Minecraft Spectator Mode guide
Minecraft's Spectator Mode is unlike any of its other primary gameplay modes. Originally introduced in Java Edition 1.8, and arriving in Bedrock Edition years later, Spectator Mode allows you to turn invisible, lose collision detection, and fly around to observe the environment without being restrained by any blocks or entities.
Although the function of Spectator Mode in Minecraft is pretty simple, it still doesn't hurt to examine how it works and how you can use it in-game. This article will highlight this specific mode so that you can have an easier time with it in-game.
How to enter Spectator Mode in Minecraft Java
There are multiple ways to access Spectator Mode in Java Edition, including the following options:
- Entering the command /gamemode spectator in your chat when your world or server has cheats enabled.
- Dying in Hardcore Mode, where you can then spectate your game world since respawning is disabled.
- Enabling cheats, entering the game, and pressing the key combination of F3 + N.
- Pressing F3 + F4 to activate the mode selector, then choosing Spectator Mode.
How to enter Spectator Mode in Minecraft: Bedrock Edition
While Java Edition has keyboard shortcuts and a mode selector, the Bedrock Edition's options are somewhat limited since the mode was introduced fairly recently. There are only three ways to enjoy Spectator Mode in the Bedrock edition at this moment:
- Entering the /gamemode spectator command via chat console when cheats are enabled.
- Changing the game mode in the world's settings menu under "personal game mode".
- Dying in Hardcore Mode and choosing to spectate the world (Hardcore Mode is currently only available in Minecraft Bedrock Preview).
What to do in Minecraft Spectator Mode
Once Spectator Mode is activated, your character will turn invisible and UI elements like the hotbar will disappear, since you can't interact with blocks/items in this form. Moreover, collision detection is deactivated, allowing you to move through solid surfaces including walls and floors, and even through the void underneath the Bedrock layer.
It should be noted that some aspects of other game modes will still remain active in the Spectator Mode. For example, your vision is still improved in the darkness by the Night Vision effect, and you can open things like the chat window, the F3 debug menu in Java Edition, or even your inventory.
At the end of the day, Spectator Mode is intended to observe the game world without being inhibited by blocks or barriers. While it is up to you to do what you want, this mode can come in handy if you want to watch your fellow players or scoop out parts of the game world that might be interesting.
Minecraft Spectator Mode FAQ
Can You See What Mobs See in Spectator Mode?
In Java Edition, it's possible to click on a nearby entity like a mob with a left click (based on the default control scheme) and enter its field of vision to see what it sees. You can then exit the view by pressing your crouch/sneak keybind. However, it's important to note that this cannot be done in the Bedrock Edition, at least not yet, though Mojang may address this in the future.
Can You Beat the Game in Spectator Mode?
Without the use of other commands, beating Minecraft while in Spectator Mode simply isn't possible. This is because you can't interact with blocks and items, and hostile mobs won't spawn near you. This makes acquiring the necessary resources to enter the End and defeating the Ender Dragon impossible without additional command usage.
Can You Use Spectator Mode in Education Edition?
Although it runs on the same codebase as the Bedrock Edition, Spectator Mode is currently not available for Minecraft's Education Edition. Although the /gamemode spectator command is listed as a recommendation when entering commands in Education Edition, you'll receive an error stating that "spectator" is invalid upon entering it. Still, this may mean the mode will be added later.