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Is Minecraft Bedrock Cheaper? A Deep Dive into Pricing and Versions

The short answer is: it’s complicated. While the Bedrock Edition of Minecraft often presents itself as the more budget-friendly option initially, the overall cost picture isn’t always as straightforward as it seems. The price of Minecraft varies significantly depending on the platform, and comparing Bedrock to Java is not just about the base price. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the pricing structure and factors that influence the overall cost of each version.

Understanding Minecraft Bedrock’s Pricing Variations

One of the main reasons why the question “Is Minecraft Bedrock cheaper?” is hard to answer definitively is the sheer variety of platforms it’s available on. Unlike the Java Edition, which maintains a relatively uniform price across Mac, Windows, and Linux, the Bedrock Edition has a more diverse pricing model:

Mobile Platforms (iOS, iPadOS, Fire OS): You can often find the Bedrock Edition at the lowest price point, sometimes as low as $6.99. This makes it an attractive entry point for casual players on mobile devices.
Windows: The Bedrock Edition for Windows is often priced similarly to the Java Edition and is also available as part of the “Minecraft: Java & Bedrock Edition bundle.” This bundle is typically a one-time purchase for $29.99 USD.
Consoles (Xbox, PlayStation, Nintendo Switch): Console prices typically align with the Windows version, usually around $29.99. However, prices can fluctuate based on platform sales and regional pricing differences.

This tiered structure, with varying costs depending on the device, creates a landscape where Bedrock can appear cheaper in some scenarios (mobile), but more expensive in others (consoles). Moreover, it’s vital to remember that regional pricing and taxes like VAT can affect these prices, making direct comparisons tricky.

Why The Price Difference?

Several factors contribute to the price differences between the Java and Bedrock Editions:

Platform Fees: Mobile platforms often have different fee structures and revenue sharing agreements with app stores, which can lead to a lower price for the Bedrock Edition on iOS, iPadOS, and Fire OS.
Bundle Strategy: The decision to sell both Bedrock and Java versions of Minecraft in a bundle can influence the price for players on Windows, where it’s commonly offered.
Content and Features: While both versions offer the core Minecraft experience, the Bedrock Edition has a built-in Marketplace offering add-ons, textures, skin packs, and more, which contributes to its pricing model.
Regional Pricing and Taxes (VAT): As mentioned, taxes like VAT in the EU, as well as fluctuating exchange rates, can impact the prices. Often, prices on the official website include VAT and might be in GBP, while prices on a storefront like Microsoft might be in USD and exclude VAT.

Comparing Bedrock and Java Costs

When comparing the costs, it’s essential to consider:

Initial Purchase: For those solely focusing on a single platform, the Bedrock Edition can be the cheaper option for mobile users. However, the Java & Bedrock bundle for Windows can sometimes come at a very similar, sometimes even the same price as the Java version alone.
Cross-Platform Play: If you want to play with friends on different platforms, Bedrock is often the only viable option, and you’ll have to purchase it on whichever platform you plan to use, which can add up if you want to play on different devices.
Additional Content: If you want to purchase content from the Marketplace in Bedrock Edition, the costs can quickly add up. The Java Edition relies on community-created mods that are often free. This makes the Java edition less costly in the long run if you are interested in a larger catalog of gameplay options.

Is Bedrock Always Cheaper?

In conclusion, while the Bedrock Edition can be cheaper as a starting point for mobile users, it’s not universally the most affordable option. Here are a few key takeaways:

No, Bedrock is not always cheaper. The cost varies by platform.
Bedrock on mobile is often cheaper than both Java and Bedrock on other platforms.
The Java Edition and Windows Bedrock Edition (in the bundle) are often at a similar price point
Bedrock’s Marketplace can increase long-term costs.
The total cost depends on your desired devices and gameplay experiences.

Carefully consider your preferred platform, playstyle, and long-term goals when deciding which version to buy. Don’t base your decision solely on the initial price tag.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Minecraft Bedrock Pricing

Here are 15 frequently asked questions to help you further understand Minecraft Bedrock’s pricing and overall value.

1. Does Minecraft Bedrock have a free trial?

No, the Bedrock Edition of Minecraft typically does not offer a free trial. You usually need to purchase the game to play.

2. If I buy Minecraft Java, do I get Bedrock free?

Yes, if you buy Minecraft for Windows, you will receive both the Java and Bedrock editions as a bundled package. However, this only applies to purchases for Windows. If you own Java already, there might be ways to get a free copy of Bedrock, but this is not standard.

3. How much does Minecraft Bedrock cost on Windows?

The Minecraft: Java & Bedrock Edition bundle costs $29.99 USD on Windows. This is a one-time purchase, granting access to both versions.

4. Is Minecraft Bedrock cheaper on the Microsoft Store?

The price on the Microsoft Store is sometimes lower than the official Minecraft website because the Microsoft Store price may not include VAT, unlike the website price, which may be in GBP, while the Microsoft price is in USD. Also, there can be promotional discounts on the Microsoft store that might make it cheaper there.

5. Can I get Minecraft Bedrock for free?

If you already own Minecraft Java Edition, you may be able to get the Minecraft Bedrock Edition for PC for free. However, this isn’t a guarantee, and you may need to check the Microsoft Store or your Minecraft account to verify eligibility. You might also have gotten it free if you owned the old version of Minecraft on Xbox One.

6. Is Minecraft Bedrock better for cross-platform play?

Yes, Bedrock Edition allows for cross-platform multiplayer on consoles, mobile devices, and Windows 10, while the Java Edition is only for PC players.

7. What are the disadvantages of Bedrock Edition?

Cons of Bedrock include potential performance issues, especially on older hardware, controls that can be difficult to get used to with a keyboard and mouse, and lack of full cross-platform play with some older editions. Some players also prefer Java’s modding community and Redstone system to Bedrock’s.

8. Why do people prefer the Bedrock Edition?

People prefer Bedrock Edition for its cross-platform play, simplified access, curated Marketplace content, and Xbox-specific features, such as Xbox achievements and friend presence.

9. Which Minecraft version is most popular?

The Bedrock Edition of Minecraft is arguably the most popular version currently, due to its cross-platform functionality and presence on various devices.

10. Can I use mods in Minecraft Bedrock?

No, while Bedrock Edition has content add-ons through the Marketplace, it does not support the kind of mods available on the Java Edition. However, it does support data packs which some may see as similar.

11. What does Bedrock have that Java doesn’t?

The key difference is Bedrock Edition’s cross-platform play, access to Marketplace content, and Xbox-specific features. The Java Edition is only for PC players and has a larger modding community.

12. Why is Bedrock cheaper on mobile?

Bedrock Edition for mobile is generally cheaper due to different platform fee structures and revenue-sharing agreements with app stores.

13. Is Bedrock harder than Java?

Bedrock can be considered harder because of the difficulty with certain farms and mechanics, and that axes are much weaker than in Java.

14. Which Minecraft version is best for kids?

Minecraft: Education Edition, which is built for learning, is generally the best version for kids. Also the Bedrock Edition, with its simpler interface, is often recommended.

15. Can you play old versions of Minecraft on Bedrock?

No, the Bedrock Edition does not readily allow you to play older versions like you can with the Java Edition.

Is Minecraft bedrock cheaper?