The best Minecraft texture packs will make your blocks all shiny and new - or darker and more detailed, depending on which texture pack you prefer. Don't underestimate the power of redesigned textures, as they can truly change the appearance and atmosphere of your Minecraft world.
Before we get to the best texture packs, also referred to as resource packs, keep in mind that the availability of these packs depends on which version of Minecraft you're using; if you're playing on PC through either Java or Bedrock Editions, you can install them from various third-party sites. However, if you're playing Bedrock on console or mobile, texture packs are only found on the marketplace, where they'll cost you some Minecoins.
And with that out of the way, here's a list of the best Minecraft texture packs we've found and how to install them. If you'd like to pair them with gorgeous lighting and puffy clouds, take a look at the best Minecraft shaders too.
Downloading and installing the best Minecraft texture packs
Texture packs don't come pre-installed on Minecraft, they're separate entities that players have to download and install. Depending on the sort of Minecraft you play, your options may be limited, and it'll certainly change the process and how you go about it.
How to install the best Minecraft texture packs
Installing Minecraft texture packs depends on what version of the game you're running, as well as whether these packs are official and on the storefront. We've broken our instructions into Java and Bedrock versions for PC so players can set it up accordingly:
Minecraft Java Edition
1. Download the Texture pack as a ZIP file
2. Open Java Minecraft and press "Options"
3. Click on "Resource Packs", then "Open Resource Packs folder"
4. Drag the ZIP file into the folder
5. Close and reopen Minecraft, then select the pack shown in "Resource Packs" - if you don't see it, extract the resource/texture pack before dragging it into the resource packs folder (right-click on the pack, then choose "extract all")
Minecraft Bedrock Edition (PC only)
1. Make sure that Minecraft is installed on your device
2. Download a compatible texture pack with the “.mcpack” file extension
3. Double click and open the file and it should automatically be imported into Minecraft
4. Upon opening the game, a notification should tell you the file was "successfully imported".
5. Go to "Settings" and "Global Resources" to find and select the texture pack you want for gameplay
While you're tinkering, check out the best Minecraft mods!
Of course, this assumes that you're downloading packs, not buying them. The Bedrock Edition of Minecraft has a storefront built in which players can pay for new texture packs, without having to go through the trouble of downloading and installing them. This applies to not just PC players but console and mobile players too since the in-game Bedrock Edition store is available on those platforms too.
Any packs you buy this way will also be in Settings/Global Resources for you to select, but they'll be tied to your Minecraft account, so no matter which platform you log into the game through, you should be able to access that store-bought texture pack. Obviously this won't apply to Minecraft texture packs that you downloaded off the internet as those are only compatible with PC formats of the game.
Of course, knowing how to set up texture packs is only the first step - let's find you some of the best Minecraft texture packs next.
The best Minecraft texture packs you can get
There are a lot of good Minecraft texture packs on the storefront, but considering they're pre-curated to some extent, we've taken a different angle and prioritized the best texture packs available for download online - some of which have also made their way to the marketplace on Bedrock. If you want those blocks to pop, check out the best texture packs below.
LB Photo Realism Reload!
This is a continuation of the iconic texture pack LB Photo Realism that was very popular in the early days of Minecraft. This lovely texture swap makes trees look fluffy and grass realistic, which is a radical change from the original textures. LB Photo Realism is one of the best Minecraft texture packs if you want to ground your game in as much realism as possible without it looking completely absurd. Of course, this makes the game more demanding, but that's the price you pay for such an impressive overhaul. Pick it up on CurseForge for free for PC only.
Sphax PureBDCraft
If you've watched any let's plays of the game or had a poke around in the custom texture community for Minecraft, you will no doubt have heard of PureBDCraft. As well as covering every texture in the game, Sphax's pack has an attractive comic book style that many prefer to Minecraft's original textures. You can download Bedrock and Java versions of the pack on the BDCraft website or even download some other BDCraft texture packs if you're after a grungier feel or something closer to the original Minecraft textures. A PureBDCraft Bedrock edition is available for 660 coins.
Faithful
Faithful is one of the best texture packs for those who prefer the look of vanilla Minecraft, as the appeal of the Faithful texture pack comes from how little it changes the game. Small refinements are made to smooth out textures and provide an experience that retains the original art direction of the game with a bit more sheen. Pick it up at CurseForge for Java and Bedrock Editions.
Mythic
If you've got a love for retro fantasy RPGs, the Mythic pack by Fishymint will be right up your dragon's lair. With a focus on pixel art, muted colours and little video game details that feel like they're from another era, Mythic will make you feel like a chosen hero! Well, at least until a creeper pops up behind you and blows you halfway to Camelot. Pick it up at Resourcepack.net. for Java Edition. Alternatively, you can get Mythic's Bedrock edition 830 Minecoins.
CoterieCraft
Another texture pack that seeks to stay true to the original vision of Minecraft whilst refining and improving the textures is CoterieCraft, a much-loved visual overhaul that makes plants and building materials pop. While many blocks and tools received minor redesigns, mobs look almost the same but with slightly more detail. If you want the best texture pack without sacrificing any authenticity, pick it up on Planet Minecraft.
Wolfhound Fairy
The Wolfhound Fairy pack by Thistlepack is a favourite of many thanks to the gorgeous hand-drawn designs - if you'd like to turn a flat grassy block or boring stone slab into a work of art, this is the best Minecraft texture pack for you. It elevates the original models and gives them an intricate, organic, etched quality, but never distorting them so far that they become unrecognisable. Pick it up at Resourcepack.net.
Conquest
The medieval-inspired Conquest resource-pack that warps the game into the distant past. Featuring 32x32 textures and even a unique UI, this pack will transport you back in time to an age of castles and conquest. You can get this texture pack from the Conquest website for Java edition or get the Bedrock version for 990 Minecoins. Be sure to use it in combination with the Conquest Reforged mod (which made our list of the best Minecraft mods) for the full medieval Minecraft experience.
Fresh Animations
Are the Villagers a bit too inexpressive for you? With this brilliant Minecraft resource pack, they'll have a pokerface no more. Fresh Animations makes your Villagers look scared when chased by zombies, while making the zombies wince when hit by a sword. Spiders are jumpier and more angry-looking, your tamed Minecraft foxes will sleep more cutely, and so much more. While it doesn't change ordinary item and resource textures, this pack is perfect if you're looking for a Minecraft mob overhaul - kind of like the best Minecraft skins, but for mobs.
X-Ray Ultimate
The X-Ray Ultimate texture pack is unlike any other - instead of making your Minecraft world more beautiful, it makes your world transparent. Well, except for valuable resources such as iron, gold, and diamonds, making it super easy to find their positions. Yes, this texture pack is basically part of the Minecraft cheats list, but it can be a huge help to players struggling to find a good mining spot. Don't be ashamed; millions of others have downloaded this handy resource pack before you.
With the best Minecraft texture packs installed, make sure you're playing with the best Minecraft seeds too!
© 12DOVE. Not to be reproduced without permission
