Minecraft with RTX out of Beta
(Image credit: Microsoft)
After over 8 months in beta, Nvidia along with Microsoft and Mojang are finally implementing RTX capabilities within Minecraft. It is currently only available on Windows 10 PCs with an RTX capable graphics card. Included with the update are ways to modernize your older java worlds into the better graphics, but back up any saves because it can corrupt files during transfer. Players can even adapt their favorite texture packs to shine in RTX. The official press release is found on the Nvidia page: Minecraft with RTX Now Officially Available.
Players with older Java worlds that want to enjoy them with the rich details of RTX can now do that, but it is a longer process that can be easily messed up. It requires downloading a couple of additional tools that are Java programs. Before the tools can be used, the Java world must be updated to at least version 1.15.2 or better. Luckily to keep it all in line, Nvidia has a complete walkthrough on the Minecraft RTX world conversion guide. Also, Windows 10 Minecraft worlds do not need to be converted, they only need updating to the Bedrock version. Once the world is in the Bedrock version, the player will still need to find and download an RTX enabled texture pack or build a pack by hand. From personal experience, if you have the system and the time to update an older world with hours of play already, it is gratifying.
Minecraft texture packs can also be converted over if a player has a favorite that they want to see in glorious RTX. The textures are not easily converted and require going through a separate app that allows for picture editing, which include several free options. Not only are there more color layers in the new textures, there are also 3D height maps to deal with. The new color layers add reflective properties while the 3D surface modelling adds unique shadows. Nvidia has a Minecraft RTX texturing guide that covers all the steps it takes to convert a texture using several options.
Adventuring through Minecraft biomes and deep caverns have gotten an extreme upgrade on the Windows Bedrock version with an RTX graphics card. There are even methods for bringing older worlds and texture packs into the sharper RTX reality, with some manual conversions. To celebrate the release, Nvidia has a Minecraft with RTX ON sweepstakes that will have players showing off their creations across social media platforms until January 4th, 2021. Good luck to anyone who enters.
