View source for Minecraft

{{Italic title}}
{{About|the game in general|the game data folder|.minecraft|the editions that use the title "Minecraft"|Bedrock Edition|other uses|Minecraft (disambiguation)}}
{{Program
| title = ''Minecraft''
| image = Mclogo.svg|alt=Minecraft logo
| imagesize = 280px
| author =
* [[File:Mojang Studios logo.svg|20px|link=Mojang Studios|alt=Mojang Studios logo]] [[Mojang Studios]] <small>[https://minecraft.net/credits (Credits)]</small>
* {{w|Xbox Game Studios}} <small>({{el|be|ee}})</small>
* [[File:4J.png|20px|link=4J Studios|alt=4J Studios logo]] [[4J Studios]] <small>({{el|be}})</small>
* [[File:skyboxlabs.png|20px|link=SkyBox Labs|alt=SkyBox Labs logo]] [[SkyBox Labs]] <small>({{el|be}})</small>

| platform =
; {{el|je}}
: {{OS|win|mac|lin}}
; {{el|be}}
:; Native
:: {{OS|win10|and|ios}}<br>{{OS|fire|firetv}}{{OS|xb1|switch|ps4}}
:; Backwards Compatibility
:: {{OS|xbsx/s|ps5}}
; {{el|ee}}
: {{OS|win|mac|ios|chrome}}

| programming language =
* {{w|Java (programming language)|Java}} <sup>(Java Edition)</sup>
* {{w|C++}}<ref>{{tweet|jeb|122350670648066049}}</ref> <sup>(Bedrock and Education Editions)</sup>

| version =
* {{el|je}}: {{v|java}} {{#if: {{v|java-snap}} | <br>({{v|java-snap}}) }}
* {{el|be}}: {{v|bedrock}} {{#if: {{v|bedrock-beta}} | <br>({{v|bedrock-beta}}) }}
* {{el|ee}}: {{v|education}}
| date =
;{{el|je}}
: '''May 17, 2009''' <small>([[Classic]])</small>
: December 23, 2009 <small>([[Indev]])</small>
: February 27, 2010 <small>([[Infdev]])</small>
: June 28, 2010 <small>([[Java Edition Alpha|Alpha]])</small>
: December 20, 2010 <small>([[Java Edition Beta|Beta]])</small>
: '''November 18, 2011''' <small>([[Java Edition#Full release|Release]])</small>
;{{el|be}}
: '''Android''': August 16, 2011
: '''iOS''': November 16, 2011
: '''Fire OS''': April 2, 2014
: '''Windows Mobile''': December 10, 2014
: '''[[Windows 10 Edition|Windows 10]]''': July 29, 2015
: '''Fire Phone''': 25 July 2014
: '''[[Gear VR Edition|Gear VR]]''': April 27, 2016
: '''[[Apple TV Edition|Apple TV]]''' and '''[[Fire TV Edition|Fire TV]]''': December 19, 2016
: '''Xbox One''': September 20, 2017
: '''Nintendo Switch''': June 21, 2018
: '''iPadOS''': September 24, 2019
: '''PS4''': December 10, 2019
;{{el|lce}}
: '''[[Xbox 360 Edition|Xbox 360]]''': May 9, 2012
: '''[[Xbox One Edition|Xbox One]]''': September 5, 2014
: '''[[PlayStation 3 Edition|PS3]]''': December 17, 2013
: '''[[PlayStation 4 Edition|PS4]]''': September 4, 2014
: '''[[PS Vita Edition|PS Vita]]''': October 14, 2014
: '''[[Wii U Edition|Wii U]]''': December 17, 2015<ref>http://www.mojang.com/2015/12/minecraft-coming-to-nintendo-wii-u</ref>
: '''[[Nintendo Switch Edition|Nintendo Switch]]''': May 11, 2017
;''[[Pi Edition]]''
: February 11, 2013
;{{el|ee}}
: November 1, 2016<ref>http://www.mojang.com/2016/11/minecraft-education-edition-has-launched</ref>
;{{el|ds}}
: September 13, 2017<ref>{{article|minecraft-new-3ds|Minecraft on new 3DS!}}</ref>
| ratings = See {{el|je}}, {{el|be}}, {{el|ee}}
| size = See {{el|je}}, {{el|be}}, {{el|ee}}
| source available = '''Java Edition''': Partial<br>'''Bedrock/Education Edition''': No

| license = [https://minecraft.net/terms Terms of Use]
| customlink = https://minecraft.net Website
}}
{{Q|Explore your own unique world, survive the night, and create anything you can imagine!|[[minecraft.net]]|Minecraft}}

'''''Minecraft''''' is a {{w|sandbox game|sandbox video game}} originally created by [[Notch|Markus "Notch" Persson]]. It is maintained by [[Mojang Studios]], a part of [[Xbox Game Studios]], which in turn is part of {{w|Microsoft}}.
 
From its creation, ''Minecraft'' was developed almost exclusively by Notch until [[Jeb|Jens "Jeb" Bergensten]] started working with him, and has since become head of its development. It features [[music]] by [[C418|Daniel "C418" Rosenfeld]] and by [[Lena Raine]] and [[painting]]s by [[Kristoffer Zetterstrand]]. Initially released as what is now known as ''Minecraft'' [[Classic]] on May 17, 2009, the game was [[Java Edition#Official release|fully released]] on November 18, 2011. Since its release, ''Minecraft'' has expanded to [[Bedrock Edition|mobile devices and consoles]]. On November 6, 2014, Minecraft and all of Mojang Studios' assets were acquired by {{w|Microsoft}} for US$2.5 billion.<ref>http://www.mojang.com/2014/09/yes-were-being-bought-by-microsoft</ref><ref>{{tweet|xboxp3|530368089418784768}}</ref> Notch has since left Mojang, and is no longer working on Minecraft. 

