The 70 best Minecraft maps to play in 2024

What are the best Minecraft maps? Minecraft is the inventor’s paradise, but, of course, it is also the connoisseur’s nightmare. Thanks to the huge number of user-created Minecraft maps out there, it’s almost impossible to find the finest creations around. Who has time these days to sift through hundreds of Minecraft maps, devour them with their digital senses, and come to a conclusion on which ones are worth your time?

Well, us. We have the time. We have scoured forums, binge-watched YouTube videos, and sampled more of the best Minecraft maps than we can count on to bring you the definitive list. To find the very best, we have whittled down the finest user-created environments and placed them into their very own category. Whether you fancy plunging to the depths of a Minecraft dropper or living out your Minecraft life game fantasies in a city map, we have everything you need to get the most out of Minecraft maps.

Here are the best Minecraft maps in 2024 by category:

Minecraft adventure maps

Minecraft adventure maps are self-contained experience that are less about building and more about exploring and, very often, fighting. Expect traps, puzzle games, and all sorts of secrets. Also, while you can play many of them quite happily by yourself, some are better in multiplayer via Minecraft hosting. Best of all, because the Minecraft community is so industrious, thousands of great Minecraft adventure games are out there waiting for you to explore.

But before you pack your blocky bag, remember that almost all of them will have particular rules or settings that you will need to follow to ensure they work properly.

Rise of the San’lorai

Minecraft version: 1.20.4

This Minecraft adventure map is inspired by the likes of Dark Souls and Elden Ring, and is a full fantasy RPG game built in Minecraft. The Exiles of Elysia: Rise of the San’lorai was built by Matthew Hodges, also known as Lord Knightfall, and was created to supplement his novel, The Exiles of Elysia: Knightfall, and offers solo or co-op players a vast, beautiful world to explore with various bosses, extensive NPC (villager) trading, and multiple endings.

Asleep

Minecraft version: 1.8

Dreams and nightmares are fascinating subjects – a nebulous representation of your subconscious, made real when you go unconscious every night. Recently, Minecraft map makers have stepped up to tackle what happens when we go for a snooze. In the case of Asleep, that makes for a ridiculously fun romp through space, the Nether, and a few burning buildings.

Herobrine’s Mansion

Minecraft version: Any

Herobrine’s Mansion is the work of Hypixel, one of the community’s most respected creators and maker of one of the best Minecraft servers. Packed with tons of things to find, this map includes custom enemies, half a dozen bosses, special items, and unique potions.

Widely regarded as one of the best adventure maps, it’s designed to be played with friends, but you can enjoy it on your own.

Adventure Time

Minecraft version: 1.4.7

What time is it…? If you do not know the answer to that question, it is a good bet that much of this map’s content will be lost to you.

This Adventure Time-inspired map utilizes a specially made Minecraft texture pack to transport players to the fantastical Land of Ooo. Following the initial popularity of the map, there are now four episodes to enjoy! Each episode takes you thought landscapes and adventures from actual Adventure Time episodes, including Paper Pete, Trouble in Lumpy Space, and It Came From the Nightosphere.

The Tourist

Minecraft version: Any

The Tourist doesn’t just feature some of the most impressive builds in the game’s various worlds. It also boasts minigames, a bespoke soundtrack, and is one of the longest adventure maps out there, clocking in at around four hours from start to completion, depending on how long you want to spend just staring at the architecture.

Kingdom of the Sky

Minecraft version: 1.4.7

Kingdom of the Sky adds the rather novel concept of narration, provided by a series of YouTube videos given to the player at key points. It is a little like listening to the audio logs in System Shock or BioShock, as you can play while the narration chats away to you.

Even if you ignore these video narration points, you still have an imaginative and expansive high fantasy map that’s fun to explore, and, while you can play alone, you can also play this one with a friend thanks to two-player gameplay. There’s now a sequel, Kingdom of the Sky 2: The World Burns, so if you enjoyed the first one, jump straight into the follow up.

Deep Space Turtle Chase

Minecraft version: 1.1

This sci-fi Minecraft map took its creators three months to build and saw them transform Minecraft’s blocky, pastoral world into something remarkably different. Deep Space Turtle Chase has players searching for wanted criminal Dr. Earl S. Testudine, hiding somewhere on a mining station beyond Tarsus 3. Catching him will require all your wits and ingenuity.

This map is a total conversion for Minecraft, so ensure you back up your original copy before following the installation instructions.

