Bedrock Detector
If you run a Minecraft server that welcomes both Java and Bedrock players, you know the struggle of telling them apart. A player swinging a sword might be on Java, or they might be on Bedrock using a mobile device. This distinction matters more than you think, especially when you want to give different players different gameplay experiences. That is exactly where Bedrock Detector steps in. This server-side Fabric mod quietly checks every player's platform using the Floodgate API and then acts on that information automatically.
What Does Bedrock Detector Actually Do?
At its core, Bedrock Detector for Minecraft is a smart tagging and command execution tool. It does not change the game world, add new blocks, or alter combat mechanics directly. Instead, it watches who joins your server and determines whether they are coming from the Java Edition or the Bedrock Edition. Once it knows the platform, it can assign command tags and run custom commands for that specific player.
Think of it as a bouncer at a club who checks IDs at the door. The bouncer does not change the music or the drinks, but they make sure everyone gets the right wristband. In this case, the wristband is a command tag, and the club rules are your custom commands.
How the Floodgate API Integration Works
The mod relies on the Floodgate API, which is the standard bridge between Java and Bedrock editions on servers using Geyser. When a Bedrock player connects through Geyser, Floodgate identifies their platform. Bedrock Detector taps into this data stream and reacts instantly. No extra client-side mods are needed for players, which keeps your server clean and compatible.
Setting Up the Config File
After you install the mod and launch your server for the first time, a configuration file named bedrockdetector.json will appear in your config folder. This file is your control panel. It is structured with two main sections: one for Java players and one for Bedrock players. Each section contains a list of tags and a list of commands.
Here is an example of what the config looks like:
{
"java": {
"tags": ["java"],
"commands": ["combatedit profile set combatedit:vanilla"]
},
"bedrock": {
"tags": ["bedrock"],
"commands": ["combatedit profile set combatedit:1_8_combat"]
}
}In this example, Java players receive the tag "java" and are set to a vanilla combat profile. Bedrock players receive the tag "bedrock" and are switched to a 1.8 combat style. This setup was used alongside the CombatEdit mod to demonstrate how you can change combat methods based on which edition a player is using. The possibilities go far beyond combat, though. You could apply different permission tags, send welcome messages, or trigger special effects.
Customizing Tags and Commands
The beauty of Bedrock Detector is its flexibility. You are not locked into the example config. You can add as many tags as you want, and you can string together multiple commands. Just remember that each command is executed as the player, so use commands that respect player context.
- Tags are applied instantly on join, making them useful for permission plugins.
- Commands run after the player is fully loaded into the server.
- You can use placeholders or dynamic arguments if your command plugins support them.
Supported Versions and Loader
This mod is built specifically for the Fabric mod loader. It is a server-side only mod, so you only need to place it in the mods folder of your dedicated server. It works with recent Minecraft versions that support Fabric and the Floodgate API. Check the mod page for the exact version list, but generally, you want to match the mod version to your server's Minecraft version to avoid conflicts.
For players looking to streamline their setup, the foxygame.net launcher offers a one-click install option for Bedrock Detector, pulling the correct version directly from its add-on catalog so you do not have to hunt for files manually. This is particularly handy if you manage multiple servers and want to keep everything consistent without extra legwork.
How to Install Bedrock Detector
Installing this mod is straightforward, but you need to follow the steps in order. Here is a quick guide on how to install it properly.
Step 1: Install Fabric and Geyser
Before anything else, your server must run the Fabric loader. You also need Geyser and Floodgate installed, because Bedrock Detector depends on the Floodgate API to identify Bedrock players. If you do not have these, the mod will not function correctly.
Step 2: Drop the Mod File
Download the mod JAR file and place it into your server's mods folder. Make sure you download the version that matches your server's Minecraft version.
Step 3: Launch and Configure
Start the server. Let it run for a minute, then stop it. You will find the bedrockdetector.json file in the config folder. Open it with any text editor, adjust the tags and commands to your liking, and save the file. Restart the server to apply the changes.
If you are using the foxygame.net launcher, its built-in add-on catalog lets you add Bedrock Detector without manual file management, and it keeps the mod updated automatically when new versions are released, which saves you from checking for updates every week.
Practical Use Cases
Beyond the combat example, this mod shines in community servers. You can give Bedrock players a special rank tag so staff know who might need extra help with chat commands. You can also run a command that sends a helpful tip message to Bedrock players when they first join. Some server owners use it to balance minigames by giving different editions different cooldowns or effects.
The key takeaway is that Bedrock Detector turns a simple piece of information, the player's platform, into a powerful trigger for your server's automation. It is lightweight, does not interfere with gameplay, and works quietly in the background.
Final Thoughts
Running a cross-play server does not have to mean treating everyone the same. With Bedrock Detector, you can differentiate players based on their edition and deliver a tailored experience. Whether you want to adjust combat styles, assign permissions, or just tag players for your own reference, this mod gives you the tools to do it with minimal setup. If you are already using Fabric and Floodgate, adding this mod takes less than five minutes. Give it a try and see how much smoother your server management becomes when you know exactly who is playing on what.