Updated 23 October 2026. Facts on this page come from minecraft.wiki, minecraft.net and the live Artemis PvP server; sources are listed at the bottom.
Bedrock vs Java Edition
Java Edition runs on Windows, Mac and Linux and is the edition for mods and most big community servers; Bedrock Edition runs on consoles, phones and Windows and has crossplay between those devices. The two editions cannot play together without third-party software.
Which devices run Java and which run Bedrock?
According to minecraft.net, Java Edition is only available on Windows, Mac and Linux. Bedrock Edition runs on Windows 10 and 11, Xbox One, Xbox Series S and X, PlayStation 4 and 5, Nintendo Switch, Android and iOS. minecraft.wiki adds that Bedrock's multiplayer is cross-platform between all of its supported devices, so a phone player can join a console player.
On PC you do not have to choose: since 7 June 2022 both editions are sold together as Minecraft: Java & Bedrock Edition for PC.
Can Java and Bedrock players play together?
Not officially. minecraft.net is direct about it: both editions support online multiplayer, but they use different servers, so Java and Bedrock players cannot play together. If you own both, you switch to whichever edition your friends use.
Some community servers bridge the gap with proxy software such as Geyser, which lets Bedrock players connect to a Java server. minecraft.wiki's Bedrock PvP guide notes that these servers effectively use Java Edition's combat rules. See Bedrock crossplay.
What are the main differences between Java and Bedrock?
| Java Edition | Bedrock Edition | |
|---|---|---|
| Devices | Windows, Mac, Linux | Windows, Xbox, PlayStation, Switch, Android, iOS |
| Crossplay | Java players only | Between all Bedrock devices |
| Custom content | Mods and third-party content; the most robust modding and custom server scene | Add-ons and the curated Marketplace |
| Username | Your Java profile | Your Xbox gamertag |
| Default server port | 25565 (TCP) | 19132 (UDP) |
| Join a server by IP | Yes | Not on Xbox, Switch or PlayStation (featured servers only) |
| Test versions | Snapshots | Beta and Preview |
| Melee combat | Attack cooldown since 1.9 | No attack cooldown |
| Split screen | No | On consoles, up to 4 players on one screen |
| Marketplace and add-ons | No | Yes |
Do Realms work across editions?
No. Realms is the paid server service for each edition: Java Realms for Java, Realms Plus for Bedrock. minecraft.wiki lists a limit of up to 10 players playing at once on Realms Plus and Java Realms (2 on Realms Core), with any number of players invited.
Should I buy Java or Bedrock?
Pick the edition your friends and favourite servers use. If you want mods, PvP servers or classic 1.8-style combat, choose Java. If you play on a console or phone, or want crossplay with friends on other devices, choose Bedrock. On a Windows PC you get both in one purchase.
Is ArtemisPvP on Java or Bedrock?
Frequently asked questions
Can Bedrock and Java play together?
Not officially; they use different servers. Some servers use Geyser to let Bedrock players join Java servers.
Do I get both Java and Bedrock?
On Windows PC, yes: Minecraft: Java & Bedrock Edition for PC includes both.
Sources
Every fact on this page was checked against these pages; the wording is ours.
- www.minecraft.net/en-us/article/java-or-bedrock-edition
- www.minecraft.net/en-us/store/minecraft-deluxe-collection-pc
- minecraft.wiki/w/Bedrock_Edition
- minecraft.wiki/w/Java_Edition
- minecraft.wiki/w/Server
- minecraft.wiki/w/Bedrock_Dedicated_Server
- minecraft.wiki/w/Tutorial:Setting_up_a_Java_Edition_server
- minecraft.wiki/w/Combat
- minecraft.wiki/w/Java_Edition_1.9
- minecraft.wiki/w/Tutorial:PvP_(Bedrock_Edition)
- artemispvp.com/join.html
- artemispvp.com/