Wrath of the Fallen

Minecraft version: Any

Another work from the excellent Hypixel, this hack-and-slash adventure map is full of beautiful structures, custom weapons, potions, items, boss fights, challenges, secret sections, and easter eggs. Phew, that’s a lot.

It’s recommended for two players, but you should be able to solo your way through if you grit your teeth and have tons of patience.

The Escapists 2

Minecraft version: 1.8.8

Not to be confused with the game of the same name, this highly impressive map based on The Escapists 2 takes inspiration from one of the best prison simulation games (if that’s even a genre) around. It features eight massive cells, jobs, and a currency system.

Your goal is to hatch the ultimate escape plan, using any resources you can find and gaining notoriety among your fellow cellmates to earn their assistance. As Minecraft maps go, this one is a classic.

Star Wars

Minecraft version: Any

Do you want a diamond lightsaber? Of course, you do. Who doesn’t? Also by Hypixel and designed with the Mine Wars texture pack in mind, this epic adventure has you fighting your way through stormtroopers and Star Destroyers across snowy wastelands and deep space.

It ticks all the Star Wars boxes, featuring blaster rifles, Jedi knights, AT-ATs, and almost everything else you might want. We’re also pretty impressed that the Imperial Walkers look so damn good in Minecraft.

Pixelmon Johto

Minecraft version: 1.16.5

Just when you thought you would never get a proper 3D Pokémon adventure on PC, Pixelmon Johto is based on Gold and Silver’s Johto and Kanto regions. It’s essentially a remake of Pokémon Gold and Silver in Minecraft, complete with a redone soundtrack, gyms, badges, Team Rocket, and even the entire Elite Four experience. This mod has tons more to offer, but we won’t spoil that here. Those Minecraft blocky visuals make it feel like a GameBoy game, too.

Combat has to be in there somewhere, and this map takes advantage of the Pixelmon, one of the best Minecraft mods, for its battle system. Those looking for a different region will be happy to learn that there is also a Pixelmon Kalos map based on Pokémon X and Y. If this isn’t quite close enough for you. We have suggestions for Pokémon PC game alternatives for you to try out instead.

Zombie Apocalypse

Minecraft version: 1.7

Containing what may be the most horrific re-skin of Minecraft’s zombies ever made, Zombie Apocalypse is an entertaining mix-up of frantic hack-and-slash action and survive-the-night tension.

Somewhat indebted to Left 4 Dead, when this Minecraft map lays on the undead, it lays them on thick and fast. Ambushes inflict panic, and panic means bad things. So bring along a friend to thin the horde in this Minecraft zombie game quicker and solve its co-op puzzles.

Herobrine’s Return

Minecraft version: 1.5

Hypixel’s maps are, basically, triple-A Minecraft: they even have sequels. Herobrine’s Return is the follow-up to Herobrine’s Mansion, and as such, contains a familiar setup of custom enemies, big boss fights, magic spells, and NPC-crewed shops.

This map carries through the RPG game tropes with a fun selection of side-quests, and great scripted moments add a welcome level of cinematic sparkle.

Teramia

Minecraft version: 1.7.2

One of the largest Minecraft adventure maps, Teramia is an open-world, non-linear RPG. Without a focused core quest, Teramia leaves you free to wander, explore its various districts, and help the NPCs you encounter along the way.

Split into four regions and populated by a vast variety of Minecraft mobs and friendly villagers, the areas are home to nine dungeons and a series of fortresses to claim as your own.

Minecraft parkour maps

For many, Minecraft is about making and admiring inspiring, gargantuan structures. When it comes to Minecraft parkour maps, however, there is art and majesty in how these environments are traversed. Whether dashing, bouncing, or jumping through canyons or sky-piercing mountains, you will almost certainly be going too fast to stand and enjoy the view. Here are the best Minecraft parkour maps around.

The Parkour Spiral

Minecraft version: 1.16.4

The Parkour Spiral is one of three incredible maps by dedicated map maker Kenadian. I actually wanted to put the craziest Minecraft escape map ever on this list, but until someone other than Captain Sparklez himself can play, we’ll have to do with The Parkour Spiral, instead. Or Kenadian’s String Theory escape map.

While you might want to keep yourself busy with each of Kenadian’s public maps, we’d certainly start off with The Parkour Spiral, one of the most popular Minecraft parkour maps of all time. Don’t get dizzy as you work way around this seamless, challenging parkour challenge, featuring new designs and biomes as you work your way in circles.

