Minecraft
Minecraft is Mojang Studios’ paid open-world sandbox game about gathering resources, crafting, building and surviving in procedurally generated worlds. Java Edition runs on Windows, macOS and Linux, while Bedrock Edition supports Windows, consoles and mobile with cross-platform multiplayer.
Latest update
Mojang Studios released Minecraft: Bedrock Edition 26.33 on July 9, 2026. The hotfix corrects texture bleeding that could appear on custom blocks after the Chaos Cubed release.
Chaos Cubed has been live since June 16, 2026. The free game drop adds sulfur caves, physics-driven sulfur cubes, sulfur and cinnabar building sets, geysers, the “Bounce” music disc, and Bedrock Parties.
Release date and status
Minecraft 1.0 released on November 18, 2011 and remains an actively supported game. Bedrock platform editions arrived on different dates, including the current Nintendo Switch release on June 21, 2018 and the native PlayStation 5 edition on October 23, 2024.
Java Edition and Bedrock Edition receive ongoing updates rather than separate sequel releases. Platform storefronts may use later dates for their own edition or native-console launch.
| Global release date | November 18, 2011 |
| Original launch platforms | |
| Current status | Released |
| Pricing model | Paid·In-app purchases |
| Availability | Java & Bedrock Edition is sold through Minecraft.net on PC; Bedrock is also sold through PlayStation Store, Xbox Store, Nintendo eShop, Google Play and App Store, with online cross-play across supported Bedrock platforms |
Platforms and availability
Java Edition runs on Windows, macOS and Linux. Bedrock Edition is available on Windows, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, Nintendo Switch, compatible Nintendo Switch 2 systems, Android, iPhone and iPad.
Bedrock players can use online cross-play with other supported Bedrock platforms after linking the required platform and Microsoft accounts. Java Edition multiplayer remains within the Java ecosystem across Windows, macOS and Linux.
Gameplay overview
Minecraft generates open worlds made from blocks that players can mine, place and craft into tools, shelters, farms, machines and large settlements. Survival mode combines limited resources, health, hunger, exploration and hostile mobs, while Creative mode provides unlimited blocks and flight for unrestricted building.
Worlds support solo play, local multiplayer on supported consoles, online servers and Mojang Studios-hosted Realms. Bedrock Edition also includes Minecraft Marketplace purchases and optional Marketplace Pass or Realms Plus subscriptions; Java Edition supports a broad community server and mod ecosystem.
Story, setting, or main mode
Minecraft has no fixed campaign or required protagonist. Each world begins in the procedurally generated Overworld, and players choose their own goals while discovering villages, structures, biomes and underground resources.
Survival progression can lead through the Nether to the End and an optional Ender Dragon encounter, but building, farming, exploration, redstone engineering and multiplayer projects remain equally valid long-term objectives.
Trailer, screenshots, and media
The gameplay trailer and screenshots show large player-built structures, contrasting Overworld biomes, night-time Survival encounters, Nether travel, underground exploration and multiplayer. The Chaos Cubed images add sulfur caves and sulfur cubes whose movement changes according to the blocks they absorb.
Developer and publisher
Mojang Studios develops Minecraft and operates its official game, support and update channels. Xbox Game Studios publishes the game within Microsoft, while platform storefronts distribute their respective Bedrock editions.
| Developer | Mojang Studios |
| Publisher | Xbox Game Studios |
| Official website | Minecraft |
Download and availability
Minecraft: Java & Bedrock Edition for PC includes both editions in one PC purchase. Console and mobile versions are sold separately through their platform stores, and optional Marketplace content, Minecoins, Realms and subscription services are additional purchases.
The official launcher page provides Windows, macOS and Linux download routes. Online console multiplayer may require the platform holder’s paid network subscription, and cross-platform features require a linked Microsoft account.
System / Device Requirements
Mojang Studios raised Java Edition’s PC targets on July 21, 2026 to reflect 1080p play with Vulkan 1.3 graphics. Bedrock Edition keeps a separate, lighter Windows requirement, while mobile support is defined by the current operating-system and graphics floors published by Minecraft Help.
Console editions require the matching supported console and enough free storage for the installed game, updates and worlds. Online multiplayer also follows each platform holder’s account and subscription rules.
| Spec | Minimum | Recommended |
|---|---|---|
| Java target | 1080p at 30 FPS, Fast preset | 1080p at 60 FPS, Fancy preset |
| Operating system | Windows 10 64-bit or Windows on ARM; macOS 12+; 64-bit Linux | Windows 11 64-bit; macOS 14+; 64-bit Linux |
| Processor | Intel Core i3-10100, AMD Ryzen 3 3100, Qualcomm Snapdragon X or Apple M1; at least 4 physical cores | Intel Core i5-12400, AMD Ryzen 5 5600 or Apple M2 Pro |
| Memory | 8 GB with a discrete GPU or 12 GB with integrated graphics | 16 GB |
| Graphics | Vulkan 1.3; at least 2 GB VRAM; GTX 950, RX 460, Arc A310, supported integrated Intel, Apple M1 or Snapdragon X | RTX 2060, RX 5600 XT, Arc A580 or Apple M2 Pro; 6 GB VRAM |
| Storage | 2 GB | 4 GB |
| Spec | Minimum | Recommended |
|---|---|---|
| Bedrock Windows OS | Windows 10 version 19041.0 or later | Windows 10 version 19041.0 or later |
| Processor | Intel Celeron J4105 or AMD FX-4100 | Intel Core i7-6500U or AMD A8-6600K |
| Memory | 4 GB | 8 GB |
| Graphics | Intel HD Graphics 4000 or AMD Radeon R5 | NVIDIA GeForce 940M or AMD Radeon HD 8570D |
| Storage | 4 GB | 8 GB |
| Mobile platform | Minimum | Recommended |
|---|---|---|
| Android | Android 9; more than 1 GB RAM; 1 GB storage; OpenGL ES 3.1 | Use the newest Android release available for the device with headroom above the published RAM and storage floor; Mojang Studios does not publish a separate chipset target |
| iPhone | iOS 14 or later and enough free space for the current App Store build and worlds | A current supported iPhone on the latest iOS release; Mojang Studios advises newer devices for all features and smoother play |
| iPad | iPadOS 14 or later and enough free space for the current App Store build and worlds | A current supported iPad on the latest iPadOS release; Mojang Studios advises newer devices for all features and smoother play |
| Platform | Supported hardware | Online requirement |
|---|---|---|
| PlayStation | PlayStation 4 or PlayStation 5 | PlayStation Network account; Microsoft account for cross-platform features; paid online subscription may be required |
| Xbox | Xbox One or Xbox Series X/S | Microsoft account; paid online subscription may be required |
| Nintendo | Nintendo Switch; Minecraft is also supported on Nintendo Switch 2 | Nintendo Account and linked Microsoft account for cross-platform features; paid online subscription may be required |