We try very hard to talk about Minecraft in all of its flavors throughout this book. Minecraft has already been released on a huge range of platforms, including PC, tablets, and a sizable group of consoles. Using generic commands instead of specific hardware controls helps with that a fair bit, but there are other differences between the game versions as well. Some of these differences are addressed when needed as we talk about the game, but others are more global. Let’s mention those now, so you know a bit more about version differences!
In effect, there are three major versions of Minecraft: PC, Console, and Pocket. We use the PC version as a default because that was the first Minecraft to hit the market. Also, in most cases, it’s the most detailed version. So, if you learn the PC method for doing something, the other versions are usually a piece of cake. Throughout this book, we’ll talk as if the PC version is the default, and mention changes for the other versions when they’re important.
Major Console Version Changes
(Xbox 360, Xbox One, PlayStation 3, PlayStation 4, and PlayStation Vita)
- Achievements are slightly different.
- Crafting is simplified and doesn’t require you to memorize patterns.
- Creatures are sometimes version-specific, so not all monsters are present in the Console versions.
- Difficulty is chosen before you enter the game world.
- LAN play is not possible, but splitscreen play is available instead (except on the PS Vita).
- There is a game tutorial to start you off and teach you the basics of the game.
- There is an “end” to the world, which you cannot pass.
- Worlds are smaller, but they can still be quite impressive.
- You start games with a Map.
Major Pocket Version Changes
(Android, iOS, Windows Phone)
- Crafting is simplified.
- Monsters behave differently.
- Multiplayer can be run in LAN mode, on Minecraft Realms, or through multiplayer servers.
- Some creatures aren’t available compared with the PC version of Minecraft.
- Some flowers and crops are available only in the Pocket version.
- There is an “end” to the world.
- There isn’t a world called The Nether. Instead, there is a subsection of the game involving a Nether Reactor.
Major Pi Edition Changes
(Raspberry Pi)
- This is a practice version of the game for developers/programmers to play around with.
- Combat is disabled, so exploration and construction are the primary features of the game.