''Minecraft'' focuses on allowing the [[player]] to explore, interact with, and modify a dynamically-generated [[Overworld|map]] made of {{w|Cubic metre|one-cubic-meter-sized}} [[blocks]]. In addition to blocks, the environment features [[plants]], [[mobs]], and [[items]]. Some activities in the game include mining for [[ore]], fighting hostile [[mobs]], and [[crafting]] new blocks and [[tools]] by gathering various resources found in the game. The game's open-ended model allows players to create structures, creations, and artwork on various multiplayer servers or their single-player maps. Other features include [[redstone circuits]] for logic computations and remote actions, [[minecart]]s and [[Rail|tracks]], and a mysterious underworld called [[the Nether]]. A designated but completely optional goal of the game is to travel to a dimension called [[the End]], and defeat the [[ender dragon]].{{image frame|content={{yt|MmB9b5njVbA}}|caption=Minecraft Trailer from 2011|link=Minecraft|align=right|width=425}}

== Purchase and availability ==

{{el|je}} can be purchased from the [https://minecraft.net Minecraft website]. Gift codes can be bought for others, for the same price as buying the game for oneself. The demo version can be played for free. {{el|je}} does not run on Windows RT tablets or a Chromebook.<ref>https://help.minecraft.net/hc/articles/360035131371</ref>

{{el|be}} can be purchased on the [https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.mojang.minecraftpe Google Play Store], [https://apps.apple.com/app/id479516143 Apple App Store], [https://amazon.com/dp/B00992CF6W Fire/Fire Phone App Store], [https://microsoft.com/p/-/9wzdncrdzsbb Windows 10 Mobile Store], [https://microsoft.com/p/-/9n4km90ctzt6 Windows 10 Store], [https://oculus.com/experiences/gear-vr/1046887318709554 Oculus Store], [https://amazon.com/Minecraft/dp/B01NCJDPER Fire TV App Store], [https://microsoft.com/p/-/9NBLGGH537BL Xbox One Store] and [https://nintendo.com/games/detail/minecraft-switch Nintendo Switch Nintendo eShop].

[[Legacy Console Edition]] can be purchased physically or on the respective platform's store, including the [https://marketplace.xbox.com/Product/66acd000-77fe-1000-9115-d802584111f7 Xbox 360 Marketplace] for [[Xbox 360 Edition]] and the [https://nintendo.com/games/detail/minecraft-wii-u-edition Nintendo eShop] for [[Wii U Edition]]. The [[PlayStation 3 Edition]] and [[PlayStation Vita Edition]] can only be purchased through their respective consoles directly. The [[Xbox One Edition]], [[Nintendo Switch Edition]], and [[PlayStation 4 Edition]] are no longer available for direct digital purchase. These versions are considered to be discontinued.
 
[[New Nintendo 3DS Edition]] can be purchased physically or on the [https://nintendo.com/games/detail/minecraft-new-nintendo-3ds-edition Nintendo eShop]. This version is considered to be discontinued.

== Gameplay ==
{{main|Gameplay}}

[[File:Survival1.13.png|right|thumb|A newly created ''Minecraft'' world.]]

=== Player ===
{{main|Player}}
[[File:Steve.png|thumb|upright|alt=Steve player character model|One of the two default [[player]] characters, called Steve.|left]]

The player is the person that the user controls in the world. When the user starts a game, the player is put in a world, generated by a random or specified [[Seed (level generation)|seed]], with an empty [[inventory]]. If the [[bonus chest]] option is enabled, a chest filled with basic items generates near the player. The player has a [[health]] bar with 10 hearts, and can be damaged by falls, suffocation, drowning, [[fire]], [[lava]], [[lightning]], [[cacti]], [[sweet berries|sweet berry bushes]], falling into [[the Void]], falling [[anvil]]s and being hit by [[mob]]s and other players. Damage to health can be mitigated by [[armor]] or [[Resistance]] potion and health can be restored by eating [[food]] and drinking specific potions, or if [[difficulty]] is set to Peaceful, health regenerates on its own. [[Hunger]] is also a factor if the difficulty is not set to Peaceful, depleting over time and even faster while [[sprinting]], [[jumping]] or [[swimming]]. [[Food]] replenishes the hunger level; however, eating [[rotten flesh]] and [[raw chicken]] has a chance of giving the player a hunger effect. Depending on the difficulty level, starvation depletes a player's health, and may even kill the player.

A player can change their [[skin]] on the profile page of [[Minecraft.net]] or in the [[launcher]].

=== Blocks ===
{{main|Block}}

The world of ''Minecraft'' takes place within a {{w|Cubic honeycomb|three-dimensional grid of cubes}}, with each cube being occupied by a certain type of block (not all of which are necessarily cubic). There are different types of blocks; natural blocks such as [[grass]], [[stone]], and [[ore]]s are randomly generated within the world. There are also blocks that players can [[Crafting|craft]], such as a [[crafting table]] and a [[furnace]]. Resources can be extracted from blocks by hand or by using [[tools]]. Some of these resources are simply blocks in the player's inventory that can be placed elsewhere, while others are used as material to create other blocks or tools. Others yield no practical use whatsoever. Some blocks cannot be broken through normal survival means, e.g. [[bedrock]], [[end portal frame]]s, [[command block]]s, and [[barrier]]s.

=== Mining ===
{{main|Mining}}
[[File:MultipleOreVeins.png|right|thumb|Various [[ore]]s (in proximity of [[lava]]) that can be mined with a [[pickaxe]].]]

Mining is one of the main aspects of ''Minecraft'' and is done to extract [[ore]] and other materials mainly from below the surface of the map. These ores include [[coal ore|coal]], [[iron ore|iron]], [[gold ore|gold]], [[redstone ore|redstone]], [[diamond ore|diamond]], [[lapis lazuli ore|lapis lazuli]], and [[emerald ore|emerald]]. Mining can involve [[digging]] a hole from the surface or going down through a [[cave]]. [[Mineshaft]]s create extra areas that may contain resources, since they are usually rich in ores.

=== Crafting and smelting ===
{{Main|Crafting|Smelting}}
[[File:Crafting Table.png|thumb|upright|left|A crafting table, used to create most of the blocks and items in ''Minecraft''.]]

Crafting allows players to create new [[tool]]s and [[block]]s using items from their [[inventory]]. Subsequent versions often contain crafting recipes for new blocks and items. To craft, a player can use the 2×2 grid in the inventory or the 3×3 grid provided by a [[crafting table]]. Smelting requires a [[furnace]] in addition to fuel, and processes blocks into a more useful form such as [[iron ore]]s into [[iron ingot]]s.