Only Up in Minecraft

Minecraft version: 1.20.1

We’re sure you’ll have heard about Only Up, the crazy, viral parkour game that tasks you with climbing up, up, and, well, further up. Well, whether you’ve played the original and can’t get enough, or simply fancy trying the internet’s latest gaming obsession inside Minecraft, then Hugmag has recreated the game in this Only Up in Minecraft map. This challenge isn’t for the faint-hearted, though, as this massive and colorful parkour map has no checkpoints – like its namesake game – so one false step can set you back a long, long way.

BiomeBox

Minecraft version: 1.6.4

Are there any problems in the world that can’t be solved with parkour? The creator of BiomeBox doesn’t seem to think so.

There are ten visually distinct levels for players to platform their way through, each based on a different biome – leap from Nether to cake, then hop straight into a twilight dreamscape.

Fireworks Parkour

Minecraft version: 1.9

Boasting the white-and-red aesthetic of free-running favorite Mirror’s Edge, Fireworks Parkour is a classic Minecraft map with a unique twist: instead of expertly timed jumps, you propel yourself through the map with TNT.

We cannot promise it is a practical method of propulsion, though: once you start a sequence of explosions, you will not be able to pause and catch your breath. The fireworks pouring out of each blast make for a neat visual touch.

Parkour School

Minecraft version: 1.7.10

Ever seen some hardcore parkour skills on YouTube and worried you are just not up to snuff? Not to worry: everyone has to start somewhere, and Parkour School is the perfect Minecraft parkour map with which to start. Easing you in with a gentle difficulty curve, Parkour School teaches you the basics with a checkpoint system and themed zones. You will be blasting through the toughest parkour levels in no time.

Canyon Jumps

Minecraft version: 1.9

Have you ever been to the Grand Canyon and thought, ‘That’s great and everything, but wouldn’t it be better if I could jump across it in mid-air, without a safety harness’? Of course not, because you are smart.

Canyon Jumps is a Minecraft parkour map that allows you to live out that terrifying and oddly specific dream nobody has ever had. With an emphasis on accuracy over speed, this is a jump ‘n’ run map that suspends your route in thin air amid a canyon setting of impressive scale. 48 challenges and an automatic in-game scoreboard system are in, too.

Last Jump Hero

Minecraft version: 1.3.2

Do not concern yourself with context, cohesive visual design, or gameplay variation when loading up Last Jump Hero. This parkour Minecraft map asks only a few things of prospective Minecrafters: a willingness to jump and a pre-acceptance of failure.

Hologram Parkour

Minecraft version: 1.8

An excellent, ethereal twist sets Hologram Parkour apart from the rest of the Minecraft parkour genre. You are faced with a map of two halves: one side features a route without blocks, while on the other side, there are walls, creating a sort of asymmetrical mirror image. Using the other half to judge where to aim your jump, holographic blocks appear before you discover the correct path, as if by magic. Blending platforming and puzzle elements, Hologram Parkour is not to be missed.

Jump Escape

Minecraft version: 1.12

Jump Escape is essentially parkour meets Portal (Portalkour?). Well, in aesthetic terms, that is. You transition between levels with an elevator that recalls Valve’s classic puzzler, but otherwise, this is a strong and simple Minecraft parkour map. You might not be punished for slowness like in Time to Die, but the timer is always there to compel you to shave off every last second and show off to the rest of your blocky gang.

Assassin’s Creep

Minecraft version: 1.2.5

No prizes for guessing the series on which this map is based. Assassin’s Creep is heavily influenced by the stabby stealth games of Ezio and co. with help from the Assassini Costruttori texture pack. As opposed to tracking down those peskily hidden feathers from the earlier Assassin’s Creed titles, your mission here is to locate nine wool blocks – so turn on peaceful mode to prevent mobs from interfering. Each one is at the top of tall historic towers, which is where your parkour skills come in. Hidden blades are optional but recommended.

Potala Palace

Minecraft version: 1.12.2

If you fancy some virtual tourism, you can head to this creation of Potala Palace in Minecraft. In case you’re unaware, this hilly abode is the largest palace in Tibet and the residence of the last Dalai Lama. This one is ideal if you want a beautiful place to explore or a cool new arena for your favorite game modes – we get how it goes.

Minecraft horror maps

How scary can animated blocks be? Phenomenally so, apparently. If you want to ruin some of your underwear, you need a terrifying Minecraft map. So down the lights, affix your headphones, and prepare your nerves for a fright with angles you have never seen before.

