Minecraft is 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 of Minecraft, 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 of Minecraft that each possess their own pros and cons.
Minecraft: Bedrock Edition
The Bedrock Edition of Minecraft is arguably the most popular version of the title in a more contemporary setting, with this version initially launching in 2017. The Bedrock version of Minecraft is additionally one of the most largely used versions of the sandbox title, with any mobile, console, or Microsoft Store copies of Minecraft using the Bedrock framework.
Due to this, Bedrock is largely considered to be the go-to version of Minecraft for cross-play experience and ease of access, with fans of the aforementioned Bedrock platforms all being able to play with each other seamlessly. The Bedrock Edition of Minecraft has 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: Java Edition
The Java Edition of Minecraft is 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 of Minecraft and was the standard version of the title prior to Bedrock's official release in 2017.
With a lot more attention arguably being placed on Bedrock due 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.
Platform Versions of Minecraft
Of course, many versions of Minecraft are 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, the Pocket Edition of Minecraft is 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 Bedrock Minecraft are 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 of Minecraft is 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.
Minecraft is available now on Mobile, PC, PS4, Switch, and Xbox One.