How to Play Minecraft with Friends: 5 Different Ways

2023-01-14

It's great to play Minecraft alone, but it's so much more fun to play Minecraft with your friends. Fear not if you don't know how to play Minecraft with your friends. This article will help you make it easy.

There are many options for Minecraft Multiplayer. Some require an internet connection while others can be played offline.

No matter what you're into, we'll show you how to play Minecraft with your friends!

We have included instructions for Minecraft Java Edition (JE), and Minecraft Bedrock Editions (BE).

Minecraft Multiplayer on Public Servers

Most Java players use public servers to connect with others. Servers can be joined for free and can be found on any of the many server-listing websites such as MinecraftServers.org. To find more listing sites, you can search "Minecraft Servers” in your web browser.

We've already covered How to Join a Minecraft server in detail, but here's a quick overview:

Copy the IP address of the server you wish to join. This will look something like "makeuseof.example.com"
Navigate to Multiplayer in your Minecraft client. Click on Add Server or Direct Connection.
Paste your IP address in the box marked Server Address.
Click Done if you selected Add Server in step 3. Give the server a name, then double-click on the server or select it to choose Join Server. If you chose Direct Connection, click Join Server.

Have fun playing Minecraft with your friends!

Although your range is smaller than Java Edition players, there are still public servers that you can join to play Minecraft together with your Bedrock Edition friends.

1. Start Minecraft BE. Click Play to navigate to the Servers tab.
2. You can choose from a list of Featured servers that have a high player count, feature game modes such as Skywars, Build battle, and many more.
3. Click Add Server to add another server.
4. Enter the name, IP address, port, and password of the server. To save this server, click Save.

You are now all set! Enjoy Minecraft multiplayer in Bedrock Edition.

Minecraft Multiplayer for Private Servers

You will need the IP address of your friend who is hosting a private server from their own computer or through third-party web hosting services. To join, copy and paste the IP address as you would for a public server address.

You can find out how to find an IP address on a public server by reading How to Join a Minecraft Server.

Minecraft Multiplayer Made Easy With Realms

Realms are compatible with both Minecraft Java Edition and Minecraft Bedrock Edition. However, they are not cross-compatible. A friend who plays on Java Edition can't play on a Bedrock Edition realm.

Related: Bring back the magic with Minecraft Modpacks

Realms are Minecraft's personal server. This is the easiest way for you to create a private space to build and craft with your friends.

How to Make a Realm

Java Edition - First, you will need to buy a subscription for a Realm. (You can check the pricing plans at Minecraft's website). To test the waters, you can activate a 30-day trial for free and cancel at any time.

Once you have a subscription, open Minecraft and click Minecraft Realms. Click on click to create your first Realm. You can then name your Realm, and provide a brief description. Next, you can choose your world type.

You can choose between creating a new world or uploading a previously saved world. Or, explore Realms' world templates, Adventures and Experiences.

Once you have created your Realm click on Configure Realm (the wrench icon), and then click on Players. To whitelist a friend, click Invite player and enter their username before clicking Invite again. Your friend will be invited to join your Realm.

Bedrock Edition - Minecraft BE is slightly different.

1. Start Minecraft BE and click on Play. Go to Worlds and select Create New.
2. You can create a new world again.
3. From the left pane, select Create on Realms. You can choose between a 2 or 10 player Realm.
4. To create a 2 Player Realm, name your Realm, agree to the terms, and then select Create Realm.
5. To purchase a 10 player realm, select Buy Now from the navigation menu. Name your Realm and agree to the terms. Click Start Free Trial.

How to join a Minecraft Realm

Java Edition - If you have been invited to join a friend's Realm, then open Minecraft and navigate towards Minecraft Realms.

A small envelope icon is located at the top of your screen, just below where it says Minecraft Realms. This envelope contains any invites that you haven't received yet; click it to join your friend's Realm.

Bedrock Edition - Ask for the invite code from creator of the Realm. This should look like "realms.gg/abcxyz"-we only need the characters after "realms.gg/".

Start Minecraft and click Play. Go to Friends and click Join Realm. Enter the invite code that you received from the Realm owners and click on Join. You are now all set!

Playing Minecraft with Friends: Cross-Platform

Minecraft Bedrock Edition is one of many games that supports cross-platform play. Only problem is that Java Edition players can't play with Bedrock Edition players.

You can play Bedrock Edition on your iPhone, Android, or PC while your friend is playing on their Xbox, PC or VR headset or Switch. To connect with other players, Realms is the best option.

How to Play Minecraft on LAN

Servers are the best way for Minecraft to be played with friends far away. However, a LAN (Local Access Network), connection is a great way to play Minecraft with your friends close by.

You can join a player if you are under the same IP address as them. Start Minecraft and click Multiplayer. Minecraft will automatically scan your local network for games.

If another player has a LAN server available to join, it will show up in your list. Double-tap the server to highlight it and click Join Server.

In Bedrock Edition, LAN play is enabled by default. Navigate to the Worlds tab and any games that are available on your network will appear there for you to join.

Minecraft Splitscreen

Split screen Minecraft Bedrock Edition can be played on LAN. It supports up to four players.

Now You can Play Minecraft Multiplayer

Now that you are able to play Minecraft with your friends, you can either party with your friends or partner up and share your Minecraft experiences.

You might be interested in mods to spice things up. Forge is the best way for you to manage your mods, and ensure your game doesn't crash upon startup.