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Do I Have to Buy Bedrock if I Have Java? The Ultimate Guide

The simple answer is no, you do not have to buy Minecraft Bedrock Edition if you already own Minecraft Java Edition, and vice versa, for PC users. This is due to a significant change implemented by Mojang, where both Java and Bedrock editions are now bundled together as a single purchase for PC. If you previously purchased one, the other edition is now granted to you for free. However, this only applies to PC. This guide will delve into the specifics of this change, the differences between the two versions, and answer the most common questions surrounding the purchase and accessibility of Minecraft Bedrock and Java Editions.

The Shift to a Bundled Minecraft Experience

For many years, Minecraft’s two primary versions, Java Edition and Bedrock Edition, were distinct and required separate purchases. This meant if you wanted to play on both, you needed to buy each individually, a costly scenario for some gamers. The landscape of Minecraft access dramatically shifted when Mojang announced that they would be offering both editions as a single package for PC users.

This decision, which took effect in 2022, simplified the experience by giving any PC player access to both versions if they own either one. If you initially bought Minecraft: Java Edition, you will automatically have access to the Minecraft: Bedrock Edition on your Windows 10/11 PC. Similarly, if you first bought Bedrock on a PC, you’d get Java for free. There’s no need for another purchase.

How To Claim Your Free Edition

It’s important to understand that you don’t need to do anything to actively ‘claim’ the free edition. If you previously purchased one version, the other should automatically appear in your Minecraft Launcher, sometimes it may take up to 2-3 days for the game to show up. Once logged in with the same Microsoft account associated with your original purchase, both Java and Bedrock versions should be available to launch.

A Word on Cross-Platform

It’s important to note this bundling applies only to PC users. If you have Minecraft: Java Edition and wish to play on a console like a Nintendo Switch, PlayStation, or Xbox, you will need to purchase a separate copy of Minecraft: Bedrock Edition for those platforms. The free Bedrock Edition from owning Java only applies to Windows 10/11 PCs.

Java vs. Bedrock: Understanding the Differences

While you get both on PC, it’s essential to know the differences between Minecraft Java Edition and Minecraft Bedrock Edition. They are two distinct versions with their own unique features, which is why they remain separate games despite being bundled.

Java Edition

Modding: Java Edition is known for its extensive modding community, offering players a vast array of custom content.
Customization: Java Edition allows greater customization options such as the ability to create custom fonts and GLSL shaders.
Platform: Primarily designed for PC use (Windows, macOS, Linux).
Server Options: Offers extensive server options, many maintained by the community with a large number of servers to choose from.
Development: Traditionally receives new features and snapshot releases first.
Community: Is the older of the two versions and generally has a very large and diverse community of players.

Bedrock Edition

Cross-Play: Bedrock Edition’s biggest strength is cross-play, allowing players on Windows, Xbox, PlayStation, Switch, Android, and iOS to all play together.
Accessibility: Designed to be more accessible across different platforms, often having a more streamlined user interface.
Minecraft Marketplace: Has a curated marketplace for add-ons, textures, skins, and maps, ensuring content is generally of higher quality and reliability.
Performance: Often provides better performance on lower-end hardware compared to Java Edition.
Modern Features: Takes advantage of newer technologies such as rendering engines, which can make Bedrock look more advanced in some instances.

The Key Takeaway

Both editions are fantastic in their own right, appealing to different player preferences. Java provides maximum customizability, and a traditionally more complex experience while Bedrock is geared for easier cross-play and cross-platform access. Having both versions available on PC is an excellent development, allowing players to pick the version that suits their needs for the moment.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

To further clarify any remaining questions, here are 15 frequently asked questions about Minecraft Java and Bedrock editions, especially in the context of ownership:

1. Do I Get Both Minecraft Java and Bedrock Editions If I Buy One?

Yes, if you purchase either Java Edition or Bedrock Edition on PC, you will automatically gain access to the other one for free. This is part of the unified bundle that Mojang has implemented.

2. How Do I Switch Between Java and Bedrock?

You switch between the versions via the Minecraft Launcher. Simply select the edition you want to play from the launcher menu before launching the game. You may need to quit and restart the launcher if you are currently playing.

3. Can I Play Java and Bedrock Together?

No, Java Edition and Bedrock Edition do not support cross-play between the two versions. They have different servers and are incompatible with one another.

4. If I Have Java on Mac, Do I Get Bedrock on My Windows PC?

No, the free Bedrock edition on PC only applies to owning Java on PC. Purchases are not transferable between Mac and Windows or other devices. If you wish to play Bedrock on Windows, you need to have purchased the Java edition on a PC.

5. Is Minecraft Bedrock Free?

No, Minecraft Bedrock Edition is not free on any platform unless you get it via the PC bundle, as mentioned previously. There are no legitimate ways to acquire it for free outside of these methods.

6. Do I Need to Buy Minecraft Bedrock for Every Device I Own?

Yes, if you want to play Bedrock on multiple devices that are not PCs (like consoles or phones), you will need to purchase a copy of Bedrock for each platform. However, it is account based, so you will not have to buy it every time you download it on that same device.

7. Can Java Players Join Bedrock Realms?

No, Realms are version-specific. A Java player cannot join a Bedrock Realm, and vice versa.

8. Is Minecraft Bedrock a Subscription?

The base game of Bedrock is a one-time purchase, but a Bedrock Realms subscription is separate from a Java Realm subscription.

9. Is the Java & Bedrock Bundle a One-Time Purchase?

Yes, the Minecraft Java & Bedrock Edition bundle is a one-time purchase that grants you both games on a Windows PC.

10. What If I Purchased Java Before the Bundle?

If you purchased Java before the bundle went live, you should still have access to the free Bedrock edition via your existing Minecraft account on a Windows PC.

11. Can I Buy Only Minecraft Java?

No at this time, the only way to get Minecraft Java edition is through the bundle that includes the Bedrock edition.

12. Why Are Minecraft Editions so Expensive?

Minecraft is a very popular game, and its price reflects its popularity and ongoing support. The game continues to receive updates, and the developers are always working to improve the game.

13. What are the Disadvantages of Bedrock Edition?

Some players find the Bedrock Edition’s Marketplace limiting and prefer Java’s modding community. Bedrock may also perform worse on older hardware in some cases.

14. If I Have to Buy Minecraft Again, Is it Because of a Different Account?

Yes, this is a very common reason. Make sure you are using the correct account that your initial game purchase was made on.

15. Does Bedrock Edition Perform Well?

Generally, Bedrock Edition performs well across a wide range of devices, including lower-end ones, but can still be somewhat taxing to your computer, as Minecraft’s later updates are very resource-intensive.

Conclusion

The decision by Mojang to bundle Minecraft Java and Bedrock Editions together for PC users is a significant improvement to player accessibility. It removes the need to purchase multiple versions of the game for the same platform, allowing players to enjoy both experiences with a single purchase. However, it’s important to understand the nuances of this change, especially the limitations of cross-platform play and the unique features of each version. With this guide, you should now have a clear understanding of whether you need to buy Bedrock if you have Java, and how to get the most out of your Minecraft experience.

Do I have to buy bedrock if I have Java?