Which Minecraft PC Version Should You Get Java or Windows 10?

No doubt that Minecraft is one of the best selling games around and the craze for this game is emerging once again. If it is only now that you are jumping into the bandwagon, you may notice that there are two versions of the game and you may not be sure of what to buy.

First of all, let me give you the information on why there are two versions of the game. Most of you may know that Minecraft first launched in 2011 from Mojang AB and ‘Notch’. The very first development of the game used Java which was then called the Java Edition.

Later on, a Minecraft Pocket Edition had been launched exclusively for the Sony Xperia Play smartphone. This version used the Bedrock Edition codebase which was later available to be ported for the modern platforms like the Android, iOS, Windows Prime, Fire OS, consoles and Windows 10.

What makes the two versions different?

PLATFORMS

• Minecraft Java Edition: WINDOWS, macOS, LINUX
• Minecraft Windows 10 Edition: WINDOWS 10

The Java Edition actually supports the older version of Windows as well as most of the modern operating systems. What’s important to remember is that your computer is not running on Windows 10. For the Windows 10 Edition, as the name says, it is only compatible with Windows 10.

CROSS-PLATFORM MULTIPLAYER

• Minecraft Java Edition: YES
• Minecraft Windows 10 Edition: YES

The two versions of Minecraft support cross-play. However, this is when the Windows 10 version outshines the Java version. The Java Edition only supports the Windows, macOS, and Linux, and thus, they can only play with other players in traditional computers. For Windows 10, since it is based on the bedrock, codebase used for mobile and console versions, it is possible to play with others on different platforms. There is an exemption though, at the moment, the Sony consoles are not available for cross-play with others but only between the PlayStation 4 and the PS Vita.

Also, note that players on the Java Edition are not able to play with those who are playing on the Windows 10 Edition and vice versa.

MODS AND DLC

For mods, the Java edition has the upper hand. Since the Java Edition is the first edition to launch, it already has a collection of so many mods available for it. There had also been a lot of sites that offer free skins and textures that are able to customize both the look as well as the feel of the game.

This made most of the Minecraft mods available in Java, making the Windows 10 Edition severely lacking. But when it comes to DLCs, there are a lot of free skins and textures that can be downloaded. Some part DLC are also available but are usually for other IPS and seasonal themes.

The mods for one version won’t be available to be used for the other version.

PERFORMANCE

Most players would agree that the Windows 10 edition is better because it is able to run on almost anything that can run the Windows 10. The game does adjust the settings of things like max draw and simulation distance based on the performance of your system. On the other hand, the Java Edition still does run great even though you don’t have a powerful system.

OTHER CONSIDERATIONS

There are some differences gameplay-wise since these are two separate versions. We will not dive into the details about this as surely it will become a heated debate in no time. The developers of the game, however, are trying to make both versions of the game to be as close to each other as it could get with every update released.

FINAL RECOMMENDATIONS

So what version will you get?

If it is your first time and you do have a Windows 10 PC, then the obvious is to get the Windows 10. It is also an easier choice as most PCs already are running on Windows 10, you can easily play with family and friends.

But if you have a computer that runs on a macOS, Linux or on older version of Windows, then the Java Edition is for you. The plus side is that you are also able to fully customize the game as well as use a lot of available mods.

Have you been playing Minecraft for a long time already? Which version do you suggest? Do share with us what you think in the comments below.