View source for Minecraft

{{Italic title}}
{{About|the video game|the franchise|Minecraft (franchise)|the Java Edition game data folder|.minecraft|the edition that uses the title "Minecraft"|Bedrock Edition|other uses|Minecraft (disambiguation)}}
{{Program
| title = ''Minecraft''
| image = Java_Edition_1.18.png
| image2 = Bedrock_1.18.0.png
| imagesize = 280px
| image2size = 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>({{els|be|ee}})</small>
* [[File:skyboxlabs.png|20px|link=SkyBox Labs|alt=SkyBox Labs logo]] [[SkyBox Labs]] <small>({{BE}})</small>
* [[File:4J.png|20px|link=4J Studios|alt=4J Studios logo]] [[4J Studios]] <small>({{el|lce}})</small>
* [[File:OtherOceanLogo.png|20px|link=Other Ocean Interactive|alt=Other Ocean Interactive logo]] [[Other Ocean Interactive]] <small>({{el|ds}})</small>

| platform =
; {{JE}}
: {{OS|winwm}}<br>{{OS|mac|lin}}
; {{BE}}
:; Native
:: {{OS|winwm}}<br>{{OS|andwm}}<br>{{OS|ios|ipad|fire}}<br>{{OS|xb1|nsf|ps4}}
:; Backwards Compatibility
:: {{OS|xsx|ps5}}
; {{el|ee}}
: {{OS|winwm}}<br>{{OS|mac|chrome}}<br>{{OS|ios|ipad}}

| 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 =
* {{JE}}: {{v|java}} {{#if: {{v|java-snap}} | <br>({{v|java-snap}}) }}
* {{BE}}: {{v|bedrock}} {{#if: {{v|bedrock-beta}} | <br>({{v|bedrock-beta}}) }}
* {{el|ee}}: {{v|education}} {{#if: {{v|education-beta}} | <br>({{v|education-beta}}) }}
| date =
;{{JE}}
: '''May 17, 2009''' <small>([[Classic]])</small>
: December 23, 2009 <small>([[Indev]])</small>
: February 27, 2010 <small>([[Infdev]])</small>
: June 30, 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>
;{{BE}}
: '''Android''': August 16, 2011
: '''iOS''': November 16, 2011
: '''Fire OS''': April 2, 2014
: '''Galaxy Store''': Unknown{{verify}}
: '''Windows Phone 8.1''': December 10, 2014
: '''Fire Phone''': 25 July 2014
: '''Windows''': July 29, 2015
: '''[[Gear VR Edition|Gear VR]]''': April 27, 2016
: '''Oculus Rift''': August 15, 2016
: '''Chrome OS''': September 2016
: '''[[Apple TV Edition|Apple TV]]''' & '''[[Fire TV Edition|Fire TV]]''': December 19, 2016
: '''Windows 10 Mobile''': February 22, 2017
: '''Xbox One''': September 20, 2017
: '''Windows Mixed Reality''': November 21, 2017
: '''Nintendo Switch''': June 21, 2018
: '''iPadOS''': September 24, 2019
: '''PlayStation 4''': December 10, 2019
: '''PlayStation VR''': September 22, 2020
;{{el|lce}}
: '''[[Xbox 360 Edition|Xbox 360]]''': May 9, 2012
: '''[[Xbox One Edition|Xbox One]]''': September 5, 2014
: '''[[PlayStation 3 Edition|PlayStation 3]]''': December 17, 2013
: '''[[PlayStation 4 Edition|PlayStation 4]]''': September 4, 2014
: '''[[PS Vita Edition|PlayStation Vita]]''': October 14, 2014
: '''[[Wii U Edition|Wii U]]''': December 17, 2015<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20151207180938/https://www.mojang.com/2015/12/minecraft-coming-to-nintendo-wii-u/ Minecraft coming to Nintendo Wii U] - Mojang.com; December 7, 2015</ref>
: '''[[Nintendo Switch Edition|Nintendo Switch]]''': May 11, 2017
;''[[Pi Edition]]''
: February 11, 2013
;{{el|ee}}
: November 1, 2016<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20161104025605/http://mojang.com/2016/11/minecraft-education-edition-has-launched ''Minecraft: Education Edition'' has launched!] - Mojang.com; November 1, 2016</ref>
;{{el|ds}}
: September 13, 2017<ref>{{article|minecraft-new-3ds|Minecraft on new 3DS!}}</ref>
| ratings = See {{JE}}, {{BE}}, {{el|ee}}
| size = See {{JE}}, {{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 Minecraft Official Site
}}{{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>[https://web.archive.org/web/20140915131835/https://mojang.com/2014/09/yes-were-being-bought-by-microsoft/ Yes, we're being bought by Microsoft] - Mojang.com; September 15, 2014</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 building, 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 [[Combat|competitive]] or collaborative [[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]].

