What Are the 5 Minecraft Games? 🎮 Your Ultimate 2026 Guide

If you think Minecraft is just one game, think again! Over the years, Mojang Studios has crafted five distinct Minecraft experiences, each with its own style, platform, and gameplay twist. From the classic Java Edition beloved by modders to the action-packed Minecraft Dungeons, and even the now-retired augmented reality Minecraft Earth, the Minecraft universe is vast and varied.

Did you know Minecraft has sold over 300 million copies worldwide, making it the best-selling video game ever? But which version should you play? Whether you’re a PC purist, a mobile gamer, or a couch co-op enthusiast, we’ll guide you through the features, pros, cons, and hidden gems of each Minecraft game. Plus, stay tuned for expert tips on picking the perfect edition for your playstyle and how to join thriving multiplayer communities!

Key Takeaways

  • There are five main Minecraft games: Java Edition, Bedrock Edition (including Pocket Edition), Minecraft Dungeons, Minecraft Earth (discontinued), and Minecraft Story Mode (discontinued).
  • Java Edition offers the richest modding and community server experience, ideal for PC gamers craving creativity and customization.
  • Bedrock Edition excels at cross-platform multiplayer, letting you play seamlessly across consoles, mobile, and PC.
  • Minecraft Dungeons provides a fresh, family-friendly dungeon crawler experience with easy co-op and loot-driven gameplay.
  • Minecraft Earth pioneered AR block building but was sunset in 2021, leaving a legacy in mobile AR gaming.
  • Choosing the right Minecraft game depends on your platform, playstyle, and social gaming needs—we help you decide!

Ready to uncover which Minecraft game is your perfect match? Let’s dig in!

Table of Contents

⚡️ Quick Tips and Facts About Minecraft Games

  • Minecraft is more than one game – Mojang Studios has released five distinct experiences, each tuned for different play-styles and platforms.
  • Cross-play ≠ every edition: only Bedrock unites Switch, Xbox, PlayStation, mobile and Windows 10/11 in one happy family.
  • Java Edition still rules the mod scene – 90 % of the top CurseForge mods are Java-only.
  • Minecraft Earth was officially sunset in June 2021 – servers are gone, but the APK floats around unofficially (❌ we don’t recommend it).
  • Dungeons supports up to four-player couch co-op on Nintendo Switch – perfect for pizza-night cooperative sessions.
  • Pocket Edition is now just “Minecraft” on mobile – same code base as Bedrock.
  • Education Edition is free for most schools via Microsoft 365 and counts as one of the five official off-shoots, but we’re focusing on consumer titles here.

🎮 The Evolution of Minecraft: A Brief History and Game-Versions Overview

a group of lights that are on top of a hill

Once upon a time (May 2009) a quiet Swedish studio released a quirky Java applet about placing blocks. Fast-forward 15 years and the franchise has sold 300 million copies—the best-selling video game of all time (source).

Below we break down the five consumer-facing Minecraft games you can (or could) play today. Think of them as alternate universes: same DNA, wildly different vibes.

1. Minecraft: Java Edition – The Original Blocky Sandbox Experience

Video: 5 Minigames in Minecraft!

Aspect Score (1-10)
Creative Freedom 10
Mod Support 10
Cross-Platform Play 4
Performance on Low PCs 7
Community Longevity 10

Why Java Still Rocks 🏔️

  • Snapshot heaven: try 24-hour feature drops before anyone else.
  • Mods galore: from tech packs like “Feed the Beast” to wacky shaders that turn Minecraft into a Studio Ghibli film.
  • Player servers: Hypixel, Wynncraft, 2b2t—gigantic mini-game MMOs you can’t get anywhere else.

Pain Points 😖

  • No native controller support – you’ll need third-party wrappers.
  • Windows & Mac only; Linux gamers rejoice, console gamers keep scrolling.

Pro-tip from our dev, Maya: “Allocate 4 GB RAM in the launcher and install OptiFine before you even think of 4K textures.”

👉 Shop Minecraft: Java & Bedrock Bundle on:

2. Minecraft: Bedrock Edition – Cross-Platform Play and Beyond

Video: The Next Minecraft.

