Minecraft

Minecraft is an open sandbox game by Mojang Studios, in which a world built from blocks can be freely explored, changed and built on. Procedurally generated worlds combine gathering, crafting, building and exploration with fights against creatures and travel to other dimensions.

The two main editions are the Java Edition for desktop systems and the Bedrock Edition for Windows, consoles and mobile devices. Both are continuously developed and regularly receive new content.

The first full version of Minecraft was released in November 2011 as Java Edition 1.0. Since then, the game has been expanded across numerous platforms.

New content regularly arrives as free Game Drops. Since 2026, the version numbers of Java and Bedrock start with the respective year. Major expansions can launch in parallel, while smaller releases may differ from each other.

On Oct 27, 2026, the standalone native version for Nintendo Switch 2 with Vibrant Visuals was released.

The Bedrock Edition is available on Windows, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, PS4, PS5, Nintendo Switch, Nintendo Switch 2, iOS and Android, among others. The Java Edition runs on Windows, macOS and Linux.

Bedrock supports cross-platform play between supported devices. Java and Bedrock remain separate editions with different server and content ecosystems.

Since Oct 27, 2026, Nintendo Switch 2 has a native version that supports Vibrant Visuals. In split-screen and with certain Marketplace content, the graphics option is not available. The Switch 2 version is technically distinct from the older, backward-compatible Switch edition.

In Survival mode you gather resources, craft tools, weapons and armor, build shelters and explore the Overworld as well as other dimensions. Health points, hunger and hostile creatures give the open world a clear survival framework, without dictating a fixed path through it.

Creative is aimed at free building instead. Resources are unlimited, your character can fly and large projects can be built without survival progress. Multiplayer, community servers and Realms extend both core ideas with shared worlds for friends and larger communities.

Minecraft is mainly expanded through free Game Drops, which add new blocks, creatures, items and game mechanics. Bedrock also offers free and paid content via the Minecraft Marketplace, including add-ons, skins and texture packs.

With Marketplace Pass and Realms Plus there are also subscription models for rotating creator content and private multiplayer worlds respectively. These offers belong to the Bedrock ecosystem and should not be equated with Java Edition.

The Sift is set to come to Minecraft as a new dimension in 2027. At Minecraft LIVE on Sept 26, 2026, Mojang announced that the location already known from Minecraft Dungeons II will appear in both Java Edition and Bedrock Edition.

At the time of the announcement, many details remained open. Mojang had previously presented The Sift for Minecraft Dungeons II as an alien world behind mysterious rifts.

Mojang is adding a new Ice Cave biome to Minecraft, which generates beneath cold Overworld biomes. The caves consist mainly of Packed Ice and Calcite and are defined by Icicles and glowing Ice Crystals. The new content is part of the final Game Drop 2026 and will be tested in Java snapshots and Bedrock Preview/Beta before the regular release.

The Frostbite is a new zombie variant. It can trigger the Freezing effect in melee combat and throw Ice Balls from a distance. Ice Balls also serve as the basis for new Freezing potions; Mojang notes that details of the ongoing test versions may still change before the final drop.

Since Oct 27, 2026, Minecraft has been available in its own version for Nintendo Switch 2. Vibrant Visuals improves lighting, shadows and fog, among other things, and is the default display there.

The exclusive Super Mario Mash-Up Pack with adapted graphics is also included. Besides the Standard Edition, Deluxe and Ultimate Collection offer additional add-ons, character customizations and Minecoins. These are content variants of the same native platform version.

Existing worlds from the Nintendo Switch edition can be transferred to Switch 2. Vibrant Visuals is not available in split-screen and with certain Marketplace content.