All Minecraft Versions to download and their differences

There are many Minecraft Editions available for download and they are available on many different platforms, so let’s break them down for you. By our count, we have six Minecraft Editions listed below, ranging from the two major versions, Bedrock and Java, to more niche versions like the Education Edition. With so many editions, the experiences they offer also differ; some have very limited features while others have completely unique content. Annoyingly, not all of them are compatible with each other, so you and your friends need to make sure they have versions that work for your chosen platform. For example, Java is for PCs only, but takes advantage of its extensive modding capabilities, while Bedrock is more widely available and easier to use for most gamers, but without mods.

No matter how you play Minecraft, you need to start by creating a Microsoft account. (opens in new tab), then you can see which version will be best for you, depending on what you want from the game or which platforms suit you. Here’s what you need to know about every Minecraft download and release available.

Minecraft Bedrock Edition is the most accessible version of Minecraft as it is available on many platforms – Windows PC, Xbox Series X, Xbox One, PS5, PS4, Nintendo Switch, and iOS and Android mobile devices. You can play on PC, consoles and mobile devices, giving you a variety of control options and different levels of portability.

The Bedrock Edition also supports cross-play and cross-progression between all of the above platforms, so you can play with your friends on different devices and even switch to a different device and still have access to all of your items. Also, the Bedrock Edition is available on Xbox and PC Game Pass, so if you already have a subscription to any of these services, you can download Minecraft right away.

The Bedrock Edition is largely the same as the Java Edition, and both versions benefit from the same content updates, but the Java Edition has a few differences due to the way it is coded. Bedrock Edition cast negative Play with Java Edition players because the two versions are not cross-play compatibility with each other. Different Bedrock Edition platforms also have slightly different features, such as VR gameplay, which is only available on PC and PlayStation consoles.

• modes – No.
• exteriors – Yes, premium skins are available from the in-game store market and skin packs.
• kingdoms – Yes, you can pay for a Minecraft Realms subscription on any Bedrock Edition device, but if you’re playing on console you’ll need a corresponding online service subscription – for example, installing Realm on PS5 requires a PS Plus subscription too. You can choose between two Region options, paid monthly:
  • kingdoms: A personal server that allows you to play with up to two additional players. The cost of this option $3.99/£3.29 per month.
  • Realms Plus: A personal server and Minecraft Marketplace content catalog for up to ten additional players. The cost of this option $7.99/£6.69 per month.

Minecraft Java version only available on PC (opens in new tab). You can download it on Windows, Mac or Linux machines and these three PC platforms can play together on the same servers. However, Java Edition players negative Play with Bedrock Edition players.

The Java version has a wide variety of servers that allow players to play different survival modes, mini-games and even have private servers. Since Mods are also available in the Java Edition, there are almost unlimited options, and it’s arguably the better option if you and your friends can all play together in this version. The Java Edition is also the only Minecraft version with a Hardcore mode, which is a more challenging version of the regular Survival with permadeath.

• modes – Yes, mods are available in Minecraft Java Edition.
• exteriors – Yes, skins can be purchased or downloaded and installed for Java Edition.
• kingdoms – Yes, Java Version supports Realms you have to pay ($7.99/£6.69 per month). There are also third-party sites that offer premium dedicated server hosting. You can set up your own private server for free, but it’s a complicated process and can pose a security risk – learn more in this Minecraft help article (opens in new tab).

Brings Minecraft Education Edition All the fun of Minecraft but focused on educational purposes (opens in new tab). The game is loaded with coding, problem solving games and math developed for children and intended for use in schools. This edition offers ready-made lessons and starter kits with different modes, starter worlds and training scenarios.

This version can be installed on PC/Mac and Chromebook. It is free to download and can be accessed with an Office 365 account. Perfect for large classes, one server allows up to 30 people to join.

• Platforms – Windows PC, Mac, Android, iOS
• modes – Yes, but these are limited.
• exteriors – Yes, via online download, but no in-game marketplace available.
• kingdoms – No, but servers allow up to 30 people to join.

If you want to try Minecraft for free without playing the browser version, there is Minecraft. free trials (opens in new tab) on quite a few platforms. The free trial is available on Windows 10, Android, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 3 and Vita, but trial times are different for each platform. Free trials are also available for the Java version on PC, Mac and Linux, but the trial is always set to survival mode and limits the player to only 100 minutes to play the game.

• modes – No, changes can only be made via Java Version
• exteriors – No, the free trial version of this game does not have access to the in-game store.
• kingdoms – Yes, but since this is a free trial, you cannot access the game without purchasing the full game and paying for the region without purchasing the full game and maintaining your region subscription.

Minecraft classic free browser version of the classic game (opens in new tab). Celebrating the game’s 10th anniversary in 2019, Mojang released the first version of the game for free, allowing all players to enjoy the original version of the game.

This version of the game includes survival mode only, but has multiplayer mode where up to 9 friends can play via a shared link. However, there is no way to save any progress in this version. After the tab is closed, you start over.

• modes – No, this is a browser game and therefore cannot be modified
• exteriors – No, there is no marketplace where you can shop in-game
• kingdoms – No. Realms is not available in this version, but you can still play with your friends.

minecraft xbox 360 old and no longer getting new game updates (opens in new tab)However, it can still be purchased and supports online split-screen play for up to four players and up to 8 Friends with an Xbox Live subscription.

• modes – No.
• exteriors – No, skins are no longer available for purchase as there is no in-game marketplace.
• kingdoms – No.

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