== Purchase and availability ==
{{FakeImage|{{yt|MmB9b5njVbA}}|Minecraft Trailer|align=right}}
{{JE}} can be purchased from the [https://minecraft.net/store/minecraft-java-edition 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. {{JE}} is not officially supported on Windows RT or Chrome OS.<ref>https://help.minecraft.net/hc/articles/360035131371</ref>

{{BE}} can be purchased on [https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.mojang.minecraftpe Google Play], the [[Bedrock Edition#iOS & iPadOS Store pages|App Store]] (iOS & iPadOS), the [[Bedrock Edition#Fire store pages|Amazon Appstore]], the Microsoft Store/Xbox app ([[Bedrock Edition#Windows store pages|Windows]] & [[Bedrock Edition#Xbox One store pages|Xbox One]]), the [[Bedrock Edition#Nintendo Switch store pages|Nintendo eShop]] (Nintendo Switch), and the [https://playstation.com/games/minecraft PlayStation Store] (PlayStation 4).

Alternatively, Xbox Game Pass subscriptions also give access to ''Java'' and Bedrock editions on Windows 10/11, and Bedrock Edition on Xbox consoles.

[[Legacy Console Edition]] can be purchased on physical media or on the respective platform's store, including the [http://marketplace.xbox.com/product/66acd000-77fe-1000-9115-d802584111f7 Xbox Games Store] for {{el|360}} and the [[Wii U Edition#External links|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 as these versions are discontinued and have been replaced with {{BE}}.

{{el|ds}} can be purchased on physical media or on the [[New Nintendo 3DS Edition#External links|Nintendo eShop]]. This version is 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 [[damage|damaged]] by falls, suffocation, drowning, [[fire]], [[lava]], [[lightning]], [[cacti]], [[sweet berries|sweet berry bushes]], [[magma block]]s, falling into [[the Void]], hitting another entity with [[thorns]] armor, [[Splash Potion|splash potions]], 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 [[potion]]s 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)|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]] in Java Edition and in the pause or main menus on Bedrock Edition.

=== Blocks ===
{{main|Block}}
[[File:Ancient Greece.jpg|alt=A building based on a Greek acropolis.|thumb|280x280px|A building based on a Greek acropolis.]]
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 that generate randomly 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, [[Nether portal|nether]] and [[End Portal (block)|end portals]], [[barrier]]s and [[air]].

=== Mining ===
{{main|Mining}}
[[File:MultipleOreBlobs.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]], [[copper ore|copper]] and [[emerald ore|emerald]]. Mining can involve [[digging]] a hole from the surface or going down through a [[cave]]. [[Mineshaft]]s and [[ravine]]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 is 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. A player can use the 2×2 grid in the inventory or the 3×3 grid provided by a [[crafting table]] to craft. Smelting requires a [[furnace]] in addition to fuel and processes blocks into a more useful form such as [[raw iron]]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 magical ingredients used to create the potion. Enchanting is also used to upgrade [[armor]], tools or [[weapon]]s with an [[enchanting table]] or [[anvil]]. 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 (not all neutral mobs are provoked the same way).

