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

The price you pay for Minecraft on your computer depends on which version you buy. Minecraft Java Edition, the original version that runs on Windows, Mac, and Linux, costs $26.99 as a one-time purchase. Minecraft Bedrock Edition, the newer cross-platform version for Windows 10 and Windows 11, costs $19.99. Both are sold through the official Minecraft launcher and the Microsoft Store, and you own the game permanently once you buy it—there is no monthly subscription required.

The difference between the two versions matters because they are not the same game. Java Edition has been around since 2009 and has a larger modding community; Bedrock Edition is newer and plays on phones, tablets, and consoles in addition to Windows. If you already own one version, you do not automatically get the other—you must purchase them separately.

Key Takeaways

  • Minecraft Java Edition costs $26.99 and Minecraft Bedrock Edition costs $19.99, both as one-time purchases with no recurring fees.
  • Java Edition runs on Windows, Mac, and Linux; Bedrock Edition runs on Windows 10 and Windows 11 only on PC.
  • You buy Minecraft through the official Minecraft launcher website or the Microsoft Store, not through third-party retailers.
  • Owning one version does not give you the other version—if you want both, you must pay for both.
  • Realms, a subscription service for multiplayer worlds, costs extra and is optional; the base game works fine without it.

How to Buy Minecraft Java Edition

To buy Minecraft Java Edition, go to the official Minecraft launcher at launcher.minecraft.net. Click "Buy Now" and you will be taken to the payment page. You can pay with a credit card, debit card, or a Microsoft account balance. The purchase is when ready—you will receive your license key right away and can start downloading the game.

Java Edition requires a Microsoft account to play, but you do not need Game Pass or any subscription. Once you own it, you can install it on as many computers as you want using the same account, though only one person can play at a time per license. If you lose access to your Microsoft account, you lose access to the game, so keep your login information safe.

How to Buy Minecraft Bedrock Edition

Minecraft Bedrock Edition is sold through the Microsoft Store on Windows 10 and Windows 11. Open the Microsoft Store app on your computer, search for "Minecraft," and click "Get" or "Buy." The purchase will charge your Microsoft account payment method. You will own the game when ready and can start playing.

Bedrock Edition is also included in Xbox Game Pass for PC, which costs $9.99 per month. If you already have Game Pass, you do not need to buy Minecraft separately—it is already included. Game Pass also includes hundreds of other games, so if you play multiple titles, the subscription may be cheaper than buying Minecraft outright.

What You Get With Your Purchase

When you buy either version of Minecraft, you get the base game with access to Creative Mode (unlimited building with no survival threats), Survival Mode (gathering resources and fighting enemies), and Spectator Mode (flying around and watching without interacting). You can play single-player worlds for free with no time limit.

Multiplayer is also included. In Java Edition, you can join public servers or create private worlds for friends. In Bedrock Edition, you can play with up to four people on the same local network for free, or use Realms (see below) to play with friends remotely. Neither version charges you per hour or per world.

Realms: The Optional Subscription

Realms is a subscription service that lets you host a world that stays online even when you are not playing, so friends can visit anytime. Realms costs $7.99 per month for Java Edition and $7.99 per month for Bedrock Edition. It is entirely optional—you can play multiplayer with friends without it by using public servers (Java) or local network play (Bedrock).

Realms is useful if you want a private world that only your friends can access and you do not want to run a server on your own computer. If you are just playing casually with one or two people, you probably do not need it. The subscription renews monthly unless you cancel it.

Price Differences by Region and Currency

The prices listed above are in US dollars. If you are buying from outside the United States, the price will be converted to your local currency at the current exchange rate. The actual amount you pay depends on your country and payment method—some regions may see slightly different prices due to local taxes or payment processing fees.

Microsoft occasionally runs sales on Minecraft Bedrock Edition through the Microsoft Store, though Java Edition rarely goes on sale. If you are watching for a discount, check the Microsoft Store app regularly during major shopping events like Black Friday or holiday sales.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I play Minecraft for free on my computer?

No, both Java and Bedrock editions require a purchase. However, you can play the free Minecraft demo on Windows, which gives you 100 in-game days (about 33 hours) to explore a single world. After that, you must buy the full game to continue playing.

Do I need Xbox Game Pass to play Minecraft?

No. You can buy Minecraft Bedrock Edition outright for $19.99, or you can subscribe to Xbox Game Pass for PC at $9.99 per month and play it that way. Game Pass is only cheaper if you plan to use it for other games as well.

Can I use the same account to play on my computer and my phone?

If you own Bedrock Edition, yes—you can play on Windows, phones, and tablets with the same Microsoft account. Java Edition only runs on computers, not phones or tablets. You cannot transfer a Java Edition license to Bedrock or vice versa.

What happens if I stop paying for Realms?

Your Realms world will be saved for 18 months. If you resubscribe within that time, you can read your world and keep playing. After 18 months, the world is deleted. You can always read your world before your subscription ends to keep a copy on your computer.

Is Minecraft more expensive on PC than on other platforms?

Bedrock Edition costs $19.99 on all platforms (Windows, phone, tablet, console). Java Edition is only on PC and costs $26.99. Console versions of Bedrock cost the same as the PC version. Prices are the same whether you buy on a computer or another device.