Java Edition will soon require a Microsoft account to play, but you'll at least be getting a free cape for your troubles.

Importantly, Minecraft Java mods tend to be free, while Bedrock add-ons can be either free or paid downloads in the Minecraft Marketplace.

In the past, Minecraft: Java Edition players have used specialized Mojang Accounts to access their game. Mojang Studios announced in 2020 its intention to migrate all these accounts to Microsoft ...

This Fall, new Minecraft Java players will need to create a Microsoft account to log-in. Meanwhile, existing Mojang accounts will need to migrate in early 2021.