Just like the first release of Minecraft all those years ago, this version will develop and evolve over time with the help of your feedback. That’s why it has “Beta” in the title - because it’s not quite finished, and will become even more fun over time. Just like the other versions of Minecraft, all future updates will be free.

If you’re one of the more than 20 million players who have the PC edition of Minecraft (referred to by techy people as the Java version) you’ll be able to download Windows 10 Edition Beta from the Windows 10 store for free. Other players can get it for the paltry price of $10 during the beta period (the length of which is still being decided).

In Minecraft: Windows 10 Edition Beta, you’ll recognize some Pocket Edition features, along with potpourri of cool extras.

What a year it has been! This week we celebrated the first anniversary of “Minecraft: Windows 10 Edition” Beta. Since the Windows 10 Edition released last July, we have committed over 12,000 code check-ins, fixed over 6,000 bugs and released 15 updates with dozens of new features for our community, with lots more to come.

Over the last year, zombie villagers got upgraded wardrobes, while rabbits got new coats and headed out to the desert and snow biomes. Cauldrons learned how to dye armor, and somewhere along the way baby zombies even learned how to ride chickens (…um, watch out for that!), and Acacia villages started popping up in your worlds! While playing multiplayer with “Minecraft: Pocket Edition,” we let you travel to the nether, sail around in new boats, and create awesome things with a full range of Redstone capabilities. We’ve also added new mobs with each release and have a TON of DLC content to offer like the Biome Settlers Skin Pack and the recently released texture packs, making your Minecraft villages look like elaborate cities. Today we released a brand new Villains skin pack, and last month Realms made it easy for players on VR, Pocket Edition and Windows 10 to play together in persistent worlds which change and grow, even while you are away. 

But this is just the beginning! We are excited to officially add Oculus Rift support to the “Minecraft: Windows 10 Edition” Beta via a free update coming in the next few weeks as a thank-you to our community for their continued support. If you own the Windows 10 Edition and an Oculus Rift, you can jump in and experience Minecraft in a whole new way very, very soon.

If you don’t own Windows 10 yet and are interested in trying Minecraft in VR – no need to fret! There’s still time to upgrade your PC to Windows 10. Just visit Windows.com by July 29 and enjoy a free upgrade. If you don’t own Minecraft but do have Windows 10, let us know! We’re happy to share a download code for the “Minecraft: Windows 10 Edition” Beta.

Here are some highlights:

• Craft, create, and explore online with up to seven friends playing Windows 10 Edition Beta, through local multiplayer or with your Xbox Live friends online.
• Play online and local multiplayer with other Pocket Edition players thanks to a free update, due to arrive soon after launch.
• Multiple control schemes! Switch between controller, touch, and keyboard controls with little to no effort!
• Record and share gameplay highlights with built-in GameDVR.
• Help shape the future of Minecraft: Windows 10 Edition Beta with our built-in player feedback mechanisms!
• Chickens, zombies, pigs, boats, armed skeletons, potatoes, zombies, baby squids, enchantment tables, villagers, naked sheep, iron golems, potions, ghasts, pickaxes, carrots, and all the weird and wonderful goodness you’ve come to expect from Minecraft.