The Better Together update is the first step to the full unification of Minecraft, across Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, Windows 10 devices, Android, and iOS, allowing players to build together in shared worlds. The classic Java-based PC version won't be joining the party due to limitations of the engine, and Sony's PlayStation version won't be joining due to the company's long-standing policy of blocking cross-platform play.
For information on how to join the beta (available now on Windows 10, later on Xbox One), head over to here. If you've got some questions about how the update will work for Windows 10 and Xbox One users, Microsoft has provided some answers. Here are the most pertinent ones for Windows 10 and Xbox.
When will the Better Together update go public?
The Better Together Update will launch this Autumn, once it's ready and we've satisfactorily evicted bugs from the premises.
What will happen to the original Java-based PC version?
Now that we have finally achieved a unified Minecraft which can be played on most devices, we wanted to simplify things and make it clear that they can all play together, so it felt to be the right time to simply call them Minecraft. We also found that the community refers to the Java PC version as the Java Edition, so it felt natural to rename it to make it more distinctive from the other versions of the game. We plan on actively supporting the Java Edition going forward with updates as we always have and have also welcomed several new members to the development team in Stockholm.
What about owners of the physical Xbox One version of Minecraft?
Players who own Minecraft: Xbox One Edition on disc and have bought DLC or played for at least five hours in the past 12 months will be able to upgrade to Minecraft for free, for a limited time. If you haven't played in the past 12 months, you can play five hours now and unlock your upgrade.
What will happen to the old Xbox One version of Minecraft?
The old console edition will not be available for new purchase after the full release of Minecraft on Xbox One and Switch. Existing owners will still be able to access and play the old console version and minigames, but those versions will not receive updates after the official release of Minecraft.
Can I transfer my worlds from the Xbox One version to the new version?
Yes, worlds from Minecraft: Xbox One Edition will already be there waiting for you in the play screen, so that you can continue playing. We are still working on exactly how this will work on Nintendo Switch.
Will Minecraft have infinite worlds on Xbox One?
Yes! And, if you play with a world from Minecraft: Xbox One Edition or Minecraft: Nintendo Switch Edition it will keep generating more world when you get to the old edge of your map.
Will DLC transfer from the old versions to the new?
Our goal is to get all the existing DLC content to be transferable from the old version to the new version. For DLC pieces that are currently out on the old console version and Bedrock, like the Greek Mythology Mash-Up Pack, those entitlements will be available on the new version in Beta. A select list of content will only be available on the platform it was purchased on and not available in multiplayer. Herobrine has been removed.
What will happen to mini games and season passes?
Players can still enjoy the existing mini games using the old console edition, and with the new version of Minecraft and community servers they'll have access to thousands of new mini games to try out for free.
Can we use add-ons on the Xbox One version?
Users of the new version of Minecraft on consoles can access worlds that already utilize add-ons or resource packs, can download Marketplace content with add-ons, and can use add-ons on USB drives if the platform allows it.
And more!
The full FAQ includes more information on how the game's public servers will work if you're so-inclined, as well as information on how the "Better Together" update will maintain child safety online.
With the "Better Together" update, Minecraft will become the first game to complete Microsoft's Universal Windows Platform (UWP) vision for gaming, connecting users across Windows 10 mobile devices, PCs, and consoles. While Windows 10 Mobile languishes in its death throes, Minecraft will be prepared and ready to make use of whatever comes next for Windows on ARM devices, owing to UWP and the extensible "Bedrock Engine," built to handle Minecraft across platforms.
Make sure you read our full list of features coming to Minecraft with this update below, and if you have any further questions, hit the comments and I'll try and get them answered for you.
All about Minecraft's "Better Together" update beta
- See Minecraft at Xbox Store (opens in new tab)
- See Minecraft at Windows Store (opens in new tab)