=== Brewing and enchanting ===
{{Main|Brewing|Enchanting}}
[[File:Enchantment Table animated experience.gif|right|thumb|An [[Enchantment Table]] with glyphs being absorbed into it.]] 

Brewing creates [[potion]]s from various ingredients and water using a [[brewing stand]]. They are stored in a [[glass bottle]] and then consumed by the player or thrown at other mobs to generate a certain effect based on the ingredients used to create the potion. Enchanting is also used to upgrade armor, tools, or weapons with an [[enchanting table]]. More powerful enchantments can be accessed by gaining [[experience]] and placing [[Bookshelf|bookshelves]] around the enchanting table.

=== Mobs ===
{{main|Mobs}}
[[File:Creeper in forest.png|thumb|upright|right|A [[creeper]] in a [[forest]]. Creepers stalk the player and then explode once they get near.]]

Mobs (short for "mobiles") are the animals and other creatures that inhabit the map. Hostile mobs attack the player while passive mobs do not. Neutral mobs attack when provoked.

The [[Overworld]] contains many passive mobs that may be killed for food or bred with one another; these include:

* [[Pig]]s: drop porkchops upon death and can be ridden using a [[saddle]].
* [[Cow]]s: drop beef upon death and can be milked using a [[bucket]].
* [[Sheep]]: drop mutton and 1 [[wool]] upon death and can be [[Shears|shorn]] to produce 1–3 wool.
* [[Chicken]]s: drop chicken meat and feathers upon death and lay [[egg]]s.
* [[Horse]]s: drop leather upon death and can be ridden using a saddle, traveling much faster than pigs.
* [[Bat]]s: ambient mobs that fly around caves.

Common hostile mobs found throughout the Overworld include:

* [[Zombie]]s: attack by melee damage.
* [[Skeleton]]s: have a [[bow]] and infinitely many [[arrow]]s.
* [[Spider]]s: jump large distances and can climb walls.
* [[Witch|Witche]]s: use [[potion]]s.
* [[Creeper]]s: explode when near the player.
* [[Endermen]]: tall, black creatures with purple eyes and turn aggressive when the player looks at them.

The Overworld also contains some rarer mobs that spawn only on occasion or in specific [[biome]]s:

* [[Spider jockey]]s: a skeleton riding a spider.
* [[Chicken jockey]]s: a baby zombie riding a chicken.
* [[Slime]]s: spawn deep within the map and in [[Swamp|swamplands]].
* [[Villager]]s: inhabit [[village]]s and can [[trade]] with the player.
* [[Parrot]]s: can imitate the sounds of nearby mobs.
* [[Wolves]]: can be tamed by the player and attack enemy mobs if the player engages or is attacked by them.
* [[Mooshroom]]s: mushroom variants of cows that spawn in mushroom field biomes.
*[[Vindicator|Vindicator:]] spawn in [[Woodland Mansion|woodland mansions]].
*[[Pillager|Pillager:]] spawn in [[Pillager Outpost|pillager outposts]].
*[[Evoker|Evoker:]] spawn in [[Woodland Mansion|Woodland Mansions]].

Some mobs can be found exclusively in [[the Nether]], including:

* [[Ghast]]s: flying mobs that shoot exploding fireballs at the player.
*[[Zombified Piglin|Zombified piglins]]: wield [[golden sword]]s and attack in hordes if provoked.
* [[Wither skeleton]]s: tall, black variants of regular skeletons that wield stone swords and drop coal and, occasionally, [[Wither Skeleton Skull|wither skeleton skull]]<nowiki/>s that can be used to summon the [[wither]].
* [[Blaze]]s: shoot fireballs at players and hover above the ground.
* [[Magma cube]]s: similar to Overworld [[slimes]].

[[The End]] contains the [[ender dragon]], which is the main boss mob in ''Minecraft'' and allows the player to exit back to the Overworld when it dies.

[[Wither]]s are the second boss mob in ''Minecraft'', and are created by the player by placing [[wither skeleton skull]]s on top of [[soul sand]] in a specific pattern. When spawned, they shoot wither skulls at nearby non-[[undead]] mobs.

=== The Nether ===
{{main|The Nether}}
[[File:The Nether.png|thumb|right|The Nether.]]

The Nether is a dimension in ''Minecraft'', accessible from the [[Overworld]] by a [[nether portal]]. It consists of five unique biomes, those being the [[Nether Wastes]], the [[Basalt Deltas]], the [[Crimson Forest|Crimson]] and [[Warped Forest|Warped Forests]] and the [[Soul Sand Valley|Soul Sand Valleys]]: each biome has unique generation and terrain. It is populated by [[Zombified Piglin|zombified piglins]], [[blaze]]s, [[ghast]]s, [[wither skeleton]]s, [[magma cube]]s, [[piglin]]s and [[hoglin]]s. The nether also has massive lava lakes that have [[Strider|striders]] walking on them.

=== The End ===
{{main|The End}}
[[File:The End.png|thumb|right|The End.]]

The End is another dimension of the game where the player battles the [[ender dragon]]. The End is accessible by entering an [[end portal]] found in a [[stronghold]]. The End is composed of [[end stone]] and is inhabited by [[endermen]]. It also contains tall [[obsidian pillar]]s on top of which are [[end crystal]]s that heal the ender dragon. Once the ender dragon is slain, the [[exit portal]] is created in the center of the map, and an [[end gateway portal]] is created near an edge of the map, which transports the player to the expansive [[outer end islands]].

=== Multiplayer ===
{{Main|Server|Multiplayer}}
[[File:PlayerVersusPlayer.png|thumb|right|PvP on a multiplayer server.]]

''Minecraft'' multiplayer servers have developed to include their own rules and customs, guided by their [[admin]]istrators and moderators. The term [[Tutorials/Griefing|griefer]], meaning a player who causes grief, is a typical term on the Internet but has taken up its definition on ''Minecraft'' servers: a person who destroys or defiles other users' creations on servers. 

