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Minecraft Bedrock & Java Editions coming to Xbox Game Pass for PC in November

Both versions of the Mojang classic are coming to Xbox Game Pass for PC.

October 16, 2021 9:25 AM

Some might take for granted that Minecraft has been around for a decade and can be played on just about any platform. However, it's not a free-to-play game. It still costs money to jump in. However, that's about to change for Xbox Game Pass users. During Saturday's Minecraft Live show, it was revealed that both Minecraft's Bedrock and Java Editions would be available as part of Xbox Game Pass for PC.

I see you raising your hand in the back, Minecraft newbie, and you're asking, "What is the difference between Java and Bedrock?" The short answer is, Java is the original Minecraft, which is still supported to this day. Bedrock is the newer, multi-platform version of Minecraft, the one on which console versions are built. As such, Bedrock is the Minecraft that supports cross-platform play. Now that this question has been answered, PC users can breathe a sigh of relief knowing that both Minecraft versions will be available through Xbox Game Pass for PC as part of a package called the Minecraft PC Bundle.

"Launching exclusively with Game Pass for PC on November 2 2021, the Minecraft PC Bundle brings Minecraft: Java Edition and Minecraft: Bedrock Edition for Windows together in the same launcher," reads the announcement on the Minecraft website. "Having both editions means that you can cross-play to your heart’s content, even with consoles and mobile! Your days of picking and choosing are over, except when it comes to snacks. Now all you have to do is launch the same edition as the Minecrafter you want to play with, and start working on your sweet, sweet gravel block builds!"

It won't be long before Xbox Game Pass for PC owners can jump into Minecraft, with November 2 just a few weeks away. We have much more from Minecraft Live, so check out Shacknews and catch up with the latest updates.

Ozzie Mejia

Senior Editor

Ozzie has been playing video games since picking up his first NES controller at age 5. He has been into games ever since, only briefly stepping away during his college years. But he was pulled back in after spending years in QA circles for both THQ and Activision, mostly spending time helping to push forward the Guitar Hero series at its peak. Ozzie has become a big fan of platformers, puzzle games, shooters, and RPGs, just to name a few genres, but he’s also a huge sucker for anything with a good, compelling narrative behind it. Because what are video games if you can't enjoy a good story with a fresh Cherry Coke?

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