The Smiling Illusion

Minecraft version: 1.20.1

This Minecraft horror map is a real labor of love from creator Vendomil, and it shows. While the map might only take around 20 minutes to complete, that’s more than enough thanks to the intense thrills awaiting you as you wander through a dark and mysterious town that gives Silent Hill vibes.

The Smiling Illusion isn’t just an empty atmospheric experience, either, there’s a story to uncover in your short time here, and we’d love to see a longer narrative experience from Vendomil in the future.

Poison

Minecraft version: 1.16.5

Poison is a scary Minecraft adventure map made by PatotatoMan, creator of several popular Minecraft maps – by playing any of them, it’s easy to see why they’re so loved. Poison is immersive, terrifying, and thrilling. One tip: according to PatotatoMan, “If you get lost in the woods, stay away from the smiling man… he could be interested in you.”

Black Light

Minecraft version: 1.6.4

Channeling the frights of Outlast, Black Light is an expedition to a Russian psychiatric hospital in the wake of a nuclear explosion. A specialized texture pack makes the place unnervingly filthy, complete with ominous graffiti and a chilling color palette. Like the best Minecraft horror maps, the skilled use of lighting makes Black Light creepy.

The Asylum

Minecraft version: 1.8

Abandoned asylums are always a great place for spooks and thrills. Apart from performing a solid job of delivering blocky jump scares and plenty of chills, The Asylum’s borderline immortal mobs engender a sense of powerless terror. This is stripped-back Minecraft horror at its finest.

Survival Horror

Minecraft version: Any

Ah, the creepy mansion on the hill. How could such a horror game trope not be the center of a Minecraft map? Created by the ever-excellent Hypixel, Survival Horror asks you to survive 25 waves of increasingly tough ghouls and beasts using only the limited resources you can find around the mansion. A failing electric generator escalates the panic to deliver pure fright throughout.

Ruins of the Dead

Minecraft version: 1.6.2

Ancient underground temple? Check. Wave after wave of flesh-eating zombies? Check. Hidden chests of armor, weapons, and loot? Check.

Ruins of the Dead is an excellent zombie survival map thanks to its progressive loot game and increasing difficulty. There is even a deviously challenging final undead foe for anyone who can get through the 16 waves of increasingly challenging undead.

Wandering

Minecraft version: 1.8.8

Rife with jump-scares and haunting from the first few steps, Wandering is an unforgettable Minecraft map. You play as Jack, a 30-year-old man returning home after a tiring day at work… only someone – or something – has followed you [crack of lightning, haunting organ music]…

Minecraft survival maps

Survival is one of Minecraft’s most popular modes, in which your sole task is to remain in the land of the living for as long as possible. The best Minecraft maps push your survival instincts to their limits, forcing you to make the most intelligent choices when mining limited resources, putting impossible voids between you and vital items, and testing your endurance with vicious monsters. Others just ask you to survive long enough to hold a hot tub party. Below you will find some of the best Minecraft survival maps around.

World in a Jar

Minecraft version: Any

In World in a Jar you must survive on a series of tiny worlds encased in jars. Each floating glass prison contains a unique biome, containing a mix of pure survival and adventure map gameplay. An ethereal stillness to these captured environments makes World in a Jar a must-play Minecraft map.

Ant Farm Survival

Minecraft version: Any

Ever wondered what it would be like to find yourself trapped inside an ant farm? Ant Farm Survival provides a flawed template for what you would encounter – perhaps conduct more scientific research elsewhere. Divided into increasingly challenging sections, this unique survival map boasts a heap of challenges and some deviously claustrophobic level design. If you love Ant Farm Survival, the series now has multiple different entries, including the extreme version and a Skyblock edition.

Deadly Orbit

Minecraft version: 1.7.10

Roleplayers that fancy themselves a pixelated Sandra Bullock or George Clooney need to look no further than Deadly Orbit, a space-themed survival map set aboard the International Space Station. It takes its Gravity inspiration literally: there is lots of gravity as opposed to none. But even though there is no floating in the abyss here, the hollowness of space can certainly be felt.

Planet Impossible

Minecraft version: 1.6.4

One of Planet Impossible’s goals is to ‘tame a dinosaur’, which is all you need to know, really. However, if you need further persuading, Planet Impossible is a Mad Max wasteland and the final destination of your crashed spaceship. Tasked with surviving ten days, you need to explore the world and discover evidence of erstwhile human settlers. Planet Impossible is made by IndianaCrafting, one of the best adventure map creators out there, and the following two maps are also theirs. Check out their YouTube channel for more map trailers.

