Minecraft is forever. In fact, it was just named the best game of the 21st century by The Guardian. However, if you’re looking to buy it for your computer, you’re immediately faced with a problem: should you buy the Java Edition, or should you buy the Windows 10 Edition (also called one of the Bedrock editions)? Let me break it down for you.
Minecraft Java Edition ($26.95)
First of all, the Java Edition is a little bit cheaper than the Windows 10 Edition, although $3 shouldn’t make too much of a difference. Besides that, you should pick the Java Edition if you want full mod access. If you want to enjoy all the crazy mods the Minecraft community has built over the last decade and have a fully unleashed Minecraft experience, the Java Edition is for you.
Minecraft Windows 10 (Starter’s) Edition ($29.99)
The Windows 10 Starter’s Edition is just a little more expensive than the Java Edition, but you get some currency to use in the marketplace as well as a few content packs. In the Windows 10 Edition, you have access to a marketplace where you can pay for packs, and while you can also access free packs, the selection is more limited than it is for the Java Edition. If you buy the Master’s Edition, which is $49.99, you get more currency to use and more content packs, but it doesn’t seem worth it.
More importantly, the Windows 10 Edition is Bedrock. This means that it’s fully compatible with every other Bedrock edition, which includes the iOS/Android versions, the Xbox One version, and the Nintendo Switch version. If you want crossplay with your friends on any of those versions, you need the Windows 10 Edition. If you get the Java Edition, you can only play with other people with the Java Edition.
Buying the Java Edition Does Not Get You A Free Copy of the Windows 10 Edition
People who bought Minecraft Java Edition before October 19th, 2018 can get a copy of the Windows 10 Edition completely free. However, buying the Java Edition right now will not give you a free copy of the Windows 10 Edition, since that deadline has passed. I say this to clear up a misconception I see floating around out there sometimes.
Don’t Worry About it Too Much
At the end of the day, Minecraft is a great game regardless of whether you buy the Java Edition or the Windows 10 Edition. The Windows 10 Edition might be a little more future proof, and you might want to pick it if you ever want to play with friends on other platforms, but you probably want the Java Edition if you want to experience absolutely everything the Minecraft community has to offer. Anyways, happy mining!
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