5 unique Minecraft Bedrock features not available in Java Edition

Minecraft Bedrock Edition was introduced sometime after the release of Java Edition, and while Mojang Studios has made efforts to create similarities between the two, there are still some differences between both editions. Several features present in Bedrock Edition were not implemented by developer Mojang Studios in Java for various reasons.

With that in mind, we look at some features in Minecraft Bedrock that players won't find in Java Edition, at least not anytime soon. Mojang may be working to bring more parity between the two major editions, but these features will likely remain exclusive for the foreseeable future.

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Five Minecraft Bedrock-exclusive features fans won't find in Java Edition

1) Official Ray Tracing and PBR Support

Minecraft Bedrock previews' RenderDragon engine allows for native high-level rendering techniques (Image via Mojang Studios)

While access to ray tracing (RTX) and physics-based rendering (PBR) can be modded into Minecraft Java to create more appealing visuals, Bedrock Edition's previews on Windows PCs have access to these effects by default. This comes courtesy of the RenderDragon engine, which can be used in previews to create ray tracing and PBR effects without installing any form of modification.

This may change in time and Java Edition may receive native support for these graphical effects. But so far, Bedrock Edition is better, thanks to RenderDragon being exclusive to it.

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2) The Minecraft Marketplace

The Minecraft Marketplace is a means of downloading or selling Bedrock add-ons and other content (Image via Mojang Studios)

While the mods for Java Edition are largely free, Mojang took a different course with Minecraft Bedrock Edition by way of the in-game marketplace. Here, players can download add-ons, worlds, skin packs, and resource packs for Bedrock Edition, usually for the price of real-world currency. While fans prefer free content, the marketplace offers creators some financial compensation.

There are issues with the marketplace that need to be resolved, and many players prefer free Java mods. But the marketplace is the only way to get some Bedrock content, especially on locked-down platforms like consoles.

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3) The Character Creator

The Character Creator allows for Minecraft avatar customization not seen in Java Edition (Image via Mojang Studios)

Skin customization is present in Minecraft Java, allowing players to utilize custom skins. However, the customization options aren't as robust as the Character Creator seen in Bedrock. This feature not only offers the ability to use default and custom skins and save them to a player's account across platforms, but players can also equip a wide collection of cosmetic items to their skins.

Most cosmetic items can be obtained by completing challenges, achievements, or participating in Mojang events, while some others can be purchased (or occasionally accessed for free) via the marketplace. Either way, while Java may receive similar customization in the future, for now, it remains a Bedrock staple.

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4) Arrows/Potions of Decay

Arrows and Potions of Decay aren't ordinarily available in Minecraft Java (Image via Mojang Studios)

Arrows and Potions of Decay in Bedrock Edition are capable of inflicting the Wither status effect on most targets. And while the Wither effect is also present in Java Edition, players can't obtain Potions/Arrows of Decay without the use of mods, datapacks, or other means of alteration. Considering the damage these implements deal, they're a nice feature to have for Bedrock players.

As with many aspects of Bedrock Edition, future parity updates may see these items in Java Edition. However, for the time being, Java players will have to use mods/datapacks or switch over to Bedrock.

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5) Cauldron Dyeing

Dyes can be mixed and applied in a cauldron in Bedrock Edition (Image via Mojang Studios)

In Java Edition, the ability to mix dyes and dye some gear is possible through the use of a crafting table, but Bedrock Edition introduces an alternative for willing players. Specifically, dyes can be applied to a water-filled cauldron block and even mixed to select new colors. Additionally, players who have dyeable items like leather armor can dye them directly by interacting with the cauldron.

While this isn't a game changer between the two editions, it's a bonus for Bedrock fans who don't have a crafting table nearby.