Minecraft Java · 1.16+
/gamemode
Change the game mode for yourself or selected players.
Survival and creative
Survival requires gathering resources. Creative enables flight and building resources.
Adventure mode
Restricts block changes, useful for maps with specific rules.
Spectator
Allows observing the world and moving through blocks.
FAQ Frequently asked questions 30 questions
Essential questions 5
How do I change my game mode?
Use /gamemode followed by the full mode name. For example, /gamemode creative switches the executing player to Creative.
Which four modes are available in Java?
Java Edition supports survival, creative, adventure and spectator, each with different world interaction rules.
How do I switch to Creative mode?
Enter /gamemode creative. This mode allows free building, flight and access to the Creative inventory under normal conditions.
How do I return to Survival mode?
Enter /gamemode survival. Ordinary survival limitations, health and hunger mechanics become active again.
What is Spectator mode for?
Spectator allows observation, movement through blocks and viewing the world without normal player interactions.
Syntax and arguments 5
What is the /gamemode syntax?
Modern Java uses /gamemode <mode> [target]. The second argument is optional when the executor is a player.
Can I target multiple players?
Yes. The target argument accepts suitable player selectors, such as @a for all matching players.
Can I use numeric game mode IDs?
Modern Java Edition does not accept numeric IDs such as 0 or 1. Use the complete mode names.
Do the c and s abbreviations work?
Java Edition 1.13 removed game mode abbreviations. Use creative and survival instead of the old shorthand forms.
What happens when the player is omitted?
If a player executes the command, their own mode changes. Console and command-block execution require an explicit target.
Practical examples 5
How do I switch Steve to Creative?
Use /gamemode creative Steve. This changes the named player's mode when that player is available.
How do I put everyone in Survival?
Enter /gamemode survival @a. This changes the mode of all matching players, so use it carefully.
How do I enable Adventure for a map?
Enter /gamemode adventure. Ordinary block breaking and placement are restricted by Adventure mode rules.
How do I enable Spectator mode?
Use /gamemode spectator. The player can observe the world but normal interactions with blocks become unavailable.
How do I return a player from Spectator?
Run /gamemode survival Steve or another suitable mode. Check the player's position before switching them back.
Advanced usage 5
Does game mode persist after reconnecting?
An ordinary game mode change persists for the player, although plugins or server settings may override it on login.
How does /gamemode differ from /defaultgamemode?
/gamemode changes selected players' modes. /defaultgamemode controls the default mode for players joining the world.
Can selectors filter players by game mode?
Yes. Selectors can filter players using conditions such as their current game mode, team or other supported properties.
How do Adventure tools work?
Adventure mode requires suitable item components that explicitly permit breaking or placing specified blocks.
Can /gamemode enable Hardcore?
No. Hardcore is a world rule configuration rather than one of the four normal game modes accepted by this command.
Troubleshooting 4
Why does Minecraft report Unknown command?
Check command permissions, spelling and syntax. Insufficient access may prevent the command from being available.
Why does /gamemode 1 fail?
The numeric argument belongs to older instructions or Bedrock Edition. Modern Java requires creative instead.
Why is the target player not found?
Check the username, whether the player is online and whether the selector matches an available target.
Why does the mode revert after login?
A server plugin, world configuration or login command script may be overriding the player's saved game mode.
Minecraft versions 3
When were numeric game mode IDs removed?
Java Edition 1.13 removed old numeric arguments and abbreviations. The modern command uses full mode names.
How does Bedrock syntax differ from Java?
Bedrock supports additional abbreviations and numeric forms. Java requires its own supported full mode names.
Can I use the old player-first syntax?
No. Modern Java specifies the mode first and the optional player second. Legacy argument ordering is not valid.
Permissions and safety 3
What permissions does /gamemode require?
Java Edition normally requires permission level 2. Access to this command should be controlled on public servers.
Can switching players to Spectator be risky?
It can disrupt gameplay, maps or events. Be especially careful when restoring a player who is inside solid blocks.
How do I safely change everyone's mode?
Test the command with one player first. Notify participants and record their original modes before changing everyone.
Rate this tool
Did this tool work for you? Tell us what went well or what could improve.
Sign in to leave a review