Command Reference

Minecraft /gamemode Command

playerJavaBedrock

Changes the game mode of a player (Survival, Creative, Adventure, or Spectator).

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Version Compatibility

Java Edition:1.21.4 (1.13+)

Bedrock Edition:1.21.60

Command Syntax

Both Editions/gamemode <mode> [<target>]

Arguments Explained

modeGame ModeRequired

The mode to set: survival, creative, adventure, or spectator (spectator is Java only).

targetSelector / Name

The player whose game mode to change. Defaults to yourself if omitted.

Practical Examples

beginnerBoth

/gamemode creative

Sets your own game mode to Creative.

Most common usage - quickly switch to creative for building.

beginnerBoth

/gamemode survival @a

Sets the game mode of all online players to Survival.

intermediateBoth

/gamemode adventure @r

Sets a random player to Adventure mode.

Useful for adventure maps where you want to restrict block breaking.

beginnerJava

/gamemode spectator

Switch to Spectator mode to fly through walls and observe.

Java Edition has full Spectator mode with mob perspective viewing.

advancedJava

/gamemode survival @a[gamemode=creative]

Switches all players currently in Creative back to Survival.

Common Mistakes

Mistake:

Switching to survival while high in the air in creative mode

Fix:

Always check your surroundings before switching modes - you'll fall and take damage in survival!

Mistake:

Typing /gamemode without specifying which mode

Fix:

You must specify a mode: /gamemode creative (not just /gamemode)

Mistake:

Trying to use spectator mode in Bedrock Edition on older versions

Fix:

Spectator mode is only available in recent Bedrock versions. Use creative mode with /effect @s invisibility for a similar effect.

Java vs Bedrock Differences

Java Edition has full Spectator mode support with special features like viewing from mob perspectives. Bedrock Edition has limited spectator mode, primarily for observing.

Useful Tips

You can use shorthand: /gamemode c for creative, /gamemode s for survival, /gamemode a for adventure.
Switching to creative mode gives you instant health regeneration and immunity to damage.
Adventure mode prevents players from breaking blocks without the proper tools - perfect for maps.
Use spectator mode (Java) to scout areas or preview builds without physically being there.
Game mode changes are instant - your inventory persists when switching modes.

Important Notes

Bedrock Edition does not officially support Spectator Mode in the same capacity, though it was recently added as an option (`spectator` or `/gamemode 6`). Numbers (0=survival, 1=creative, 2=adventure) are deprecated but may still work on Bedrock.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I keep my inventory when changing game modes?

Yes, your inventory stays the same when switching between game modes.

Can I change someone else's game mode?

Yes, if you have operator permissions: /gamemode creative PlayerName

What's the difference between Creative and Spectator mode?

Creative lets you fly and build with no restrictions. Spectator lets you fly through blocks and observe without interacting - you can't place or break anything.

Why can't I break blocks in Adventure mode?

Adventure mode is designed for custom maps. You can only break blocks with tools that have the CanDestroy tag.

Related Commands

/give /tp /effect

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