How To Buy Minecraft
Aug 07, 2024
There are two main editions of Minecraft: Bedrock and Java.
Bedrock Edition
Minecraft: Bedrock is only played with other people who play Bedrock, on any platform.
When you buy Minecraft: Bedrock, you are paying for the GAME installation on any device you use.* USER ACCOUNTS for anyone who plays Minecraft: Bedrock edition anywhere are FREE.
The USER account is free.
The GAME is paid for on every device you play it on.
If you have family sharing set up, you can share the Minecraft: Bedrock app (purchased once) with other devices.
Minecraft Bedrock edition is played on phones, tablets, consoles, Chromebooks, and Windows computers. For you nerdy folks, you can play Bedrock on a Mac, if you install a Windows partition.
Java Edition
Minecraft: Java is popular with those who want to use “mods” to make changes to the game by downloading and installing user-created add-ons. Only played with other people who also play Java.
When you buy Minecraft: Java, you are paying for the USER account. THEN, copies of the game, Minecraft: Java Edition, can be downloaded on ANY and AS MANY Windows, Mac and Linux computers as you want.
The USER account is what you pay for, and allows you to download the GAME as many times as you want.
Minecraft Java Edition is played only on Windows, Mac and Linux Computers. If you’ve purchased Minecraft: Java, you are automatically given Minecraft: Bedrock for Windows.
RECOMMENDATION
Start with Bedrock. If your kid wants to play Minecraft, see what edition their friends are playing on. More than likely it’s Bedrock, so start there, because eventually they’ll want to play with their friends.
Where to Buy: https://www.minecraft.net/en-us
All Minecraft user accounts are associated with a unique Microsoft Live account. If your kids are under 13, you’ll likely want to set up a Microsoft Family with your own Microsoft Live account, so that you can manage your children’s accounts easily. Then, set up unique Microsoft Live accounts for your children. To do this, you will need to set up an email for each child. Each child should have their own Microsoft Live and Minecraft User account. You can manage all of this for them. Lucky you! Fortunately, Minecraft has good instructions for this part.
You got this, Mama! And, if you it gets sticky, you’ve got me. Please email me (really!) if something is confusing, you have any questions, or I got something wrong (it happens). Warmly, Velma aka Mama Mavel