Griefers are the reason many server administrators make rules, but this has been taken a step further with modifications to the Minecraft server and even plugin-based replacement servers such as [[mcservers:Bukkit|Bukkit]]. Because of these plugin-based servers, new user-created features have shown up in ''Minecraft''. This includes features like money, vehicles, protection, RPG elements and more. These features normally do not require modification to a user's client and can be accessed by using chat commands. With the default controls, the chat screen is brought up by pressing {{key|T}}.

One popular game on multiplayer servers is [[Spleef]] (a play on the word "grief"), a game where the player aims to make another player drop through the floor by destroying blocks beneath the opponent's feet. This is typically played in a designated area and is usually run automatically using server plugins.

Many popular multiplayer servers exist that may contain custom [[minigames]] or large [[Survival]] or [[Creative]] worlds.

==== Minecraft Realms ====
{{main|Realms}}

'''Minecraft Realms''' is an official subscription-based [[server]] hosting service that allows players to create and manage their own private ''Minecraft'' servers. Hosted by [[Mojang Studios]], Realms provides an easy and fast way to create servers and allows the owner to manage them from inside the game, without prior knowledge of the concepts for hosting on the Internet. However, Realms are not intended for large public servers, but for groups of friends or as a family server.<ref>{{tweet|danfrisk|311725356434460672}}</ref> Private Realms servers are easy to set up and available 24/7 as long as the owner pays for it.

== Editions ==
[[File:Minecraft Sales Data.png|thumb|right|''Minecraft'' sales data, up to December, 2015.]]

{{Main|Edition}}

=== Java Edition ===
{{main|Java Edition}}

The original platform for ''Minecraft'', running on Windows, macOS, and Linux and started through the [[Java Edition launcher|launcher]]. The game was initially released for an "early private singleplayer alpha" on May 16, 2009, followed by several development stages (notably Classic, Indev, Infdev, Alpha, Beta) with the game finally being released on November 18, 2011. The Java Edition has seen many significant updates since its official release.

=== Bedrock Edition ===
{{main|Bedrock Edition}}
[[File:Pocket.jpg|thumb|right|Notch with the Pocket Edition of ''Minecraft''.]]

The '''Bedrock Edition''' (also known as the '''Bedrock Platform''', '''Bedrock Codebase''' or '''Bedrock Engine''') refers to the multi-platform family of editions of ''Minecraft'' developed by [[Mojang Studios]] and {{w|Xbox Game Studios}}. Prior to this term, as the engine originated with Pocket Edition, this entire product family has been referred to using as "Pocket Edition", "MCPE", or "Pocket/Windows 10 Edition".

'''''Minecraft''''', with no subtitle, is the title of all Bedrock editions of Minecraft. Before the [[Better Together Update]], it had different subtitles on different platforms including [[Pocket Edition]] (for all mobile platforms), [[Windows 10 Edition]], [[Gear VR Edition]], and [[Fire TV Edition]].

The Pocket Edition was initially launched exclusively for the {{w|Sony Ericsson Xperia Play|Xperia PLAY}} on Google Play<ref>https://play.google.com/details?id=com.mojang.minecraftpe</ref> for US$6.99 on August 16, 2011. It was later released for other {{w|Android (operating system)|Android}} devices on October 7, 2011,<ref>{{tweet|kappische|122246496941899776}}</ref> and {{w|iOS}} on November 17, 2011.<ref>http://appleinformer.org/2011/11/minecraft-pocket-edition-for-ios-now-available-for-download</ref> On September 13, 2012, the Pocket Edition was made available for purchase on the Amazon Appstore. The {{w|Windows Phone}} version was released on the Windows Store on December 10, 2014,<ref>https://windowscentral.com/minecraft-pocket-edition-comes-windows-phone</ref> for which the [[Pocket Edition 1.0.0]] release and newer are available only for Windows 10 Phone and newer. Since then, four adaptations of Pocket Edition have been released; for [[Windows 10 Edition|Windows 10]] on July 29, 2015, the [[Gear VR Edition|Samsung Gear VR]] on April 27, 2016, the [[Apple TV Edition|Apple TV]] on December 19, 2016, and the [[Fire TV Edition|Amazon Fire TV]] on December 19, 2016.<ref>http://www.mojang.com/2015/07/announcing-minecraft-windows-10-edition-beta</ref><ref>https://www3.oculus.com/en-us/blog/minecraft-now-available-on-oculus-for-gear-vr</ref><ref>https://minecraft.net/article/apple-tv-edition-released</ref><ref>https://amazon.com/dp/B01NCJDPER</ref> As of September 24, 2018, the [[Apple TV Edition]] has been discontinued.

=== Legacy Console Edition ===
{{main|Legacy Console Edition}}

Legacy Console Edition refers to the editions of ''Minecraft'' for consoles that are developed and updated by [[4J Studios]].

The Legacy Console Edition was initially announced for the {{w|Xbox 360}} on June 7, 2011, during {{w|E3 2011}}. [[Xbox 360 Edition]] released digitally on May 9, 2012 followed by a physical release on June 4, 2013. The game was later released on additional platforms as [[PlayStation 3 Edition]] on December 17, 2013, [[PlayStation 4 Edition]] on September 4, 2014, [[Xbox One Edition]] on September 5, 2014, [[PlayStation Vita Edition]] on October 14, 2014, [[Wii U Edition]] on December 17, 2015, and [[Nintendo Switch Edition]] on May 11, 2017. As of December 10, 2019, no further feature updates have been released for these versions, and the newest available update depends on the platform. The most recent update on [[Xbox One Edition]] and [[Nintendo Switch Edition]] is the [[World of Color Update]], while [[Xbox 360 Edition]], [[PlayStation 3 Edition]], [[PlayStation Vita Edition]], and [[Wii U Edition]] have access to [[Update Aquatic]]. [[PlayStation 4 Edition]] is the most up-to-date version with [[Village & Pillage]].

=== Education Edition ===
{{main|Education Edition}}

''Minecraft: Education Edition'' is an educational version of Minecraft specifically designed for classroom use. It is developed by Mojang AB and Xbox Game Studios and contains features that make Minecraft easy to use in a classroom setting. The full game was released on November 1, 2016.

