Overview

Tracking starts automatically on Minecraft servers and singleplayer worlds, with no server-side installation. After five minutes without activity, the counter stops and reclassifies the idle time just counted as AFK. Movement intent, camera rotation, keyboard and mouse input, and actions such as breaking or placing blocks count as activity. Since the mod reads movement intent rather than position, being carried by water or a minecart does not count as active input—a meaningful distinction for players using AFK farms.

Each world or server gets its own record, making the mod useful for comparing where time goes within Minecraft. It does not track Realms because the client receives no stable identifier for those connections. This is a focused tracker, not a general gaming-hours dashboard.

Key features

History is kept as readable, hand-editable JSON in Minecraft's local configuration directory. The project says it sends no network traffic or telemetry and keeps data on the user's machine. Local control is a privacy advantage and makes the records accessible for manual editing, but it also means the history resides on that machine.

Sessions remain detailed for 90 days, then older entries are merged into monthly summaries. Atomic file writes, autosaving the running session every 60 seconds by default, and preserving damaged files under renamed filenames help protect a locally held record against crashes and file corruption.

The project invites bug reports, translations and pull requests through its issue tracker and repository. Its MIT license permits modification, modpack bundling and commercial redistribution when the copyright notice is retained.

Pricing

The Free plan costs 0.00 USD per free. It includes the Minecraft mod, runs client-side and has no dependencies. Automatic tracking covers servers and singleplayer worlds, with basic data export. There is no paid tier or trial to weigh against a feature-limited free option, so the key cost is the mod's narrow Minecraft scope rather than a subscription or usage cap.

Platforms

Actually Played supports Linux, macOS and Windows. The README names Minecraft 1.7.10, 1.12.2, 1.16.5, 1.20.1 and 1.21.1, with Forge, Fabric or NeoForge support depending on version. Install the matching loader, then place the mod jar in .minecraft/mods/; no server installation is needed. On Minecraft 1.16 and later, settings must be changed in a properties file rather than an in-game settings screen, which is less convenient for players who expect menu controls.

Who it's for

Choose it if you play Minecraft across multiple servers or worlds and want active time separated from idle time without involving server operators. It is also a strong fit for players who want locally stored, inspectable data. Look elsewhere if you need Realms tracking, coverage beyond Minecraft, or in-game settings on newer versions.

Pros and cons

Pro: Per-world tracking and automatic AFK separation make its records more useful than a single undifferentiated Minecraft total.
Pro: Client-side operation, no network traffic or telemetry, and editable local JSON give privacy-conscious players direct control over their history.
Pro: Crash recovery and preservation of damaged files reduce the risk of losing a locally maintained record.
Con: Realms are outside its tracking scope, leaving a gap for players who spend time there.
Con: Newer-version settings require editing a properties file, not adjusting options in-game.
Con: Detailed sessions are retained for 90 days only; older activity is consolidated into monthly summaries.

Alternatives

Game Playtime Trackers is the broader category to browse if you want to compare tools beyond this Minecraft-specific approach.

PlayTracker is a better fit for gamers seeking a wider platform mix, including Android, iOS, web and Windows, with free and paid plans.
GameDiary is worth considering if you want a free option spanning mobile, desktop, web and self-hosted platforms.
Outplayed is a Windows alternative for players interested in its Outplayed.tv hosting plans.
Arknights: Endfield Playtime Tracker is the more relevant choice if you specifically want a free tracker for Arknights: Endfield on Windows or the web.
GamePal is an iOS option with a free download and optional Platinum subscription.
wWaypoints is another free Minecraft-related option for Linux, macOS and Windows.
GamingGaiden is a free Windows alternative.
Steins;Tracker offers free Windows game tracking, customization and statistics, with paid Pro features.

Verdict

Actually Played is the right choice for Minecraft players who want reliable, separate world and server totals with AFK time distinguished and data kept locally. Its free, server-independent design is compelling for that specific job. Choose another tracker if Realms, broader game coverage or in-game settings on newer Minecraft versions are essential.

	Actually Played	Gameplay.Science
Free plan	Yes
Free trial	No
Paid from	Free
Platforms	Linux, macOS, Windows	Web
Free plan	Yes
Tracking mode	automatic	automatic
Supported platforms	Minecraft servers and singleplayer worlds	Steam, Xbox
History retention	90 days
Data export	basic

Actually Played vs Gameplay.Science

Actually Played

Gameplay.Science