Bedrock /gamemode Command: Switching Game Modes

Basic Syntax

The /gamemode command changes a player's game mode. The syntax is:

/gamemode <mode> [player]

If no player is specified, the command affects the player who runs it.

Available Game Modes

Bedrock Edition supports four game modes:

Survival (0 or s)

/gamemode survival
/gamemode s
/gamemode 0

The default game mode. Players must gather resources, craft items, manage hunger, and can die. This is the intended way to play Minecraft.

Creative (1 or c)

/gamemode creative
/gamemode c
/gamemode 1

Players have access to all items through the creative inventory, can fly, cannot die from normal damage, and can break blocks instantly. Perfect for building without constraints.

Adventure (2 or a)

/gamemode adventure
/gamemode a
/gamemode 2

Players cannot break or place blocks unless using items with the CanDestroy or CanPlaceOn item components. Designed for custom maps where the creator controls what players can interact with.

Spectator (6)

/gamemode spectator
/gamemode 6

Players become invisible and can fly through blocks. They cannot interact with the world or be seen by other players. Useful for observing builds, checking for issues, or watching other players. Note that Bedrock spectator mode is more limited than Java's implementation.

Changing Other Players' Modes

/gamemode creative PlayerName               # Set specific player to creative
/gamemode survival @a                        # Set all players to survival
/gamemode adventure @a[tag=mapplayer]        # Adventure mode for tagged players
/gamemode spectator @r                       # Random player becomes spectator

Differences from Java Edition

• Bedrock does not have hardcore mode (permanent death with world deletion).
• Bedrock spectator mode has fewer features than Java spectator mode.
• The numeric shortcuts (0, 1, 2, 6) differ from Java (where spectator is 3).
• Java Edition uses /gamemode spectator with mode ID 3; Bedrock uses 6.
• Bedrock supports short aliases (s, c, a) while Java requires the full name or number.

Default Game Mode

The /defaultgamemode command sets the game mode for new players joining the world:

/defaultgamemode survival      # New players start in survival
/defaultgamemode adventure     # New players start in adventure (for maps)
/defaultgamemode creative      # New players start in creative

Practical Uses

• Building: Switch to creative to design structures, then back to survival to play.
• Debugging: Use spectator mode to fly through terrain and check underground builds or redstone.
• Map making: Set adventure mode as default and use CanDestroy/CanPlaceOn to control player interactions.
• Server management: Force players into specific game modes for events or minigames.
• Photography: Use creative or spectator mode to capture screenshots of builds from optimal angles.

Important Notes

• Switching to creative mode in a survival world disables achievements permanently for that world.
• Items in your inventory are kept when switching modes, but creative players can delete items instantly.
• In multiplayer, only operators can change game modes. The permission level can be configured in server settings.
• Game mode changes take effect immediately with no confirmation prompt.