=== New Nintendo 3DS Edition ===
{{main|New Nintendo 3DS Edition}}

''Minecraft: New Nintendo 3DS Edition'' was released on September 13, 2017. It is a unique port developed by [[Other Ocean Interactive]]. It is available on the Nintendo eShop, but only for the New 3DS and New 2DS. Multiplayer is limited to local play. This edition was discontinued on January 15, 2019.

=== Other ===

There are a number of other versions of Minecraft. ''[[Minecraft 4k]]'' is a simple version of ''Minecraft'' in the style of other "4k" Java games (everything is packaged in 4 kilobytes) that Notch has entered in contests. The Pi Edition was a free ported version of the [[Pocket Edition version history#0.5.0|0.5.0 version]] of ''[[Pocket Edition]]'' for the {{w|Raspberry Pi}},<ref>http://www.mojang.com/2012/11/minecraft-is-coming-to-the-raspberry-pi</ref> which was intended as an educational tool for novice programmers. It allowed users to manipulate the game code and supported multiple programming languages, however was discontinued in January 2016.
{{-}}

=== Edition comparison ===
{| class="wikitable sortable" style="width: auto; text-align: center; font-size: smaller" data-description="Edition comparison"
! Edition
! Price ({{w|USD}})
! Developer
! Platforms
! Download
! Input methods
! Account type
! Skin changes
! Support
! Notes
|-
! {{el|je}}
| $26.95
| [[Mojang Studios]]
| {{w|Windows}}, {{w|MacOS|macOS}} & {{w|Linux}} PCs
| [https://minecraft.net minecraft.net]
| Keyboard & Mouse
| Mojang<br>Microsoft
| Free, user-created
| [https://help.minecraft.net help.minecraft.net]
| The most feature complete version. Access to occasional test updates known as [[snapshots]].
|-
! {{el|be}}
| $6.99 – $29.99
| [[Mojang Studios]]<br>{{w|Xbox Game Studios}}<br>[[4J Studios]]<br>[[SkyBox Labs]]
| {{w|Windows 10}} PCs, {{w|Samsung Gear VR|Gear VR}}, {{w|Amazon Fire TV|Fire TV}}, {{w|Xbox One}}<nowiki>, Xbox Series X|S (via backwards compatibility), </nowiki>{{w|Nintendo Switch}}, {{w|PlayStation 4}}, PlayStation 5 (via backwards compatibility), {{w|iOS}}, {{w|iPadOS}}, {{w|Android}}, and {{w|Fire OS|Fire/Fire Phone}} devices
| Microsoft, Oculus, Amazon, Apple, Google, Nintendo eShop, and PlayStation Network stores
| Keyboard & Mouse<br>Touchscreen<br>Controller<br>Gamepad
| Microsoft Account (for achievements)<br>Nintendo Account (for Nintendo Switch Online)<br>PlayStation Plus (for online play)
| Free, user-created, via in-app purchase, or via Xbox Live
| [https://support.xbox.com support.xbox.com]
| Cross-platform local server multiplayer. Windows 10, Xbox, and Android users have access to occasional test updates known as [[Bedrock Edition version history/Development versions|betas]].
|-
! {{el|ee}}
| $1 – $5 per user per year
| {{w|Xbox Game Studios}}
| Mac, iOS 12 (iPad only), iPadOS, Windows 10 PCs, Chrome OS
| [https://education.minecraft.net education.minecraft.net]
| Keyboard & Mouse<br>Touchscreen<br>Controller<br>Gamepad
| Microsoft Office 365
| Free, user-created
| [https://educommunity.minecraft.net educommunity.minecraft.net]
| Designed for teaching.
|-
! [[Minecraft China|China Version]]
| Free
| [[Mojang Studios]]<br>{{w|Xbox Game Studios}}<br />{{w|NetEase}}
| Windows, Android, iOS, and iPadOS
| [https://mc.163.com mc.163.com]
| Keyboard & Mouse<br>Touchscreen<br>Controller
| NetEase
| Free, user-created, or via in-app purchase
| [https://mc.163.com mc.163.com]
| Transplanted from {{el|je|be}}
|}

== Game customization ==

=== Add-ons ===
{{main|Add-on}}
'''Add-ons''' are the first step toward bringing customization to all editions of ''Minecraft'' and are officially supported by [[Mojang Studios]]/''Minecraft''. Currently, add-ons are supported only on {{el|be}} platforms. They currently allow players to transform the look of their worlds, change the behavior of mobs, and add entities, items and blocks.

=== Resource packs ===
{{Main|Resource pack}}

The game officially supports changing most of its various textures, sounds, and texts through resource packs. Resource packs must contain a certain structure of files and folders placed in the <samp>[[.minecraft]]/resourcepacks</samp> folder. Installed resource packs, as well as the folder in which resource packs are placed, can be accessed in the options menu. The extent to which the resources are changed is dependent on how many files are contained in the resource pack.

=== Data pack ===
{{Main|Data pack}}

Data packs{{only|java}} provide a way for players to further customize vanilla worlds in a similar way to resource packs. Unlike resource packs, which modify the game's resources, data packs can be used to override or add new advancements, functions, loot tables, structures, recipes and tags without any code modification.

=== Skins ===
{{main|Skin}}

Skin refers to the texture that is placed onto a player model or mob.
The skin is divided into areas that act as the surface area of the character (for example, the front head area, left leg area, etc.). A skin allows only solid color; transparency is not allowed on the skin file except on the second layer, which is transparent by default; playing offline, pixels can be left free resulting in "holes" in the skin. The second layer can be used to give the character glasses, hats, or other accessories. Players can also change the arm size to be slim or normal. The slim variant is 3 pixels wide while the normal variant is 4 pixels wide.

==== Bedrock Edition ====
{{IN|bedrock}}, there are many more types of skin customization. [[Player]]s can add 3D custom hair, eyes, mouths, arms, legs and more. Players can also change the size of a character. Players can also get many different accessories for the skin. However, the player cannot do this with a custom skin, only with an in-game skin. Players can also buy accessories and skins {{in|bedrock}}. Having a skin that is smaller than normal or larger does not affect the hitbox size, but can still give an advantage in multiplayer servers because if how much harder it is to see them. Some of the skins also do not show their armor or hand-held [[item]]s.

==== Java Edition ====
{{IN|java}}, there are no special features in the skins. This version has only the features listed in the first part of this section.