Arctic

Minecraft version: 1.6.4

Washed up in the Arctic tundra with nothing but your own body to rely on, Arctic demands that you set up digs in the desolate ice fields and gradually build a thriving settlement for you and your survivor pals Jozsef and Mr. Maillet. You can eventually throw the ultimate hot tub party by cultivating crops and maintaining a farm. The premise is as silly as they come, but Arctic is beautiful and calming in its isolation.

Wild West

Minecraft version: 1.7.2

Whoa there, cowpoke! This may not be the gunslinging frontier of Red Dead Redemption, but this adventure map captures the feel of the Wild West. The smoothing sunset, vast canyons, and the street purposefully set up for epic dueling make this Minecraft map the perfect arena for fulfilling your stetson-wearing fantasies.

Taming Minecraft horses is just as much a part of life on the ranch as it is life in Mojang’s sandblocks. Capturing monsters using cactus-based traps is less so, but we are quite happy to give that a go as well. The only thing you’ll be missing is a playlist of the best music from Ennio Morricone playing in the background to set the mood.

Containment Survival 2

Minecraft version: 1.6.4

A clever twist on Portal, Containment Survival 2 has you progress through a selection of containment cells, each containing a unique biome. Ushered through by a mad AI, you are to complete survival challenges on a tight time limit. Using a superb collection of voiceovers, the AI will hassle and demean you as you attempt to escape. A well-designed sequence of environments and challenges cements Containment Survival 2 as one of the best Minecraft maps.

SkyBlock Advanced

Minecraft version: 1.18.1

SkyBlock Advanced is based on Skyblock, one of the ‘original’ custom Minecraft maps. It may lack frills and vistas initially, but it offers a rock-solid challenge. Just take the scavenging suffering of Survival Island and suspend it thousands of feet in the sky. This version also offers seasonal maps, so there’s a fair bit of variety.

Your little dirt pile is the only resource you have, and thus, plenty of ingenuity and a mind for conservation is required. With the right smarts, you will be amazed at what you can harvest from a tree and several blocks of dirt. Play this one with friends if you dare.

Spherical Survival

Minecraft version: 1.20.1

An interesting twist on the classic SkyBlock formula, Spherical Survival puts you on gigantic spheres. It sends you on your merry way to attempt to bridge to the map’s other spherical worlds while fending off creepers and other nasties. This Minecraft map is a survivalist’s dream come true.

Minecraft city maps

Minecraft tourism has certainly rescued our wanderlust-riven wallets. Saving us money on transport, hotels, and food, Minecraft city maps allow us to explore bustling urban landscapes, both real and fantastical, without any jabs or travel insurance.

From loyal recreations of sunny Sao Paulo to the cities of the future, here are the Minecraft city maps in which you should have a wander and an espresso.

Kansas City, USA

This real world Minecraft map places you right down in the middle of Kansas City in the United States, and it’s an incredible sight. This meticulously recreated map of the city built entirely in Minecraft includes buildings, streets, parks, and more, all taken directly from a real-life map view of the city at a 1:1 scale, so you can guarantee an almost realistic experience. You know, aside from the fact that you’re in Minecraft.

This isn’t the only incredible work that creator team Atmospheric Beats has built for you to download for free, as they’ve also recreated Florida, Vietnam, Baltimore, and so many more.

Pripyat

Minecraft version: Any

The ghostly region of Pripyat has been embedded in our minds ever since Call of Duty sent us running around the abandoned city of Chornobyl, avoiding pockets of radiation and sniping hapless ultranationalist soldiers. Now it has been painstakingly recreated in this Minecraft city map which we can tentatively explore.

Future City

Minecraft version: 1.10.2

War of the Worlds is catapulted into the future as a menacing enemy alliance has attacked several planets. Future City is at the heart of these intergalactic troubles. It is a world of staggering scale with piercing skyscrapers and modern tech, so if you always wanted to experience Star Wars’ Coruscant without having to stomach the prequels, Future City should be your next destination.

World of Worlds

Minecraft version: 1.10.2

World of Worlds is a Minecraft city map for the player crippled by the unfortunate combination of wanderlust and a lack of funds. Travel the world through Minecraft’s block prism in this map, which features uncannily recreated buildings from 85 cities across the real world. Unless you are unusually well-traveled, there are certain to be new places for you to check out.

