How to play Minecraft 1.8.8

Minecraft 1.8.8 is a minor update of the 1.8 Bountiful Update and remains one of the most popular versions of Java Edition. It not only utilizes the old combat system that was more oriented on click speed, w-tapping, and s-tapping (something many fans still prefer), but it is also well-known for having a plethora of available mods. But how can you play version 1.8.8 in the current day?

One of the best and most straightforward options is through the use of the Minecraft Launcher, which can create specified installations for older versions of the game. Additionally, there are other ways to enjoy this game version via a web browser without the need for a Microsoft/Mojang account.

---

How to play Minecraft 1.8.8 with the official launcher

Minecraft 1.8.8 can be accessed via the official launcher quickly and easily (Image via Mojang)

If you have access to a Microsoft account and have purchased Minecraft: Java Edition, you can use your official launcher to create an installation of version 1.8.8 that will remain separate from your other game versions. This way, you can enjoy version 1.8.8 without worrying about future updates causing any issues. Setting up the game with this method is incredibly easy.

You can create a version 1.8.8 installation with the launcher by following these steps:

1. If you haven't already, head to https://www.minecraft.net/download and download the official launcher. Then, run the downloaded file to install the launcher. Once this is finished, open the launcher and sign in to your Microsoft account using your credentials.
2. Select Java Edition from the game list to the left of the launcher window.
3. To the right above the splash art, click on Installations.
4. Hit the "New Installation" button.
5. Name your new installation, choose release 1.8.8 in the version dropdown list, and select a location to place your new folders and files. You can also select a resolution for the game window if you'd like, but otherwise, this option can be left alone, and the window will match your computer's current display resolution. Press the green Create button in the bottom right of the window.
6. From here, you can stay on the Installations tab and click on the green Play button next to the new version 1.8.8 on the listing. Alternatively, you can head to the Play tab and click the button that usually reads "Latest Release" and select your 1.8.8 installation there before pressing the Play button.

---

How to play Minecraft 1.8.8 for free

Third-party sources like EaglerCraft can allow you to play old Minecraft versions for free (Image via EaglerCraft.com)

In addition to the official method of playing Minecraft 1.8.8, you can also use third-party options to do so via your web browser. One of the best examples of this is EaglerCraft, an unofficial Javascript port of the game for web browsers. It does have some features and differences that set it apart from the original game, but otherwise, it's a free way to enjoy version 1.8.8.

You can use EaglerCraft to enjoy Java 1.8.8 with these steps:

1. Open your web browser of choice (though it must be capable of running Java), head to the URL https://eaglercraft.com/mc/1.8.8/ and then press any key or click on the screen to enable sound for the client.
2. You'll be brought to a character creation screen. Enter your desired username, pick a skin (or add one from a skin file), and press the done button. You can also import/export existing profiles you've created on this screen.
3. You'll be brought to a main menu very reminiscent of Mojang's sandbox title. Here, you can play both singleplayer and multiplayer, configure your settings, and even download EaglerCraft's 1.8.8 client to your platform to play offline if you'd like.

That's all there is to it! Regardless of how you decide to enjoy version 1.8.8, it can be fun to look back on Minecraft's history and appreciate how far it's come since its earlier days.