Minecraft /gamemode Command: Switch Between All 4 Modes
/gamemode creative switches you to creative. Java and Bedrock syntax, the short forms only Bedrock accepts, the Java F3+F4 switcher, and common errors.
/gamemode switches a player between survival, creative, adventure and spectator. Type /gamemode creative to switch yourself. Java needs the full mode name; Bedrock also accepts short forms like /gamemode c or /gamemode 1. Cheats must be on.
/gamemode syntax
Java Edition
/gamemode <mode> [<target>]Bedrock Edition
/gamemode <mode> [player]| Mode | Java | Bedrock |
|---|---|---|
| Survival | survival |
survival, s, 0 |
| Creative | creative |
creative, c, 1 |
| Adventure | adventure |
adventure, a, 2 |
| Spectator | spectator |
spectator only |
| Default | not available | default, d, 5 |
On Bedrock, default sets the player to the world’s default game mode. Spectator can’t be set by number on Bedrock.
/gamemode examples
/gamemode creative
/gamemode survival @a
/gamemode spectator Steve
/gamemode adventure @a[distance=..20]Bedrock short forms:
/gamemode c
/gamemode 0 @a
/gamemode d @pWhat each mode does
- Survival: health, hunger, mining, crafting. The normal game.
- Creative: unlimited blocks, flight, no damage. Good for building and testing.
- Adventure: you can’t break or place blocks unless an item allows it, which is how adventure maps stop you breaking out. See the Bedrock
can_destroycomponent on the /give command page. - Spectator: fly through blocks and look through mobs’ eyes. You can’t interact with anything.
Our game modes explainer goes into each one, including hardcore.
Java shortcut: F3 + F4
On Java with cheats on, hold F3 and press F4 to open the game mode switcher. Keep holding F3 and press F4 again to cycle, then let go to switch. F3 + N toggles between spectator and your previous mode.
Common mistakes
/gamemode 1on Java. Numbers stopped working in 1.13. Typecreative./gamemode con Java. Letters were removed too.- “Unknown or incomplete command.” Cheats are off. On Java single-player, use Open to LAN with Allow Cheats; on Bedrock, turn on Cheats in world settings. Our cheats guide walks through it.
- Trying
/gamemode hardcore. Hardcore isn’t a game mode for this command. - Bedrock achievements. Turning cheats on in a Bedrock world disables achievements for it for good.
Creative mode is the closest thing to a /fly command. Pair it with /tp to scout a world fast, or browse the commands hub.
Common questions
Does /gamemode 1 work in Minecraft?
On Bedrock, yes: 0 is survival, 1 is creative, 2 is adventure. Java removed numbers and letters in 1.13, so you must type the full name, like /gamemode creative.
Can you switch to hardcore with /gamemode?
No. Hardcore is a world setting chosen when you create the world, not a game mode the command can set.
How do you change someone else's game mode?
Add their name or a selector after the mode: /gamemode survival Steve or /gamemode creative @a.
Sources & verification
Facts on this page are checked against these references and in-game behavior for the stated edition(s). how we verify.
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