The three modes at a glance
| Mode | Core rules | Guest and account behavior |
|---|---|---|
| Creative | Unlimited resources, free flight, instant block breaking | The host chooses who may build |
| Survival | Gather, craft and survive; Normal difficulty | Open worlds allow guest entry |
| Hardcore | Hard difficulty; one life per X-linked account | Guests spectate |
The world creator selects the mode in Create New World. The multiplayer list marks Survival and Hardcore worlds so you can choose before loading into a session.
Creative: start with the build you want
Creative removes the early resource-gathering loop. Open inventory, choose blocks and use the hotbar to build. Unlimited resources, free flight and instant breaking make it a useful mode for learning the camera, testing shapes or planning a group build.
Double-tap Space to toggle flight; use Space to go up and Shift to go down. On touch devices, double-tap the jump button. The middle mouse button can pick the block you are looking at into your hotbar.
The host can allow anyone, X-linked players, or only the owner to build. Choosing Creative does not automatically give every visitor permission to change blocks. Read the server’s building rule if you only want to browse someone else’s world, or if placement is not working.
Survival: earn your tools and materials
Survival uses Normal difficulty and starts a resource-gathering and crafting loop. Logs become planks; planks make a table and sticks; a wooden pickaxe lets you gather cobblestone for stronger tools.
Protected spawn can prevent mining and building even though you have joined successfully. Use Go exploring or /wild, or walk beyond the protected area, before starting your resource run.
Tools matter. For example, a wooden pickaxe can harvest Stone, but Iron Ore requires the stone tier or better; Gold Ore and Diamond Ore require the iron tier or better. A golden pickaxe is fast but has the basic harvest level, so it does not replace an iron pickaxe for those ores. Use the starter recipe and tool guide to plan your first upgrades.
Hardcore: understand the one-life rule
The game describes Hardcore as Hard difficulty with one life per X-linked account. Guests spectate. If you join without linking your identity and cannot mine, build or open a normal inventory, that can be the intended spectator state.
Our recommendation is to learn the controls in another mode first, then join Hardcore when you are comfortable with movement, inventory and basic crafting. Treat the one-life rule as part of the challenge. Do not choose Hardcore just because its world is near the top of the server list.
Check the mode before inviting friends. A friend entering as a guest will not have the same playing role as an account-linked participant.
Which mode should you choose?
- “I want to build with friends.” Choose Creative and check that the host permits your group to build.
- “I want to learn the game’s crafting loop.” Choose Survival and follow the first-tools checklist.
- “I only want to visit a build.” Creative can work even when only the owner builds.
- “I want a one-life challenge.” Choose Hardcore after reading its account and spectator rules.
Need a server or a new world for that choice? Continue to joining and creating worlds.
Sources
Gameplay details follow the original game and its current controls and rules.