Minecraft Java vs Bedrock vs Crossplay - Which Edition Should You List?

Owner-facing guide to choosing the right edition for your server listing, address and port requirements, and player reach implications.

When listing your server, you need to select the correct edition so players know which version of Minecraft they need to join. This guide explains the three options and what each means for your listing.

The Three Editions

Java Edition

Java Edition is the original Minecraft, running on Windows, macOS, and Linux desktops. It uses the TCP protocol for server-list pings and game connections.

• Default port: 25565
• Address field: your server’s IP or domain (e.g. play.example.net)
• Port field: optional - leave blank to use the default 25565

If your server runs on the default Java port, players only need the address. If you use a custom port, it’s displayed alongside the address on your detail page (e.g. play.example.net:25566).

Bedrock Edition

Bedrock Edition is the version found on Windows 10/11, mobile devices (iOS/Android), consoles, and VR headsets. It uses the UDP protocol (via RakNet) for connections.

• Default port: 19132
• Address field: your server’s IP or domain
• Port field: always shown for Bedrock, since Bedrock clients require a port

Bedrock and Java are not interchangeable - a Java-only server will not accept Bedrock connections, and vice versa.

Crossplay

Crossplay means your server accepts both Java and Bedrock players. This is typically achieved using a proxy like GeyserMC that translates between the two protocols.

When you select Crossplay, your listing shows both the Java and Bedrock join information:

• Java address/port: as normal (default 25565)
• Bedrock address: if different from the Java address, enter it separately. If it’s the same hostname, leave it blank.
• Bedrock port: defaults to 19132; change it if your Bedrock listener uses a different port.

Our pinger checks both editions for Crossplay servers, so your status and uptime reflect both connections. The status badge and status page show whether each edition is reachable independently.

Which Should You Choose?

Player reach implications

• Java-only listings are visible to desktop players. This is the most common type of server listing and has the largest established community.
• Bedrock-only listings reach a giant audience of mobile and console players. This is less common but increasingly popular.
• Crossplay listings have the widest reach, appearing in searches from players on both editions. If you can set up crossplay (e.g. with GeyserMC), it’s the best option for maximizing your player base.

How to Set the Edition

When creating or editing your server:

1. Go to your dashboard and click Add Server or Edit.
2. In the server form, select the edition from the Java / Bedrock / Crossplay buttons at the top.
3. Fill in the address and port for the primary edition.
4. If Crossplay, fill in the Bedrock address and port if they differ from the Java address.
5. Save your changes.

The edition is shown as a badge on your server’s detail page, and the join address is displayed accordingly. Players can copy the address with a single click.

Ping Region

You can also optionally specify a ping region for your server. This tells our pinging system which region to use for regular health checks. If left blank, the system uses the “Auto” setting and picks the region with the lowest latency.

Verifying Your Setup

After listing your server, use the status checker to confirm your server is reachable:

1. Go to the status checker.
2. Select the same edition you chose for your listing.
3. Enter your server’s address and port.
4. Click Check.

If the checker shows your server as online, you’re good. If it shows offline, see the status checker troubleshooting guide.