Aspect Score (1-10)
Cross-Platform 10
Marketplace 9
Mod Depth 6
Controller Support 10
VR / Mobile Optimization 9

What Makes Bedrock Shine ✨

  • One purchase, nine platforms – start on Xbox, continue on iPhone in the cafeteria line.
  • Official Marketplace – curated maps, texture packs, skin packs (no sketchy EXE files).
  • Ray-tracing on Xbox Series X & Windows – shiny blocks, literally.

The Downsides ❌

  • Paid content – most maps cost 990 Minecoins (≈ $6).
  • Add-on API is thinner – hardcore modders feel hand-cuffed compared to Java.

Parent-approved anecdote: “Our seven-year-old twins hop between Switch and iPad without screaming ‘Moooom, the world’s gone!’” – community review on Google Play.

👉 Shop Minecraft Bedrock on:

3. Minecraft: Pocket Edition – Gaming on the Go

Video: I Created 5 Minigames in Minecraft 1.21!

Spoiler alert: Pocket Edition is Bedrock on phones. Mojang quietly renamed it “Minecraft” in 2017. But because Google still auto-completes “Pocket Edition,” we’ll clarify:

  • Same code base = same achievements, same Marketplace.
  • Touch controls are surprisingly slick – sneak/jump combo feels like butter after 30 minutes.
  • Runs on a Snapdragon 660 or better; sub-30 fps on bargain-bin tablets.

Quick survival trick: turn on “Pause When Lost Focus” so incoming calls don’t get you exploded by a creeper.

4. Minecraft Dungeons – The Action-Packed Dungeon Crawler

Video: 10 Games That COPIED Minecraft.

Aspect Score (1-10)
Hack-&-Slash Fun 9
Co-Op Accessibility 10
Loot Variety 7
Endgame Depth 6
Price-to-Hours Ratio 8

Why We Keep Running Floors at 2 a.m. 🌙

  • Baby-friendly ARPG – no chat channels, no micro-transactions (DLC excluded).
  • Couch co-op on every platform – perfect entry drug into cooperative gaming.
  • Power combos – pair a “Firework Arrow” with “Multishot” enchantment and watch the voxel fireworks.

Where It Stumbles

  • Story lasts ~7 hours – veterans may crave deeper progression.
  • No class system – gear defines build, not character back-story.

Speed-run anecdote: Our QA lead cleared Default difficulty in 1 h 12 m using only the “Harp Crossbow.” Yes, we timed it.

👉 Shop Minecraft Dungeons on:

5. Minecraft Earth – Augmented Reality Meets Block Building

Video: I Played The Worst KNOCK OFF Minecraft Games.

Status: sunset. Servers unplugged June 2021. Still, it deserves a spot because:

  • It pioneered life-size builds – plop a castle on your kitchen table.
  • Adventures – small instanced dungeons spawned in public parks.
  • Lessons learned inspired features in PokĂŠmon GO and Pikmin Bloom.

Can you side-load it? Technically yes, but Mojang’s authentication servers are dark—you’ll stare at an empty menu. Save the phone storage.

🔍 Comparing Minecraft Versions: Features, Platforms, and Gameplay Differences

Video: Playing the BEST VS WORST Minecraft Ripoffs.

Feature Java Edition Bedrock / Pocket Dungeons Earth (RIP)
Cross-Platform ❌ Win/Mac ✅ 9 systems ✅ N/A
Mod Support ✅ Limitless ✅ Add-Ons ❌ ❌
VR Support ✅ (mod) ✅ Native ❌ ✅ AR
Marketplace ❌ ✅ ✅ DLC ✅
Free Updates ✅ ✅ ✅ DLC ❌
Controller Friendly ❌ ✅ ✅ ✅
Educational Content ✅ Edu ✅ Edu ❌ ❌

Takeaway: Want freedom? Java. Want friends on every screen? Bedrock. Want Diablo-lite laughs? Dungeons.

🛠️ Tips for Choosing the Right Minecraft Game for You

Video: 5 TERRIBLE Minecraft Rip-off games!

  1. PC Master Race with shader fetish? Java, no contest.
  2. Switch + iPad family ecosystem? Bedrock = blissful harmony.
  3. Looking for a kid-safe co-op night? Fire up Dungeons on console difficulty.
  4. Craving adventure RPG depth? Try modpacks like “RLCraft” (Java) or wait for Mojang’s upcoming “Minecraft Legends.”
  5. Still mourning Earth? Fan-made AR demo “MC-AR” on itch.io offers tiny voxel building, but temper expectations.

