minetest

Start Minetest in client mode

$ minetest

$ minetest --server --world [name]

$ minetest --logfile [path/to/file]

$ minetest --quiet

minetest [OPTIONS]
minetest --help
minetest --version

--help
    Displays comprehensive usage information and exits.

--version
    Prints the Minetest engine version and exits.

--info
    Outputs detailed engine information (e.g., capabilities, paths) and exits.

--verbose
    Enables verbose logging, providing more detailed output for debugging.

--config
    Specifies an alternative path to the main configuration file (e.g., minetest.conf).

--world
    Starts directly into the specified world by its name, bypassing the main menu.

--server
    Launches the game in server-only mode. Note: minetestserver is the dedicated command for server instances.

--address
    Specifies the IP address of the multiplayer server to connect to.

--port
    Specifies the port number of the multiplayer server to connect to (default is 30000).

--name
    Sets the player name to use when joining a server or creating a new single-player world.

--password
    Provides the password for server authentication when logging in.

--random-map-seed
    Specifies a specific seed for generating new worlds, ensuring consistent world generation.

--disable-sound
    Disables all sound output from the game.

--logfile
    Redirects log output to the specified file path instead of the console.

Minetest is a free and open-source voxel game engine, highly inspired by Minecraft. It provides a lightweight and extensible platform for creating and playing block-based virtual worlds. Unlike commercial alternatives, Minetest emphasizes performance, flexibility, and community-driven development. It's often used as a foundation for various sub-games, which are essentially different rule-sets and content packs built on the engine.

Players can explore, build, and craft in infinite worlds, either locally or by connecting to multiplayer servers. Its modular design allows extensive customization through Lua-scripted mods and textures, making it a powerful tool for both casual gaming and educational purposes. The command minetest typically launches the game's graphical client, allowing users to select a world, join a server, or configure game settings.

Performance can vary significantly based on hardware, the selected sub-game, and the number/complexity of installed mods.

The default minetest command launches the graphical client; for dedicated server operation, the minetestserver command is generally used and highly recommended due to its optimized headless operation.

Mod compatibility can sometimes be an issue between different Minetest engine versions or specific sub-games.

Minetest is structured around sub-games (complete game experiences with distinct rules and content) and mods (smaller additions that extend functionality). When you launch Minetest, you typically select a sub-game like 'Minetest Game'. Mods, written in Lua, allow for extensive customization, adding new blocks, items, or mechanics to any compatible sub-game.

Minetest stores its primary configuration in minetest.conf, typically located in ~/.minetest/ within the user's home directory or sometimes globally in /etc/minetest/ on Linux. This file allows users to fine-tune graphics, controls, network settings, and other engine parameters.

Game data, including saved worlds, installed mods, and texture packs, are usually stored in the ~/.minetest/ directory within the user's home directory. This allows for easy management and backup of game content.

Minetest was initially developed by Perttu Røykjær Diarra (also known as 'celeron55') starting in 2010. It began as a simple Minecraft clone written in C++ and Lua. Over the years, it has evolved into a robust and extensible game engine maintained by a vibrant open-source community. Its focus shifted from just being a clone to providing a highly flexible platform for creating diverse voxel-based games, emphasizing extensibility and performance on a wide range of hardware. The minetest command has been the primary way to launch the game client since its early days.