Install Minecraft Java GDLauncher on Raspberry Pi

Minecraft Java GDLauncher

GDLauncher is simple, yet powerful Minecraft launcher with a strong focus on the user experience. This is a CUSTOM BUILD of GDLauncher for ARM32/ARM64 support.

The Open Source version of GDLauncher has been discontinued by upstream GorillaDevs as of January 2023. As such, this launcher will receieve no further updates.

Although GDLauncher is currently functional, all users are encouraged to use Minecraft Java Prism Launcher (https://pi-apps.io/install-app/install-minecraft-java-prism-launcher-on-raspberry-pi/).
GDLauncher is heavy (high RAM and CPU usage) due to being built on the Electron (Chromium) framework.
By comparison, Prism Launmcher is very lightweight and has all the missing features and more from below.

Features of the launcher:

Microsoft, Mojang, and PC GamePass Account support

Curseforge and FTB Mod and Modpack browser and updater

Automatic Java 8/17 installation

Fabric and Forge mod loading

Features NOT in this launcher (but available in Prism Launcher):

Modrinth ATLauncher and Technic Mod and Modpack browser and updater

Quilt mod loading

Old Snapshots

NOTE: The use of performance enhancing mods is highly encouraged, such as optifine with Optifabric and Fabric/Forge or Sodium/Lithium/Starlight Fabric Mods.

NOTE: Minecraft 1.17+ officially requires a graphics device capable of OpenGL 3.2+. On devices runnning MESA drivers without 3.2+ (eg: all Raspberry Pi models), this install script will OVERRIDE the reported version to 3.3. This currently allows (at the time of writing) up to 1.19.2 (with or without Sodium/Optifine) to function without issue on Raspberry Pi models but may not work across all non-OpenGL 3.2+ hardware and may not work on newer Minecraft and/or Mod versions. You have been warned.

NOTE: Minecraft 24w14a+ (snapshot of 1.20.5) officially requires Java 21 and a 64bit Operating System. Java 21 is not generally available on 32bit Operating Systems so expect to be unable to play 1.20.5+ on 32bit systems.

To run: Menu -> Games -> GDLauncher

theofficialgman's custom meta repo is used for arm32 and arm64 native libraries. (https://github.com/theofficialgman/piston-meta-arm32 https://github.com/theofficialgman/piston-meta-arm64)
This supports all currently released versions of minecraft.

Note: GDLauncher GitHub/Discord does NOT support this CUSTOM BUILD, any issues should be directed to the Pi-Apps Discord or Pi-Apps GitHub issues.

Fortunately, Minecraft Java GDLauncher is very easy to install on your Raspberry Pi in just two steps.

Install Pi-Apps - the best app installer for Raspberry Pi.
Use Pi-Apps to install Minecraft Java GDLauncher.

Compatibility

For the best chance of this working, we recommend using the latest version of Raspberry Pi OS, which is currently version Bookworm.
Raspberry Pi OS has 32-bit and 64-bit variants, both of which will run on most Raspberry Pi computers, including the Pi 3, Pi 4, and Pi5.
Minecraft Java GDLauncher will run on either PiOS 32-bit or 64-bit.

Install Pi-Apps

Pi-Apps is a free tool that makes it incredibly easy to install the most useful programs on your Raspberry Pi with just a few clicks.

Open a terminal and run this command to install Pi-Apps:

wget -qO- https://raw.githubusercontent.com/Botspot/pi-apps/master/install | bash

Feel free to check out the Pi-Apps source code here: https://github.com/Botspot/pi-apps