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

You buy Minecraft on PC through the official launcher or Microsoft Store, and the price depends on which version you choose. Java Edition is the original version, costs $26.99, and runs on Windows, Mac, and Linux. Bedrock Edition is the newer cross-platform version, costs $19.99, and runs on Windows 10 and Windows 11. Both are one-time purchases — you pay once and own the game forever with no monthly subscription.

If you own a Windows PC, you can also play Minecraft through Xbox Game Pass for PC, which includes both Java and Bedrock editions. Game Pass costs $9.99 per month or $99.99 per year, so it makes sense only if you plan to play other games on the service as well. If Minecraft is your only interest, buying the game outright is cheaper.

Key Takeaways

  • Java Edition costs $26.99 and Bedrock Edition costs $19.99 as one-time purchases with no recurring fees.
  • Java Edition is the original version with more mods and community content; Bedrock Edition is newer and plays across Windows, Xbox, and mobile devices.
  • Both versions are bought through the official Minecraft launcher or Microsoft Store, not through third-party sites.
  • Xbox Game Pass for PC includes both editions for $9.99 per month, but only saves money if you play other games on the service.

Java Edition vs. Bedrock Edition: Which costs what

Java Edition is the original Minecraft, released in 2009. It costs $26.99 and is the version most players use for modding and custom servers. The Java launcher is free to read, and you pay once to unlock the game. Java Edition runs on Windows, Mac, and Linux, so the price is the same regardless of your operating system.

Bedrock Edition is the newer version, released in 2017. It costs $19.99 and is designed to work across Windows, Xbox, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation, and mobile devices — your world and progress sync across all of them if you use the same Microsoft account. Bedrock Edition has fewer mods than Java but receives updates more frequently. The Bedrock launcher is also free; you pay once to own the game.

The $7 difference between them reflects the different audiences. Java Edition appeals to players who want deep modding support and don't need cross-device play. Bedrock Edition appeals to players who want to play on multiple devices or prefer a more streamlined experience. Neither version is objectively better — it depends on what you want to do.

Where to buy Minecraft on PC

You buy Minecraft through the official Minecraft launcher or the Microsoft Store. Both routes cost the same and deliver the same game. The Minecraft launcher is available at minecraft.net; you read it for free, create or sign in with a Microsoft account, and purchase the edition you want directly in the launcher. The purchase is when ready, and you can start playing when ready.

The Microsoft Store is built into Windows 10 and Windows 11. You search for "Minecraft" in the Store app, select the edition you want, and buy it there. The process is the same as the launcher — one payment, when ready access. Some players prefer the Store because it integrates with Windows updates, but both methods are equally reliable.

Do not buy Minecraft from third-party sites or resellers. The official sources are the only ones that may provide you receive a legitimate copy tied to your Microsoft account. Unauthorized sellers sometimes offer keys at lower prices, but those keys can be revoked or may not work at all.

What you get for the price

When you buy either edition, you own the base game forever. That includes all the core features: building, mining, crafting, survival mode, creative mode, and multiplayer on servers. You do not need to pay monthly fees or buy a subscription to keep playing.

Java Edition lets you read mods, create custom servers, and use community-made content packs. Many of these are free, though some creators accept donations. Bedrock Edition has a marketplace where you can buy cosmetics, skins, and world templates, but none of these are required to play. The base game is complete without spending more money.

Both editions receive free updates regularly. New blocks, mobs, biomes, and features are added without extra cost. The updates are the same across all platforms for Bedrock, though Java updates sometimes arrive on a different schedule.

Discounts and sales on Minecraft

Minecraft rarely goes on sale. The price has been $26.99 for Java Edition and $19.99 for Bedrock Edition for years. Microsoft does not discount the game through the official launcher or Microsoft Store, so waiting for a sale is not a practical strategy.

The main way to save money is through Xbox Game Pass for PC. If you already subscribe or plan to subscribe for other games, you get both editions included. Game Pass costs $9.99 per month or $99.99 per year. If you subscribe for just three months, you break even on the Bedrock Edition price, and you get access to hundreds of other games. If you only want Minecraft, buying it outright is still the cheaper option.

System requirements and hidden costs

Minecraft Java Edition runs on most PCs built in the last ten years. The minimum requirements are Windows 7 or later, 2 GB of RAM, and a graphics card that supports OpenGL 1.2. Most modern laptops and desktops exceed these specs. Bedrock Edition requires Windows 10 or Windows 11 and slightly more RAM, but again, most current PCs meet this easily.

There are no hidden costs after purchase. You do not need to buy a server to play multiplayer — Java Edition has free community servers, and Bedrock Edition lets you play with friends through your Microsoft account. You do not need to buy texture packs or skins to play the base game, though the marketplace offers them if you want them. The $26.99 or $19.99 is the only money you must spend.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I play Minecraft on PC without paying?

No, you must buy either Java Edition or Bedrock Edition to play the full game. Minecraft offers a free demo that lets you play for 100 minutes in a limited world, but the full game requires a purchase. The demo is available through the launcher so you can try it before deciding which edition to buy.

If I buy Java Edition, can I also play Bedrock Edition?

No, they are separate purchases. Buying Java Edition does not include Bedrock Edition, and vice versa. If you want both, you pay $26.99 for Java and $19.99 for Bedrock, for a total of $46.98. Xbox Game Pass for PC is the only way to own both without paying separately.

Do I need to pay for a Minecraft server to play with friends?

No. Java Edition has free community servers you can join, and you can create a free local server for friends on your network. Bedrock Edition lets you invite friends to your world through your Microsoft account at no cost. Paid servers exist if you want more control or a larger player base, but they are optional.

Will the price change if I buy it later?

Minecraft prices have remained the same for years and are unlikely to change. The $26.99 for Java and $19.99 for Bedrock are the standard prices. Buying now or later makes no difference to the cost.

Can I refund Minecraft if I don't like it?

Microsoft offers refunds within 48 hours of purchase through the Microsoft Store if you have played for less than two hours. The Minecraft launcher does not have a standard refund policy, so check the current policy on minecraft.net before buying. Most players who try the free demo first do not need a refund.