As for the version, you can leave the field as-is on "latest-release" to play the game up-to-date. The Java runtime can be set to internal version 17, and the renderer should be set to Holy GL4ES ...

Minecraft's Java edition, while still allowing cross-platform play, only allows it for PC, Mac and Linux. For those hoping to play with others on any platform, including consoles and Android/iOS ...

However, the benefit of playing "Minecraft: Java Edition" is you get to see new content as it comes to "Minecraft," and you get the option to play with PC players on a much larger variety of servers.

Minecraft Java Edition The Java edition of Minecraft supports cross-play, so you can jump in with friends on other platforms or operating systems who are also using Java.

There are three ways to play multiplayer in Minecraft: Java Edition, two of which are free. You can join a public server, create your own, or purchase a Minecraft Realm.

Running straight x86 Java Minecraft through Rosetta is honestly barely playable - sometimes you can get 20 fps, but you get frequent slowdowns. It's a lot like trying to play Minecraft on my 2015 MBP.