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It depends on where you play. On an Xbox console, you need a current Xbox Game Pass plan that includes online console multiplayer. On PC or mobile, you do not need Xbox Game Pass to play Minecraft online. PlayStation and Nintendo Switch players need their own platform’s online multiplayer subscription. In every case, make sure you and your friends are using compatible editions: Bedrock plays with Bedrock, and Java plays with Java.
Which Minecraft platforms require a subscription?
| Where you play | Is Xbox Game Pass required? | What you need for online play |
|---|---|---|
| Xbox console | Yes, a plan that includes online console multiplayer | Access to Minecraft and an eligible Game Pass plan. Confirm the plan available in your region before subscribing. |
| Windows PC or mobile | No | A compatible edition, an internet connection, and any required account or multiplayer settings. |
| PlayStation | No | PlayStation Plus for online multiplayer. |
| Nintendo Switch | No | Nintendo Switch Online for online multiplayer. |
Minecraft Help names Game Pass Core for console multiplayer, while Xbox’s current plan comparison lists online console multiplayer among Game Pass features and shows plan options including Essential, Premium, and Ultimate. Because the names and included features can vary or change, check the current plan details for your region rather than assuming a particular tier is required. Minecraft Help’s multiplayer requirements and Xbox’s plan comparison are the relevant references.
| # | Preview | Product | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
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Minecraft | Standard Edition | XBOX Digital Code | $19.99 | Buy on Amazon |
| 2 |
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Minecraft - Xbox One (Renewed) | $35.57 | Buy on Amazon |
| 3 |
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Minecraft – Xbox One | $84.96 | Buy on Amazon |
| 4 |
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Minecraft: Starter Collection – Xbox One | $55.00 | Buy on Amazon |
| 5 |
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Minecraft - Xbox One (Renewed) | $49.98 | Buy on Amazon |
Does buying Minecraft include online multiplayer?
No. Buying or accessing Minecraft and paying for Xbox console online multiplayer are separate. Xbox’s Minecraft product page says: “Online console multiplayer requires an Xbox Game Pass subscription (subscriptions sold separately).” So owning the game does not by itself satisfy the console subscription requirement.
Can you play with friends without Game Pass?
Yes, if you are playing on PC or mobile, Xbox Game Pass is not required for Minecraft online play. On PlayStation or Switch, the relevant platform subscription applies instead. If you are on an Xbox console, you need a qualifying Game Pass plan for online console multiplayer—even if your friend hosts the world or pays for a Realm.
#1 Best Overall
- CREATE YOUR WORLD — Build whatever you imagine in an infinite world that is unique in every playthrough.
- EXPLORE AND CRAFT — Discover biomes, resources, and mobs, then craft your way through a sandbox world full of surprises.
- SURVIVAL ADVENTURES — Face mysterious foes, travel across varied landscapes, and venture into perilous dimensions.
- PLAY TOGETHER — Play solo or join friends in local split-screen and cross-platform play across console, mobile, and PC. Online multiplayer supports up to 8 players.
- COMMUNITY PLAY — Connect with players on community servers, or subscribe to Realms Plus (sold separately) to play with up to 10 friends on a private server.
Check that you and your friends have the same edition
Subscriptions cannot make incompatible editions connect. Bedrock players can play together across supported Bedrock devices. Java multiplayer supports Windows, macOS, and Linux, but Java and Bedrock players cannot join the same session. Before troubleshooting a subscription, ask your friends whether they are playing Java or Bedrock. Minecraft Help’s Bedrock world guide explains joining a friend’s world.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.What you need for common ways to play together
Joining a friend’s Bedrock world
- Both players must use Bedrock and compatible, current game versions.
- Add each other as friends in Minecraft and be online at the same time.
- The host must start the world for friends to join.
- Console players still need the online multiplayer subscription for their platform; Microsoft account sign-in and multiplayer privacy permissions may also be required.
Playing over a local network
For Bedrock LAN play, players need to be on the same network and use current versions. A console’s online subscription may still be required when the session is treated as online multiplayer; local same-screen play is a different option on supported consoles. See Minecraft Help’s local-network guide for the LAN requirements.
Rank #2
- This renewed game has been cleaned, tested, and shows minimal wear. It may come repackaged in a generic case.
- Create and explore your very own world where the only limit is what you can imagine
- Play on your own, or with up to 4 players split screen, or 8 players online
- Import your favorite Xbox 360 worlds to the Xbox One Edition
- Play in Creative Mode with unlimited resources or mine deep into the world in Survival Mode, crafting weapons and armor to fend off the dangerous mobs
Joining a friend’s Realm
You do not need to subscribe to Realms just to join someone else’s Realm; the owner pays for the Realm. Realms stay available while the owner is offline, so the host does not have to be present. However, a console guest still needs that console’s online multiplayer subscription. Minecraft explains how Realms work in its Realms overview, and has a separate guide for joining a Java Edition Realm.
Quick Recap
Best Value
Rank #4
- This collection includes: The Minecraft base game, 700 Minecoins and the Starter Pack DLC, an amazing selection of Mash-ups, Texture Packs, Skin Packs and other fun content to discover.
- Create your very own world and build to the limits of your imagination.
- Explore mighty mountains and living oceans of infinite worlds, amazing community-made maps, servers, thrilling minigames and more
- Survive online with friends who are on console, mobile, and Windows 10, or share the adventure at home in split-screen multiplayer.
Rank #3
- Create your very own world and build to the limits of your imagination
- Explore mighty mountains and living oceans of Infinite worlds, amazing community-made maps, servers, thrilling mini games and more!
- Survive online with friends on Console, mobile, and Windows 10, or share the Adventure at home in split-screen multiplayer
If multiplayer does not work
- Confirm platform requirements: On Xbox, verify that your current Game Pass plan includes online console multiplayer. On PlayStation or Switch, check the relevant platform subscription.
- Check editions and versions: Confirm everyone is on Bedrock or everyone is on Java, and update the game to a compatible current version.
- Check access and settings: Make sure the host has opened the world, players are friends where required, accounts are signed in, and multiplayer permissions allow joining.
- For LAN: Confirm all Bedrock players are on the same local network.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
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