Atropos

Minecraft version: All

Atropos is an astonishing Minecraft city built atop a tortoise. Not just a whimsical idea, Atropos is also in the steampunk art style: every item is adorned with brass pipes and clockwork gears. It is so detailed that, for example, the surface of the tortoise itself is a mass of interconnected metal plates and cogs.

What’s more, Atropos is huge. On its back is a full-sized city adorned with the same kind of elegant details that coat its exterior. The city descends into the belly of the beast; Atropos is as vast as it is impressive.

Imperial City

Minecraft version: Any

A quite astonishing collection of structures, Imperial City is an original creation that combines prominent architectural styles from the 19th and 20th centuries. Look around, and you will find neo-classical, beaux-arts, and modern influences in its design. But while Imperial City’s buildings are its starring performers, their layout provides the enduring backbone of this Minecraft map. Imperial City feels like a city; the spacing of the roads, the order of the buildings, and the river banks all contribute to a city that feels real.

Vertoak City

Minecraft version: 1.8.8

Vertoak City is what Minecraft city maps are all about: size and freedom. Exploring this wonderful world is a freeform adventure of boundless possibilities without the burden of goals to complete or rules to adhere to. High streets are dense yet intricate, Copacabana-like beaches stretch for miles, and leafy suburbs are there as a relaxing retreat from the big smoke.

Tazader City

Minecraft version: 1.8

One of the biggest maps in Minecraft keeps getting bigger. Originally a Pocket Edition exclusive, Tazader City is continually updated with more skyscrapers, stadiums, and hotels. Aside from the hours, you will lose exploring and basking in the details of this city; you can relax in your plush new hotel room, discover forgotten backstreets, and play sports. All without any scraped knees.

Sun City

Minecraft version: 1.17.1

Cities are great and all, but you can ruin amazing places like London with bleak grey clouds and rainfall that are not torrential but enough to ruin your day. Sun City, however, is an urban Minecraft map inspired by the sweltering Brazilian cities of Sao Paulo and Goiania. Sun City might not be the largest city map without any objectives, but at least your blocky avatar will have the free time to get a much-needed tan.

Minecraft dropper maps

Don’t look down! Well, you might want to do just that when it comes to Minecraft dropper maps. Here you have to fall in such a way as to, as gracefully as possible, avoid the blocks in your way. If you navigate to the bottom of a dropper level with all of your character’s blocks in the places where they should be, congratulations, you have survived. Test your vertigo with these fun gravity-themed Minecraft maps.

The Dropper 2

Minecraft version: 1.5

Subtitled ‘Newton vs Darwin’, The Dropper 2 releases you from a vertigo-inducing height and asks you to survive. As you plummet down a complex spider web of blocks and barriers, you need to shift your body in the right direction to prevent splattering against an obstacle (i.e. mining away the block as you hit it is firmly disallowed). Think of those insane space debris sections from Dead Space, and you are halfway there.

Multi Difficulty Droppers

Minecraft version: 1.10

Multi Difficulty Droppers is a Minecraft map that demands you ‘git gud’. That means before you progress to a different environment, you need to beat each one on every difficulty setting. Once you land successfully, however, you are congratulated by an explosion of Minecraft fireworks and the disembodied cheers of children. Yay?

Impossible Dropper 2

Minecraft version: 1.12.2

Think you are the bee’s knees at dropping? This Minecraft map is so devilishly difficult that, according to its title, it is impossible. Impossible Dropper 2 features plenty of dastardly trolls and some vanishingly small landing spots; even if you evade all the obstacles, it is extremely tough to escape death right at the end. We have not completed it yet because we have not got around to it. Yeah, that’s it.

The Easiest Dropper

Minecraft version: 1.16.5

Have you tried those and struggled? Wanted to throw your keyboard through your monitor? Uninstall Minecraft and never speak of it again? Well, don’t worry, The Easiest Dropper might be able to restore your faith and help you train for more difficult puzzles. There’s a mix here of rainbow droppers, anti-droppers, and parkour droppers, and Danny DeVito even makes an appearance. Oh, one last thing, that map name might be a tad misleading…

Minecraft puzzle maps

Have you read about how we only use 10% of our brains? That is total guff. Prove these cowboy scientists wrong in Minecraft by besting these mind-shattering puzzle maps. From Crystal Maze-like headscratchers to PhD-bothering conundrums, you will find some of PC gaming’s best puzzles in Mojang’s masterpiece. These Minecraft maps are the smartest we have found.

iVOTED

Minecraft version: 23w13a_or_b

The iVOTED Minecraft map is a unique one, as it harnesses the hilarious features of the wacky Minecraft version released on April Fool’s Day, 2023. One of many April Fool’s releases from Mojang, the 2023 version featured the ability to vote for changes while playing. While this map isn’t a replica of that, and you can still play that version by selecting it in the Installations tab on Java, this map instead uses some of the mechanics that were added for that build to make up is challenging puzzle escape rooms.

