Minecraft Java Edition is one of the more popular versions of the game, built on its original form. The game, and it's trial variant, are available for download from the official Minecraft website.

Minecraft 1.21.1 debuted for Java Edition on August 8, 2024, as a hotfix update to fix a few critical exploits that were being used to intentionally crash multiplayer servers.

Importantly, Minecraft Java mods tend to be free, while Bedrock add-ons can be either free or paid downloads in the Minecraft Marketplace.

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

The version of Minecraft that you can grab on consoles, mobile devices, and through the Microsoft Store, is referred to as the Bedrock Edition.

If you're looking to get into Minecraft, you'll see people talking about these two versions, but what is the difference--and which one is best? Java vs. Bedrock: Why are there two versions?

After Pocket Editions, Console Editions, even Pi Editions, Minecraft has finally settled on two lanes of development for the incredibly popular title: the Java Edition, and the Bedrock Edition.

Rather than enrolling in a dedicated beta program, Minecraft: Java Edition allows you to select a slice of pre-release software for you to try.

"Minecraft: Java Edition" gets native Apple Silicon support in "The Wild Update" version 1.19 which also introduces new biomes.