Actually Played

Actually Played is a free Minecraft mod for players who want a separate record of time in each server and singleplayer world. It is a strong fit for people who value AFK-adjusted, private tracking without server setup, but not for Realm players or anyone seeking a broader game tracker.

Overview

Tracking is automatic and client-side, so servers need no installation. After five minutes without activity, the counter stops and moves the just-counted idle time to AFK. Movement intent, camera rotation, keyboard and mouse input, and actions such as breaking or placing blocks count as activity. Because the mod checks movement intent rather than position, being carried by water or a minecart does not count as active input—a useful distinction for AFK farms.

History stays on the machine as readable, editable JSON in Minecraft's configuration directory. Atomic writes, autosaving the running session every 60 seconds by default, and setting damaged files aside under a renamed filename help protect that local record. Sessions remain detailed for 90 days; older ones are merged into monthly summaries. That keeps a useful long-term record, though not a detailed session archive indefinitely.

Key features

• Separate world and server totals: Automatic tracking covers Minecraft servers and singleplayer worlds, making it useful for players who want to compare time across destinations.
• AFK separation: The five-minute inactivity threshold avoids counting prolonged idling as active play, though the rule may not suit every player's definition of activity.
• Local data: The project says it uses no network traffic or telemetry. Hand-editable files offer control over the record, but keeping it safe across machines depends on managing those local files.
• Modpack-friendly license: The MIT license permits modification, modpack bundling, and commercial redistribution when the copyright notice is retained.

Pricing

The Free plan costs nothing and includes the Minecraft mod, client-side use, no dependencies, automatic tracking, and basic data export. There are no paid tiers or trial to weigh against it; its main limits are its Minecraft-only scope and the fact that Realms are not tracked.

Platforms

Actually Played is listed for 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 depending on version. Install the matching loader and place the mod jar in .minecraft/mods/; no server-side installation is needed. Realms connections are excluded because the client receives no stable identifier for them.

On Minecraft 1.16 and later, settings are edited in a properties file rather than through an in-game settings screen. That is manageable for players comfortable with configuration files, but less convenient for those who expect to change options in-game.

Who it's for

Choose it if you play Minecraft across several servers or worlds and want an AFK-adjusted record kept locally, especially if privacy and direct access to your data matter. Look elsewhere if you need Realm tracking, detailed sessions beyond 90 days, or a tracker that covers games beyond Minecraft.

Pros and cons

Pros

• Client-side automatic tracking needs no server setup, so it works without asking server owners to install anything.
• Local JSON history and the project's no-telemetry, no-network-traffic claim suit players who want their play record to stay on their machine.
• Crash-conscious saving and 90 days of session detail provide useful safeguards and recent-history depth.
• MIT licensing allows modification and redistribution under the stated copyright condition.

Cons

• Realms are not tracked, so it cannot cover every Minecraft destination.
• Settings on versions 1.16 and later require editing a properties file.
• Older sessions become monthly summaries after 90 days, reducing long-term detail.
• Its scope is Minecraft, not a cross-game playtime record.

Alternatives

For broader device coverage and game statistics, consider PlayTracker: it has a free gamer plan, supports Android, iOS, web, and Windows, and offers an Indie plan at €12 a month. For a free Windows tracker focused on Arknights: Endfield, Arknights: Endfield Playtime Tracker is the more targeted option. Game Time Manager is a free, open-source Windows-only choice. Outplayed may suit Windows users seeking game capture and Outplayed.tv hosting, with Core and Premium tiers. PlayCounter is another free Windows option. Steins;Tracker offers free game tracking and statistics on Windows, with a Pro tier for additional features. Pyroblast is a free-to-start web option that connects Steam, PlayStation, and Xbox accounts. For another Minecraft-focused option across Linux, macOS, and Windows, see wWaypoints. Browse Game Playtime Trackers for the broader category.

Verdict

Actually Played is the right choice for Minecraft players who want automatic, separate, AFK-adjusted records without server installation or telemetry. Its private local history and careful saving make the narrow feature set worthwhile; choose another tracker if Realms, in-game configuration on newer versions, or detailed records beyond 90 days are essential.