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 wools.
* [[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.
* [[Rabbit]]s: drop rabbit meat, hide and its [[Rabbit's Foot|foot]], a brewing item.
* [[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: leap large distances and climb walls.
* [[Witch|Witche]]s: use [[potion]]s.
* [[Creeper]]s: explode when near the player.
* [[Endermen]]: are tall and black creatures with purple eyes which 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, places or times:
* [[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.
* [[Cat]]s: can be tamed and inhabit [[village]]s or [[swamp hut]]s.
* [[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.
* [[Llama]]s: can store items and form caravans.
* [[Mooshroom]]s: mushroom-covered cows that spawn in [[mushroom fields]] biomes.
* [[Vindicator|Vindicators:]] spawn in [[Woodland Mansion|woodland mansions]].
* [[Pillager|Pillagers:]] spawn in [[Pillager Outpost|pillager outposts]].
* [[Evoker|Evokers:]] spawn in [[Woodland Mansion|Woodland Mansions]].
* [[Phantom|Phantoms:]] spawn when the player hasn't slept for three in-game days.

Some are found exclusively in [[the Nether]], including:
* [[Ghast]]s: flying ghosts that shoot exploding fireballs at the player.
* [[Zombified piglin]]s: wield [[golden sword]]s and attack in hordes if provoked.
* [[Piglin]]s: can [[Bartering|barter]] to provide ingredients or blocks.
* [[Wither skeleton]]s: tall skeletons that wield stone swords and drop coal or, occasionally, [[Wither Skeleton Skull|wither skeleton skull]]<nowiki/>s that can be used to summon an optional boss: the [[wither]].
* [[Blaze]]s: shoot fireballs at players and hover above the ground.
* [[Magma cube]]s: similar to Overworld [[slimes]], but they are fire resistant and do more damage.  
* [[Strider]]s: are the only passive mobs naturally spawning in [[the Nether]], which can walk on lava and be ridden with a [[warped fungus on a stick]].  

[[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, which are the [[nether wastes]], the [[basalt deltas]], the [[Crimson Forest|crimson]] and [[Warped Forest|warped forests]] and the [[soul sand valley]]s.  Each biome has unique generation and terrain. It is populated by [[zombified piglins]], [[blaze]]s, [[ghast]]s, [[wither skeleton]]s, [[magma cube]]s, [[piglin]]s and [[hoglin]]s. Ores in the nether include [[nether quartz]], [[Nether Gold Ore|nether gold]] and [[Ancient Debris|ancient debris]]. The Nether also has large oceans of [[lava]] that have [[strider]]s 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 accessed 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]] which are full of [[chorus fruit]] forests and [[End City|end cities]] filled of [[chest loot]] and [[shulker]]s. The end gateway portal is only accessed by throwing an enderpearl in the portal. There are no ores in the end.  

=== Multiplayer (''Java'') ===
{{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, PvP arenas, custom [[minigames]] or large [[Survival]] or [[Creative]] worlds.

=== Multiplayer (Bedrock) ===
Multiplayer {{in|Bedrock}} differs from multiplayer on the Java edition in that it is centered around a friend system. A player can add friends through the Friends tab in the menu or in the pause screen of a world. A player may invite friends to a world instead of having to pay for a server or realm.  Minecraft has [[featured servers]] on Bedrock, which means that they are available when opening the game. There are seven featured servers: The Hive, CubeCraft, Mineplex, Lifeboat, Mineville, Galaxite, and Pixel Paradise.

=== ''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'' multiplayer worlds. 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 17, 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 ''Minecraft: Pocket Edition''.]]
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 ''Minecraft: 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 {{el|pe}} (for all mobile platforms), [[Legacy Console Edition|''Console Edition'']], ''{{el|Windows 10}}'', ''{{el|Gear VR}}'', and ''{{el|Fire TV}}''.

