Updated 25 October 2026. Facts on this page come from minecraft.wiki, minecraft.net and the live Artemis PvP server; sources are listed at the bottom.
How to Turn On Keep Inventory in Minecraft
Type /gamerule keep_inventory true on Java (since 1.21.11) or /gamerule keepinventory true on Bedrock, then you keep your items and experience when you die. Older Java versions use /gamerule keepInventory true. You need cheats or operator rights, and the rule applies to everyone in that world.
What is the keep inventory command for each version?
| Version | Command |
|---|---|
| Java 1.21.11 and newer | /gamerule keep_inventory true |
| Java 1.21.10 and older | /gamerule keepInventory true |
| Bedrock | /gamerule keepinventory true |
Change true to false to turn it off again. The old camelCase name stopped working on new Java versions because every Java game rule was renamed to snake_case in 1.21.11; see game rules.
Can you turn on keep inventory without cheats?
- Bedrock: the world settings have a Keep Inventory switch, but it counts as a cheat, so achievements are turned off for that world.
- Java, new world: on the Create World screen, open the More tab, then Game Rules, and switch Keep Inventory on.
- Java, existing world: open World Options from the pause menu, then Game Rules, and turn Keep Inventory on (the game rules screen is there since 26.1).
What does keep inventory actually keep?
Your whole inventory, armor, offhand and all your experience levels stay with you after you respawn, and nothing drops where you died. Items with Curse of Vanishing are kept too: the curse does not trigger while keep inventory is on. See every enchantment.
Why doesn't keep inventory work on a server?
Only an operator can change game rules on a server, and the rule is per world, so a server with several worlds may have it on in one and off in another. Many PvP servers leave it off on purpose, because dropping loot is the point of fighting. Also check your spawn point so you know where you respawn.
How do you protect your stuff on ArtemisPvP?
Frequently asked questions
What is the keep inventory command?
Java 1.21.11+: /gamerule keep_inventory true. Older Java: /gamerule keepInventory true. Bedrock: /gamerule keepinventory true.
Does keep inventory keep XP?
Yes, it keeps your experience levels as well as your items.
Sources
Every fact on this page was checked against these pages; the wording is ours.