=== Capes ===
{{main|Cape}}

Capes are a rare vanity item can be equipped to the back of a player. The player can have a custom cape using mods or hacks, but only the player or sometimes other players using the mod/hack can see it. {{IN|bedrock}}, players start with a cape that is not equipped by default. {{IN|bedrock}}, some skins come with capes. 

Capes also flail around when the player runs. When the player equips elytra, the texture of the elytra changes to an equipped cape.

=== Unofficial mods ===
{{main|Mods}}

''Minecraft'' can be modified by replacing or adding Java class files to <samp>[[minecraft.jar]]</samp> {{in|java}}. This method of making modifications is not supported by Mojang as it can break the game if the mod is outdated, defective, or in conflict with another mod. Some such modifications impressed Notch or Jeb sufficiently that they were added to the game and the authors were credited under Additional Programming. Some examples of mods being implemented into the main game include Hippoplatimus' [[Piston]] Mod and horses from Dr. Zhark's Mo' Creatures mod were added in [[Beta 1.7]] and [[Java Edition 1.6.1|1.6.1]] respectively.

=== Third-party programs ===
{{main|Programs and editors}}

There are many programs designed for ''Minecraft''. These include 3D map editors and viewers, game modifiers, various informational programs (such as crafting recipes), and server wrappers, and other specialty programs. As with mods, these too are not supported by Mojang.

== Media ==

=== Film ===

==== The Story of Mojang ====
{{main|Minecraft: The Story of Mojang}}

'''''Minecraft: The Story of Mojang''''' is a 2012 documentary created by 2 Player Productions about the history and development of [[Mojang Studios]]. It was directed by Paul Owens and produced by Paul Levering, Peter De Bourcier and Burnie Burns, with additional funding given through a Kickstarter campaign. The movie was announced on February 21, 2011, was streamed on Xbox Live on December 22, 2012, and publicly released on other platforms, including The Pirate Bay, the next day.

==== The Movie ====
{{main|Minecraft: The Movie}}

'''''Minecraft: The Movie''''' is an upcoming live-action American-Swedish film based on the video game of the same name. It was originally being directed by {{w|Rob McElhenney}} and written by {{w|Jason Fuchs}}, but have now been replaced by {{w|Peter Sollett}} and {{w|Allison Schroeder}}. Originally slated to be released on March 4, 2022, the release date is now unknown due to the {{w|COVID-19 pandemic}}.

=== Novels ===

==== The Island ====
{{main|Minecraft: The Island}}

'''''Minecraft: The Island''''' is a novel by American author {{w|Max Brooks}}. It was published by {{w|Del Rey Books}} on July 18, 2017.

==== The Crash ====
{{main|Minecraft: The Crash}}

'''''Minecraft: The Crash''''' is a novel by Trinidadian author Tracey Baptiste. It was published by Del Rey Books on July 10, 2018.

==== The Lost Journals ====
{{main|Minecraft: The Lost Journals}}

'''''Minecraft: The Lost Journals''''' is a novel by American author {{w|Mur Lafferty}}. It was published by Del Rey Books on July 9, 2019.

==== The End ====
{{main|Minecraft: The End}}

'''''Minecraft: The End''''' is a novel by American author {{w|Catherynne M. Valente}}. It was published by Del Rey Books on December 3, 2019.

==== The Voyage ====
{{main|Minecraft: The Voyage}}

'''''Minecraft: The Voyage''''' is a novel by American author {{w|Jason Fry}}. It was published by Del Rey Books on May 5, 2020.

==== The Shipwreck ====
{{main|Minecraft: The Shipwreck}}

'''''Minecraft: The Shipwreck''''' is a novel by Chinese-Vietnamese-American author {{w|C.B. Lee}}. It was published by Del Rey Books on November 3, 2020.

==== The Mountain ====
{{main|Minecraft: The Mountain}}

'''''Minecraft: The Mountain''''' is an novel by American author Max Brooks. A sequel to ''Minecraft: The Island'', it was published by Del Rey Books on March 2, 2021.

==== The Dragon ====
{{main|Minecraft: The Dragon}}

'''''Minecraft: The Dragon''''' is an upcoming novel by American author Nicky Drayden. It is slated to be published by Del Rey Books on July 6, 2021.

==== Mob Squad ====

'''''Minecraft: Mob Squad''''' is an upcoming novel by American author {{w|Delilah S. Dawson}}. It is slated to be published by Del Rey Books on September 28, 2021.<ref>[https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/669354/minecraft-mob-squad-by-delilah-s-dawson/ ''Minecraft: Mob Squad'' by Delilah S. Dawson]</ref>

=== Children's books ===

==== Woodsword Chronicles ====
{{main|Minecraft: Woodsword Chronicles}}

'''''Minecraft: Woodsword Chronicles''''' is a series of children's books written by Nick Eliopulos and illustrated by Luke Flowers and Alan Batson.

==== Stonesword Saga ====
{{main|Minecraft: Stonesword Saga}}

'''''Minecraft: Stonesword Saga''''' is an upcoming series of children's books written by Nick Eliopulos.

=== Other ===

==== Minecraft Mini-Series ====
{{main|Minecraft Mini-Series}}

The '''''Minecraft Mini-Series''''' is an action/adventure animated web series based on [[Mojang Studios]]'s ''Minecraft''. The series is produced by Mojang AB and {{w|Xbox Game Studios}} in collaboration with {{w|Atomic Cartoons}} and {{w|Mattel#Mattel Creations|Mattel Creations}}, with Christopher Keenan serving as executive producer, and premiered on October 26, 2017, on the Mattel Action YouTube channel, with the final episode being released on May 10, 2018.

==== Dark Horse Comics series ====
{{main|Minecraft (Dark Horse Comics)}}

'''''Minecraft''''' is a graphic novel series based on the video game of the same name, published by {{w|Dark Horse Comics}} in partnership with Mojang Studios.

==== Builders & Biomes ====
{{main|Minecraft: Builders & Biomes}}

'''''Minecraft: Builders & Biomes''''' is a board game published by Mojang Studios and {{w|Ravensburger}}. In the game, players explore the Overworld and build structures while defeating hostile mobs, with the goal being to score as many experience points as possible. Players are also allowed to collect blocks and weapons.