''Minecraft: 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 Phone 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|Gear VR]] on April 27, 2016, the [[Apple TV Edition|Apple TV]] on December 19, 2016, and the [[Fire TV Edition|Fire TV]] on December 19, 2016.<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20150704220210/https://mojang.com/2015/07/announcing-minecraft-windows-10-edition-beta/ Announcing: ''Minecraft: Windows 10 Edition Beta''] - Mojang.com; July 4, 2015</ref><ref>https://oculus.com/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 {{el|Apple TV}} 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}}. {{el|360}} released digitally on May 9, 2012 followed by a physical release on June 4, 2013. The game was later released on additional platforms as {{el|ps3}} on December 17, 2013, {{el|ps4}} on September 4, 2014, {{el|xb1}} on September 5, 2014, {{el|psv}} on October 14, 2014, {{el|wii}} on December 17, 2015, and {{el|ns}} 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 {{el|xb1}} and {{el|ns}} is the [[World of Color Update]], while {{w|Xbox 360}}, {{el|ps3}}, {{el|psv}}, and {{el|wii}} have access to [[Update Aquatic]]. {{el|ps4}} 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 {{el|pe}} for the {{w|Raspberry Pi}},<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20121127035644/http://www.mojang.com/2012/11/minecraft-is-coming-to-the-raspberry-pi/ Minecraft is coming to Raspberry Pi!] - Mojang.com; November 24, 2012</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|United States dollar|USD}})
! Developer
! Platforms
! Buy/Download
! Input methods
! Account type
! Skin changes
! Support
! Notes
|-
! {{JE}}
| $26.95
| [[Mojang Studios]]
| {{w|Microsoft Windows|Windows}}, {{w|macOS}}, and {{w|Linux}}
| [https://minecraft.net/store/minecraft-java-edition minecraft.net]
| Keyboard & Mouse
| Legacy Minecraft account, Mojang account, and Microsoft account
| Free, user-created
| [https://help.minecraft.net help.minecraft.net]
| The original version of ''Minecraft''. Access to occasional test updates known as [[Java Edition version history/Development versions|snapshots]].
|-
! {{BE}}
| $6.99 – $29.99
| [[Mojang Studios]]<br>{{w|Xbox Game Studios}}<br>[[4J Studios]]<br>[[SkyBox Labs]]
| {{w|Microsoft Windows|Windows}}, {{w|Xbox One}}, {{w|Xbox Series X and Series S|Xbox Series X&#124;S}} (via backwards compatibility), [[Nintendo Switch Family|Nintendo Switch]], {{w|PlayStation 4}}, {{w|PlayStation 5}} (via backwards compatibility), {{w|iOS}}, {{w|iPadOS}}, {{w|Android (operating system)|Android}}, and {{w|Amazon Fire tablet|Fire}} devices
| Microsoft, Oculus, Amazon, Apple, Google, Nintendo, and PlayStation stores
| Keyboard & Mouse, Controller, and Touch
| Microsoft account (for achievements and servers), Nintendo Account (for Nintendo Switch Online for online play), and PlayStation Network (for PlayStation Plus for online play)
| Free, user-created, via in-app purchase, or via Xbox network
| [https://help.minecraft.net help.minecraft.net] [https://support.xbox.com/help/games-apps/game-titles/minecraft-info support.xbox.com]
| Cross-platform local server multiplayer. Windows, Xbox One, 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
| [[Mojang Studios]]<br>{{w|Xbox Game Studios}}<br>[[4J Studios]]
| {{w|Microsoft Windows|Windows}}, {{w|macOS}}, {{w|iOS}} ({{w|iPad}} only), {{w|iPadOS}}, and {{w|Chrome&#160;OS}}
|  [https://education.minecraft.net education.minecraft.net]
| Keyboard & Mouse, Controller, and Touch
| Office 365 Education account and Microsoft 365 account
| Free, user-created
| [https://educommunity.minecraft.net educommunity.minecraft.net]
| Designed for teaching.
|-
! {{el|ce}}
| Free
| [[Mojang Studios]]<br>{{w|Xbox Game Studios}}<br />{{w|NetEase}}
| {{w|Microsoft Windows|Windows}}, {{w|Android (operating system)|Android}}, {{w|iOS}}, {{w|iPadOS}}, and {{w|macOS}}
| [https://mc.163.com mc.163.com]
| Keyboard & Mouse, Controller, and Touch
| NetEase account
| Free, user-created, or via in-app purchase
| [https://gm.163.com/user_help.html?index=5&paper_id=4278 gm.163.com]
| Transplanted from {{els|je|be}}.
|}

