If you want to mod or run custom servers, the Java Edition is the way to go. If you want cross-platform gameplay or want to play on mobile and consoles, the Bedrock Edition is your only option.
Java Edition can create custom fonts and GLSL shaders, while Bedrock cannot. Bedrock Edition can create custom particles and fogs, while Java cannot.
If you have registered your Minecraft: Java Edition account with a Microsoft account, you now also own Bedrock. That said, Bedrock only runs on a Windows 10/11+ device, not on a Mac/Linux/Win7-8 device. However, if you ever acquire a Windows 10/11 device, your Bedrock entitlement will be waiting for play as well.
As the base game (discluding controls) Bedrock is certainly easier than Java. Combat from Java was not fully ported to Bedrock (it was, but in a less frustrating way), Bedrock lacks gamemodes like Spectator and Adventure. Gameplay wise, Bedrock is harder.
Bedrock Edition supports add-ons, and it features more paid content which can be added to the game, whereas the Java version only allows you to install the freely available mods, such as texture packs. So, if you don't want to be limited by Microsoft-approved mods, you'll need to go with the Bedrock Edition.
Bedrock is better for cross-platform play
The Bedrock Edition allows for cross-platform multiplayer on consoles, mobile devices, and Windows 10. The Java Edition is only for PC, and it will only allow you to play with other Java players, which is a lot more limiting.
Java Edition has a near-limitless collection of mods
One huge difference between Java and Bedrock is the ability to add mods, which are only available to Java players. Mods are pieces of software you can add to Minecraft to transform the game in just about any way you like.
It isn't really that much different—at heart the code for each does similar things. Still, there are two obvious reasons that Bedrock performs slightly better: Java Edition runs in Java. This incurs two specific performance losses.
In the real world, what geologists call bedrock is more like Minecraft's stone layer - it's the name for the compacted rock that sits below the surface soil. Real-world bedrock is hard, but absolutely breakable - and most large buildings are anchored into the bedrock with structures called "foundations".
It all comes down to preference. Many fans prefer the original Java Edition, but Bedrock Edition also has its upsides. There are other versions like Education Edition and Pi Edition to consider, depending on what a player desires from their gameplay.
While the Java Edition is only available on Windows, Mac, and Linux, you can get the Bedrock Edition on Windows 10 and 11, Xbox One, Xbox Series S and X, PlayStation 4 and 5, Nintendo Switch, Fire OS/TV, Android, iOS, Windows Mobile and Samsung Gear VR.
Even though both Minecraft Bedrock Edition and Minecraft Java Edition support online multiplayer, we need to remember that both use different servers. In other words, Java and Bedrock players can't play together, as stated by Minecraft.
The Minecraft 1.20 is available to download now. It went live on Wednesday 7th June 2023 across both Java and Bedrock versions of the game. Its UK launch time was 3pm BST on 7th June.
Technically, Minecraft worlds are not infinite, but you won't run out of space to build and explore any time soon.
Minecraft: Java Edition has remained the most popular way to enjoy the game, but it is not free-to-play.
In Minecraft, Bedrock is supposed to be unbreakable. It lines the bottom of the overworld and top and bottom of the Nether. In creative mode, you can easily break bedrock the same as you would any other block. In Survival Mode, the only way to break bedrock is to find glitches in the game to exploit to break bedrock.
While bedrock is intended to be unbreakable, it is still possible to destroy in survival mode. These methods use it to delete/replace the bedrock, so can be rendered useless at any update. Most of them have already been patched.
Bedrock is the solid, intact part of the earth's crust, the outer layer 20 to 25 miles thick that rests on the earth's mantle.
Sometimes when playing Minecraft: Java Edition, you may experience a low FPS (frames per second) or frame rate. This may be caused due to applications running in the background or simply not having enough processing power to run the game smoothly at your current settings.
Unlike Java Edition, Bedrock Edition's game code is well optimized for a smoother experience on even lower-end devices. In Java Edition, players will often see chunks loading slowly unless they have a beefy computer or server. Java players may have to rely on mods like Optifine or Sodium for better performance.
Starting March 10, 2022, you won't be able to play Minecraft: Java Edition unless you move to a Microsoft account.
This game is 100 percent worth it. There is an endless amount of content, and if that isn't enough, there are so many mods out there that enhance your Minecraft experience. It's so easy to get sucked into Minecraft, playing for hours at a time.
Minecraft Java is the original version of the game but it is available only on PC while Bedrock is cross-platform. The Java Edition allows the use of mods and allows players to customize their experience on player-owned servers. The Bedrock Edition is available on more platforms and has lower system requirements.
Minecraft has a large and active community of players who create mods, custom maps, and other content that keeps the game fresh and exciting for its players. This community also provides players with a way to connect with others who enjoy the game.