Overview

Tracking is automatic and runs on the client, so server owners do not need to install anything. After five minutes without activity, the counter stops and reclassifies the just-counted idle time as AFK. Movement intent, camera rotation, keyboard and mouse input, and actions such as breaking or placing blocks count as activity. Reading intent rather than position means being carried by water or a minecart does not count as active input, which matters to players running AFK farms.

History stays in readable, hand-editable JSON in Minecraft’s local configuration directory. The project says it uses no network traffic or telemetry and keeps data on the player’s machine. Atomic saves, autosaving the running session every 60 seconds by default, and setting damaged files aside under a renamed filename help protect that local record. The trade-off is that the history remains tied to the files on that machine.

Key features

Separate records: Server and singleplayer-world tracking makes it easier to see where Minecraft time goes than a single combined total would.
AFK separation: The five-minute inactivity rule and intent-based activity signals distinguish active input from idle time, though players should not mistake movement caused by a vehicle or water for active play.
Long-term history: Sessions keep full detail for 90 days; older records are merged into monthly summaries. That preserves a useful long-range picture while reducing session-level detail over time.
Open licensing: The MIT license permits modification, modpack bundling, and commercial redistribution when the copyright notice is retained.

Realms are not tracked because the client receives no stable identifier for those connections. On Minecraft 1.16 and later, settings must be edited in a properties file rather than an in-game screen, a less convenient arrangement for players who prefer menus.

Pricing

The Free plan is free and includes the Minecraft mod, client-side use, no dependencies, automatic tracking for servers and singleplayer worlds, and basic data export. There is no free trial because the mod is free. It has no paid tier to unlock more tracking, but its narrow Minecraft focus and local-data approach may not fit players seeking a cross-game tracker or a hosted history.

Platforms

Actually Played supports Linux, macOS, and Windows. The README names Minecraft 1.7.10, 1.12.2, 1.16.5, 1.20.1, and 1.21.1, with Forge, Fabric, or NeoForge support varying by version. Installation requires the matching loader and placing the mod jar in .minecraft/mods/; no server-side installation is needed.

Who it's for

This is a good fit for Minecraft players who want automatic per-destination totals, AFK separation, and direct access to their data without involving a server. It is less suitable for Realms players, anyone wanting detailed session history beyond 90 days, or people who expect to configure newer versions in-game. Bug reports, translation contributions, and pull requests are invited through the project repository and issue tracker.

Pros and cons

Pro — No server setup: Client-side operation makes tracking possible without asking a server administrator to install a mod.
Pro — Local, editable history: JSON storage and the project’s no-telemetry stance suit players who want control of their records.
Pro — AFK-aware accounting: Inactivity reclassification and intent-based signals better separate active input from idling than a simple elapsed-time counter.
Con — Realms are excluded: Players who spend time in Realms will have an incomplete Minecraft record.
Con — Newer-version settings require file editing: Properties-file configuration is less approachable than an in-game settings screen.
Con — Detail fades over time: Sessions older than 90 days become monthly summaries rather than full session records.

Alternatives

For playtime tracking beyond Minecraft, PlayTracker spans Android, iOS, web, and Windows and offers a free gamer plan; its Indie plan is 12.00 EUR per month for game stats, estimates, and full Insight detail. Choose it when broader platform coverage matters more than Actually Played’s per-world Minecraft focus.

Outplayed is a Windows option with a free Core plan that includes three months of Outplayed.tv hosting, while Premium adds unlimited hosting and customization features. It may suit someone prioritizing hosted capture features over local Minecraft records.

GamePal is an iOS alternative with a free download and optional Platinum features, priced at 2.99 USD per month for the monthly plan. Consider it if iPhone use is central.

Steins;Tracker is a Windows alternative whose free plan includes game tracking, customization, and statistics; Pro adds exclusive icons, themes, and advanced features. It is a better fit for Windows users seeking a customizable game tracker.

Arknights: Endfield Playtime Tracker is free on web and Windows and specifically tracks Arknights: Endfield, making it the more relevant choice for that game.

GameDiary is a free option across mobile, desktop, web, and self-hosted platforms for readers who want wider platform reach.

Pyroblast is a free-to-start web option that connects Steam, PlayStation, and Xbox accounts, so it suits players looking to bring those services together.

RoTracker is a free web tracker focused on Roblox activity, analytics, game history, and related activity features; choose it for Roblox rather than Minecraft.

Game Playtime Trackers is a directory of other trackers to compare.

Verdict

Choose Actually Played if you want a free, private-by-design Minecraft record split by server and world, with automatic AFK handling and no server installation. Look elsewhere if Realms coverage, cross-game tracking, or an in-game settings interface is essential.

	Actually Played	GamingGaiden
Free plan	Yes	Yes
Free trial	No	No
Paid from	Free	Free
Platforms	Linux, macOS, Windows	Windows
Free plan	Yes
Tracking mode	automatic	automatic
Supported platforms	Minecraft servers and singleplayer worlds	PC games and emulated platforms
History retention	90 days
Data export	basic
Mobile app		No
Desktop app		Yes

Actually Played vs GamingGaiden

Actually Played

GamingGaiden