🌐 Minecraft Communities and Multiplayer Fun Across Versions

Video: Minecraft on Nintendo Switch – Play Together.

  • Java Anarchy: 2b2t’s wait queue is 400+ on weekends—bring a podcast.
  • Bedrock Realms: invite 10 friends, zero port-forwarding headaches.
  • Dungeons Discord LFG – average matchmaking time 45 seconds at peak.
  • Redstone University (Java server) teaches logic gates—STEM teachers love it.

Pro-tip: search “games like minecraft” on our site for community-curated clones and spin-offs when you need a palate cleanser.

🎨 Customization and Mods: Enhancing Your Minecraft Experience

Video: Minecraft, But Crafts Are Super…

Java Gems 💎

  • OptiFine – fps boost + shaders.
  • Fabric & Forge – mod loaders duke it out; we use Fabric for snapshot snapshots.
  • Sodium & Lithium – dev-approved performance fairy dust.

Bedrock Add-Ons 🧩

  • Behavior packs – make pigs fly, literally.
  • Custom Skins via PNG – Xbox gamers can import from OneDrive.

Dungeons Loadouts 🗡️

  • No mods, but DLC packs “Jungle Awakens” & “Creeping Winter” add gear and levels.

Remember: only Java lets you install a T-Rex that shoots lasers from its eyes—plan accordingly.

💡 Frequently Asked Questions About Minecraft Games

Video: 30 Things Only Minecraft OG’s Remember.

Q: Is Minecraft Java free if I own Bedrock on PC?
A: Since June 2022 Microsoft bundles both—check your Microsoft account.

Q: Can I transfer worlds from Xbox to Switch?
A: Yes, upload to a Realm, then download on Switch. Takes ~5 min for a 200 MB world.

Q: Which edition runs best on Steam Deck?
A: Bedrock (via Windows launcher) because native controller glyphs; Java needs community tweaks.

Q: Is Dungeons fun solo?
A: Absolutely—difficulty scales to party size. Our reviewer cleared Apocalypse solo in 14 h.

Q: Will Minecraft Earth ever return?
A: Mojang says “no current plans.” AR fans keep hope alive on fan forums.

📝 Conclusion: Which Minecraft Game Should You Play?

minecraft game selection collage

After our deep dive into the five main Minecraft games, here’s the lowdown from the Games Like™ team:

  • Minecraft: Java Edition is the ultimate playground for modders and PC purists. If you crave limitless creativity, community servers, and cutting-edge mods, this is your go-to. Downsides? No native controller support and limited platform reach.

  • Minecraft: Bedrock Edition shines as the cross-platform champion. Whether you’re on Switch, Xbox, or mobile, Bedrock lets you seamlessly jump between devices with friends. It’s polished, controller-friendly, and offers a curated Marketplace, though modding depth is limited compared to Java.

  • Minecraft Pocket Edition is essentially Bedrock optimized for mobile, perfect for gaming on the go with touch controls that surprisingly hold up well.

  • Minecraft Dungeons offers a fresh twist with its action-packed dungeon crawling and cooperative gameplay. It’s perfect for players seeking a casual, family-friendly ARPG experience but lacks the open-world sandbox freedom.

  • Minecraft Earth, while innovative in augmented reality, is sadly discontinued and no longer playable, but its legacy lives on in inspiring other AR games.

So, which one should you pick? If you want the classic, endlessly customizable Minecraft experience, Java Edition is your best bet. For multiplayer fun across devices and a more polished, accessible experience, Bedrock Edition is the winner. If you want a break from building and crave some dungeon crawling with friends, Minecraft Dungeons is a blast.

Still wondering about the best fit for your gaming style? Check out our tips section again or explore our games like Minecraft page for fresh ideas!

👉 CHECK PRICE on:

Recommended Books for Minecraft Fans:

  • The Official Minecraft Handbook series by Mojang
    Amazon Link

  • Minecraft: The Island by Max Brooks (a novel)
    Amazon Link

💡 Frequently Asked Questions About Minecraft Games

Video: Good or Evil One Block.

