How to Play Minecraft Multiplayer

Play with friends on a PC, PlayStation, Xbox, or Switch

By
Stefanie Fogel
Stefanie Fogel
Stefanie Fogel
Writer, Editor, Commerce Producer
  • University of Central Florida
Stefanie Fogel has written about consumer technology since 2009. Her work has appeared on Variety, Engadget, Polygon, and many other online publications.
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Updated on June 11, 2022

Game developer Mojang's sandbox game, Minecraft, is great for getting in touch with your creative side. But playing solo can get a bit lonely at times. Occasionally, you might want to share your creations with the rest of the world. We've outlined different ways to play Minecraft with friends across a variety of platforms.

When playing Minecraft: Java Edition, you must run the same game version as the server you're trying to join, whether it's on a LAN or hosted online. Find your version number at the bottom of the main menu.

How to Play Minecraft Multiplayer on a LAN

Minecraft: Java Edition.

  1. Choose a host computer. It should be fast enough to play the game while running a Minecraft server for others to join.

  2. Launch the game and select Single Player.

  3. Create a new world or open an existing one.

  4. Once you're inside, press Esc, then select Open to LAN.

  5. Choose a game mode: Survival, Creative, or Adventure.

  6. Select Start LAN World.

  7. Other players on the same network who want to join can now start their games and connect via the Multiplayer button.

Minecraft for Windows 10/Xbox

  1. Make sure every player is connected to the same network, then choose a host device.

  2. Select Play.

  3. Select the Pen icon to create a new world or edit an existing one.

  4. Select Visible to LAN Players.

    screenshot of Minecraft, setting it up as multiplayer

  5. Select either Create or Play and continue as normal.

  6. Others can join the game by looking for available LAN games under the Friends tab.

How to Play Minecraft on an Online Server

Minecraft: Java Edition

To connect to another player's server, log into the game, select Multiplayer > Add Server, then enter the IP or web address for that server.

Either download the file needed to set up your own server from the Minecraft site or connect to another person’s server.

Minecraft for Windows 10/Consoles

These platforms offer a handful of official servers. Join one simply by selecting one under the Servers tab.

To add an external server with the Windows 10 version, select Add Server and enter the necessary information.

Screenshot of Minecraft add servers screen, when playing as multiplayer

The Add Servers option is not available on consoles due to platform restrictions.

How to Play Minecraft Multiplayer Using a Realm

Minecraft Realms is a multiplayer service developed by Mojang that allows you and up to 10 friends to play simultaneously. However, you'll need a subscription to use it, and the price depends on the platform you're using.

The cheapest realm is only a few dollars for a server supporting up to three players (including the host) on mobile, consoles, and Windows 10. For a bit more, you can get a server supporting up to 11 players. You'll get a better deal if you set up a recurring subscription or buy multiple months.

Minecraft: Java Edition

  1. Open Minecraft and select Minecraft Realms.

  2. Select the option to Create and Configure Your Realm.

  3. Enter a world name or start with a pre-existing world.

  4. To continue with a standard Survival world, double-click your Realm.

All Other Platforms

  1. Open the Minecraft app and go to Play > Create New > New Realm.

  2. Choose a name and size for your realm, then select Create.

    Minecraft Realm Creation Screenshot, for multiplayer gaming

  3. Once the realm is created, send invites to your friends.

How to Play Minecraft Multiplayer Using a Split Screen

Split Screen is a console-exclusive feature that allows up to four people to play on the same screen simultaneously. To play in split-screen mode, start the game and connect the controllers. This will automatically divide the screen into smaller, player-specific areas.

FAQ
  • How do I get Honeycomb in Minecraft?

    To get Honeycomb in Minecraft, use a pair of Shears on a Bee Nest or Beehive. Find a Bee Nest with honey inside and use your Shears on it to gather three units of Honeycomb. Be careful; the bees will pop out and start chasing you.

  • How do I make a map in Minecraft?

    To make a map in Minecraft, make a Crafting Table and mine nine Sugar Canes. Next, open the Crafting Grid and make nine Papers. Make a Compass, place it in the middle of the Crafting Table, and add eight Papers. You'll have an Empty Locator Map you can add to your inventory.

  • How do I make a saddle in Minecraft?

    You can't make a saddle in Minecraft. Instead, you'll need to find saddles by exploring, trading, or fishing. You can also kill a mob that's wearing a saddle to see if the saddle drops.

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