I love playing video games with my son. He's almost 6 recently we got into Minecraft together. I found the physical Switch version of Minecraft on sale for $20 and figured that was a great time to pick up the game and play it with him. He immediately was hooked on the game and we went about building our first house inside a mountain and crafting our area to our mutual satisfaction. Minecraft is a well understood and widely played game at this point so nothing I'm saying is news to anyone but it's fun experiencing awesome things for the first time with your kid. Our cave house was built up to be a small castle of sorts so we can peer over the edge at night and see all the Zombies, Creepers and Spiders that spawn below. We've also built up a quite large wheat field, animal pen and treehouse above it such that we can hear and watch our animals make way too much noise at night.
It's impressive how many little updates have come to Minecraft since I played it first years and years ago now. The Switch version is incredible and Mojang has taken great lengths to not only make the game playable on a controller but actually quite fun. The Switch version is slower than the PC version in terms of loading but once you are in the game things run along quite well.
We don't have grand ambitions for our area but it would be pretty cool to find where the Villagers are staying around us. Since we're on the Switch I can't do a map hack to peek where that might be and I haven't found a way to zero in on where they may be so for now, I think we'll have to just explore a lot around us.
For now, we are having a lot of fun playing the game together, or I suppose I play the game and we talk about what we want to do. At some point when he's older I image we'll play multiplayer Minecraft in our own world but for now it's fun to just share in building our house and world together this way.
It's impressive how many little updates have come to Minecraft since I played it first years and years ago now. The Switch version is incredible and Mojang has taken great lengths to not only make the game playable on a controller but actually quite fun. The Switch version is slower than the PC version in terms of loading but once you are in the game things run along quite well.
We don't have grand ambitions for our area but it would be pretty cool to find where the Villagers are staying around us. Since we're on the Switch I can't do a map hack to peek where that might be and I haven't found a way to zero in on where they may be so for now, I think we'll have to just explore a lot around us.
For now, we are having a lot of fun playing the game together, or I suppose I play the game and we talk about what we want to do. At some point when he's older I image we'll play multiplayer Minecraft in our own world but for now it's fun to just share in building our house and world together this way.
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(Dang it Jon, I hope others are looking at this site with a resolution above 1080p. 1440p lets me see two stories on the front page and I always feel guilty when I notice someone's posted right as I'm about to and their post gets bumped down. Clearly this isn't the first time. LOL)
Wow, what an amazing thing I totally forgot about, playing Minecraft with your son! However, in contrast to your experience, my son is the reason I got into Minecraft. Once I started, I was hooked! We haven't played together much, but I did set up a Java server briefly. I don't know if you're aware of this, but the Bedrock version, which is the one all consoles run, is actually playable cross-platform. So, while you're playing on the Switch, I could join with my PC, and my son (now 18!) could join with his PS4 (for example). I haven't played the Bedrock version very much, but in my experience it seems to run a lot smoother than the Java version. I got my Windows 10 edition when it was offered for free when it was released for Windows 10.
I'm so happy for you that you've entered the Minecraft world with your son! It's an exciting time! It's a fantastic game for people of all ages. It's one of the few games I can think of that actually brings very many people together. As you probably know, it's extremely popular and you know they're still adding content. The next update will include mangrove forest, frogs, and more.
Frogs? Canât wait!
I also didnât know that all bedrock versions are compatible, thatâs really good to know.
Ya know what's funny? My son got me into Minecraft, now he wants to follow in my footsteps and get into Ark: Survival Evolved since it's on PS Plus right now. LOL
Thatâs awesome. I hope he loves it!
Liam loves minecraft, but will only play it with Joi at this point in time. If I offer to play, I get a âno thanks.â đ€Ł
Doesnât like the way you build?
He finds me boring. đ€Ł
How so?
I probably don't play right.
Hey guys. I just learned that the release date for 1.19 is June 7th. Here's an article if you want to read more about it: https://www.pcgamesn.com/minecraft/1-19-update-release-date
My son fired up the early 1.19 snapshot release. He is loving it.