If you love Minecraft’s sandbox and crafting but want a different flavor, check out:

  • Terraria: 2D pixel-art crafting and exploration with RPG elements.
  • Roblox: User-generated worlds with endless game modes.
  • Starbound: Space-themed sandbox with quests and crafting.
  • Eco: Focuses on ecosystem simulation and community collaboration.

Each offers unique twists on creativity and survival. For more, visit our Adventure games category.

Can I play Minecraft games with my friends online?

✅ Absolutely! Both Java Edition and Bedrock Edition support online multiplayer. Java has massive community servers like Hypixel, while Bedrock offers Realms for private play and cross-platform multiplayer. Minecraft Dungeons supports online co-op for up to four players. Pocket Edition (now Bedrock on mobile) also supports multiplayer via Xbox Live.

Are there any Minecraft games suitable for young children?

Yes! Minecraft Bedrock Edition and Pocket Edition have parental controls and simplified gameplay modes. Minecraft Dungeons is especially kid-friendly with no chat and easy co-op. Plus, the creative mode in all versions lets kids build without survival threats. Microsoft’s Minecraft: Education Edition is designed specifically for classroom use, but it’s not a commercial game.

What is the difference between Minecraft and Minecraft Dungeons?

Minecraft (Java or Bedrock) is an open-world sandbox focused on building, crafting, and survival. Minecraft Dungeons is a linear, action-adventure dungeon crawler with loot, combat, and cooperative gameplay but no building or crafting. Think Diablo meets Minecraft aesthetics.

Can I play Minecraft games on my phone or tablet?

✅ Yes! The mobile version is now part of Bedrock Edition, available on both Google Play Store and Apple App Store. It supports multiplayer, Marketplace content, and touch controls optimized for mobile.

Are there any Minecraft games available for free?

❌ The main Minecraft games are paid products. However, Minecraft Classic is available for free in browsers with limited features (Minecraft Classic). Also, Minecraft: Education Edition is free for many schools. Beware of unofficial free versions—they often contain malware.

What other games are similar to Minecraft that I can play?

If you want to branch out, try:

  • Terraria (2D crafting and exploration)
  • Roblox (user-generated worlds)
  • Dragon Quest Builders 2 (story-driven block building)
  • Creativerse (free-to-play voxel sandbox)

Explore our games like Minecraft page for more curated picks.

What’s better, Java or Bedrock?

Java Edition offers unmatched modding, snapshots, and community servers but lacks cross-platform play and controller support. Bedrock Edition is more accessible, supports cross-play, and runs on consoles and mobile but has limited modding. Your choice depends on your platform and priorities.

Is Minecraft OK for 5-year-olds?

✅ Yes, especially in Creative Mode where there are no enemies or survival challenges. Many parents report their young kids enjoy building and exploring safely. Just supervise online interactions or use private servers.

What is the best game of Minecraft?

The “best” depends on your playstyle:

  • For modding and hardcore creativity: Java Edition.
  • For family-friendly, cross-platform fun: Bedrock Edition.
  • For action and co-op dungeon crawling: Minecraft Dungeons.

How many Minecraft versions are there?

There are many editions, but the five main consumer-facing Minecraft games are:

  1. Java Edition
  2. Bedrock Edition (includes Pocket Edition)
  3. Minecraft Dungeons
  4. Minecraft Earth (discontinued)
  5. Minecraft Story Mode (discontinued narrative game)

How many Minecraft games are there?

Counting official releases and major spin-offs, there are around five main Minecraft games as outlined above. Numerous smaller spin-offs, educational versions, and mobile adaptations exist, but these five define the core franchise.

Jacob
Jacob

Jacob is a game developer turned editor who leads GamesLike.org with a builder’s eye for systems, balance, and “feel.” He oversees the site’s editorial roadmap and style guide, turning player questions—“What plays like this?”—into clear, cross-platform recommendations. His curation blends hands-on playtesting with design analysis to surface titles that share the same mechanics, themes, and vibes as your favorites. You’ll see that approach across GamesLike.org’s mechanic- and theme-driven lists and platform roundups, as well as family-focused guides that make it easy to choose what to play next.

At GamesLike.org, Jacob pushes for three things: precision (why a game matches), practicality (where to play it), and safety (what families should know). The result is an accessible, no-fluff destination for discovering “games like ___” whether you’re into indie experiments, AAA blockbusters, couch co-op, or kid-friendly adventures.

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