Survival Mode is the original gamemode of the Minecraft: Xbox 360 Edition. It was the only mode available on the Xbox 360 Edition of Minecraft until Update 5 released Creative Mode for the console. This is the only game mode in which you can earn in-game achievments in as well.
The players can only use items that they have found or crafted. Instead of just choosing items from a menu, like in Creative, players have to resort to crafting items at the Crafting Table. If set to Peaceful, the player will be playing with the knowledge they will be safe during the night time. When hurt, the Health bar will regenerate automatically. If the game is set to a difficulty, like Easy Difficulty Level, the game experience will be different. There will be monsters all around the world, like Creepers, Zombies and Spiders. If you are injured, you will need to have at least 9 Food pictures on the Food Bar so that your health can regenerate. Medium and Hard Difficulty Levels are basically the same as Easy, but a bit harder.
Players have to use the Crafting Table Menu to get what they want.