Awesome! How old is he? High school graduation for mine (18) is next Saturday assuming he gets his work turned in on time.
Paul Soares, Jr. has a 1.18 playthrough on YouTube I've continued watching. It's making me want to jump in. I may check out the latest snapshot after I see what's on xismavoid's channel. It's been about a couple of months since I last played and I'm worried I'll tire of it quickly.
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Wow, yeah Minecraft kids are smart! They know how to get the beta content.
We haven't found the village around us yet. Wish we could but I think it may be far away.
That said, I wonder if you need to spawn a new world to get this cave content after the patch drops? That said, it looks to add a lot more variety to the game by those undercave biomes. Getting closer to Terraria a bit at a time.
If you have "cheats enabled" on the world, you could use the "/locate" command to find a village and /tp there. I haven't used that command, but I keep /tp coordinates in a document so I can just /tp to where I want to go. Minecraft commands: https://minecraft.fandom.com/wiki/Commands/locate
Yeah, Minecraft is seeming more like Terraria now, that's a good observation. I think this is great, because the underground is getting variety that we've only seen above ground until recently. Speaking of Terraria, did you know there's a Terraria update coming? https://forums.terraria.org/index.php?threads/terraria-state-of-the-game-may-2022.112582/
As far as I understand it, you don't need to spawn a new world to get the new content for each update, you need to explore areas you haven't yet discovered. I'm sure I've heard or read that the devs have taken extra care to make sure that updates don't destroy worlds that already exist. The C&C Update extended the height and depth of the world border so they had to take extra care to make sure they didn't break existing worlds.
Here's a bit more detail: Minecraft worlds are made up of chunks. They are invisible (though you can make them visible) and they contain everything. "A chunk in Minecraft is a procedurally generated 16 x 16 segment of the world that extends all the way down to the" bottom of the world and all the way to the top of the world. (IGN quote) As you explore, new chunks in the world are created. If you started your world with 1.8 then all of the chunks that have been created by exploring are 1.8 chunks. If you want to see the new content you have to explore further into your world so that it will create new chunks, which contain 1.9 content if that's what you're playing after the update.
IGN "How big is a chunk" (gave me an answer I was looking for): https://www.ign.com/wikis/minecraft/How_Big_is_a_Chunk_in_Minecraft
FYI Minecraft Java and Bedrock editions are being bundled together on PC. Players who own either version will receive the other for free in a new update coming. The brief article I just read is worth reading. It helps briefly give you an idea about why there are these two different versions of Minecraft and which is run by different platforms.
I bought my Minecraft codes (one for me and one for Vinny) at Wal-Mart many years ago. When they released it for Windows 10, they gave it away for free to those of us that already owned the Java version. So, that's how I have both versions (and this update will be insignificant to me).
Source: https://www.gamespot.com/articles/minecraft-is-bundling-java-and-bedrock-editions-on-pc-starting-june-7/1100-6504197/
I saw that. Does the PC version entitle you to an XBox version now? I hope that's part of this update, it's strange it hasn't worked like that before.
Yes, but it isn't called "an XBox version." There are two main versions of Minecraft; Java and Bedrock Edition. When I heard about why bundles aren't in the game yet, I was reminded that there is a third version called Pocket Edition. I thought they got rid of it, but it's the one used on tablets and similar touch devices. I used it on the Kindle Fire I had.
The Java Edition is only on PC, because it was originally written in Java, which is incompatible w/ pretty much everything else. So, they created the Bedrock Edition, which is written in C++.
"Parity!" Thanks, you just helped me remember the right term I was trying to use in my Wild Update post (now corrected). I thought it was "polarity," but knew it didn't sound right. LOL! Parity is something the devs are taking very seriously. They want to make sure that every version of Minecraft contains the same content so that there are few if any differences in gameplay.
I'd say each version has it's own unique thing about it. Java is the one with mod support, while Bedrock is the one that has access to the Marketplace.
