For the first time in 17 years, Minecraft has raised its system requirements.
For the first time in 17 years, Mojang has updated the system requirements for Minecraft: Java Edition, raising the minimum specs needed for stable performance and adopting modern technologies. The game now requires more RAM and support for Vulkan 1.3, so owners of older PCs should expect a decrease in performance.
Crius
On July 21, Mojang updated the official system requirements for Minecraft: Java Edition, marking the first change since the game’s release over 17 years ago.
Main Changes
Previously, the requirements were based on outdated hardware specifications and graphics technologies that no longer meet the current needs of the game for stable performance. The new requirements now include support for Vulkan 1.3, increased RAM, and a more powerful processor.
Minimum Requirements (for 1080p/30 FPS on Fast preset):
- 64-bit operating system
- 8 GB RAM with a dedicated graphics card, or 12 GB with integrated graphics
- Quad-core processor from the list on the requirements page, for example: Intel Core i3-10100, AMD Ryzen 3 3100, Qualcomm Snapdragon X, or Apple M1
- Graphics card supporting Vulkan 1.3 with at least 2 GB of video memory
Recommended Requirements (for 1080p/60 FPS on Fancy preset):
- 16 GB RAM
- Modern high-performance processor, such as: Intel Core i5-12400F, AMD Ryzen 5 5600X, or Apple M2 Pro
- Graphics card with at least 6 GB of video memory, for example: Nvidia RTX 2060, AMD RX 5600 XT, Intel Arc A580, or Apple M2 Pro
Reasons for the Update
Supporting outdated hardware limited the ability to modernize the game, especially during the transition from OpenGL to Vulkan.
Impact on Older Computers
Computers that do not meet the new minimum requirements—including some older systems with integrated graphics and Intel-based Macs—will likely still be able to run the game, but performance and graphics quality are no longer guaranteed. The exact date for ending support of older hardware has not yet been determined, but users will be notified in advance.
Upgrade Challenges
In 2026, RAM prices have risen significantly as manufacturers prioritize memory for artificial intelligence over consumer DDR5/DDR4. This has made meeting the new RAM requirements (8–16 GB) more expensive compared to the previous year. In the short term, optimization mods like Sodium can help bridge this gap, allowing users to approach recommended specs on less powerful hardware. The importance of such modifications will likely grow as high memory costs continue to make computer upgrades more difficult.