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?

Millions of players worldwide take pleasure in playing Minecraft Java Edition, the original version of the game.

While Bedrock is a named entity, it actually refers to any version of Minecraft that isn't Java. For this reason, console and mobile users primarily play the Bedrock version of the game.

Minecraft runs on Java version 17 as of this pre-release – and you can expect the same to be true of the live version of Java Edition once 1.18 officially lands.

The forthcoming Minecraft: Education Edition, written in C++, looks faster and smoother than the old Java version, but won't be compatible with all the old mods. If Microsoft mis-handles the ...

"Minecraft" offers cross-platform play for both versions of the game — Bedrock and Java — but you can only play with users who own the same version.

Mojang's original version of Minecraft, which millions play, will now require a Microsoft to play for security's sake, Microsoft says.

Minecraft: Java Edition is the original version of the game for computers, while Bedrock is a newer version available on nearly every device.