Guide
Minecraft Java vs Bedrock: what is the difference?
Minecraft comes in two main editions that look almost the same and behave differently in ways that matter: who you can play with, how you mod the game and even how redstone works.
The short answer
Bedrock is the Minecraft on consoles, phones, tablets and Windows, and it lets all of those play together. Java is the original PC version for Windows, macOS and Linux, with the biggest modding scene. On PC you don't have to choose: one purchase includes both editions.
Side by side
| Java Edition | Bedrock Edition | |
|---|---|---|
| Runs on | Windows, macOS, Linux | Windows, Xbox, PlayStation, Nintendo Switch, iOS, Android |
| Plays with | Other Java players | Bedrock players on any device |
| Customise with | Mods (Fabric, Forge, NeoForge) and resource packs | Add-ons, Marketplace content and resource packs |
| Custom skins | 64×64 PNG through the launcher | 64×64 PNG on PC and mobile; not importable on consoles |
| Redstone | Has Java-only behaviour such as quasi-connectivity | More predictable, with some different timings |
| Same seed, same world? | Same terrain and biomes as Bedrock since 1.18 | Same terrain; structures can land in different places |
Which one do I have?
- If you play on a console, phone or tablet, you have Bedrock.
- On PC, Java opens from the Minecraft Launcher and shows Java Edition under the title. Bedrock's main menu has Marketplace and Dressing Room buttons.
- Minecraft Education is its own edition for schools. It is built on Bedrock and needs an education account to sign in.
Can Java and Bedrock players play together?
Not directly. Bedrock players can join each other across devices, and Java players join Java worlds and servers. Some server owners bridge the two with third-party tools such as Geyser, but in a normal game the two editions don't see each other's worlds.
Mods versus add-ons
Java mods change the game's code and need a loader such as Fabric, Forge or NeoForge, usually downloaded from sites like CurseForge or Modrinth. Bedrock uses add-ons, which work within what the game allows, from the in-game Marketplace or community sites. If modding is the reason you play, Java gives you more.
Do seeds work on both?
Mostly. Since the 1.18 update, the same seed generates the same terrain and biomes on Java and Bedrock, but villages, temples and other structures can land in different places. That's why every seed in our seed list says which edition it was checked on.
Do skins work on both?
Yes. Both editions use the same 64×64 PNG skin format, so every xarmo skin works on both. Only the steps to add it differ, and they're in our skin guide.