ClassiCube

About

ClassiCube specifically replicates the 2009 Minecraft Classic client — an early browser-based version of Minecraft — rather than the modern game, per the README's own framing. ClassiCube is a from-scratch, open-source client written in C that's compatible with Minecraft Classic, aiming to replicate the 2009 Minecraft Classic client with optional enhancements (custom blocks, custom models, configurable environment colors) layered on top. It runs on a very wide range of platforms — Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS, web browsers, several less common OSes, and numerous game consoles, with several console ports still unfinished and having performance or stability issues.

How it differs from the original

Unlike the original 2009 Minecraft Classic, ClassiCube adds optional custom blocks, custom models, and configurable environment colors, and only partially supports some pre-0.30 Minecraft Classic features. It's deliberately not extended to support survival mode, Minecraft accounts, or modern Minecraft servers.

Getting started

Running the client for the first time downloads required assets from minecraft.net and classicube.net. Singleplayer mode is available immediately from the main menu, while multiplayer supports both LAN/self-hosted servers and classicube.net servers, with the latter requiring a free ClassiCube account.

History

The project is developed via strict clean-room reverse engineering of the original Minecraft Classic client's behavior, and the team solicits community help documenting or verifying that original behavior.

Known issues & limitations

• platform: Major rendering and stability issues on Saturn.
• platform: 32x port has terrible performance and is practically unusable.
• platform: GBA port has terrible performance and is practically unusable.
• platform: Xbox 360 port is completely unfinished and broken on real hardware.
• It does not aim to replicate modern Minecraft and will never support survival, Minecraft accounts, or modern Minecraft servers.
• When running in VirtualBox, Mouse Integration can prevent the in-game camera from working properly.
• The Saturn port has major rendering and stability issues.

What you need to run it

Features

• Aims to recreate the 2009 Minecraft Classic client.
• Optional enhancements include custom blocks, models, and environment colors.
• Partially supports features from some Minecraft Classic versions before 0.30.
• Runs on desktop, web, mobile, and some consoles.
• Supports Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS, and web browsers.

How to install

1. Run ClassiCube.exe and click OK in the startup dialog so it can download required assets.
2. For singleplayer, run ClassiCube.exe and choose Singleplayer at the main menu.

Controls

• Press Escape after joining a world, or press pause, to open the pause menu.
• Press F to cycle view distance; reducing it can improve performance.
• Find the client's key combinations in Pause menu → Options → Controls.
• Type /client to see built-in commands.
• Type /client help <command name> for help with a built-in command.

Media

Licensing & legal

• ClassiCube is not affiliated with or supported by Mojang, Minecraft, or Microsoft.

Additional notes

Audio

In-game sounds are sourced from Freesound.org.

FAQ

What is ClassiCube?

ClassiCube is an open-source engine reimplementation of Minecraft. A new engine written from scratch that loads the original game's data files.

Do I need the original game files to run ClassiCube?

According to the project's README, no original game files are required.