What version of Minecraft should I play?

It’s finally time to hop on the Minecraft bandwagon. This little game shows a lot of promise, and you don’t want to be left behind. Since it’s owned by Microsoft, you head over to Xbox.com to see what’s offered and… the selection is baffling and a little overwhelming. There are no fewer than 29 results when you search for “Minecraft” on the site. What’s the difference between all the versions of Minecraft, and which one should you pick?

What version of Minecraft should a newbie start with?

Minecraft Java Edition

Minecraft debuted in 2011, and there have been a lot of versions released, some of which are now retired. The primary editions are the original, Java, and what is now considered the “main” version, Bedrock.

Minecraft: Java Edition, being the OG, is touted as the “way the game was meant to be played.” It has a thriving modding community, so if you’re interested in customizing your gameplay experience or forging your own path, this is probably the ideal version for you.

Java also regularly receives updates called Snapshots, which are development versions of the game that let players dive into new content early and toggle on experimental features. This can, of course, potentially jank up your game or cause instability, but adventurous players might find this appealing nonetheless.

Another perk of Minecraft: Java Edition is that it lets you jump back to any previously released update, so you can see how the game used to be. Some players prefer how Minecraft was before the 2019 “Buzzy Bees” update, for example. It’s a really nifty feature that many Destiny 2 and World of Warcraft players would probably love to have.

Minecraft Bedrock Edition

Minecraft: Bedrock Edition has something similar, called Betas on Android or Previews on other platforms, but you’re limited to playing only the most recent pre-release build or the currently released stable build. There’s no traveling back in time like with Java, and the Preview builds are only available on Xbox, iOS, and Windows.

Ultimately, Bedrock is a more out-of-the-box experience with little tinkering involved. It’s ideal for newbies who don’t want to get overwhelmed for choice. At the same time, there is a Minecraft Marketplace with vetted content, and much of it is free. There are skin packs, texture packs, user-created maps, and even mini games to try out.

Java, on the other hand, is more unrestrained, and there are third-party websites offering all kinds of mods, many of which can change the look and feel of Minecraft and essentially turn it into a completely different game. The learning curve is a bit higher for gamers interested in customizing their experience, but there’s also much more freedom to experiment and create.

And for those who really can’t decide, there is a Minecraft: Java & Bedrock Edition available for purchase. This way, you’re free to dabble with both editions and won’t be doomed to constantly wonder if you bought the right one.

Is multiplayer in Minecraft cross-version?

Both editions of Minecraft support online multiplayer, but Java owners can’t play with Bedrockers, and vice versa. One of the draws of Minecraft: Bedrock Edition is that it has been optimized for cross-platform play. This means you can be on Xbox Series X, while a buddy checks in on their Android phone and another is on PS4. Meanwhile, Java Edition is only available on Windows, Mac, and Linux. This is definitely something to keep in mind when choosing which version of Minecraft to play.

What’s the Minecraft: Deluxe Collection?

You’ve also probably spotted the Minecraft: Deluxe Collection. This is the Bedrock version of the game — meaning you’ll be able to play with friends on other platforms like Switch or PlayStation — along with some extra goodies. These include five maps, some skin and texture packs, and items to personalize your created character. You’ll also get 1,600 Minecoins, the digital currency used to purchase content from the Minecraft Marketplace. For context, prices on the Marketplace range from free to around 1,340 Minecoins.

Minecraft: Story Mode

While browsing around Steam or the Xbox store, you might have noticed something called Minecraft: Story Mode. However, the store listings indicate that this game is no longer available. Story Mode, a standalone narrative adventure set in the world of Minecraft, was developed by Telltale Games and first launched in 2015. Unfortunately, this two-season series was ultimately shut down and delisted from storefronts after Telltale went under in 2018.

Minecraft Dungeons

People who don’t follow Minecraft events and happenings might think these last three versions are add-ons, but they are standalone games. Minecraft Dungeons is a spin-off dungeon crawler that was released in 2020 and is available on PC and last-gen consoles.

The top-down action RPG (think Diablo but Minecraft) has almost everything you’d expect: treasure collecting, puzzle solving, magic, and procedurally generated levels. The only thing missing is a class system, which might be good because it means you can play however you like and use any weapons or armor you find. There’s also a ton of DLC available to buy, as well as four-player local and online co-op.

Minecraft Legends

Minecraft Legends is like Dungeons, a standalone game set in the world of Minecraft, this time in a real-time strategy wrapping that is also available on PS5 and Xbox Series X/S. Gameplay involves gathering resources to construct a base, build your defenses, and then lead an army to take out enemy outposts. Minecraft Legends features a single-player campaign, cooperative play with friends, and online multiplayer PvP.

Minecraft Education

As implied, Minecraft Education is a version of the game that’s intended for use in schools. It offers a unique way to teach a variety of subjects, and there are even lesson plans for teachers to download. Minecraft Education regularly collaborates with entities like the BBC. Frozen Planet II and Planet Earth III both got Minecraft Education maps that provided students with more opportunities to learn about the biomes and animals discussed in the shows. Interestingly, anybody can play Minecraft Education by paying for an annual license, and it even comes pre-installed on some PCs.

Now, hopefully, the somewhat formidable array of Minecraft options will make a little more sense for newcomers to the franchise. Your best bet is to grab the Java & Bedrock Edition, if you’re buying, and try both to see which you like best. If you have Xbox Game Pass, the two editions are available individually for “free.” And if you have a hankering for an RTS or dungeon crawl, check out Legends or Dungeons, also on Game Pass. Happy mining and crafting.