MineTest - A free, open source alternative to Minecraft!

Web Address: http://www.minetest.net/

About: This is a free alternative to Minecraft & is ideal for educational use as there are no monsters or combat in the game as a default.

One thing I have found is that it can be helpful to create totally flat worlds where it is always day time and give pupils the ability to fly around so they can easily build vertical structures and not get stuck down holes!.

The easiest way of doing this is to add the following lines to the top of the minetest.conf file, which you will find in the main Minetest folder once you have downloaded and installed it.

mg_flags = flat,  v6_biome_blend

time_speed = 0

default_privs = interact, shout, fly

Useful add-ons (AKA 'mods') for educators

MineTest comes with many optional add-ons that you can download and install, the ones I recommend you use are listed below:

• MeseCons - Similar to Redstone in Minecraft, this add on lets your pupils create machines and circuits.
  
  To get started in using Mesecons, please click here.
  
• Pipeworks - This add on allows pupils to experiment with pipes and plumping in the MineTest world.