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While the game has found its way on just about every major gaming platform of the last decade-plus, there are two major renditions from which the countless variants stem: the original Java Edition, and the Bedrock Edition, which has been crafted with mobile and consoles in mind. On a tangible, surface level at least, these two platforms prove quite similar in most ways. Under the hood, however, there are various ways in which these main skews of Minecraftdiverge.
8 Cross-Play
While the Java Edition has a great degree of flexibility as a whole, this is not the case when it comes to cross-play, or multiplayer connectivity across different platforms. Those playing Minecraft via the Java game can only play with other Java Edition users.
On the other hand,those opting for Bedrock can connect with Bedrock players across any other platform. Thus, someone playing on PC can connect with players on the PS4, Xbox Series X, and Switch — provided the Bedrock version is being used.
With that being said, though, those looking for a superior multiplayer experience will generally want to opt for the Java version. The reason is that this edition allows for larger multiplayer servers, as well as a wider variety of custom games and minigames.
7 File Storage Format
Java Edition utilizes a unique “world format” as compared to Bedrock. The Java Edition runs on the Anvil format, which has refinements and improvements over the previously-used Region. Meanwhile, Bedrock uses a fast key-value storage library written at Google, LevelDB.
Getting past the technical nitty-gritty, this basically means that the world-generating procedures are different, and thus they’re not cross-compatible. It also means that most third-party tools crafted for the Java Edition world editing wouldn’t work with the Bedrock Edition.
6 Redstone And Commands
There are various differences when it comes to programming commands and Redstone circuits in both versions — most of which would be indecipherable to those who aren’t familiar with coding. In short, commands and Redstone functions are more complex and versatile in the Java Edition.
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The Bedrock Edition doesn’t support Redstone circuits that have quasi-connectivity. This extends more widely to specific commands as well. For instance, it’s not possible to input the “/give” command for custom items in the Bedrock Edition, which is a bit more rigid.
5 Gaming Platforms
One of the key differences between these iterations of Minecraft is the very platforms they’re compatible with. The Java Edition is exclusive to PC, Mac, and Linux systems.
Bedrock Editionsm, though, are supported by PC, mobile, and various consoles — which includes the Xbox One, PS4, Switch, 360, and PS3. Even smart TVs, streaming devices, and Chromebooks can technically run the Bedrock Edition, though heavy modding is required for the latter.
4 Hardcore Mode
Not that this massive open-world game needs it, but the Java Edition comes with a solid five modes for players to get lost in: the classic Survival, Creative, Adventure, Spectator, and the grueling Hardcore mode.
This last option puts gamers’ skills to the test, as it spawns players with just a single life, while fighting through a harder difficulty in-game, which cannot be dialed back. Bedrock Edition players are spared of the cruelty and maddening gameplay this option contains, as Hardcore Mode is not featured in this version.
3 Interface & Controls
The Bedrock Edition may not have quite as much flexibility as a whole, but it does in terms of controller support. Being designed with consoles and mobile in mind, this rendition of Minecraft offers the option to switch to different controllers for movement (and touch controls if playing on mobile).
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While there’s ample input customization allowed for the Java Edition, this version is designed around the refined movements and quick inputs of a keyboard and mouse setup. Using a keyboard and mouse is technically possible for some Bedrock variants. However, they’re unsupported for the Switch version, often require configuration, and have varying degrees of support; thus, this input isn’t ideal for Bedrock.
2 Performance & Horsepower
When it comes to performance and visuals, the Java Edition has a higher ceiling, and manages to look and play better on high-performing gaming PCs. Bedrock, however, is designed to play more smoothly and with more stability on lower-end machines.
Being made for a wide variety of platforms, the Bedrock Edition is meant to be more versatile in terms of performance, and comes with a smoother frame rate as well as quicker load times. It’s a more forgiving rendition on a technical level, though it doesn’t tend to shine as much as the Java Edition.
1 Flexibility In Modding
Though both versions of Minecraft allow for modding on some level, Bedrock is more limited in this area, and also requires users to pay for them via “add-on” packs. Java, meanwhile, has a virtually endless slew of amusing user mods and custom games available.
This extends to both single-player and online multiplayer servers, and allows gamers to experience this already expansive title in a new way. Much of the game’s appeal comes in its seemingly limitless freedom and flexibility in modding — and the Java Edition is far more robust on this front.
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