Survival mode is an as-of-yet unimplemented, but planned gamemode for Minecraft. It is expected to coincide with the beta release of the game. It will be a premium gamemode; available only to purchasers and pre-purchasers of the game.
What Is Known
Information about the mode comes from segments of Notch's devblog:
- Server owners will be able to choose from a number of difficulty levels. It also should be noted that Notch is planning to make Survival Mode very difficult.
- Roaming NPCs which can either be friendly or agressive.
- Food, wich is used to replenish health can be gained through farming or hunting.
- Tools, weapons and armors will be craftable.
- Drowning is possible, as well as dying in lava.
- Building blocks will require resources, so you have to mine and chop to obtain them.
- Ore will be used to forge weapons and armor.