Is Minecraft free? No — the full game is a paid purchase on every platform, though official free trials exist. Here's the 2026 US pricing picture: on PC, Minecraft Standard is $29.99 (which includes both Java and Bedrock editions plus the Launcher — there's no cheaper Java-only or Bedrock-only PC option listed). On Android it's $6.99 (Bedrock, with in-app purchases; store listing updated July 9, 2026, version 26.33). On Nintendo Switch the regular digital edition is $29.99 (Bedrock, bundled with the Super Mario Mash-Up Pack). All prices are US snapshots as of 2026 from the official minecraft.net, Google Play, and nintendo.com store pages.
| Edition / Platform | Price (US, 2026) | What you get |
|---|---|---|
| PC Standard | $29.99 | Java + Bedrock + Launcher |
| PC Deluxe | $39.99 | Standard + 700 Minecoins, 3 add-ons, 3 Character Creator items |
| PC Ultimate | $49.99 | Standard + 1,000 Minecoins, 5 add-ons, 5 Character Creator items |
| Android | $6.99 | Bedrock; in-app purchases |
| Nintendo Switch (digital) | $29.99 | Bedrock + Super Mario Mash-Up Pack (Mario world, 15 tracks, 40 skins) |
| PlayStation / Xbox / iOS | — | Check the platform storefront for current pricing |
PlayStation, Xbox, and iOS prices bounce around, and the old figures floating around the web are stale — check those storefronts directly.
Does Minecraft cost money, or can you try it free?
The full game costs money, but Mojang has official free trials — no shady downloads required. Bedrock trials cover Windows 10/11, PlayStation, and Android; the Java trial runs on Windows, macOS, and Linux. You'll need a Microsoft account either way. The Java trial gives you roughly 100 minutes of play on average (it varies by device), and trials come with real limits: public servers are blocked, and LAN play allows one demo account. We've broken down exactly what the trials let you do in our Minecraft free trial explainer, and if you're looking to play without paying at all, see how to play Minecraft for free — legitimately.
There's also Game Pass: Minecraft's official PC page says it's "Available in Game Pass," but plan tiers and prices aren't listed there, so check the current Xbox site for what a subscription costs. That's the "included in a paid subscription" route rather than truly free.
How much is Minecraft on PC? The three tiers compared
The PC tiers only differ in bundled extras. Standard ($29.99) gets you the complete game — both Java and Bedrock. Deluxe ($39.99) adds 700 Minecoins, 3 add-ons, and 3 Character Creator items; Ultimate ($49.99) bumps that to 1,000 Minecoins, 5 add-ons, and 5 Character Creator items. One catch worth knowing before you pay extra: Minecoins and add-ons require a Microsoft account and only work in Bedrock — they're not supported in Java. If you plan to play Java with mods and community servers, the Deluxe and Ultimate extras do nothing for you, and Standard is the sensible buy.
The editions themselves split like this: Java runs on Windows, macOS, and Linux, and its strengths are mods and the Java community server scene (no Marketplace). Bedrock runs on Windows and consoles/mobile, with the Marketplace, Marketplace Pass, featured servers, and controller/touch support. Crucially, saves are not compatible between the two editions.
Minecraft price 2026: the recurring costs nobody mentions
The sticker price is a fixed checkout price; several things on top of it are labeled recurring:
- Realms (official hosted worlds): Bedrock Realms is $3.99/month for you plus 2 players; Realms Plus is $7.99/month for you plus 10 and includes the rotating Marketplace Pass catalog (buy content before it leaves the catalog if you want to keep it); Java Realms is $7.99/month for you plus 10, without Marketplace Pass. New subscribers get a one-month trial that auto-renews unless canceled, and Minecraft itself is sold separately. Invited members don't need their own subscription — but they do need the game — and Realms are edition-specific. Your Realm stays online while you're away, with 3 world slots and backups (one active world at a time).
- Console online play requires the platform's own online subscription (e.g. Nintendo Switch Online).
- Marketplace content is optional paid Bedrock content; a standalone Marketplace Pass price isn't listed anywhere obvious, so check in-game.
One hedge on mobile value: the Android version is the cheapest way in, but some player reviews report bugs and slowdown on certain devices.
Do I need to buy it again on another device?
Cross-play is not cross-ownership
Bedrock cross-play connects Windows 10/11, Xbox, Switch, PS5, and mobile players in the same worlds, and Java players can play with other Java desktop players. But the game is sold as separate purchases on separate platform storefronts — nothing anywhere says buying it on one gets you the others. If owning it everywhere matters to you, check the specific storefronts before buying.
Honestly? Here's what to do
If you're unsure whether Minecraft is for you, start with the free trial on your platform — it costs nothing and answers the question fast. If you're buying on PC, get Standard unless you specifically want Bedrock Marketplace extras; the Deluxe/Ultimate bonuses are useless to Java players. On a budget, the $6.99 Android version is the cheapest entry, with the caveat above. And budget for the recurring stuff — Realms and console online subscriptions — if multiplayer is the point.
If free is the whole point
If part of what you're after is a free multiplayer sandbox, it's worth knowing the field: we've rounded up the best free games like Minecraft. One of those upcoming options is Folly, a free-to-play multiplayer voxel game launching August 14, 2026 — details in the Folly FAQ if you're curious.