How to Change Game Mode in Minecraft

This article explains how to change the game mode in Minecraft using the gamemode command or in the game settings. Instructions apply to Minecraft for all platforms including Windows, PS4, and Xbox One.

How to Change Game Mode in Minecraft

You can change the game mode in the settings while playing Minecraft.

1. Pause the game to open the main menu and select Settings.

   

2. Select Game on the left side.

   

3. Select the Personal Game Mode drop-down menu and choose your game mode.

   

4. To change the default game mode, select Default Game Mode and choose a mode.

   

   Scroll down further in the settings to adjust the difficulty. Difficulty affects how quickly your hunger bar depletes and the aggressiveness of mobs.

5. Exit the main menu to return to the game. You'll see a message confirming that the game mode has been changed.

   

How to Use the Gamemode Command

A quicker way to switch game modes in Minecraft is to use the gamemode cheat command. You must first enable cheats to use this method.

1. Open the main menu and select Settings.

   

2. Select Game on the left side.

   

3. On the right side of the screen, scroll down to the Cheats section and select Activate Cheats.

   

4. Exit the main menu to return to the game, then open the chat window. The way to do this depends on your platform:

   • PC: Press T
   • Xbox: Press right on the D-Pad
   • PlayStation: Press right on the D-Pad
   • Nintendo: Press right on the D-Pad
   • Mobile: Tap the speech bubble icon.

5. Type /gamemode. As you type, you'll see your options appear in the chat window.

   

6. Enter the letter for your game mode and press Enter. For example, to switch to Creative mode, you would enter /gamemode c.

   

7. You'll see a message confirming that the game mode has been changed.

   

Minecraft Game Modes Explained

Although you selected a game mode when you first built your Minecraft world, you can switch to a different mode at any time. An exception is the Hardcore setting, which can only be chosen from the beginning and cannot be changed.

There are five game modes in Minecraft:

• Survival: The standard game mode where you start out from scratch with no resources. You have limited health, and you must keep your hunger bar filled to survive.
• Creative: Play with unlimited health and access to all resources. You can destroy any block with one strike, and you can fly (by double-jumping).
• Adventure: Blocks cannot be placed or destroyed. You still have a health bar and a hunger bar.
• Spectator: Observe your world without actively participating in the game. You can fly through objects in this mode, but you can't interact with anything.
• Hardcore: This mode locks the game at the highest difficulty. Players have just one life and take more damage from enemies.

Why Would You Change the Game Mode in Minecraft?

Creative mode gives you complete control of the game, allowing you to go anywhere and craft anything. It can be helpful if you want to test things out and get familiar with your world without having to worry about your hunger bar running out.

Survival mode is considered the standard mode for beginners. Hardcore mode is for players who want an extra challenge. Adventure and Spectator modes are useful if you want to explore without affecting the environment.