Custom maps and games are a popular aspect of Minecraft. Thousands of creators/creators released various maps and game modes for players to download and enjoy. Adding a custom map is a simple process for the computer version of Minecraft, and a bit more complicated in Minecraft PE for Android and iOS. However, you can own and play a new map in just 1-2 minutes.
Step
Method 1 of 3: PC, Mac and Linux
Step 1. Download the map file
There are hundreds if not thousands of custom maps available over the internet from a number of Minecraft fan sites. You can simply enter the keyword " minecraft maps " or " minecraft maps " into the Google search engine to find the map you want to try. Most map lists have ratings and comments so you can pick and choose and find a map that seems interesting to play with.
- Maps are usually in ZIP or RAR format. ZIP files can be opened without additional software, but RAR files require a new program. You can use the free trial WinRAR (rarlab.com) for Windows, or use the open-source program 7-Zip (7-zip.org). Mac users can use Unarchiver, which is available for free on the Mac App Store. Read this article to learn how to open RAR files.
- Make sure you pay attention to the version of Minecraft required to play the map. You can change the version of Minecraft in the Launcher before starting the game so that you can play maps designed for older versions.
Step 2. Extract the map file
Right-click the downloaded map file and select "Extract file" to extract the files to a new folder. The folder will have the same name as the downloaded map file.
Step 3. Open the extracted folder
Open the folder you just created as a result of extracting the map file. Usually you can see the _MACOSX folder and a folder with the same name as the map file. Leave the window open for now.
If you open a folder named maps, there should be several files and folders, including a level.dat file, a "data" folder, and several other files. Go back to the previous folder after making sure all the required files are there
Step 4. Open the Minecraft saves folder
The location varies depending on the operating system used:
- Windows – Press Win or click the Start button to open the Start menu. Type "%appdata%" and press Enter. Open the.minecraft folder, which is usually at the top of the list of folders in the "%appdata%" folder. Open the saves folder. You will see a folder list of all the saved games.
- Mac – Hold down the Option key and click the Go menu. Select "Library" from the Go menu. Double click the Application Support folder and open the Minecraft folder. Finally, open the saves folder. All saved worlds will be listed in a separate folder.
- Linux – Go to the User (your name) folder and open.minecraft. Double click the saves folder. You will see the flame of all the saved worlds.
Step 5. Copy the maps folder to the saves folder
Copy the maps folder containing the level.dat file and the folders from the other windows to the saves folder.
Step 6. Open Minecraft
After copying the map file, you are now ready to play! Load Minecraft Launcher and start the game.
If you're trying to play a map for an older version of Minecraft, make sure you change your profile before starting the game. Click the " Edit Profile " button in the Launcher, then click the " Use Version " drop-down menu to select the version of the game you want to load
Step 7. Open the Singleplayer menu
This step will display a list of all the saved worlds. Your new world will be on the list. Then, delete the other maps in the saves file.
Step 8. Find and load a new map
Often times, the new map will appear at the bottom of the list, but sometimes it won't. Scroll down the list until you find it, then double-click it to load this new map.
Method 2 of 3: Android
Step 1. Download and install a File Manager app that supports archives
You will need a file manager to open ZIP files. You will use this app to extract the map files and copy them to the Minecraft PE world folder.
One of the most commonly used file management apps is ASTRO File Manager, which is available for free from the Google Play Store. You can also use a file manager like ES File Explorer, which is also free to use
Step 2. Download the map file
Make sure the map file is for Minecraft PE, and not the computer version. Also, make sure that the map you download matches the version of Minecraft PE you have because changing the game version on Android is not as easy as the PC version.
You can see the version of Minecraft installed on your device through the Minecraft PE main menu
Step 3. Open the Downloads folder in the File Manager application
The File Manager application will show all the folders in the Android device. You can find the Downloads folder in the root directory.
Step 4. Open the downloaded map archive by tapping on it
Tap the ZIP file to display the contents of the ZIP file. You will see a folder with the same name as the downloaded map file.
Step 5. Press and hold the folder in the archive
This will open a menu of actions that can be taken with the folder.
Step 6. Select "Copy" from the menu
This will copy the folder so it can be pasted in another location.
Step 7. Go to the games folder
You'll see it in the root directory, in the same location where you found the Downloads folder.
Step 8. Open the com.mojang folder, then the minecraftWorlds folder
This folder will contain the folders for each saved game.
Step 9. Press and hold on an empty spot and select "Paste"
This step will paste the new maps folder inside the minecraftWorlds folder.
Step 10. Open Minecraft PE and select a new map
Your new map will be registered in the saved game. Usually, the new map appears at the very bottom, but sometimes it's located elsewhere.
Method 3 of 3: iOS
Step 1. Install iExplorer on the computer
The free version of iExplorer lets you copy downloaded Minecraft PE maps to your iOS device. You can download the free version from macroplant.com/iexplorer/.
You will need to use a computer to install custom maps on the iOS version of Minecraft PE. The only way to get past this is if your device is jailbroken and you can install a file manager app like iFile from Cydia
Step 2. Download and extract the map file to your computer
Download the map file that you want to install on your iOS device. Check for compatibility with the version of Minecraft PE you are running. You can see which version you have through the Minecraft PE main menu screen.
Right-click the downloaded file and select "Extract files". This step will create a new folder containing a folder named maps
Step 3. Connect iOS device to computer via USB
Close iTunes if it is open while connected to an iOS device.
Step 4. Open iExplorer
Your device will appear in the left frame of iExplorer.
Step 5. Develop the "Apps" section of the device
This step will display a list of all the apps installed on the device.
Step 6. Find and select "Minecraft PE"
The folder will appear in the right frame of iExplorer.
Step 7. Go to Documents→games→com.mojang→minecraftWorlds
The minecraftWorlds folder will contain a folder for each saved game.
Step 8. Drag and drop the new maps folder into the minecraftWorlds folder
The copying should only take a moment. When you're done, you can disconnect your iOS device and close iExplorer.
Step 9. Play the new Minecraft PE map
You will be able to find the new map among the list of saved games. Once added, new maps sometimes top the list, but sometimes they don't.
