Minecraftis one of the most successful and recognizable titles in video gaming history, with the scope and influence of the release only being matched by a select few other powerful franchises. One of the ways in which the game has been able to stay so consistently popular is via the frequent implementation of post-launch updates, which bring with them an abundance of new content for players to explore and enjoy.

Despite the huge popularity ofMinecraft, many fans may not be entirely familiar with the different versions of the game that exist and the intricate differences between them. As well as having versions designed for specific platforms, there are two key different versions ofMinecraftthat each possess their own pros and cons.

minecraft bedrock edition

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Minecraft: Bedrock Edition

The Bedrock Edition ofMinecraftis arguably the most popular version of the title in a more contemporary setting, with this version initially launching in 2017. The Bedrock version ofMinecraftis additionally one of the most largely used versions of the sandbox title, with any mobile, console, or Microsoft Store copies ofMinecraftusing the Bedrock framework.

Due to this, Bedrock is largely considered to be the go-to version ofMinecraftfor cross-play experienceand ease of access, with fans of the aforementioned Bedrock platforms all being able to play with each other seamlessly. The Bedrock Edition ofMinecrafthas quite a clear anti-modding stance when compared to other versions like Java, with Bedrock instead boasting a comprehensive community-driven in-game store in which players can purchase things like pre-built maps, cosmetic skins, and texture packs.

minecraft title screen java edition

Minecraft: Java Edition

The Java Edition ofMinecraftis the other main version of the title that is widely used, with Java being used on non-Microsoft Store PC versions of the game. Java is the earliest version ofMinecraftand was the standard version of the title prior to Bedrock’s official release in 2017.

With a lotmore attention arguably being placed on Bedrockdue to its newer nature and the wider catchment of Bedrock players compared to Java, it can be said that Java allows more freedom to its players in the way of modding. Without having to purchase things from the in-game store, Java crucially allows players to install and use things like texture packs freely from other websites. In addition to this, Java has some in-game benefits in the way of Hardcore perma-death modes and Spectator modes that are not available to play on Bedrock.

An earlier version of Minecraft: Pocket Edition

Platform Versions of Minecraft

Of course, many versions ofMinecraftare platform-specific, and have small intricacies that separate them from other versions of the title in the way of being curated for maximum efficiency for a certain platform. For example, thePocket Edition ofMinecraftis a popular version of the game that brings the title to mobile platforms, and has UI differences that foster greater accessibility for playing the title on a mobile device.

Most platform versions of BedrockMinecraftare curated for controller inputs, with many Bedrock versions having a much sleeker user interface and crafting system to reflect the lesser dexterity of controller inputs when compared to mouse and keyboard. While the overall gameplay experience ofMinecraftis quite universal, it is important to understand the history and differences between these versions of the game, primarily within the main dichotomy of Bedrock versus Java but also within the many different platform-specific versions of the popular title.

Minecraftis available now on Mobile, PC, PS4, Switch, and Xbox One.

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