Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
You can play Minecraft with friends in different homes by joining a friend’s online Bedrock world, connecting to an online server, or using a Minecraft Realm. First check that everyone is playing the same edition: Java Edition and Bedrock Edition do not directly play together. For a one-off session, a friend-hosted Bedrock world may be simplest; for a world friends can access when the host is offline, consider a Realm or an online server.
Choose a way to play online
LAN play is for people on the same local network. To connect from separate networks, use an online world, server, or Realm instead. Minecraft’s server guide distinguishes LAN servers from online servers, which let players connect from anywhere.
| # | Preview | Product | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
|
Minecraft - Nintendo Switch | $29.83 | Buy on Amazon |
| 2 |
|
Minecraft: Switch Edition | $32.65 | Buy on Amazon |
| 3 |
![Minecraft - Nintendo Switch [Digital Code]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51PIew9m20L._SL160_.jpg)
|
Minecraft - Nintendo Switch [Digital Code] | $29.88 | Buy on Amazon |
| 4 |
|
Minecraft Legends Deluxe Edition | $49.00 | Buy on Amazon |
| 5 |
|
Minecraft - Nintendo Switch | $34.90 | Buy on Amazon |
| Option | When it fits | What to know |
|---|---|---|
| Friend-hosted Bedrock world | You expect to play at the same time as the host. | The host must start and keep the world active. Both players need to be Minecraft friends and online. Minecraft’s Bedrock joining guide gives the steps. |
| Online server | You have a server address or want to join an established community. | Players need a compatible edition and game version. Java players can enter an address in Multiplayer; an online Java server does not require a Realms subscription. See Minecraft’s Java server guide. |
| Minecraft Realm | Your group wants a private world that invited friends can access when the owner is offline. | Realms are private cloud-hosted servers, with separate Java and Bedrock options. Plans have different player capacities and recurring costs. See the official Realms page. |
Check editions before connecting
Java Edition and Bedrock Edition use different multiplayer systems and do not directly cross-play. Make sure everyone launches the same edition before following connection steps; a Java player cannot join a Bedrock world, server, or Realm, and vice versa. Minecraft explains the distinction in its Java and Bedrock edition guide.
Join a friend’s online Bedrock world
- Confirm compatibility. Everyone should be using Bedrock Edition and a current compatible release.
- Add each other as Minecraft friends. Use the relevant gamertag or account flow. Minecraft’s server guide and Bedrock joining guide cover online multiplayer and friend-world joining.
- Have the host start an online game. The world must be active while the guest joins.
- Join from the guest device. Select Play, open Friends, then select the host under Joinable Friends.
Join a Java Edition server
- Check edition and version. All players must be on Java Edition, and their game version must be compatible with the server.
- Get the server address. Ask the operator for the address; Minecraft says this can be an IP address or a URL.
- Connect in the game. Launch Minecraft and select Multiplayer. Choose Direct Connection to enter the address and join, or choose Add Server, enter the address, select Done, then join the server.
Review the server’s rules and safety before joining a public community. For official connection steps, see Minecraft’s Java server guide.
#1 Best Overall
- Minecraft is a game about placing blocks and going on adventures
- Explore randomly generated worlds and build amazing things from the simplest of homes to the grandest of castles
- 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
- Play on the go in handheld or tabletop modes
- Includes Super Mario Mash-Up, Natural Texture Pack, Biome Settlers Skin Pack, Battle & Beasts Skin Pack, Campfire Tales Skin Pack; Compatible with Nintendo Switch only
Use a Realm for a persistent private world
The Realm owner sets up a plan for the group’s edition and invites the other players. Guests need an invitation; once invited, they can access the private cloud-hosted world while the owner is offline. Java and Bedrock Realms are separate and do not bridge the editions.
As listed on Minecraft’s official Realms page accessed October 8, 2026, the plans were:
Rank #2
- Explore randomly-generated worlds and build amazing things from the simplest of homes to the grandest of castles
- Play in Creative Mode with unlimited resources or mine deep into the world in survival mode, crafting weapons and armour to fend off the dangerous mobs
| Plan | Listed price | Simultaneous players |
|---|---|---|
| Bedrock Realms | $3.99 USD per month | Owner plus two players |
| Bedrock Realms Plus | $7.99 USD per month | Owner plus ten players |
| Java Realms | $7.99 USD per month | Owner plus ten players |
These are the listed USD rates and capacities on that page at the access date, not a guarantee of current pricing or regional availability. Check the Realms page for current terms.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Fix common multiplayer problems
- The editions do not match: Confirm whether each player is using Java or Bedrock and switch to the same edition. They do not directly cross-play.
- The game or server versions differ: Update Minecraft and check that the server supports the version in use before diagnosing the network.
- A friend’s Bedrock world is missing: Both players must be Minecraft friends and online, and the host needs to have started an online game.
- A Realm is missing: Ask the owner to invite the account you are using, then check that you are signed in to that account.
- Sign-in or permissions block multiplayer: Minecraft Help says consoles and mobile devices require a Microsoft account for multiplayer. Child accounts may need multiplayer access enabled in their account settings.
- Console multiplayer is unavailable: Online multiplayer may require a platform subscription. Minecraft Help lists Xbox Game Pass Core or PlayStation Plus and Nintendo Switch Online; check the current requirement for the specific console and account.
- A Java server will not connect: Check the address for typos and confirm with the operator that the server supports your edition and version.
Minecraft’s multiplayer troubleshooting guide provides a broader checklist of connection requirements.
Quick Recap
Best Value
Rank #4
Rank #3
- Minecraft is a game about placing blocks and going on adventures
- Explore randomly generated worlds and build amazing things from the simplest of homes to the grandest of castles
- 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
- Play on the go in handheld or tabletop modes
- Includes Super Mario Mash-Up, Natural Texture Pack, Biome Settlers Skin Pack, Battle & Beasts Skin Pack, Campfire Tales Skin Pack; Compatible with Nintendo Switch only
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.
