- For other articles related to "bedrock", see Bedrock (Disambiguation).
Bedrock Edition is a version of Minecraft that has been adapted for multiple platforms and developed by Mojang Studios, Xbox Game Studios, 4J Studios, and SkyBox Labs. As of the Better Together Update, this also includes the Pocket Edition (for Android and iOS), Windows 10 Edition, Gear VR Edition, and Fire TV Edition. Xbox One Edition, Nintendo Switch Edition, and PlayStation 4 Edition were originally part of Legacy Console Edition before the Better Together Update, and their features were ported to Bedrock Edition. Apple TV Edition was discontinued shortly afterwards.
Minecraft, with no subtitle, is the official title of all Bedrock Edition versions, regardless of platform.
Although all Bedrock versions are nearly identical, the price varies for each platform. Approximately in USD, the mobile versions cost $7 and the PS4, Xbox One, Windows 10, Nintendo Switch, and TV versions cost $30. The Windows 10 version is sold in a Starter and Master Collection, with the latter costing $50 and includes more DLC and Minecoins.
DLC purchased from the Marketplace on one platform is usable on all other platforms.
Development[]
- Main article: Bedrock Edition Version History
Release[]
A video of an early prototype was released on Twitter, showing the game on the Xperia PLAY. The Alpha version was later released and was released for different platforms on October 7, 2011. A version for iOS devices was released on November 17, 2011.
In the release notes, Notch (The creator of Minecraft) acknowledged a Minecraft alpha tester, FredDev2527 stating he is the best minecrafter ever.
Alpha[]
After the initial releases of Pocket Edition for Android and iOS, updates were released in parallel. The same features were being added to both platforms. It was during this stage of development that various aspects of gameplay were introduced into the Bedrock codebase including crafting, smelting, more blocks, items, mobs, and more game modes to bring it more in parallel with Java Edition. Certain features were tested on Pocket Edition before their Java releases - for instance, beetroots and their related items. Note: This is the phase when FredDev2527 gained recognition for being a pro player.
Full Release[]
On November 11, 2016, Pocket Edition 1.0.0 (Ender Update) was announced and released on December 19, 2016 – along with the Apple TV and Fire TV Editions of the game.
From 1.2.0, all editions of Bedrock Edition have dropped the "Edition" subtitle, and are now referred to as simply Minecraft. A port of the Bedrock Edition for Xbox One was released along with the update, as well as for the Nintendo Switch digitally and physically on June 21, 2018, and PlayStation 4 on December 10, 2019.
Bedrock Edition Version History (since September 20, 2017)[]
- 1.16.210 (upcoming)
- 1.16.201 - December 15, 2020
- 1.16.200 - December 8, 2020
- 1.16.101 - November 23-24, 2020
- 1.16.100 - November 16-17, 2020
- 1.16.61 (PS4 Only) - September 25, 2020
- 1.16.60 (PS4 Only) - September 23, 2020
- 1.16.50 (iOS Only) - September 22, 2020
- 1.16.42 (PS4 Only) - September 22, 2020
- 1.16.40 - August 26, 2020 (PS4); September 3–11, 2020 (other platforms)
- 1.16.21 (Nintendo Switch only) - August 20, 2020
- 1.16.20 - August 11, 2020
- 1.16.10 - July 21, 2020
- 1.16.1.04 (PS4 Only) - July 16, 2020
- 1.16.1.03 (PS4 Only) - July 8, 2020
- 1.16.1 - June 29, 2020
- 1.16.0 (The Nether Update) - June 23, 2020
- 1.14.60 - April 14, 2020
- 1.14.41 (PS4 Only) - March 3, 2020
- 1.14.30 - February 11, 2020
- 1.14.20 - January 28, 2020
- 1.14.1 - December 18, 2019
- 1.14.0.12 (PS4 Only) - December 14, 2019
- 1.14.0 (The Buzzy Bees Update) - December 10, 2019
- 1.13.3 (iOS Only) - November 20, 2019
- 1.13.2 (iOS Only) - November 14, 2019
- 1.13.1 - November 12, 2019
- 1.13.0 - October 29, 2019
- 1.12.1 - September 2, 2019
- 1.12.0 - July 9, 2019
- 1.11.4 - May 23, 2019
- 1.11.3 - May 17, 2019
- 1.11.2 - May 2, 2019
- 1.11.1 - April 26, 2019
- 1.11.0 (Village and Pillage Update) - April 23, 2019
- 1.10.1 - March 27, 2019
- 1.10.0 - March 19, 2019
