Minecraft Bedrock on Linux: Because Your Friends Are Console Peasants Written by: Kroe Sufos (fueled by caffeine and segfaults)
TL;DR / "I copy-paste commands without reading and cry when it breaks"
git clone https://github.com/minecraft-linux/mcpelauncher-extract.git -b ngcd mcpelauncher-extractcmake CMakeLists.txtmake -j$(nproc --all)./mcpelauncher-extract '<path-to-apk>' '<destination-folder>'- Install
mcpelauncher-linux(Check your package manager or pray to the Flatpak gods). mcpelauncher-client -dg '<destination-folder>'
0. Why are we doing this?
Because Java Edition runs natively and perfectly, but nooooo, your friend Kevin plays on an Xbox and refuses to buy a PC. So now you have to emulate an Android app on Linux. Let's suffer together.
1. Prerequisites
Time to install "nerd tools." If you don't have these, are you really using Linux?
- Debian/Ubuntu/Mint:
sudo apt install git cmake build-essential(The vanilla choice. Respectable.) - Arch Linux:
sudo pacman -S git cmake base-devel(I know you already have these. I know you use Arch. Please stop telling me.) - Fedora:
sudo dnf install git cmake gcc-c++ make(For the business casual users.)
2. Building the Extractor
We need to compile a tool specifically designed to rip the guts out of an Android file. It’s like surgery, but with more error messages.
The Steps:
- Yoink the code:
- Look like a hacker in a 90s movie:
Note: The -j$(nproc --all) flag tells the compiler "I paid for the whole CPU, I'm gonna use the whole CPU." Your fan will sound like a jet engine. This is normal.
3. Getting the APK (The "Sketchy Russian Website" Part)
DO NOT IGNORE THIS
You need the x86_64 architecture version. If you download the standard ARM64 one from the Play Store, the launcher will vomit and die.
The Heist:
We need to acquire an x86_64 build. The best source is ModsCraft.
The "Hackerman" Maneuver:
If you visit that site on a PC, the download button might hide from you because it hates desktop users.
- Press F12 to open Developer Tools.
- Toggle "Device Toolbar" (ctrl+shift+M) or pick a phone from the list.
- Refresh the page.
- Congratulations, you have successfully gaslit the website into thinking you are a Samsung Galaxy. Download the x86_64 file.
Didn't work?:
- Use a real phone.
- No hackerman here... But congratulations! Download the x86_64 file.
4. Performing the Autopsy
You have the scalpel (the extractor) and the body (the APK). Time to make a mess.
The Syntax:
Real World "I hope this works" Example:
If text flies by and ends without saying "Error," you did it. You're a wizard, Harry.
5. Installing the Launcher
Now we need the actual GUI application that tries to run this Frankenstein monster.
- Arch Linux (AUR):
- Other Distros: You're on your own, space cowboy. Check the mcpelauncher-manifest. Try the Flatpak. If that fails, compile from source and reflect on your life choices. AppImages are dead; RIP.
6. Launching the Game
We have to manually scream at the launcher to look at our extracted files, or else it tries to log into Google Play and fails miserably.
The Command:
Example:
What the heck is -dg?
- It stands for Don't Google it. (Actually it's probably "Data Game"). It forces the launcher to ignore logic and use the pile of files we just extracted. Go punch some trees, you earned it.