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

===Behavior packs===
'''Behavior packs'''{{only|be}} change how vanilla mobs and fogs behave. They are still in development, and will soon also be able to modify how blocks and items work{{citation needed}}.

=== 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 packs ===
{{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.

==== ''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.

==== 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. 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 it can be harder to see them. Some of the skins also do not show their armor or hand-held [[item]]s.

=== Capes ===
{{main|Cape}}
Capes are an uncommon vanity item that can be equipped on a player's back. {{IN|bedrock}}, players start with a cape that is not equipped by default and 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 ===
{{disclaimer|section}}
{{main|Mods}}
''Minecraft'' can be modified by replacing or adding Java class files to <samp>[[minecraft.jar]]</samp> {{in|java}}. This method of making custom 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 ===
{{disclaimer|section}}
{{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.

== Reception ==
Metacritic ranked ''Minecraft'' as one of the best video games of the 2010s,<ref>https://metacritic.com/feature/best-videogames-of-the-decade-2010s</ref> and Video Game Canon ranks ''Minecraft'' as one of the best games of all time.<ref>https://videogamecanon.com</ref>

=== 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>[https://web.archive.org/web/20111005030417/http://mojang.com/2011/07/30/collaboration-with-our-neighbors-battlefield-heroes/ Battlefield Heroes ♥ Minecraft] - Mojang.com; July 30, 2011</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://terraria.fandom.com/wiki/Creeper_set</ref>
* In ''Cookie Clicker'', the name of achievement "Never dig down" is a reference a well-known Minecraft tip.
* 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 that 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. Game (a narrator-like character) comments on ''Ninecraft'' as "another one of those 'indie games' that's doomed to fail".
* In ''[[Super Smash Bros. Ultimate]]'', Steve, Alex, a zombie, and an enderman are featured fighters included in its DLC, as well as themed stages and remixed music.
*In ''Genshin Impact'', the blacksmith in Mondstadt, named 'Wagner', gives the player a quest called "Mine Craft".

=== TV shows and movies ===
* In season 17 of South Park, the 2nd episode depicted a kid teaching ''Minecraft'' to adults.<ref>https://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 Season 4 Episode 3, Rick returns to the game by opening a laptop and saying "Ok now I'm going to play some more Minecraft".
* 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.

== Gallery ==
<gallery>
Mclogo2.svg|''Minecraft'' game logo
File:MC square key art.jpg|''Minecraft'' square key art
File:Minecraft Vertical.jpg|''Minecraft'' vertical key art
File:Minecraft Horizontal.jpg|''Minecraft'' horizontal key art
File:MC key art.jpg|''Minecraft'' horizontal key art without logo.
File:Minecraft PC Bundle square key art.jpg|''Minecraft PC Bundle'' square key art
File:Minecraft PC Bundle vertical key art.jpg|''Minecraft PC Bundle'' vertical key art
File:Minecraft PC Bundle horizontal key art.jpg|''Minecraft PC Bundle'' horizontal key art
</gallery>

== References ==
{{Reflist|2}}

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