a downloadable version to play. Then, click New.

Step 3: Select Snapshot version

In the Name field, enter a name for the Snapshot you want to use. If you want these versions to be the latest Snapshot when they are released, you should enter Latest Snapshot.

Next, you choose the Snapshot you want to play. To search for the latest Snapshot every time you play, select Latest Snapshot from the drop-down menu. To play an older version of Snapshot or an earlier version of Minecraft, just click on the option you want.

Finally, click the Create button. Return to the previous screen and you should see your new version listed along with the other installations. From here, select the Play tab to return to the main screen.

Step 4: Play Snapshot in Minecraft

After returning to the main menu, you can choose the version you want to play in the bottom left of the screen. Select the version you just installed and click Play. From this point, whatever world you choose or create will include the latest Snapshot and all development versions prior to it.

Thus, you have successfully downloaded and installed Snapshot in Minecraft. Now, assuming you want to go back to the latest official Minecraft release, you can do so by going back to the main menu and selecting it the way you did to select this new Snapshot.