Since Java Edition is not essentially an .exe file, it cannot be directly added to the Steam library. Hence, the launcher is essential for that edition of the game to run.

Ever since Microsoft purchased both Minecraft and Mojang Studios, there has been a divide in the community between the original version of the game, Java Edition, and the Microsoft remake, Bedrock Edi ...

It's not too hard to get Minecraft up and running on your Steam Deck, and you're able to play the full Java edition without any issues. You can also play the Bedrock edition if you'd like.

Minecraft: Java Edition is the renamed version of Mojang's original sandbox building game. It was simply called Minecraft until it was renamed to add Java Edition in 2017.

Of the two versions of Minecraft available to download, Java and Bedrock, which is the better choice? The answer lies in these distinctions.