Minecraft Java vs. Bedrock: Beginner’s Guide

As you know, Minecraft has two versions: Minecraft: Bedrock Edition and Minecraft: Java Edition. There are a few major differences between the two versions, as well as many minor differences.

For instance, Minecraft: Bedrock Edition is on far more platforms than Java is, and these differences can be so significant that you’ll want to know exactly how each game version differs before choosing one.

This article will cover everything you need to know about Java Edition, Bedrock Edition, and more.

Which Version Came First?

Minecraft: Java Edition came first. Released as a test build in 2009, Minecraft was made by a duo of developers under the studio name Mojang.

They continued working on the test version of the game until November 18, 2011, when they released 1.0.

In 2014, Microsoft bought Mojang for $2.5 billion and eventually developed its own version of the game, Minecraft Bedrock Edition.

Minecraft: Bedrock Edition Details

Minecraft: Bedrock Edition is built in C++, one of the world’s most popular programming languages.

This decision made it compatible with game consoles alongside its Windows capabilities, allowing Microsoft to mass-distribute Minecraft.

For reference, Minecraft: Bedrock Edition is available on the following platforms:

• Windows 10 and 11
• Android
• iOS
• PlayStation 4 and 5
• Xbox One
• Xbox Series S and X
• Nintendo Switch
• Chromebook

This support of different platforms also means cross play — a feature that Bedrock players certainly enjoy. After all, cross play means you can play Minecraft with your friends no matter which platforms they prefer, making it the ultimate cooperative or competitive experience.

Minecraft: Java Edition Details

Minecraft: Java Edition is built, obviously, in the Java programming language.

This is the version that has been running since the beginning, and it’s available on the following platforms:

• Windows
• Mac
• Linux

Java Edition features a bit of a different user interface and is not compatible with Bedrock Edition in any way. In other words, there is no way for Bedrock Edition players to interact with Java Edition players — even if you’re playing online or using Realms.

That said, Windows, Mac, and Linux players can play Minecraft Java Edition through crossplay with one another.

Pocket Edition

For a little bit, there was a mobile version of Minecraft called Minecraft Pocket Edition. This was the version that iOS, Android, and Amazon App Store devices had.

Pocket Edition was a big step forward for Minecraft and mobile gaming in general, featuring touch controls and serving as the foundation for what would become Bedrock Edition. Pocket Edition was eventually ported to Gear VR, Apple TV, and Fire TV.

Minecraft Java vs Bedrock Edition

While both versions of the game look very similar on the surface, there are quite a few differences between them.

Player customization options, such as skins and capes, do not cross over versions.

Otherwise, Minecraft: Bedrock Edition features major differences in its combat system in comparison to the Java version.

Combat

Bedrock’s combat is very simple, allowing you to attack over and over again without a cooldown. While you can spam attacks in Java Edition as well, you must wait through a cooldown for your hit to do full damage again.

In this same vein, you can place random items, such as a torch, in the off-hand slot in Java Edition. This makes a subtle glow appear around your character, lighting up caves and removing the need to place torches. Unfortunately, Bedrock Edition does not have this feature.

Updates

The two versions receive similar updates, but each game version will often have minor differences. For example, you can use Banners as a Map Marker in Java Edition but not in Bedrock Edition.

Achievements/Advancements

Both games have differences in achievements/advancements. The former exists in Bedrock Edition, while the latter is relevant in Java Edition.

For instance, Bedrock Edition has an achievement for making a Banner with an Enchanted Apple Stencil, while this is not an advancement in Java Edition.

Redstone

Redstone works fundamentally different in either version of the game. Pistons and other individual blocks function separately, and circuits that work in Java Edition may not work in Bedrock Edition. If you’re ever looking up Redstone tutorials, make sure they’re in the version you play on.

Mods and Add-Ons

Minecraft Bedrock Edition features a Marketplace where you and other players can buy add-ons, mods, and extra content. Most of this content costs money, and even a Marketplace Pass subscription rotates content in and out.

Essentially, Mojang completely controls what’s added to Bedrock Edition, making it a safer, more accessible experience for kids.

Minecraft: Java Edition has no such Marketplace but is customizable to the Nth degree. You can install mods from all sorts of sources from around the internet.

This can be considered more dangerous, as there’s next to no moderation or regulation around Java Edition mods/add-ons, but the added customization is a massive pull for Java players.

Realms

Realms is an online server feature offered by Microsoft that provides players with an always-online version of their Minecraft world.

While there isn’t a major difference between the service on either game, it’s important to note that worlds on a Java Edition Realm cannot transfer to a Bedrock Edition Realm.

Now that you’re aware of the differences between both game versions, why not get some friends together to play online?

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