Minecraft Launcher vs Paradox Launcher
Minecraft Launcher
minecraft.net
Paradox Launcher
paradoxinteractive.comSide by side
| Figure | Minecraft Launcher | Paradox Launcher |
|---|---|---|
| Price from | Free | — |
| Free plan | Yes | — |
| Free trial | Yes | — |
| Open source | — | — |
| Windows | Yes | Yes |
| macOS | Yes | Yes |
| Linux | Yes | Yes |
| iOS | Yes | — |
| Android | Yes | — |
| Plans published | 1 | 0 |
| Spec score · Game launchers | 9.1 (#7) | 6.9 (#54) |
| Spec score · Game Launcher Software | 8.5 (#5) | 6.9 (#22) |
| Account requirement | Installing the Launcher from Minecraft.net on Windows still requires signing into the Microsoft Store with the account intended for the Launcher. | The user agreement says some services may require a Paradox Account. |
| Publisher | The Minecraft site identifies Mojang AB as the copyright holder and Microsoft Corporation as the trademark holder. | Paradox says it publishes internally and externally developed games and is responsible for funding, producing, marketing, and selling published games. |
| Purpose | The Launcher is a PC hub for accessing Minecraft games, downloading game versions, accessing multiplayer servers, managing profiles, and getting mod support. | Paradox describes the product as a launcher for its games. |
| Support | The Launcher page links to Minecraft Help Center articles for installation, Quick Play, sign-in connection errors, and Launcher crashes. | Paradox support instructs users to export launcher logs from Launcher Settings and attach them to a support ticket if troubleshooting fails. |
Plans
In their own words
Minecraft Launcher
Minecraft Launcher is a free PC hub for accessing Minecraft games, downloading versions, reaching multiplayer servers, managing profiles, and getting mod support. It brings Java and Bedrock editions together on PC, though the games can also be launched without it. Players can use the latest versions and try snapshots, create one-click Quick Play shortcuts to favorite worlds, manage Java skins, and access account information. Settings include language and accessibility options, and the Launcher also shows Minecraft news and promotions. Installation is available through the Microsoft Store or the Minecraft download page. On Windows, installing from Minecraft.net still requires signing into the Microsoft Store with the account intended for the Launcher. A Microsoft account is required to play all Minecraft versions. The free Java and Bedrock trial includes the core Survival experience and about 100 minutes of in-game play, with duration varying slightly by device. It supports offline play and LAN multiplayer, but online multiplayer servers are disabled. Java Edition cross-play is limited to Windows, Mac, and Linux, while Bedrock supports cross-play across Windows, consoles, and mobile.
Paradox Launcher
Paradox Launcher has no write-up on Specifiction yet; its figures are above.