Minecraft Java vs Bedrock: Which edition is more popular?

Despite Microsoft’s acquisition of both Minecraft and Mojang Studios, the community remains divided between the original version of the game, Java Edition, and the Microsoft remake, Bedrock Edition. Although the recent parity updates for Minecraft Bedrock have narrowed the gap between the two versions, they are still distinct games with their own unique audiences.

Despite being accessible on various consoles and platforms, Bedrock’s larger player count should not overshadow the other factors that contribute to its popularity.

The benefits of each version of the game are outlined below, as well as determining which version is the most popular.

Exploring Minecraft Editions

Minecraft: Bedrock Edition

The marketplace is one of the things that makes Bedrock unique (Image via Mojang Studios)

The differences between Java Edition and Bedrock are a few key factors that contribute to its popularity.

One major feature is the cross-platform compatibility of Bedrock players on realms. This allows players on mobile devices to join the same realm as those on PC, Switch, and Xbox. The ability to play with friends across different platforms is a highly appealing aspect for console players.

When comparing the vanilla versions, Bedrock also has better performance. This is because it is coded in C++ instead of Java, making it a more efficient and smoother language for games.

Additionally, the presence of Minecraft Bedrock’s Marketplace has resulted in a plethora of exciting official content exclusive to this version of the game, further contributing to the retention of players in comparison to Java.

Benefits of Java

Shaders and mods are a huge advantage for Java Edition (Image via Mojang Studios)

With its original version of the game, Java Edition boasts several notable benefits over Bedrock. One of the most significant advantages is Java’s extensive potential for modification by the community. Throughout the years, numerous mods have introduced a plethora of new elements to the game, spanning from magical and technological additions to entirely new dimensions. This has resulted in the creation of some of Minecraft’s most impressive modpacks.

Moreover, Java offers stronger support for multiplayer games, thanks to its availability of mods and the restriction of console players to a pre-defined list of servers rather than allowing direct connection to IPs. Additionally, Java boasts enhanced redstone capabilities, receives Minecraft’s April Fools updates, and is often the first platform to receive experimental content due to its single coding platform.

Final Thoughts

Bedrock servers might be limited, but being cross-platform is a huge help (Image via Mojang Studios)

There are two distinct approaches to addressing this inquiry, depending on the definition of “popular”. If “popular”solely pertains to the number of players, then Bedrock undeniably takes the lead, as it can be accessed on all major consoles, as well as mobile and PC devices.

On the other hand, if “popular”is meant to describe the version that is favored by the community or used most often by top Minecraft YouTubers, then Java Edition is the undisputed champion. This is due to the ease and high quality of Java’s mods, as well as the convenience of being able to edit the game from the same machine. As a result, Java Edition has become the preferred version to watch.