Mojang Studios has removed official support for virtual reality and mixed reality devices from Minecraft’s Bedrock Edition. The change took effect with the release of the 1.21.80 update.
The developer had announced the planned discontinuation last year, indicating that support would end in March 2025. The removal was confirmed this week when the update became available, slightly later than the initial timeframe provided by Mojang.
The decision to end support was based on Mojang’s stated inability to maintain support for the VR and MR devices. Players can still access existing worlds and Marketplace purchases without using the specific hardware.
While official support is gone for the Bedrock Edition, players using the Java version of Minecraft on PC retain alternative methods. Community-developed modifications like Vivecraft or QuestCraft allow for gameplay on various VR headsets, offering a path for those who wish to continue playing in a virtual environment. The change was confirmed this week.
Despite the end of VR support, Bedrock Edition maintains several features that distinguish it from other versions. Players can engage in crossplay with friends across different platforms, including PlayStation, Xbox, PC, Switch, and mobile devices.
The version is also known for specific gameplay elements not found elsewhere. These include the fast travel method known as God Bridging and the ability to dye water in cauldrons for coloring leather armor. Creative mode in this edition also incorporates elements from the Education Edition, allowing access to unique blocks.
Other exclusive characteristics range from rare world generation structures like Acacia Shipwrecks to behaviors such as Witches aggressively attacking Iron Golems. The game also permits mid-game changes to resource packs and skins without requiring a full restart.
The update alters the official feature set for Bedrock Edition players, impacting those who previously used VR hardware, while preserving other platform-specific functionalities and performance advantages.
