Minecraft Bedrock vs Java: Top 10 Differences

Bedrock isn't THAT bad... haha

We all know Mojang’s goal of complete parity between Minecraft Bedrock and Java is a goal they never seem to get the hang of. From that, we get some quirks unique to each edition that players can enjoy, hate or exploit. Though the Bedrock version was created to suit a large number of varying gaming platforms, the workarounds to make this function impacted gameplay, creating obvious differences between it and Java. At least it brings some fun bugs to light that are essentially features to today’s player base!

10. Bedrock’s Big Salmon

Size variation of salmon in Bedrock

The salmon in the Bedrock version has accidentally become the meme Big Salmon, due to the size variations of the fish that isn’t seen in Java. Though most players are aware of this, it’s not only the salmon that’s bigger in Bedrock. Mobs of the sea like dolphins and squid actually have baby versions found in Bedrock but with lower spawn rates, 10% for baby dolphins and 5% for baby squid. 

9. Bonemealing Sugarcane

Instant sugarcane farm using bonemeal

Something that is more or less considered a Bedrock advantage is the ability to bonemeal sugarcane, but there is a reason only Bedrock players have this ability. The average growth time in Java for sugarcane is 18 minutes, but Bedrock players must typically wait a whopping 54 minutes. Mojang’s way of making up for this time difference is the ability to bonemeal sugarcane, which also birthed a highly effective instant sugarcane farm for Bedrock. 

8. Modding and Marketplace

Minecraft Bedrock's marketplace for add-ons

Java Minecraft players live in a world where they have endless accessibility to any modifications for the game they can think of, all for free! But for a majority of Bedrock players, this isn’t the case. Bedrock exclusively uses a marketplace that users have to put money into in order to obtain non-vanilla gameplay, and even then, the capabilities are extremely limited and unsatisfactory compared to the accessibility and freedom Java players have.

7. Texture packs 

Texture pack with variations of vanilla blocks for a better look

For some players, Minecraft is all about personalization and being able to view the game in their ideal way through texture packs. The problem arises once again in the Bedrock version, where a world owner’s texture pack is applied for any player who joins, forcing them to play with those textures. Java players don’t have to deal with this since each player can keep their own individual texture packs applied, even while playing with others. 

6. Game Modes

The old game over screen from dying in hardcore Minecraft

Java players have a thrill that Bedrock players still cannot enjoy, a different game mode. Java supports a hardcore game mode, so when a player dies, the world is practically done for, unless of course, you want to go into spectator mode or save it as a new survival world. This Java-exclusive game mode provides a new meaning to Minecraft, making for more careful gameplay than what the traditional survival mode creates. 

5. Chunk Loading 

A build made as a chunk loader 

Chunk loading is used in Minecraft to keep a specific area loaded for the continued use of things like automatic farms when you’re not in the area, anything you need really. In Java, spawn chunks are always loaded, unlike in Bedrock where no chunks other than player chunks are loaded. Java players also have the ability to build chunk loaders in-game, but Bedrock players can only manually load chunks using command blocks and do not have the ability to create other ways to load chunks properly or reliably

4. TNT Duping

A TNT duping machine on Java

Different players have different goals, and sometimes your goals require loads of TNT. Good news for Java players, there is a game exploit that allows TNT duplication for all your TNT needs! Sorry Bedrock players, but not for you. In the Bedrock version, TNT duping isn’t really possible, as it’s an exploitation of a Java-specific bug.

3. Off-hand Usage

Double-wielding swords with offhand usage in Java

A very inconvenient (for Bedrock players) and noticeable difference between the two versions is the ability to use your off-hand. Java players can enjoy the multifunctionality of two hands in Minecraft for ultimate convenience during activities such as the use of fireworks when traveling with an elytra. Bedrock players have limited function in their off-hands, only having the ability to hold a certain selection of items and being unable to use or place them, with the exception of the totem of undying and a shield. 

2. Quasi Connectivity

The redstone signal that is a result of quasi connectivity 

Quasi connectivity is a little Java bug that is highly useful in redstone builds, so most Java players consider it a feature. It allows for a redstone signal to be seemingly ‘transported’ through the air by one block diagonal or beneath the signal source, which can then power redstone builds. This ‘feature’ can only be exploited on Java, since Bedrock does not have the bug that allows for this feature.

1. Nether Roof Building 

Building on the nether roof in Java 

In my opinion, the biggest loss to Bedrock players is being unable to build on the nether roof. Although even accessing the nether roof requires a bug to glitch you through, Java players are able to place blocks and create nether highways and such above the nether. Bedrock players are stuck suffering due to the implementation of a build height limit that prevents us from placing blocks on the nether roof, whether we can get up there or not. 

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