Be-Boxed

Minecraft version: 1.20.1

I know, it looks like we’ve added this to the wrong list, but believe it or not this cute 2D puzzle platformer is still Minecraft. Made completely within the building game, Be-Boxed sees you take on the role of a small, pixelated slime as you traverse various puzzles and overcome obstacles by jumping in and out of boxes and using them to your advantage.

Sure, Be-Boxed might not be giving Minecraft vibes, and that’s why you’re here, but aside from being a cute little way to spend 15 minutes, it’s just incredible to play this game knowing you’re still inside a Minecraft map.

The Code

Minecraft version: 1.6.4

An exceptionally clever and intelligently designed brain bender, the Code contains a corridor of fiendish puzzles to crack. Solving them provides you with a code that opens the next door when written down on a piece of paper and thrown down a hopper. The puzzles are all exceptionally varied, ranging from mathematical conundrums to tests of speed and strength. Thankfully, there’s an in-game hint system, but we didn’t need it…

Portalcraft

Minecraft version: 1.2.5

Imitation is the highest form of flattery, and if any puzzle game out there deserves some, it’s Portal. Portalcraft recreates Aperture Science with uncanny accuracy, replicating not only the look, feel, and mechanics of the Portal games but its puzzles too. There are a few noticeable Minecraft-isms, as lifts and doors aren’t slickly automated. However, the fact that portals work as they should and your momentum still matters is impressive.

The Puzzle Cube

Minecraft version: 1.7

The Puzzle Cube is a Minecraft map with a great gimmick: you can walk on the sides of the cube. Starting on the cube’s exterior, you need to solve puzzles on all sides to progress to the center chamber.

Instead of falling off when you walk over the edge of a cube, gravity will flip, and you will continue walking down the next side. The conundrums escalate in difficulty at a fair rate. It is also playable in multiplayer, the best way to play this Minecraft map.

Beyond Perception

Minecraft version: 1.9

The simple concept of the Beyond Perception Minecraft map is what sets it apart in the crowded puzzle genre: by turning your shading on or off, you can make certain objects appear and disappear, leading to a brilliant puzzler where you do not know what is there and what is not.

Enigma Island

Minecraft version: 1.16.1

Enigma Island features its own hints system that gives clues for any puzzles you are particularly stuck on in exchange for diamonds – manage your resources carefully to make it through. Explore the island, get your brain in gear, and discover the many hidden secrets.

Minecraft multiplayer maps

It is no fun to go alone, so why not team up with friends, strangers, and enemies to cause a little chaos? There are plenty of great Minecraft multiplayer servers out there, but what you need is a bespoke Minecraft map. They are all homages to other games, but they recreate their mechanics expertly.

Payday: The Minecraft Heist

Minecraft version: 1.6.4

Inspired by Overkill’s superb heist game, Payday: The Minecraft Heist is a not-at-all copyright-breaching Minecraft map with three fully playable heists in co-op, and an additional bonus level. These levels create a mix of entirely original heist ideas and levels directly influenced by the original game. Pacing is key, and Endgame captures Payday’s stealth-to-panic curve competently. There are also security systems to sabotage and an effective trading system with which to kit out your mobsters.

If you like The Minecraft Heist, then there’s now a follow up map – Payday 2: Endgame.

Among Us Minecraft map

Minecraft version: 1.16.4

If, like us, you’ve spent countless hours lying, murdering, and joining little wires together in the social deduction game Among Us, you’ll understand why it’s become one of the most renowned indie games of all time.

For the unfamiliar, the premise is pretty simple – you’re stranded on a ship with a cohort of colorful crewmates – but some of you are dastardly impostors on a mission to betray the other players, as you all run around the ship completing (or pretending to complete) vital tasks to ensure the safety of the crew. It’s a perfect candidate for recreation in the blocky world of Minecraft.

