Minecraft Legends is a truly unique addition to the Minecraft world.

While it may have some familiar characters and a similar vibe to the original game, Legends is not a building-focused sandbox game. In fact, it’s quite different to the original.

To help you decide whether to pick up Minecraft Legends or not, here’s a deep dive into the differences between Minecraft and Minecraft Legends.

Storyline

Minecraft is not famousfor having a particularly heavy focus on narrative. In fact, it’s a sandbox game for the most part.

There is a way to beat the game, but it’s optional.

Minecraft Legends is not like that.

Mojang Studios, Blackbird Interactive

Instead, it has dialogue, a story, and a goal. You play as the hero of the Overworld, and you’re on a mission to save it from the incoming invasion of Piglins who are entering the world through Nether portals.

And yes, there’s general peace in the Overworld.

In Minecraft Legends, all the mobs live together in harmony. This even includes mobs that classic Minecraft fans may recognize as enemies, like Skeletons.

The story in the campaign is engaging but not too overwhelming. There are Hosts to narrate and guide you throughout the world.

Gameplay

The most interesting thing about Minecraft Legends is the gameplay.

The original Minecraft has a huge following thanks to its satisfying, player-led gameplay loop. The combination of sandbox and survival elements is legendary, and there’s a real sense of progression thanks to the crafting system.

In Minecraft you have the absolute freedom to do anything or build whatever you want. It’s the ultimate relaxing experience.

Minecraft Legends does not have the same vibes.

Mojang Studios, IGN

The game does still have building and crafting elements, but they’re not the same.

Rather than gathering each individual block and building your structures brick by brick, you will have help in gathering resources. Not only that, but you will be able to build whole towers at the click of a button.

This is because the core gameplay in Minecraft Legends focuses on combat. If you’re a fan of strategy games, it’ll feel familiar to you.

In Minecraft Legends, you will place structures and spawn in allies to fight by your side. Each mob has a unique mechanic to help you defeat the Piglins.

Mojang Studios, IGN

This game is much more action-filled and strategic than classic Minecraft. The inclusion of multiplayer PVP and PVE makes it even better.

Locations

One of the most charming things about Minecraft is that the worlds are procedurally generated. No game is ever the same.

Minecraft Legends follows this tradition.

No matter if you’re playing the campaign or a PVP match, every time you start a new game, you’ll get a brand new world to explore.

You won’t know what to expect with each playthrough.

This adds to the challenge of Minecraft Legends. You’ll need to learn about every biome and use them to your advantage to take down foes.

Mobs

There are a lot of familiar mobs in Minecraft Legends.

Mobs that are usually enemies in Minecraft are allies in Minecraft Legends, like Creepers, Skeletons, and Zombies. They all have unique attack styles.

Creepers can explode and take down structures, Skeletons act as archers, and Zombies work as infantry.

They’re not the only helpers that you’ll have on your side, either. There are Allays to help with gathering resources and building structures.

There are some new mobs, too, including Regal Tigers and Golems.

Mojang Studios, Blackbird Interactive

Golems are versatile mobs and there are a few different kinds to be aware of. The main types of Golems that you can get are:

  • Cobblestone (Melee)
  • Plank (Ranged)
  • Mossy (Healers)
  • Grindstone (Knock-back attackers)

There are also some legendary Golems, which you can unlock as you progress.

It’s not just troops on offer, either.

Mojang Studios, Blackbird Interactive

There are a few different mounts that you can get, including the standard Horses, the aforementioned Regal Tigers, Big Beak parrots, and Brilliant Beetles that can climb up cliffs and mountains.

What to Do Next

Now that you know what to expect in the game, why not see whether the Deluxe Edition is your vibe or not? It comes with a handful of skins and cosmetic items that can add a new level of excitement to your game.

If you’re still looking to learn more about the game, take a look at the differences between Minecraft Legends and Minecraft Dungeons. Even if you’ve already played Dungeons, you may be surprised by the differences.