Both versions and Minecraft Dungeons used to have separate launchers, but they all now use the same one. Currently the Bedrock Edition is listed in the launcher as "Minecraft for Windows," but that's only calling it a different name. I don't know why it doesn't just say "Bedrock Edition."
I like both versions, but Bedrock does seem to look a bit nicer and run a bit smoother. I've been avoiding it since I discovered a nasty bug that AFAIK hasn't been resolved. I (and others) noticed Villagers disappearing, which apparently happens due to chunk borders.
Are you aware of Minecraft RTX? That's a Bedrock Edition exclusive, too.
I have played around with rtx. It is cool. Not much more to say about it.
My son flipped out about 1.19 officially releasing. We just built him his first pc for 5th grade graduation and it was available the day his PC was done. Great timing!
Wow that's awesome and congrat's on the graduation. Vinny graduated high school almost a full week ago. I don't know if he's played it, but I did tell him about it and the Ark update coming in a couple days. I checked out the snapshot, but Diablo Immortal is the game keeping me occupied these days (and I'm loving it!).
It's nice to see he's so enthusiastic. I shared a video by xisumavoid where he was talking about how he's seeing so much negativity towards this update and he explained why that could be (really, expectations not being tempered). I can't wait to get an Allay, though I'm worried I'll lose it since I "/tp" so much. Sorry, I'm repeating myself from my post. LOL
How was the RTX? What GPU are you using? I wish I had a good RTX. Luckily, I've decided I actually don't want a 3090Ti. That thing requires extra power connections and a powerful PSU. It's also big and while I read that it has good thermals, it makes everything else hot. I don't have $2,000 anyway. I'm still happy w/ my 3 year old 1660Ti XC Gaming GPU (which I bought a 10 year warranty for), but RTX is something I'd love to be able to do.
I still want a better GPU for Ark, even though I haven't been playing it as much. There's a new map in a couple days though so I'll probably jump back in soon. Some maps (especially Genesis Part 2) still perform horribly. Although the first map runs really well most of the time.
I got a new monitor at the end of last year, though. Now I'm running [email protected] I like it, I can even get games to do 2K, but that extra resolution has an impact and I'm not sure the better quality is very noticeable. I haven't played much Ark with it yet, but when I did try it out, it kind of seemed crisper.
I have a 2070. Rtx was cool, I guess. I am to the point where graphics donât wow me as much as they used to.
I'm jealous, but this is interesting. As recent as last year I think, I looked up how much Amazon still listed my GPU, which I bought from them (2019). It was listed double what I paid for it. Now it looks like that's the price of your GPU, which is more reasonable than the $1,000+. I believe we did finally get a break with outrageous GPU prices in recent months. My previous GPU was a 980Ti and about about the price of yours, but this one was half that and better (of course it's newer). The one I had before that was a GTX690. It was a $1,000 card, I got in an Alienware and was a major disappointment. I wanted it so bad, but I came to learn how ignorant I was about it.
I think I'm reaching your point, too, actually. I still want a better GPU, because I want steady performance. I want to be able to have beauty like RTX. I've been pretty satisfied with most games and don't have much trouble running on "High" settings, but Ark could still benefit from new hardware.
What kind of monitor? Or what res and refresh rate are you playing with and how's your FPS?
Yeah, I was shocked to see how much my card is still going for. I ended up doing a 3050 for my son. It was reasonably priced.
I have a 1080 monitor. I donât really know my refresh rate and fps. As long as the fps doesnât stutter, I am happy. 30fps is all you need. đ€Ł
1080p is still the great standard IMO. As for me, I want a constant 60 and not much lower. Anything much less than that seems noticeable and I don't like it. Some games are really good at 30 and unnoticeable. 30 isn't good enough for Ark, though, not for me.
The Dell monitor I got with my Alienware served me by being my monitor for two PCs. It still works and is perfectly fine, but I wanted to experience this new tech. I wanted to see what a higher res and refresh rate would look like. I also wanted GSync. Honestly, I'm not sure I'm seeing much of a difference. It's hard to tell. I'm happy with what I have now, so I guess that's what matters most.