There are a few different Among Us Minecraft maps out there, but we like the version published by Minecraft YouTuber Phoenix SC, which is available to download from his website. It’s compatible with 1.16.4 and also requires a Minecraft resource pack to play, which is included in the download. It comes with Minecraft versions of the original three Among Us maps – The Skeld, Mira HQ, and Polus – and is broadly similar to the original, gameplay-wise, with a couple of changes; tasks are shared between players, and impostors’ behavior is slightly different, but it’ll certainly give you the same thrill as a regular Among Us game.

It’s Better Together

Minecraft version: 1.4

This two-player adventure map is filled to bursting point with complex, Portal 2-esque co-op quandaries. Made with vanilla Minecraft players in mind, you and your friend will not have to endure a lengthy troubleshooting install before heading in.

FunLand 3

Minecraft version: Any

What do you need for a perfect day out with your friends? Hundreds of rollercoasters extend to the limits of Minecraft’s sky box as far as the eye can see. This Minecraftian ode to the humble theme park is ideal for people who love roller coasters but hate queues. We might not try it in VR, thanks.

Minecraft castle maps

From the spooky gothic sensibilities of Castle Dracula to the impressive Dragonstone, the fire-spewing beasts cascading around its towering turrets, castles are the coolest buildings around. And guess what? They are even better as Minecraft maps. Whether it is fantasy or steampunk lands you seek to rule, become king of any world you like with these great Minecraft castle maps.

Oakhold

Minecraft version: 1.10

This Minecraft map is one for fans of The Elder Scrolls series. Oakhold will take your breath away, just as the likes of Solitude and the Imperial City did, but make sure you have the Sphax PureBDcraft texture pack installed first.

This fantasy-flavored castle nestled amidst a sky-high forest canopy is vast, with 29 unique apartments, houses, towers, shops, and much more with which to live out your wildest kingly dreams. Keep up to date with creator Dovetail’s website for the latest Oakhold updates.

Dragonstone

Minecraft version: 1.11.2

Waiting for more Game of Thrones goodness is always unbearable, but at least you can soothe your desperation to be reunited with Daenerys in her home of Dragonstone. It might have been built with blocks rather than forged with fire, but Dragonstone in Minecraft is no less stupendous.

Steampunk Castle

Minecraft version: 1.7.10

Castles do not have to be confined to fantasy worlds. Steampunk Castle proves just that: it is a construction that casts a unique shape on the horizon. Swap dragons for blimps and windmills with this map; you also might discover secrets, easter eggs, and a hidden storyline.

Dol Guldur

Minecraft version: 1.10.2

Even castles with heavily bolstered defenses and powerful rulers cannot stick around forever – take Dol Guldur, Sauron’s abandoned elven fortress, as an example. A list of the best Minecraft castle maps couldn’t possibly be complete without a Lord of the Rings entry, but with this lovingly detailed fantasy facsimile, you can explore Tolkien lore without risking the wrath of the infamous wizard.

Castle Verilian of Aeritus

Minecraft version: Any

Castle Verilian of Aeritus proves that the best Minecraft maps are not necessarily the biggest. This diminutive seat of dominion makes up for its relatively cozy size, intricate interior detail, and kick-ass name. From the imposing main gate, you must traverse a long, winding path that takes in massive waterfalls and trees to your humble abode. Kings used to a larger castle should think of this as a castle meets kingly country retreat.

How to install Minecraft maps

To install most Minecraft maps, simply download the file from a trusted site, unzip is required, and place the folder into your Minecraft saves folder. Make sure you load Minecraft in the right version, and you can open the map from your world list.

We’d always recommend checking the requirements of each individual map before installing though, making sure you have the right version of Minecraft installed, and mods if they’re required, and that there are no additional instructions.

If you’re having trouble finding your Minecraft saves folder on a Windows PC, type %appdata% into your search bar. This should open a list of app folders, including ‘.minecraft’. Open the .minecraft folder and the ‘Saves’ folder should be within.

Phew, that’s a lot of Minecraft maps to keep one of the best PC games of the decade feeling as new as your first day. That will certainly keep you busy for a long time, but there’s even more to come from us regarding Mojang’s blocky adventure. Firstly, you’ll want to make sure you’re dazzling your online pals with your faultless fashion taste, so check out our list of the best Minecraft skins to look cool in. Then, if you’re looking for another way to change up your gameplay in your vanilla Minecraft world, take a look at the best Minecraft seeds to explore.