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Game guide

Minecraft

SandboxSurvivalBuildingFantasyBlock World
A gameplay scene from Minecraft.

Game overview

What is Minecraft?

A sandbox building and survival game whose multiplayer behavior differs materially between Java and Bedrock editions.

What you actually do

The core loop

Building, crafting, exploration and survival shape the main loop.

How progress works

Progress through open ended gear and world progression.

Action and interaction

Expect melee and ranged.

How the game is structured

Explore an open world.

WhatToGame Verdict

9.3WTG score

Best for

Who this works for.

Small groups

Excellent for small groups

Couples

Excellent for couples

Mixed skill levels

Excellent for mixed-skill groups

Your setup

Can your group play it?

The essentials first, with platform-specific detail available below.

Players2+ players online; maximum not verified; 2-4 players locally
Ways to playOnline co-op, LAN, Couch co-op, Local multiplayer and Split-screen
PlatformsPC, Mac, Linux, Xbox Series, PS5, Nintendo Switch and Mobile
CrossplayCrossplay depends on editionJava Edition only plays with Java Edition. Bedrock Edition supports cross-platform play across PC, Xbox Series, PS5, Nintendo Switch and Mobile.
Player and mode details3 setups

Java Edition

  • 2+ players online; maximum not verified
  • LAN play

Java supports servers/LAN; exact max depends on server configuration.

Bedrock Edition on Xbox Series, PS5 and Nintendo Switch

  • 2+ players online; maximum not verified
  • 2-4 players locally
  • Couch co-op
  • Split-screen
  • LAN play
  • Local and online players can mix

Console Bedrock split screen supports up to four players.

Bedrock Edition on PC and Mobile

  • 2+ players online; maximum not verified
  • LAN play

Bedrock cross-platform pool. Local split-screen is console-only.

In play

Alex defends a house from zombies, skeletons, and creepers at night.
Three Minecraft characters emerge from a Nether portal together.
Wooden walkways cross a deep cave filled with cobwebs and spiders.

Availability

Platform differences.

Important edition and storefront differences remain available without taking over the page.

Check platform and storefront details2 groups

Java Edition

PC · Mac · Linux

  • External account required
  • Java cross-plays only with Java on desktop OSes; not Bedrock.

Bedrock Edition

PC · Xbox Series · PS5 · Nintendo Switch · Mobile

  • External account required
  • Online subscription required on console
  • Bedrock cross-platform pool excludes Java.
  • Console Bedrock supports split screen.
  • No local split-screen on mobile.

PC hardware

Will it run?

Well suited to modest PCs.

View minimum PC requirementsExact specs
CPU
4-core CPU (new Java baseline)
GPU
Vulkan 1.3 GPU with 2GB VRAM; discrete or integrated conditions
RAM
8 GB
Steam Deck
Unknown

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