== Other games ==

=== Story Mode ===
{{main|Minecraft: Story Mode}}

'''''Minecraft: Story Mode''''' was an episodic point-and-click narrative-driven graphic adventure video game based on the sandbox video game Minecraft, released in October 2015 across multiple platforms with a {{w|Windows 10}} release on December 16, 2015, a {{w|Wii U}} release on January 21, 2016, and Apple TV release on August 24, 2016, a {{w|Nintendo Switch}} release on August 22, 2017, and a {{w|Netflix}} release on November 27, 2018. The game was developed by [[Mojang Studios]], the developer of Minecraft, in collaboration with {{w|Telltale Games}}. Music for the game was composed by Anadel, an atmospheric folk band based in California. The game follows the episodic format that Telltale has used for its previous titles, where player choices and actions have significant effects on later story elements. The game is discontinued as of June 25, 2019, due to the closure of Telltale Games on October 11, 2018.

=== Story Mode - Season Two ===
{{main|Minecraft: Story Mode - Season Two}}

'''''Minecraft: Story Mode - Season Two''''' was an episodic point-and-click narrative-driven graphic adventure {{w|video game}} based on the sandbox video game ''Minecraft'', released in July 2017 across multiple platforms, with a {{w|Nintendo Switch}} released on November 6, 2018. The game was developed by [[Mojang Studios]], the developer of ''Minecraft'', in collaboration with {{w|Telltale Games}}. Music for the game was composed by Anadel, an atmospheric folk band based in California. The game follows the episodic format that Telltale has used for its previous titles, where player choices and actions have significant effects on later story elements. The game is discontinued as of June 25, 2019, due to the closure of Telltale Games on October 11, 2018.

=== Dungeons ===
{{main|Minecraft Dungeons}}

'''''Minecraft Dungeons''''' is an action/adventure role-playing game developed by [[Mojang Studios]], {{w|Xbox Game Studios}} and {{w|Double Eleven}}. It released May 26, 2020 release for {{w|Microsoft Windows|Windows}}, {{w|Nintendo Switch}}, {{w|PlayStation 4}} and {{w|Xbox One}}.

=== Earth ===
{{main|Minecraft Earth}}

'''''Minecraft Earth''''' is an {{w|augmented reality}} mobile game that was released in October 17, 2019, and is available on iOS (iOS 13 and later), iPadOS, and Android (8.0 and later) The Both iOS Must support ARKit And ARCore and it also needs Wi-Fi Internet access.

== Merchandise ==

=== LEGO ''Minecraft'' ===
{{main|LEGO Minecraft}}

In December 2011, Mojang submitted the concept of ''Minecraft'' merchandise to {{w|LEGO}} for the LEGO Ideas (then known as LEGO Cuusoo) program, from which it quickly received 10,000 votes by users, prompting LEGO to review the concept.<ref>https://kotaku.com/5878848</ref> On January 24, 2012, LEGO Ideas announced the concept was approved and they would develop sets based around ''Minecraft''. In February 2012, the first [[LEGO Minecraft|LEGO ''Minecraft'']] set of ''Micro World'' was showcased and made available for pre-order, with a release set for mid-2012.<ref>https://news.cnet.com/8301-17938_105-57379791-1</ref>

=== Minecraft Books ===
{{main|Minecraft Books}}

'''''The Official Minecraft Books''''' are a series of guidebooks for ''Minecraft'', written for new and inexperienced players while being high-quality enough for collectors. The books are written by various authors; a few of them being well-known ''Minecraft'' personalities such as {{w|Jordan Maron}} and Paul Soares Jr. Originally published by {{w|Scholastic Corporation|Scholastic}} beginning in 2013, publishing rights were later transferred to {{w|Del Rey Books}} in 2016, who have continued publishing various ''Minecraft'' books to this day.

==Reception==
===Awards===
[[File:MojangTrophies.jpg|thumb|right|upright|Mojang Studios' trophies.]]

Since release ''Minecraft'' has won numerous awards including:
* ''PC Gamer's'' "Game of the Year"<ref>https://pcgamer.com/2010/12/31/pc-gamer-uks-game-of-the-year</ref>
* Independent Games Festival's Grand Prize and "Audience Award"<ref>https://indiegamesplus.com/2011/01/2011_independent_games_festiva_10</ref>
* ''Good Game's'' "Best Downloadable Game of 2010"<ref>https://abc.net.au/tv/goodgame/stories/s3085956.htm</ref>
* ''Rock Paper Shotgun's'' "Game of the Year"<ref>https://rockpapershotgun.com/2010/12/24/the-games-of-christmas-%E2%80%9910-day-24</ref>
* [[2010 Indie of the Year Awards|Indie DB's]] "Indie of the Year", "Most Innovative and Best Singleplayer Indie"<ref>https://indiedb.com/events/2010-indie-of-the-year-awards/winners</ref>
* Game Developers Choice Awards's "Best Debut Game", "Best Downloadable Game" and "Most Innovative Game Award"<ref>https://gamechoiceawards.com/archive/gdca_11th.html</ref>

== References in popular culture ==
Many references have been made in culture in response to the popularity of ''Minecraft'', this includes many [https://knowyourmeme.com/search?q=minecraft memes] and also references in these video games, TV shows, and movies.

