The MafiaScum Minecraft Thread - AllTheMods 9!!! - NEW Vanilla?

[Psyche]

So, me and my bf live in different places places (different states until like mid july or so) and are looking to start playing minecraft together. We both have iPhones; I have Windows 10 and he has a Mac. He also has a Switch, if that helps, but it seems that its cross-platform capabilities aren't quite there yet? I have some questions before we start spending money:

1. The description for the MACOS version of Minecraft on its page is "The classic! Often referred to as Minecraft: Java Edition, this supports cross-platform play between macOS, Linux and Windows. This edition supports user-created skins and comes with a FREE CODE for Windows 10 Edition, too!". Does this mean that if I buy the MACOS version for my BF, I'll already have the Windows 10 version for myself, too? If our goal is to get two full versions that we can straightforwardly play together on at the lowest price possible, what's the best way to do this?

2. I notice that Minecraft: Pocket Edition only has cross-platform play with Windows 10, not the MacOS my bf has. What are the implications of this for our play together suppose we get both pocket edition and the main version? Will he be limited relative to me? How? Or will it help us, allowing him to play with me using his phone even when I'm using my Windows thing? Or is all that moot since we're so many states away?

3. What is Minecraft all about? I think I've looked this up enough to understand now, but I understand there to be Creative, Survival, Adventure and Hardcore Survival modes, which you can play by yourself or with other people. I wanted to be able to build a world with my bf and explore other ones with him; he's sort of averted to challenging/competitive stuff which is why I thought minecraft might be a cool way for us to hang out.

4. Is it easy to start and maintain a server? Will it be satisfying with just two people? Will it be easy to branch out and visit other servers / meet new people?

5. Is it, uh, complicated? Like, for example, with lots of exceptions, my bf doesn't really enjoy shooters or fighting or even puzzles and stuff because of the quick thinking required. Can Minecraft be fun for someone who wants to just take his time or only have to make relatively simple decisions? A lot of play games for the adrenaline or challenge - he's not quite like that.

6. Anything else I might want to know?

Would be grateful for your feedback.

[Psyche]

whats different

[Psyche]

i got the pc version of minecraft for christmas
not sure how to get connected to whatever it is you guys are doing

[Psyche]

same thing!

[Psyche]

guys im nervous
getting all the modded stuff seems hard

[Psyche]

ill push through using my indomitable craving for human companionship

[Psyche]

joining thhis thing before it dies is one of my top life goals that ill never achieve

[Psyche]

how many people are there typically in this/these servers? ive already missed the heyday i presume

[Psyche]

man that's underwhelming but ok im ready to put the time in today to make this happen

[Psyche]

well im exceptionally lazy

[Psyche]

oh no im running out of time

[Psyche]

OK I WILL NOW SPEND THE MORNING TRYING TO MAKE THIS HAPPEN

[Psyche]

should i be on vanilla or try to do modded
irc server seems empty

[Psyche]

i got the direwolf20 modpack thing

[Psyche]

ah the final step maybe: the whitelist
anyone around to add me?

[Psyche]

that's a different modpack?

kinda steep learning curve here

[Psyche]

id be interested
fact is, setting up the mods and figuring out how to connect has always been more trouble than worthwhile for me

[Psyche]

well i hope ur ok that sounds intense

[Psyche]

got to try the RTX texture today it was neat