What is the Minecraft Starter Collection? A Deep Dive
The Minecraft Starter Collection is a bundled version of the popular sandbox game, Minecraft, designed to offer new players an enhanced and immediately engaging experience. In essence, it’s Minecraft Bedrock Edition packaged with a variety of extra digital goodies. This collection is especially appealing to those who want to dive into the game with more customization options and content right from the start. It’s often available on various platforms such as PlayStation, Xbox, and Nintendo Switch. The core offering is the base game itself, which allows players to explore, build, and survive in a procedurally generated world. However, unlike the standalone base game, the Starter Collection also includes additional content like Minecoins, which are the game’s in-app currency, as well as several DLC (Downloadable Content) packs. These DLCs typically include skin packs, which allow players to alter their character’s appearance; texture packs, which change the look and feel of the game’s world; and mash-up packs, which bundle skins, textures, and even themed worlds. Essentially, the Starter Collection seeks to provide a more comprehensive and engaging experience right out of the box.
What’s Included in the Starter Collection?
The primary component of the Starter Collection is the Minecraft Bedrock Edition base game. This version of Minecraft allows cross-play with other platforms, allowing you to play with your friends on different consoles and devices. However, the real value in the Starter Collection comes from the extras, including:
- 700 Minecoins: This in-game currency can be used in the Minecraft Marketplace to purchase additional skin packs, texture packs, maps, and other content. It provides a quick way for players to access a wider variety of options within the game.
- Starter Pack DLC: This frequently includes a variety of skins, textures, and sometimes a themed world. For example, you might find a skin pack that allows you to change into around 40 different outfits, vastly expanding your customization options.
- Mash-Up Packs: These are where themes come into play. The Greek Mythology Mash-Up Pack is a common inclusion, providing players with new textures, skins, and environments themed around the myths of ancient Greece. Sometimes, you’ll even see crossover packs such as the LittleBigPlanet Crossover Pack.
- Other Add-Ons: The collection might include other packs that are normally purchased separately, offering greater value and a wider variety of content for players to explore.
Why Choose the Starter Collection Over the Base Game?
The main advantage of the Starter Collection is its immediate access to enhanced customization and content. While the standard Minecraft game provides the basic building blocks, the Starter Collection allows players to personalize their experience much more quickly. The Minecoins give players the freedom to choose what they want to purchase from the Marketplace, and the DLC add-ons immediately offer a more diverse and interesting world from the beginning of the game.
Minecraft Starter Collection – Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is the Minecraft Starter Collection the same as Bedrock Edition?
Yes, the Minecraft Starter Collection is based on the Bedrock Edition of the game. You get the Bedrock Edition as a base and then you also get the bonus add-ons and 700 Minecoins. It is not the Java Edition.
What is the difference between Minecraft Starter Collection and Master Collection?
The primary difference between the Starter Collection and the Master Collection lies in the amount of Minecoins and the quantity of skin packs included. The Master Collection usually comes with 1000 Minecoins and a slightly greater selection of skin packs, whereas the Starter Collection usually provides 700 Minecoins and a slightly smaller selection of skins.
Should I buy Minecraft Base or Deluxe?
The decision between the base game and the Deluxe Edition hinges on whether you’re interested in extra customization options. The Deluxe Edition typically includes extra skins and packs. If you have the extra money and want a more immersive experience, then the Deluxe Edition is a good choice, otherwise, just the base is okay.
Do I have to buy Minecraft for each child?
Yes, each player needs their own Minecraft account to play. If you have multiple children wanting to play simultaneously, they will each need their own separate purchase of the game. This is true even if they are playing on the same console or device.
Which version of Minecraft should I buy?
The Bedrock Edition is often recommended for most players as it provides more consistent performance, especially on lower-end computers. The Java Edition allows for more modding capabilities, but the Bedrock version usually runs smoother and facilitates cross-play across various devices.
Is Minecraft Starter Collection Bedrock or Java?
The Minecraft Starter Collection is specifically the Bedrock Edition. It does not include the Java Edition of the game.
Why are there two versions of Minecraft?
The Bedrock and Java Editions exist to serve different purposes and player bases. The Java Edition is the original, geared towards modding and has more frequent updates. Bedrock Edition is built for cross-platform play and has more consistent performance. They both accomplish different things.
What is the difference between Minecraft Starter and Minecraft Deluxe?
The difference between Minecraft Starter Collection and Minecraft Deluxe Edition are typically the extra content and customization options. The Deluxe Edition might include content such as the base game, a Starter Pack, a Creator Pack and a trial to Xbox Game Pass.
Why is Minecraft expensive?
Minecraft’s price reflects its popularity, ongoing development, and investability. The game has a dedicated player base and its modding community adds considerable value. You can collect donations if you make contributions such as streams, maps and mods.
How can I get Minecraft for free?
There is a free version known as Minecraft Classic that you can play through your web browser on Minecraft’s official website. However, this version is very basic compared to the full game, and is not comparable to the current version of the game.
Is Minecraft Starter Collection multiplayer?
Yes, the Minecraft Starter Collection is multiplayer capable. Players can enjoy local split-screen multiplayer and online multiplayer. Online multiplayer, however, does require an active PS Plus membership on PlayStation.
Which Minecraft should I play first?
The decision between Java and Bedrock depends on what’s most important to you. Minecraft Java allows crossplay with PC and Mac only, while Minecraft Bedrock allows crossplay between PC, Android, iOS and consoles. Java is the original Minecraft, and you do not have to pay to download mods, shaders and resource packs.
What is cheaper Java or Bedrock?
The pricing of the Java Edition is $26.95, while Bedrock Edition varies widely across platforms. Bedrock edition can be as low as $6.99 on iOS or Fire OS.
Which Minecraft version is most used?
The Bedrock Edition is arguably the most widely used version of Minecraft, being available on many platforms including mobile, console and the Microsoft Store.
Which Minecraft version is free?
Minecraft Classic is free and available via a web browser. However, this version is not a good representation of the current gameplay. It’s also worth noting that the base version of the current game is not free, you have to pay to play it.
By purchasing the Minecraft Starter Collection, you gain access to all the features of the game itself, but you are also getting the advantage of immediate customization that the packs, add-ons and Minecoins provide. It’s an excellent choice for new players and a great value for those looking to enhance their Minecraft experience.