The GPU is perhaps the one piece of hardware I always wish I could afford to upgrade. LOL I'm not quite where I want to be, but this GPU of mine seems to be still very good even at about $300-400 and being about 3 years old.
You stating that you're at the point where graphics don't wow you as much reminds me of Moore's Law.
I tend to play console games more. I do have a 4K/120Hz tv for that. To me the jump from 1080 to 4K is not as noticiable as from 480 to 1080.
Cool! My TV is about 12 years old. It helped bring me to HD w/ [email protected] with my PS3. Yeah, that sounds like Moore's Law. Res above 1080 doesn't seem noticeable. 720 seems fine for video, but I don't like much less than that.
FPS above 60 doesn't seem noticeable to me either. <60 is what I notice and don't like. (Although some things are fine at 30. I'm used to seeing that this is a console standard.) I've been able to do 2K w/ this monitor and I'm still not sure of a noticeable difference. I played Monster Hunter Rise this way. It apparently locks the FPS max at 60, maybe it's just something it can't do @ a higher rate.
I'm playing on Ark's new map, finally with my new monitor, at 1440p. At times I see FPS over 30 (at one point I saw it was 31), 40's, and 50's. I don't recall seeing it higher, but it could have been. I haven't been keeping an eye on it the whole time. I want that steady 60 FPS, but don't want to change my resolution or tinker w/ settings once again. What I'm realizing is that 30+FPS is fine and I don't think I'm noticing a difference (between this and 60FPS). I'm not sure if I'm noticing a difference between this res and the 1920X1200 I was using before.
30 fps is all you need. Movies are only 24 fps, and we all like it, so think of it as getting 6 extra frames!
That's a good thing to point out. I thought movies and TV were 30 and yes they are totally fine. Thanks man!
TV is 30 fps. Film is 24 fps.
https://youtu.be/GD6qtc2_AQA
> 30 fps is all you need. Movies are only 24 fps, and we all like it, so think of it as getting 6 extra frames!
Iâd argue the cinematic experience isnât quite the same as games.
Big reason why is games respond to your input and that effects how they feel. For instance, I bet youâd notice a difference between 30 and 60 and I can sure tell if itâs more than that. For instance 120 fps games on my Series X and TV are really really smooth.
Maybe not everyone can tell, but itâs nice and with movies and such youâre not interacting with it other that watching it.
I'm glad we're having this discussion again (I remember asking what you all thought about it). You make a good point, Jon. We experience them differently.
I'm not use to 120, but I can do [email protected] I'm sure I get that in Minecraft (without my favorite shader pack). Other games are more demanding, certainly, so my FPS varies. I can push it to 2K, but I believe 165 drops to 60. I'm just glad I finally got a new monitor so I could expand my [email protected] experience. I'm still unsure about it. I'm not sure I've figured out HDR either and I'm not sure I like it. I've read complaints that Windows 10 HDR wasn't implemented well.
I actually canât tell the difference between 30/60/120. It is bliss.
What resolution do you use while playing normally or most of the time (for games in general)? I'm playing Jurassic World Evolution 2 now (new DLC) at 1440p on some high or very high settings. I'm getting about 30+ FPS and I'm happy with it. 2K wasn't as acceptable. I'm not sure I notice the higher resolutions anyway, unless things get smaller (like text). I think I care more about the flashier side of it all and getting as much performance as I can. I don't like having to make sacrifices, but it's usually manageable. I believe I know Jon's playing with 4K on his XBox.
4K or 1080p. If frame rate fluctuates I will notice that, but if it is steady, I wonât notice.
I believe Jon mentioned this. I'm not sure how I learned about it, probably GameSpot news that I read daily. Anyway there's an announce trailer for Minecraft Legends. I like the "cinematic footage," but I'm not so sure about the "pre-release gameplay." I was happy to see two Allay, one blue. I love them, even though I haven't played w/ them yet. You can see the trailer here (https://youtu.be/1JSjZqV-YK8). I might have more details later.
I hope they have a lot more details later because Iâm not entirely sure what the game is.
My son wants it though đ€Ł