=== Video games ===

* In ''Super Meat Boy'', [[Player|Steve?]]<ref>{{tweet|notch|6825860292157440}}</ref> is an unlockable character. He is known as Mr. Minecraft in this game.
* In ''Battlefield Heroes'', players could get a [https://i.imgur.com/6nB3h.jpg Royal Minecraft T-Shirt] or a [https://i.imgur.com/c1pUi.jpg National Minecraft T-Shirt] from the 29th to the 31st of July, 2011.<ref>http://www.mojang.com/2011/07/30/collaboration-with-our-neighbors-battlefield-heroes</ref>
* In ''Team Fortress 2'', there is a hat called [https://wiki.teamfortress.com/wiki/Top_Notch Top Notch] that resembles [[Notch]]'s avatar in a [[Blocks|cubic]] form.<ref>[[wordofnotch:13353738451]]</ref> Notch is the only person to have this hat.
* In ''The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim'' and ''The Binding of Isaac'', an item called the "Notched Pickaxe" can be found and used, referencing the game's creator Notch, and the [[pickaxe]]s that feature prominently in ''Minecraft''.<ref>https://skyrim.gamepedia.com/Notched_Pickaxe</ref><ref>https://bindingofisaacrebirth.gamepedia.com/Notched_Axe</ref>
* In ''ChopLifter HD'', there is a hidden island with [[Player|Steve]] and [[chicken]]s in the "Operation Charlie Takedown" mission.<ref>https://youtube.com/watch?v=xF4bWOu0Hn0</ref> When he is saved, players unlock an in-game achievement. It should be noted that Steve is called "Blockhead" in this game.
* In the PlayStation 3 game, ''PixelJunk Shooter 2'', there's a small Creeper in the title screen hidden among other enemies native to ''Shooter 2''.<ref>http://archive.beefjack.com/files/2011/03/creeper2.jpg</ref> <!-- The Creeper can be seen right in the middle of the screen -->
* In ''Borderlands 2'', there is a hidden section of the game with blocks in the style of ''Minecraft''{{'}}s stone and breakable ore blocks. There are also enemy Creepers in this same area.<ref>https://youtube.com/watch?v=1xI4deYmDNQ</ref>
* In ''Torchlight 2'', there is an area called "Notch's Mine." In it are Creepers, that can be killed for loot. There are also hidden swords in the game with the same graphics as swords in ''Minecraft''.<ref>https://youtube.com/watch?v=wlqBPeV8uuw</ref>
* In Patch 1.13 of ''Awesomenauts'', a new skin for the character Clunk was added known as Creeper Clunk. It is unlocked by killing a player using the Creeper Clunk skin.<ref>https://imgur.com/a/WzQI3#bm2rLCQ</ref>
* A vehicle card in ''Dusk of D.A.W.N.'' is called "Mine Craft". The description at the bottom says "The Mine Craft is truly top-[[notch]]".<ref>https://reddit.com/r/Minecraft/comments/1kji7a/mine_craft_from_dusk_of_dawn_a_small_tribute</ref> Notch's Twitter picture is hidden on the card.
* One of the many paths in ''The Stanley Parable'' eventually takes the player to a Minecraft world.<ref>https://youtube.com/watch?v=ULxvda_REuQ</ref>
* In ''Plague Inc'', a popular multiplatform game, there is a chance for a message in the news to appear with the headline: "Top notch mine opens in Sweden" and the caption "Miners and crafters look forward to the opening of a new, top notch diamond mine which is expected to revitalize the Swedish economy". This is a reference to the value of diamonds, Notch, Mojang's headquarters in Sweden, and the game itself.<ref>https://i.imgur.com/qKCIxPZ.jpg</ref>
* In ''Terraria'', there is a wearable creeper costume.<ref>https://youtube.com/watch?v=7g2WcnvUtiY</ref>
* In ''The Henry Stickmin Collection'', there are multiple references to Minecraft throughout the chapters. In the prologue, Breaking the Bank, if the player chooses the "shovel" option, Henry tries to get inside the bank by digging under the walls, but hits and ignites a gas main; the failure message is "Never dig straight down.", a well-known Minecraft tip. In chapter 2, Stealing the Diamond, if the player selects the "sneak in" option and then the "pickaxe", Henry begins to mine the wall of the museum the diamond is in, only for a creeper to come up behind him and explode. Henry survives, however, and the explosion gave the entrance that Henry needed. In chapter 5, Completing the Mission, if the player launches with the "Government Supported Private Investigator" and "Convict Allies" ending, and then selects the "jetpack" option, the player can select the "build" option, in which Henry begins building a bridge out of dirt blocks from the building he is standing on to the Toppat rocket. However, Henry runs out of dirt blocks and accidently walks off the edge, and falls to his death, dropping a stick, steak and leather boots, with the fail message saying "You died!", similar to the Minecraft death screen. Additionally, if the player launches with the "Government Supported Private Investigator" and "Ghost Inmate" ending, and then selects the "Magic Hat" and "Free Transform" options, the player can select the "Leafmöde" option, and a diamond block can be seen near the painting.
* In ''There Is No Game : Wrong Dimension'', there is a RPG Dimension called ''Legend of the Secret'' and its Free2Play variant ''Legend of the Secret Ultimate Clicker VIP Deluxe 4.2 Free'' with lootboxes contain parody ads. One of those ads is ''Ninecraft'' with [[C418]]-like BGM, and player can break the title, get nine puzzle pieces and combine them in a 3x3 grid to make a pickaxe useful in gameplay. Mr. Game comments ''Ninecraft'' as "another one of those 'indie games' that's doomed to fail".
* In ''Ark: Survival Evolved,'' Ovis commonly makes a variety of sheep sounds.
* In ''Super Smash Bros Ultimate'', Steve, Alex, the Zombie, and the Enderman are featured fighters included in its DLC, as well as themed stages and remixed music.

=== TV shows and movies ===

* In season 17 of South Park, the 2nd episode depicted a kid teaching Minecraft to adults.<ref>https://www.southparkstudios.com/episodes/4sa1hk/south-park-informative-murder-porn-season-17-ep-2</ref>
* In the ''The Walking Deceased'' movie trailer, the Minecraft zombie sound can be heard at 0:30.<ref>https://youtube.com/watch?v=eEJzl3GX0P8#t=0m28s</ref>
* In season 25 of The Simpsons, the 17th episode had a couch gag known as SimCraft, complete with Bartender Moe as a creeper blowing up the house.<ref>https://youtube.com/watch?v=XheEGpNegbQ</ref>
* In Season 3 Episode 10 of ''Rick and Morty'', the title characters mention or are seen playing Minecraft throughout parts of the episode.<ref>https://youtube.com/watch?v=wwqvG_5iQSQ</ref>
* In ''{{w|Ready Player One (film)|Ready Player One}}'' (Steven Spielberg), the opening scene in the Oasis shows a Minecraft planet.
* In season 10 of ''Adventure Time'', an episode named ''Diamonds and Lemons'' shows the characters in a Minecraft-like universe.

== References ==
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