Installing a Minecraft map without losing your worlds

A downloaded map is a saved world. Check its edition, required game version and player count before downloading. Some adventures also require a resource pack or specific server settings.

For Java Edition, extract the archive and locate the world folder containing level.dat. Place that folder in the saves directory of the installation you actually use. Avoid nesting the world inside an extra archive folder, or it may not appear in the world list.

Back up existing saves and open the map using the author’s stated version. Loading an old map in a newer game can change commands or world data. Follow the author’s download terms; a free Java map does not imply that its separate Bedrock edition is also free.