How mods helped Minecraft grow more popular

Minecraft is a sandbox game that was released in November 2011. Ever since its release, Mojang Studios wanted the title to be as open as possible, so that other players could also contribute to it. Since it ran on Java, there was a way to code custom features and add them to the game in the form of mods. The mod could contain stuff like new mobs, blocks, mechanics, items, and more.

While Minecraft's vanilla version always had its charm, an argument can be made that the game's popularity skyrocketed and continues to do so because of mods.

Note: This article is subjective and solely reflects the writer's opinion.

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Ways in which Minecraft mods made the game a lot more popular

Custom-made features for every need of the player base

There are all kinds of mods for every need and idea (Image via Mojang Studios)

When Mojang Studios released the game's alpha version to the public, many started playing the block game. As they explored the area, the need for a few features started to creep into their minds. While the developers were reluctant or were unable to add these features, it was the modding community that came to the rescue.

For example, things like in-game maps, waystones, and more redstone blocks, were created as mods for players to download and try out. These custom-made features catered to niche needs from player bases that the developers were simply unable to do.

One of the reasons why Mojang Studios intentionally did not add certain features to the official version is to allow the modding and the game's community to flourish and interact with each other.

As of this writing, there are countless mods, each catering to every single need and idea that a player usually gets while playing the game. If gamers have craved an in-game map, there is a mod for it. If they wanted to hatch a dragon egg and fly the beast, there is a mod for it. If they want to go all out and create massive machines based on unique energy mechanics, there are entire modpacks for it.

In this way, Minecraft grew and became increasingly popular.

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Various gaming experiences inside Minecraft itself

While Minecraft is a raw survival game where players are challenged by various dangers and need to complete a storyline, there is nothing else to it in the vanilla version. The only other aspect of it is to create different structures and redstone contraptions.

Thankfully, the game is a sandbox and made on Java, which means players can not only create mods for it, but those mods can work in tandem to create massive modpacks. These packs contain loads of features that blend with each other to offer a brand-new experience, something that can be completely different from what traditional Minecraft is.

Hence, the existence of modpacks offering different gaming experiences through the game has also helped it grow massively in popularity over 15 years.

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Check out other Minecraft mod-related articles:

• 40 Best Minecraft Mods in 2024
• 7 best Minecraft mods for an unforgettable experience
• 5 best Minecraft RPG modpacks