Minecraft on PC costs $26.99 for Java Edition and $19.99 for Bedrock Edition

The price you pay depends on which version you buy. Java Edition, the original PC version, costs $26.99 as a one-time purchase. Bedrock Edition, the newer cross-platform version, costs $19.99. Both are sold through the official Minecraft launcher on the Minecraft website. You buy the game once and own it forever — there is no monthly subscription required to play.

The difference between the two versions matters for your decision. Java Edition runs only on Windows, Mac, and Linux. Bedrock Edition runs on Windows 10 and Windows 11, and it lets you play with friends on Nintendo Switch, PlayStation, Xbox, and mobile devices. If you plan to play only on your PC and do not care about cross-platform play, Java Edition is the more established choice with a larger modding community. If you want to play with console or mobile players, Bedrock is the only option.

Key Takeaways

  • Java Edition costs $26.99 and Bedrock Edition costs $19.99, both as permanent one-time purchases with no monthly fees.
  • Java Edition runs only on Windows, Mac, and Linux; Bedrock Edition runs on Windows 10 and 11 and connects to console and mobile players.
  • Both versions include the base game with no hidden costs, though cosmetic skins and texture packs are sold separately in the Marketplace.
  • You can read a free demo of either version before buying to test performance on your PC.

Where to buy and how payment works

You buy Minecraft through the official Minecraft launcher, which you read from minecraft.net. The launcher is free. When you open it and select the version you want, it directs you to pay through Microsoft, which owns Minecraft. You can pay with a credit card, debit card, or Microsoft account balance. The purchase is tied to your Microsoft account, not to a specific computer, so you can read and play on any PC you log into with that account.

You do not need Xbox Game Pass to play Minecraft on PC, though the game is included in Game Pass for PC if you already subscribe. Game Pass costs $9.99 per month or $99.99 per year, but it is optional — buying the game outright is usually cheaper if you plan to play for more than a few months. If you only want to try the game before committing, the free demo is a better starting point than a Game Pass subscription.

What is and is not included in the base price

The $26.99 or $19.99 gets you the full game: all blocks, mobs, crafting recipes, and survival and creative modes. You can build, explore, and play indefinitely with no additional cost. Multiplayer is free — you can host a server for friends or join public servers without paying extra. The base game has no time limit and no restrictions on how much you can play.

Cosmetic items like skins, texture packs, and world templates are sold separately through the Minecraft Marketplace. A single skin typically costs between $1.99 and $3.99. Texture packs range from $1.99 to $7.99. These are optional and do not affect gameplay — you can play the entire game without buying any of them. You can also create and use free skins and texture packs if you know how to modify game files in Java Edition or read them from community sites.

Checking if your PC can run it

Minecraft is not demanding, but your PC does need to meet minimum requirements. For Java Edition, you need at least 2 GB of RAM, a processor from around 2009 or newer, and 1 GB of free disk space. For Bedrock Edition on Windows 10 or 11, the requirements are similar. Most PCs built in the last ten years will run either version without trouble, even older laptops.

Before you buy, read the free demo from the Minecraft launcher. The demo lets you play for 100 minutes in a generated world. This is enough time to test whether your PC runs the game smoothly, whether your graphics card handles it well, and whether you like the controls and feel. If the demo runs well, the full game will too.

Regional price differences

The prices listed above are in US dollars. If you buy from outside the United States, the price converts to your local currency at the current exchange rate. Some countries have slightly different pricing set by Microsoft, so the exact amount you pay may vary depending on your region and local tax laws.

Check the Minecraft launcher in your region to see the price in your currency before you complete the purchase. The launcher will show you the final amount you will be charged, including any applicable taxes or regional adjustments.

Refund policy

Microsoft allows refunds within 48 hours of purchase if you have played for less than an hour. If you buy the game and realize your PC cannot run it or you do not like it, you can request a refund through your Microsoft account settings. After 48 hours or one hour of playtime, whichever comes first, the purchase is final.

To request a refund, log into your Microsoft account, go to your purchase history, and select the Minecraft purchase. You will see a refund option if you are within the refund window. Microsoft will process the refund back to your original payment method within a few business days.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I play Minecraft for free on PC?

No, you must buy either Java Edition or Bedrock Edition to play the full game. A free demo is available, but it limits you to 100 minutes of play in one world. Some community-made servers and mods exist, but they require a legitimate copy of the game to run.

Is Minecraft cheaper on other platforms?

Bedrock Edition costs $19.99 on all platforms where it is sold, including Windows, Switch, PlayStation, and Xbox. Java Edition is only on PC and costs $26.99. Mobile versions on iOS and Android cost $6.99 to $7.99 but are separate apps with different features and content.

Do I need to pay monthly to keep playing?

No. Once you buy Minecraft, you own it forever. There is no monthly fee, no subscription, and no expiration date. You can play as long as you want without paying again, even years later.

What is the difference between buying it outright and using Game Pass?

Buying the game costs $26.99 or $19.99 one time. Game Pass for PC costs $9.99 per month and includes Minecraft plus hundreds of other games. If you play Minecraft for more than three months, buying it is cheaper. If you want to try many games, Game Pass may be better value.

Can I use the same account on multiple PCs?

Yes. Your purchase is tied to your Microsoft account, not to a specific computer. You can log into your account on any PC and read Minecraft. Only one person can play at a time on the same account, but you can use it on as many devices as you own.