On Java you can access the latest and greatest update via the launcher’s snapshot feature, whereas on Bedrock Edition there’s an ‘Experimental Gameplay’ option that works in a similar vein. The Java Edition of Minecraft used to be the go-to version when it comes to flashy new content, but that’s since changed as Mojang aims to release updates across both versions simultaneously. On the flipside, Bedrock Edition needs an Xbox LIVE account to play online, which means it comes with all the benefits associated, including the ability to customize privacy settings, alter who your kid can interact with, report problem players easily, and so on (you can change your child’s settings via the Xbox site here). You can essentially boil it down to: turn chat off, only join servers the parent has checked out first, and general stuff like set real-world screen time limits and enforce it. Java Edition doesn’t have much in the way of parental controls.

As Java Edition has been around since the dawn of time, it makes sense that’ll have more variety when it comes to the best Minecraft servers. When it comes to picking a version, it all comes down to which has more servers you like the sound of. The only issue here is we’re working with two different versions of the same game, so Java Edition can’t connect to Bedrock Edition servers and Bedrock Edition can’t connect to Java Edition servers. Think adventure worlds, PvP, puzzle maps, that sort of thing. If you’re new to the world of servers they are, in a nutshell, gargantuan worlds created and hosted online with the intention of supporting masses of players.

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