- 1.9.0 - February 5, 2019
- 1.8.1 - January 8, 2019
- 1.8.0 (Holiday Update) - December 11, 2018
- 1.7.1 - November 7, 2018
- 1.7.0 - October 16, 2018
- 1.6.2 - October 1, 2018
- 1.6.1 - September 17, 2018
- 1.6.0 - August 28, 2018
- 1.5.3 - August 7, 2018
- 1.5.2 - July 24, 2018
- 1.5.1 - July 20, 2018
- 1.5.0 (The Update Aquatic Phase Two) - July 10, 2018
- 1.4.4 - June 7, 2018
- 1.4.3 - June 5, 2018
- 1.4.2 - May 23, 2018
- 1.4.1 - May 17, 2018
- 1.4.0 (The Update Aquatic Phase One) - May 16, 2018
- 1.2.16 - April 20, 2018
- 1.2.15 - April 12, 2018
- 1.2.14 - April 4, 2018
- 1.2.13 - April 3, 2018
- 1.2.11 - March 8–9, 2018
- 1.2.10 - February 7, 2018
- 1.2.9 - January 16, 2018
- 1.2.8 - December 18, 2017
- 1.2.7 - December 14, 2017
- 1.2.6 - December 6, 2017
- 1.2.5 - October 21, 2017
- 1.2.3. - October 18, 2017
- 1.2.2 - October 4, 2017
- 1.2.1 - September 26, 2017
- 1.2.0 (Better Together Update) - September 20, 2017
Gameplay[]
The objective of the game remains the same as its Java and Legacy Console Edition counterparts – both have survival elements such as hunger and brewing, as well as The Nether and The End dimensions. The multiplayer mode is cross-platform compatible between all supported devices.
Bedrock Edition differs from Java Edition in that it has more vibrant graphics, revised terrain, some exclusive items, and an add-on system. Besides:
- There are four ways to play on multiplayer
- Through LAN, allowing for 8 or more players on a single world
- Through Realms
- Through a user-created external server
- Through Xbox Live
- Featured (Microsoft partner) servers
Some features are only available on certain platforms. For example, joining servers through IP is not supported by Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, or PlayStation 4.
Similarities and Differences (Java and Bedrock)[]
Similarities | Differences |
---|---|
Both have the latest update. | Bedrock has less lag than Java. |
Both available on Windows. |
Bedrock does not have new combat features, (no sword blocking, no attack cool-down, can only hold specific items in off-hand (maps, arrows, totems of undying, shield). |
Can have resource packs. | Bedrock can connect to other devices with Xbox live, this includes PE, Win 10, Xbox, Switch, PS4, etc. |
Both are official Minecraft games. | Bedrock has easier access to cheats (are switches in the menu) and has the Education Edition pre-installed. |
Both can access servers and multiplayer/LAN. | On Java (and to a lesser extent, the mobile and Windows 10 versions of Bedrock), resource packs are (mostly) free and can be downloaded from unofficial, community-run websites. But on the console editions of Bedrock, you can only get them from the in-game store, and thus, they cost Minecraft coins. |
Both can download worlds (copy). | Java can have mods whereas Bedrock cannot. However, bedrock can have add-ons, unlike Java. |
Both (on the world menu) use world BARS with the name, version, and a picture, however, Bedrock updates the picture whereas Java does not. |
Bedrock has the paper doll in the top left corner of the screen, like the Console editions. It can also have coordinates under the doll if a player turns it on in the world options. |
Both have build limits | The build limit is higher on Java |
Players are unable to take an in-game screenshot in Bedrock. Although players can do the shortcut (Windows key+PrtScr) to take a full screenshot or can use the snipping tool. | |
Both have some of the same game modes. | The only difference in that is that modes like hardcore and spectator are not available on Bedrock. |
The commands have some common functions. | In Java, the command format is different, for example, players can locate an igloo respectively on Java. In Bedrock, players can't locate igloos, and it still has no command flattening, yet. |
Players can access versions before everyone else gets it |
The beta versions on Bedrock are only on Windows 10, Xbox One and Android |
Both have world limits. | Java has the world border, bedrock has the far lands. Players cannot stand on blocks after X/Z positive or negative 8,388,608 in Bedrock Edition |