Ways to Connect for a Multiplayer Adventure

2022-12-05

Video games have been a fun tradition since day one. There are so many titles that kids (and their families) can get lost in, and they offer hours of entertainment.

Minecraft has made its mark since its original PC (Java release) and is now more accessible than ever online, across multiple consoles, including PS4, Nintendo Switch, XBOX 360, and mobile devices. These are some amazing stats about Minecraft.

Even basic gameplay can provide a lot of entertainment, such as solo play with vanilla Minecraft. But this expansion, the power and flexibility of modding, as well as the increasing number of ways to play Minecraft with your friends, has definitely taken things to the next level.

There are many ways to enjoy the popular sandbox adventure. You can play with your friends or connect with people across the country. Each multiplayer experience has its own benefits.

Do you need more information about the game? These Minecraft resources are great for parents and will help you understand the world of Ender Dragons, mods, and more!

Minecraft 101 for ParentsMinecraft. Roblox: Similarities & Differences

How to play Minecraft together

You have several options for playing Minecraft with your friends: you can set up a LAN or create a private Minecraft server. You can also play Minecraft Realms or split the screen on your favorite console.

Before you jump in, it is important to know that Minecraft's Java and Bedrock editions offer different options. While there is some overlap, it is helpful to know which edition your child is using for precise guidance.

Minecraft Java Edition is compatible with Mac, Linux and PC. It can also be used to connect with friends via computers. It's no surprise that Java edition is easier than the Java edition when it comes to creating Minecraft mods.

The Minecraft Bedrock version can be used on consoles and is perfect for kids who want to play with Nintendo products or Xboxes.

Both Java and Bedrock versions of the game allow you to connect through realms and private server (more later!).

So should you use Java or Bedrock while playing Minecraft? It all depends! This game is unique in that it can be customized in so many ways to suit different players' needs.

These instructions are meant to be followed by parents. Children shouldn't try to set up LANs and private servers without parental permission.

LAN stands for Local Area Network and is a great way to play Minecraft with your friends, especially if you have company and all are connected to the same WIFI.

You will need a computer that can run the game and also act as a server for other players in order to get started. The LAN option is a great choice if you already have one. Online safety-music is an added benefit, as the game-player pool can only be accessed through the home's WIFI.

These user-friendly guides will show you how to play Minecraft over a LAN.

How to set up a LAN World
How to play multiplayer Minecraft
Troubleshooting MinecraftLAN game problems

Private Minecraft server

"Server" can seem scary, especially when your children are connecting to random public servers that are filled with strangers or unknowns.

You can reduce the risk of losing your child's data by setting up your own server.

We are still talking IP addresses so these instructions are for parents who are helping their children setup. This means that children shouldn't do any of these things without their parents permission.

Why is this important? Anyone with an external IP address can join your online server to play in your Minecraft world. This is something adults should be aware of.

It's a good idea, however, to keep a list of all the people you and your children invite to play on the server. Online play should be as safe as possible. Only invite people you know and trust.

One way to think about this is Would you invite them into your home? This type of thinking will reduce the chances of surprises and uncertainty.

We won't go into too much detail here as we've already covered a lot of the steps required to set up your Minecraft server.

Verify that Java is the most current version
Grab the Mojang server files
- Create a batchfile to run the server
- You agree to the EULA (End User License Agreement).
- Launch the server
Join your server
- Forward your port
- Find your IP address from the Internet
Connect other people to the server
- Modify settings in the server.properties.

For beginners, this list of actions may seem overwhelming. But don't worry! You can find more detailed instructions here if you don't have any experience in this area.

We've got you covered if you want to avoid this scenario.

Minecraft Realms

Minecraft Realms is another option. This is a way to rent a Mojang server for your kids to play with your friends.

Realms is similar to setting up a server on your own, but it's much simpler and safer. To set up a console, players simply need a world to create and then click on the "create Realms" button to begin the simple process.

Realms also has safety protections. Official invites are the only way players can connect to Realms, while anyone with an IP address can jump in to the server.

If your child wants to play with their close friends, Realms could be a great choice.

These additional benefits of Realms are not free. They require a $7.99 monthly subscription for a maximum of 10 players per month. There are cheaper options for players with fewer players: More Realms overview here.

There will be differences in the gameplay experience. According to gamesradar.com, Realms worlds are still accessible even if the creator is not there. This means that anyone on the guest list can access the world at will. It can be seen as a fun benefit.

Realms does not support mods or plugins. Realms Plus offers additional content, texture packs and skins.

VentureBeat breaks down Realms vs. Server to help you decide which option is best.

Here are some additional resources to help you!

How to create Realms and Invite Friends
Pros and Cons of Minecraft Realms

Splitscreen console play

Do you need an internet connection in order to play Minecraft?

Split screen is a great feature for Minecraft that allows kids to play offline without the need for servers or to play for Realms.

This feature allows you to see up to four players at once. However, this feature has a downside: players can only play with what is available on their consoles and must share one screen.

There is another option

If you are a regular reader of this blog, then you know that we also love Minecraft's educational benefits.

You may also be aware that we are experts in combining tech education with entertainment! We offer a variety of Minecraft summer camps and online courses for teens.